Knowledge of ABO and RhD blood type prevalence within a population is essential for blood transfusion services to maintain an adequate, appropriately distributed supply, particularly for rarer types such as RhD negative blood. This retrospective study examined the distribution of ABO and RhD blood types among first-time whole blood donors (n=252,304) across the nine provinces of South Africa, stratified by four self-identified racial/ethnic groups (Black, White, Colored, Indian/Asian), using data from SANBS and WCBS collected between January 2018 and December 2019. Nationally, 93,2% of donors were RhD positive and 6,8% RhD negative, with O the most common ABO type (47,5%). Distinct patterns emerged by racial/ethnic group: White donors showed markedly higher blood type A and RhD negative prevalence, Indian/Asian donors showed elevated type B, and Black donors' distributions closely mirrored national figures, with notable regional variation in type O prevalence. These findings support more targeted blood collection and distribution strategies across South Africa's provinces.

ABO blood type, RhD blood type, Blood donors, Racial/ethnic groups, South Africa, Transfusion medicine