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John Tallach donated 332 units and Mtshabezi donated 260 units.
The schools were each awarded prizes of a dongle, 17 cases of Mazoe Orange Crush, 67 boxes of biscuits, colour printer, certificate of achievement, desktop computer, 50 T-shirts courtesy of NetOne and two shields which the schools will keep.
Addressing teachers and pupils on Thursday at Mtshabezi, National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) public affairs manager and spokesperson Mrs Esther Massundah, said:
“We are able to achieve our vision of being an effective provider of safe blood because of our true heroes and heroines. I honour them for the immense contribution in saving lives,” said Mrs Massundah.
She said they had launched a donor mobilisation campaign concentrating on adults.
“We have launched a donor mobilisation campaign which is operational on holidays and will appeal to the age group of 30-65 years.
“Youths contribute over 70 percent and adults contribute 29 percent (of donors) yet they consume 80 percent of the blood,” said Mrs Massundah.
She said there has been an increase of 26 percent in the number of donors from 41 213 in 2010 to 51 893 in 2011. Blood collected in 2010 increased by 40 percent from 42 074 units in 2009 to 58 930 units.
She thanked NetOne for providing $230 000 towards the process and urged people to work together in raising awareness about donating blood to save life.
Speaking at the same event, NetOne regional sales representative for Matabeleland, Mr Wellington Dodzo said they would continue supporting the good cause.
“We are together in this noble event of ploughing back to the community. I call on other organisations to join in and support blood donation activities.
“These prizes are a token of appreciation and I thank them for good work,” said Mr Dodzo.
He said NetOne last year donated two caravans to NBSZ to help them in their day-to-day activities.
The headmaster of John Tallach, Mr Bonakele Ncube, applauded his pupils and staff for doing the school proud.
“We are celebrating one of the school’s achievements for retaining the title of being the best in Matabeleland North. Blood transfusion is important because it saves lives and I want to thank the pupils and teachers for doing us proud,” he said.
Mtshabezi High School head, Mr Morgen Moyo also thanked the pupils and the staff for the noble deed and pledged to donate next time.
Online Reporter