By Thuso Montwedi
 
The Easter weekend is upon us and it affords many a time to celebrate, worship and go on vacations. During this time, it is easy to overlook the silent heroes who stand at the forefront of compassion and lifesaving acts. 
Among them is Elelwani Mogale, an example of hope and dedication for the community of Montana in Pretoria. As a regular blood donor at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Elelwani's commitment to blood donation shines brightly, especially during critical periods like Easter weekend.
Elelwani's journey into blood donation is fueled by a deep understanding of its impact. "I know the importance of my blood type, I am +0 blood group," she shares. "One unit of blood can save up to three patients, and I will be able to enjoy my Easter holidays knowing that I have saved lives." 
Her awareness of the life-saving potential within her own veins sets her apart as a true champion of humanity.
The Easter weekend, with its increased travel and increased risks of accidents, highlights the urgent need for blood donations. She recognises this reality, stating, "I know that people will be traveling, and at this time, we experience a lot of accidents that need more blood to save people's lives." Her foresight and proactive approach ensure that the hospitals are equipped to handle the influx of patients, thanks to the generosity of donors like Mogale.
Beyond the holiday rush, Mogale understands the daily demand for blood in various hospital wards. "Most wards request blood every day, especially in the maternity corridor and patients diagnosed with anemia," she explains. Her firsthand experience as a healthcare worker gives her a unique perspective on the vital role blood donation plays in sustaining life, not just during emergencies, but in routine medical care as well.
Her passion for blood donation extends beyond her own contributions; she actively encourages her community to join her in this noble cause. "I would like to encourage community members to test their blood group and start saving people's lives," she urges. "It's worth it, and it's not painful. Everyone must come." Her words resonate with a sense of urgency and purpose, inspiring others to embrace the opportunity to make a difference.
To further drive participation, she emphasises the importance of education and awareness. "We can encourage people by giving them more information and again to explain the importance of donating blood," she suggests. Through education and advocacy, she seeks to empower others to recognise the power they hold to save lives through a simple act of kindness.
This period of the year has a potential of elevated number of trauma cases, which might require blood transfusion," emphasises Benjamin Mothapi, the Laboratory and Blood Services Coordinator at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital. "Therefore, it's important for people to donate blood regularly, as prescribed by South African National Blood Service (SANBS). This will assist in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply," he emphasises, highlighting the critical role that regular blood donation plays in meeting the demands of trauma cases during this time of heightened risk.
For more information on how to donate blood, please visit the SANBS website: https://sanbs.org.za or call the toll-free number: 0800 119 031.