The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is to allow gay men who have been celibate for six months to donate blood from November 1, SABC radio reported on Sunday.
The SANBS said this was one of the changes in a more streamlined questionnaire for blood donors.
"We will be able to start with these new forms and
questionnaires on November 1," said SANBS spokesperson Dr Sam Gulube.
He said the delay was due to the logistics of the paperwork and computer systems.
In January the SANBS said it would review its policy of refusing to accept blood from gay men, regarded as a high risk group for HIV-infection, after a national outcry.
At the time, the SANBS said it needed to ensure a safe blood supply. - Sapa