The South African Tissue Bank Association (SATiBA) is a not-for-profit organization that aims to support all South African tissue banks in regulatory and legal matters, data collection, training, accreditation, quality assurance, communication and collaboration, and more.

While recognising that not all the elements of tissue banking are defined in the Health Act, and considering the need expressed by industry partners, SATiBA has decided to include the following disciplines in its operational definition of tissue banking: Cornea & eye; Skin; Bone & tendons; Heart valves; Stem cells, Blood and blood related products; Amnion; Gametes; and Bone marrow.

There is a need for the industry to take responsibility for its own future and development due to a lack of government support and funding, but this can only be achieved through cooperation and agreement between the various stake holders.