When Dr Nomusa Mashigo from the Division of Haematological Pathology was appointed as an independent member of the Clinical Governance Committee of the South African National Blood Service, she immediately saw it as an opportunity to create awareness of the organisation's work.
“Ordinary people need to be made aware of how much they can give to society by just donating blood every few months. It takes nothing away from them, but it gives so much to others," Mashigo said in an interview.
Her appointment with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is for a three-year period and effective from 1 November 2020. The Clinical Governance Committee is an oversight body which is tasked with overseeing all clinical aspects of the blood services, including procurement of instruments needed for blood transfusions and training for all personnel working in the blood transfusion services.
The SANBS is a non-profit organisation that provides human blood for transfusion that operates in South Africa, with the exception of the Western Cape. The organisation aims to collect 3000 units of blood a day to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply for the healthcare system.
Mashigo, who practices as a haematopathologist and consultant for the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and also works as a senior lecturer in the FMHS, described her appointment – as “a really exciting opportunity".
“I have been selected because of my speciality in a field that I love. For me, this is a recognition of what I am already doing. I am so proud that I am somebody who is trusted to represent my field.
“I believe I will bring my expertise as a haematologist to the committee, but at the same time, I will learn so much about governance and other things which are outside my field. One can become very one-dimensional in one's work and this task will expose me to other things that haven't been on my radar to date."
Mashigo, who originally hails from Gauteng, joined Stellenbosch University in 2010, and completed her specialisation in 2014.
“I thought that as soon as I specialised I would return to Gauteng, but I feel I have been adopted by the Western Cape. It feels like home now."
On her work, she said: “It is an amazing field to be in. I am really lucky to be one of those people who loves their job. I love everything about it, from looking at blood samples under the microscope to all other aspects of the job. It is so interesting. I can't imagine doing anything else."
The committee will meet officially four times a year, with ongoing work and communications being done among committee members in between these meetings.
Mashigo, a single mother of a fourteen-year-old daughter, loves to hike when she is not working.
“It is so amazing to be outdoors, and, after a long week at work, it is cathartic to be out in nature and among the fynbos."
She also loves reading – “anything to decompress me after a long day at work."
On the task which lies ahead of creating more public awareness about the blood services, Mashigo said: “I have noticed that awareness in the general public is very low. When you join a committee like this you see the impact that the blood services have on people. The general public needs to be so much more aware of this service so that people can be encouraged to be altruistic and donate blood.
“Organisations such as this one are beacons in all our lives that we are all obliged to support."
Photo credit: Wilma Stassen
