Mohammed Saeed Ally, a 62-year-old Sydenham resident and Metro Police Lieutenant Colonel, says donating blood has always been a part of his life.
He began donating to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in the early 1980s and has never looked back. Ally’s journey started after completing his matric year. “It was like a yearly drive,” Ally explained.
“Whenever SANBS came looking for blood donors, I would donate on an ad-hoc basis, once or twice every six months.”
On 7 May 1987, he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while on duty and required a blood transfusion. Upon his recovery, he made a firm commitment to donate regularly—every 56 days.
As the years went by, Ally transitioned to donating platelets and plasma, which required shorter intervals of just three weeks between donations. However, due to a medical condition, SANBS later restricted him from donating platelets, limiting him to plasma donations. Ally recalled feeling challenged by the restriction but was determined to continue saving lives.
“Each time I donated, I had a sense of fulfilment in that I was giving back to society from that which was precious to me—my blood. I knew I was saving three lives. I had consultations with SANBS, and they explained how platelet/plasma donations would work, reducing the interval to every two weeks instead of three. I accepted it and continued donating because it was important to me,” he said.
As a Metro Police Officer, Ally’s daily exposure to accidents, shootings, and other emergencies reinforced his understanding of the critical need for blood donations. “I’ve seen firsthand how vital blood products are in saving lives, and that’s what keeps me motivated,” he added.
Over the decades, Ally reached significant milestones: 50, 100, 150, 200 donations, and many more. On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, SANBS recognised Ally at their Westwood Mall clinic for achieving an incredible 450 donations.
“Reaching this milestone is an honour,” Ally said. “Even SANBS acknowledges that as donation numbers increase, the pool of consistent donors gets smaller, whether due to age, health, or other factors.”
Ally expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the need for more donors. “It’s fortunate that God has blessed me with good health. Apart from a heart-related medical issue, I’m still able to donate, and I’ll continue as long as SANBS allows me,” he said.
Looking to the future, Ally hopes to reach 500 donations within the next two and a half years. As he approaches his 63rd birthday on 27 March, he remains optimistic about his health and aims to become an SANBS ambassador, inspiring others to join the cause.
He concluded by encouraging the community to step forward and donate blood, regardless of their blood type. “Each donation can save three lives, and it’s one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to make a difference,” he said.
Purlene Thatharamof SANBS West Wood Mall explained that Plasma is the liquid part the blood in which red,cells, white cells and Platelets are suspended.
“One can donate a bit of plasma when they make a nomal whole blood donatiom, but can also donate plasma only. This is done through the process called plasmapheresis, where the plasma is seperated and collected while the red cells, white cells and platelets are returned to your body.”
She also comgratulated Ally on his 450 donations milestone.” 450 is a major milestone. We are grateful and thankful for the support over the years and wepray that God blesses Ally with many years so that he continues donating and saving lives. Not many people can say they have come this far.”
On Wednesday, 29 January morning, the Westwood SANBS handed over a gift to Ally congratulating him on his Milestone. Lalitha Baichan the manager said: “Ally has been a very dedicated donor, always making an effort to come in wherever where are , even as far as Pinetown. He had an outstanding dedication in saving lives. In the process he has also introduced many new donors making an even bigger impact. Congtaulations Mr Ally we look forward to seeing you more.
