A 16-year-old girl from Limpopo, South Africa, has gained national attention for creating a powerful device that could help protect women and children from gender-based violence and human trafficking. Bohlale Mphahlele, a learner at SJ van der Merwe Technical High School, designed a wearable gadget disguised as an earring that captures photos of attackers and sends immediate distress alerts with location data.
The device, named the “Alerting Earpiece,” works by discreetly pressing a small button. Once activated, it quietly takes photographs using a hidden camera and transmits them, along with the victim’s location, to trusted contacts and emergency services. This allows for fast response and documentation of evidence critical factors in responding to violent situations.
Mphahlele’s innovation earned her a bronze medal in the engineering-electronics category at the prestigious Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Her work was praised not only for its creativity but for addressing a real and urgent need in South African society, where gender-based violence continues to affect thousands of lives each year.
Speaking about her invention, Mphahlele explained that the rise in reported cases of abuse, especially among women and young girls, inspired her to think about practical safety solutions. She emphasized that technology should be used not just for convenience but to protect the vulnerable.
The Limpopo Department of Education applauded Mphahlele’s accomplishment, describing her as a role model and change-maker. Education MEC Polly Boshielo said the invention highlights the power of youth innovation in solving social problems and called on stakeholders to support the young scientist in developing her prototype further.
Mphahlele is now seeking partnerships and technical support to refine and eventually mass-produce the Alerting Earpiece, with the hope of making it accessible to those most at risk. Her determination and ingenuity are shining examples of how young people can lead the way in creating safer communities.
Written By Faith Mwende
