PARC Demands End to Race Classification in Blood Donation

The organisation People Against Race Classification (PARC) is calling for the removal of the race question from blood donation forms, arguing it has no medical justification and reinforces outdated social constructs. During a visit to the Western Cape Blood Service in Cape Town, PARC demanded the immediate review of the practice, saying race has no place in a country striving to move beyond institutionalised racism. The group has also questioned the continued use of terms like “coloured” in official documentation, calling for a national conversation on whether such labels should be criminalised. Phemelo speaks to Glen Snyman, founder and leader of PARC.