Stanley & Daphne Nkosi Foundation calls for media support ahead of stem cell & blood donation drive
The Stanley & Daphne Nkosi Foundation (SDNF), in partnership with DKMS Africa, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), and the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), is calling on the media to support an urgent awareness campaign ahead of its Stem Cell & Blood Donation Drive.
December 9, 2025
Date: 13 December 2025
Venue: Maponya Mall
This drive is held in honour of Zakithi Nkosi, who tragically passed away without finding a matching stem cell donor. Zakithi’s story reflects a wider reality: every year, thousands of South Africans, both adults and children, face the same devastating challenge.
Why this matters
Globally:
Blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma remain among the most serious health challenges worldwide. In 2020, cancer affected 19.3 million people and caused 10 million deaths, with blood cancers consistently among the leading contributors.
In South Africa:
More than 7,300 South Africans are diagnosed with blood cancer each year.
Roughly 4,000 people die annually from blood cancer in the country.
Blood cancers account for 33% of childhood cancers, affecting an estimated 5,000 children nationwide.
These are not just statistics—they represent families, futures, and lives that could be saved with timely access to matching donors, particularly donors of African descent, who are critically underrepresented on global registries.
Why media support is critical
We are seeking media partnerships to:
⦁ Highlight the urgent shortage of stem cell and blood donors in South Africa
⦁ Share Zakithi Nkosi’s story and the purpose behind this campaign
⦁ Explain the donation process and dispel myths and fears
⦁ Encourage South Africans aged 17–55 to register through a simple cheek swab
⦁ Mobilise communities to attend the 13 December activation
Proposed spokespeople:
Mrs. Daphne Mashile Nkosi, Chairperson of SDNF and Mother of Zakithi Nkosi
Dr Malerato, SDNF
Dr Zakhele Mashile, Family Representative – SDNF
Ms. Nokwanda Mathenjwa, SANBS – Blood Donor Expert
Ms. Kedibone Zulu, DKMS Africa – Donor Registry Expert
Key Talking Points:
- Zakithi Nkosi’s story and the purpose of this drive
- The urgent need for African donors
- Details of the 13 December 2025 event
- Eligibility for blood and stem cell donation
- Myths vs. facts about stem cell donation
- How the stem cell donation process works—simple, safe, and lifesaving
Interview availability:
Interviews are available from 6–11 December 2025, either in studio or virtually.
Contact:
Mpho Roberta Masondo
Consultant & Publicist
Email: mphoroberta@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 67 235 8921