Latest news with #Mphahlele
IOL News
28-05-2025
- IOL News
Teen innovator Bohlale Mphahlele creates a smart earpiece that alerts police and captures attackers
The Alerting Earpiece, resembling a simple earring, incorporates advanced technology to address the significant problems of gender-based violence (GBV) and human trafficking in South Africa. Image: Bohlale Mphahlele. In a country where gender-based violence (GBV) statistics remain staggering, a 16-year-old South African girl has stepped forward with a groundbreaking solution to protect women and children. Bohlale Mphahlele, a learner from SJ van der Merwe Technical High School in Limpopo, has designed a discreet, wearable device that could save lives. The invention, called the Alerting Earpiece, looks like a simple earring but is packed with powerful technology to combat GBV and human trafficking, two pervasive issues in South Africa, which faces one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), over 120 000 cases of violent crimes against women and children were reported in a single year. Tragically, many more go unreported due to fear and stigma. This devastating reality inspired Mphahlele to act. She recognised the urgent need for practical, accessible tools to empower vulnerable individuals and offer real-time protection. Bohlale Mphahlele, a learner from SJ van der Merwe Technical High School in Limpopo, has designed a discreet, wearable device that could save lives. Image: Picture: Facebook/Project nightfall The Alerting Earpiece works with stunning simplicity. By pressing a hidden button, the device: 1. Quietly capture photos of the attacker using a concealed camera. 2. Sends immediate distress alerts, including the victim's live location, to trusted contacts and emergency services. This innovative device not only enables faster response times but also provides crucial evidence for legal action, often a missing link in the fight against GBV. Recognition for innovation, Mphahlele's invention earned her a bronze medal in the engineering-electronics category at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, a prestigious platform for showcasing youth-driven solutions. Judges praised her for tackling one of South Africa's most pressing social issues with an elegant and effective design. According to "Uzalendo News", Mphahlele explained that her motivation stemmed from the alarming rise in abuse cases, particularly against women and children. 'Technology shouldn't just make life convenient; it should also protect the vulnerable,' she said. The invention has sparked widespread admiration. Polly Boshielo, Limpopo's Education MEC, described Mphahlele as a 'role model and change-maker'. She urged stakeholders, including private companies and government entities, to support the teenager in refining and scaling her prototype. Mphahlele's Alerting Earpiece arrives at a time when innovation in personal safety tools is desperately needed. In a society where GBV affects thousands daily, this device represents empowerment, hope, and the possibility of change. Mphahlele isn't stopping here. She's actively seeking partnerships, technical support, and funding to develop the Alerting Earpiece into a market-ready product. Her vision is clear: make this life-saving device widely available to those who need it most. South Africa doesn't just need more statistics, it needs solutions. And thanks to a 16-year-old girl from Limpopo, it might just have one. Support youth innovation and help bring the Alerting Earpiece to life. Share Mphahlele's story and be part of the change South Africa desperately needs.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- IOL News
Boksburg police arrest two men for bribing officers with R30,000
Two men have been arrested by EMPD officers after they were found in a warehouse with fake designer goods in Boksburg North. Two men, aged 40 and 49, were arrested for allegedly trying to bribe Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers with R30,000 after they were caught red-handed with various fake branded clothing items in the Boksburg North area. The men were arrested Tuesday at about 1pm by officers from the EMPD's Community Liaison Unit. EMPD spokesperson Katlego Mphahlele said that while officers were patrolling the area, they received information from a reliable source about a warehouse suspected of storing counterfeit goods. She said the officers immediately proceeded to an industrial area on Dr. Vosloorus Street. 'Upon arrival, officers found two males and explained the reason for their surprise visit. 'One male approached the officers and offered a bribe of R30,000, while requesting officers to leave his business premises,' Mphahlele said.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Innovator Trust's Accelerator Programme (ITAP) strengthens SMMEs support for long-term success
South Africa's small businesses may be the backbone of the economy – but for many, staying upright is the challenge. High operating costs, limited networks, and lack of funding keep countless SMMEs from scaling. The Innovator Trust is flipping that narrative. Recognising these barriers, the Innovator Trust through their latest initiative, the Innovator Trust Accelerator Programme (ITAP), is offering more than just encouragement. Providing support beyond just lip service, SMME businesses have received structured business development support to the value of R165,000, offering them the opportunity to invest in key areas that are practical and essential for their particular business. "There's a particularly delicate balance that we cannot ignore when supporting SMMEs. Financial support alone is not enough to ensure business longevity. Yet, the financial support is equally important because these businesses have very real, practical needs too," says Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust. From funding to mentorship, technical assistance to customer access – ITAP is a full-circle solution for tech-focused entrepreneurs ready to scale. Beneficiaries gain access to tools previously out of reach, including high-value software, digital infrastructure, and expert guidance and mentorship. Thabo Moloi, operations director at Eagle-Trace Solutions, is one of the programme's success stories: 'The introduction of proper accounting systems helped streamline our finances. Monthly performance reviews have also encouraged accountability and planning, ensuring that the business remains competitive. The Innovator Trust has provided invaluable business development resources. Structured mentorship and technical support have helped businesses like mine enhance operational efficiency." Simangele Mphahlele, CEO of digital recruitment platform Ejoobi, highlights the strategic edge the programme provides: "I truly value that they've put us in front of potential customers, which is a big deal. If we meet the brief, we can secure direct business with them. It makes all the difference." 'It's the first programme where I felt truly seen – where people understand my needs without judgement,' Mphahlele adds. ITAP doesn't stop at the technical. It focuses on human connections, too. We can unanimously agree that technology is a necessity for business growth. Yet, many small businesses struggle with the costs of essential digital tools. Through ITAP, participants have been able to integrate technology into their business models in ways that were previously out of reach. "Innovator Trust covered some of the expensive software licenses and sales tools we needed," explains Mphahlele. "Without that support, we wouldn't be in the position we are in today. Our training was also more internationally aligned, helping us think beyond local markets." The numbers show commitment. The support – both financial and strategic – is designed to break real-world barriers. Webinars on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and automation equip entrepreneurs to compete locally and grow globally. "Having access to advanced technical support has allowed my business to improve on-site efficiency and professionalism. These advancements have positioned us competitively in the local market and will enable continuous innovation. We're better prepared to scale internationally because of this,' Moloi says. Applications are now open. If you're a South African tech entrepreneur ready to scale, visit or email keneuoe@ for more information. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
