Exciting Jail & Bail Blood Drive Event

Mayoral candidates, Vodacom Bulls and singers ready for Pretoria FM & the SANBS’s Jail & Bail Blood Drive

In the run-up to this year’s World Blood Donor Day, Pretoria FM, the South African National Blood Service, Loftus Park, Protea Hotel Pretoria Loftus Park and the Vodacom Bulls are teaming up for an exciting blood donation event. Presented in the form of a Jail and Bail action, where participants are locked up in a mock jail cell for a good cause.

Among the “prisoners” who will be behind bars on Friday 12 June 2026 are two mayoral candidates for the Tshwane metro, Willie Spies (VF Plus) and Cilliers Brink (DA), players from the Vodacom Bulls as well as the popular singers Pieter Smith and Fatman. These celebrities will only be released if enough people show their support to donate blood to “bail them out”.

Pretoria FM’s station manager James Kemp, who will also be behind bars, says the project lies near to the station’s heart.

“Each unit of blood donated by one person can save up to three lives. With this project, which we have been involved in for years, we hope to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of people.”

Another prison inmate, Ronald Deerling, who is the food and beverage manager at the Protea Hotel, believes that blood donations remain one of the simplest yet most powerful acts of generosity.

“We are honoured to participate in this blood drive and stand with our community in support of a cause that saves lives every day. I encourage everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the opportunity to donate and help ensure that life-saving blood is available when it is needed most. Every donor has the potential to make a lasting difference.”

Vodacom Bulls loose forward Jannes Kirsten, encourages their supporters and the wider public to attend this event to donate blood.

“It may feel pointless, but you can save a life by donating blood, maybe not today, but you never know what a difference you can make in someone’s life. You can’t buy, grow or cultivate blood, that’s why it’s important to donate.”

“You don’t have to wear a jersey to be the hero of the day, sometimes you just have to roll up your sleeve and donate blood.”

Members of the media, press photographers and camera crews are also invited to attend the event.

Jail & Bail Blood Drive details: