Man saves over 270 lives by donating blood 91 times

For nearly three decades, Hafeni Gabriel has dedicated himself to saving lives through blood donation, a commitment that has seen him donate blood 91 times and help save about 273 lives.

Gabriel (48) says his journey as a blood donor started while he was still in secondary school. Inspired by Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS) presentations, he eagerly awaited turning 18 so he could donate.

“When I was in Grade 12, I finally became eligible, and I made my first donation. I felt refreshed and more focused after donating, and I noticed that my studies became easier,” he says.

Since then, he has encouraged others to donate, bringing many first-time donors along over the years.

Gabriel told The Namibian that his passion for blood donation was briefly interrupted due to his travels in the sport sector, but he resumed when his schedule allowed it.

“For about three years I would travel up and down because of my career, but that is why I was unable to donate blood at some point,” he says.

Gabriel, a sportsman and coach at Sabala United Football Academy, works in sport injury management. He believes donating blood has positively impacted his athletic performance.

“As a sport person, I realised that after donating blood, I felt more energetic. Running and playing football became easier, and even studying for exams was smoother. I never struggled to concentrate,” he says.

Reflecting on the impact of his donations, Gabriel says he is proud to have saved so many lives, but he also sees it as a duty to the community.

“One day, I might need a blood transfusion myself. It is important to give because you never know whose life you might save, maybe even your own family’s.”

He urges young people to donate blood and help those in need.

“Many do not understand how important blood donation is. Sometimes you will even save your own family member’s life without knowing it. We must care for our community.”

According to NamBTS marketing manager Zita Tobin, on 8 January, Gabriel had donated blood 91 times and was their monthly lucky draw winner.

“Repeat donors are the backbone of our organisation as these donors will donate two, three, four or more times within a year.

“Gabriel has saved 273 lives and has spent about 45 hours in the donation chair. At the beginning of January, NamBTS experienced a critical blood shortage and Gabriel and many other donors responded to the need for more blood donations during this period,” Tobin says.

She adds that blood donation is 100% voluntary, and non-remunerated. This, according to her, is the safest and most sustainable way to operate a blood donation service.

“While Gabriel received a small goody bag (lucky draw hamper), the true reward is in the act of giving. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be manufactured and only real blood will do. Thus, for sick patients, there is no other alternative. Every blood donor is a life saver.

“With a single donation of 450ml every 56 days – four to six times per year – thousands of lives are changed for the better,” Tobin says.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.