As CEO, Ravi Reddy reminds us, “Ethics isn’t about what you say, it’s about the choices you make when no one is watching. Every decision at SANBS connects back to someone’s life, making the ethical path the only one.”
Trust is the currency of ethics. SANBS continually works to earn that trust by being open about its processes and ensuring donors and communities are part of the conversation. The organisation’s THREAD values – Transparency, Honesty, Respect, Equity, Accountability, and Diversity – aren’t mere slogans; they are the foundation of how SANBS operates.
“As communicators, our responsibility is to bridge understanding to ensure every South African knows that ethics isn’t an abstract concept at SANBS; it’s a daily practice. When people see the heart behind the process, they trust not just the system, but the humanity within it,” says Sifiso Khoza, Communications Manager at SANBS.
SANBS has also launched a new educational platform, the “Ok, Let’s Talk: #BloodMatters” podcast, to deepen public understanding and rebuild trust where doubt exists. The first episode, released on 15 October, fittingly titled “Are We Ethical?”, unpacks the myths, questions, and debates surrounding ethics in blood donation.
Hosted by Lulama Qabaka with guest Ravi Reddy, the episode takes listeners behind the scenes, discussing everything from leadership ethics to the moral questions around unpaid donors. It’s a candid, humorous, and insightful conversation that invites South Africans to think critically about ethics, fairness, and giving.
In celebrating Global Ethics Day 2025, SANBS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ethical excellence and compassionate service. The organisation’s vision extends beyond blood; it’s about building a society where integrity, empathy, and shared humanity guide our actions.
As Reddy puts it, “Blood donation is one of the purest acts of ethics, giving something of yourself for someone you’ll never meet. That’s humanity at its best.”
This year, as we reflect on ethics globally and locally, SANBS reminds every South African that ethics isn’t about perfection – it’s about intention. It’s about showing up, doing good, and doing it honestly.
So, roll up your sleeves this Global Ethics Day, not just to donate blood, but to live ethically, lead ethically, and give ethically.
