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Sifundiso Ndlovu Chronicle Reporter
THE National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) on Friday said the government debt of about $1.5 million was affecting its smooth operations. Speaking at the Bulawayo branch annual general meeting on Friday, the branch vice chairman Sipho Bulle however, said the government had pledged to settle the debt. “Government has pledged to offset the debt, which should it happen, will greatly improve our cash and going concern position,” said Bulle.
Bulle said they had set up a resource mobilisation committee to canvass for donations for the construction of their Bulawayo branch.

“Currently we have a resource mobilisation committee in place whose mandate is to resource mobilise for the construction of the town centre branch whose building plans have been passed by the city of Bulawayo,” he said.

NBSZ honoured 26 top blood donors who had donated blood more than 25 times.
Michael Phillips, 68, walked away with the top prize for donating more than 150 times.
Philips said he had been donating blood for the past 46 years.

“The passion for caring for others is the one pushing me to donate. At times staff here turn me away as I would have come before the stipulated date,” he said.
Blood donors are allowed to donate once after every three months.

He encouraged members of the public to donate in order to save lives.
“You never know when you need it so it’s wise to donate so that when the need comes you will get help,” said Philips.

One of the blood donors, Sherpad Munyoro said he started donating after he received a cornea donation that made him to be able to see.
“After I received the cornea transplant I decided to help others as well. Knowing that my blood will save a life inspires me to continue donating,” he said.