Introduction
Who we are
Introduction
Who we are
From donation to delivery: Advancing our blood products
Once a donation is complete, every unit moves through a precision-driven pathway designed around quality, safety, effectiveness, and innovation:
Component separation and processing
At our seven processing centres, donated blood is separated into multiple products—red blood cell concentrates, fresh frozen plasma, buffy coat platelets, cryoprecipitate (a component rich in clotting factors), and specialised components like leukocyte reduced units and platelet products vital for cancer care and transfusion-sensitive patients
World-class testing protocols
Two high-throughput laboratories (Constantia Kloof and Mount Edgecombe) process every donation using serology screening for HIV, hepatitis B & C, and syphilis, complemented by individual nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HIV, HBV and HCV. This advanced testing enables early detection, reducing the window periods, and offering a superior safety profile
Distribution and compatibility
Over 1.15 million blood products were issued by 84 SANBS-run blood banks serving more than 600 hospitals last year. Each transfusion undergoes final cross-matching to ensure compatibility and patient safety
Accreditations and quality management
SANBS laboratories and donor centres maintain 100% ISO 15189 accreditation, and this year our Support Services earned ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing our commitment to quality and excellence
Innovation and R&D
We invest in research and staff development, including global partnerships such as the Blood Genomics Consortium. Ongoing projects such as leukocyte reduced platelet products, enhanced tracking and smart fridges reflect our next generation approach to safety and access
‘Serving with Heart’: Building relationships through customer-centric innovation
At SANBS, we are entering a new chapter. Guided by our 2025–2030 strategy, we are shifting decisively towards a customer-centric approach, one that places empathy, responsiveness, and excellence at the heart of every interaction. This transformation is not just about systems and services. It is about people. It is about ‘Serving with Heart’.
Our renewed focus aims to build lasting relationships with those we serve, including donors, patients, partners, and communities, by ensuring their needs are not only met but truly understood and valued.
Our customer-centric approach is anchored in three key behaviours:
Responsiveness with a personal touch
We strive to respond promptly and personally across every channel, calling donors by name, recognising their contributions, and tailoring our responses to reflect their needs and histories. Every touchpoint is an opportunity to build trust and show respect.
Empathy in action
Compassion is more than a feeling; it is a commitment. We approach every interaction with care, actively listen to concerns, and take prompt, effective action. Whether engaging with a first-time donor or responding to a hospital’s urgent request, we lead with humanity and accountability.
Commitment to excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of service. By integrating feedback, refining our processes, and paying close attention to detail, we ensure that quality and reliability are consistently reflected in everything we do.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals
SANBS is a significant contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning its strategy and operations with national and global development priorities.
Zero Hunger
Good Health & Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption & Production
Climate Action
Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
From saving lives through a safe blood supply to advancing education, gender equity, decent work, and environmental sustainability, our work creates meaningful impact beyond the healthcare sector.
Over 50% of our workforce and leadership is made up of women, reflecting our commitment to gender equality. We actively support quality education by investing in employee development, community training, and academic partnerships.
Our collaborations with universities include integrating transfusion medicine into medical curricula, offering online short courses in Patient Blood Management for doctors, and establishing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with both local and African institutions to support clinical training programmes.
As part of our “Growing Our Own” bursary programme, ten third-year Bachelor of Health Sciences students received full bursaries to pursue immunohematology, with internships secured at SANBS from 2026. This initiative helps bridge critical skills gaps and supports our future talent pipeline.
“Growing Our Own” and other success stories were featured across the SANBS Intranet, LinkedIn, and the SANBS Insider, strengthening organisational pride and enhancing the SANBS employer brand.