At just 16 years old, Bohlale Mphahlele didn’t just dream of a safer South Africa: instead of being discouraged by the severity of the problem, she took concrete action. During the peak of the gender violence and human trafficking crisis, he created a small but powerful wearable device designed to protect women and children.
How the Alerting Earpiece works
His device, the Alerting Earpiece, is a small gadget that is worn like an ordinary earring but hides extraordinary functions. In case of danger, a hidden button sends an alert to pre-set contacts, takes a photo of the potential attacker and instantly locates the victim. Everything happens in real time, without the person having to scream or flee, thus offering a concrete possibility of defense in critical situations.
From the start, the project attracted attention: presented at a national science fair, it won a bronze medal and attracted the interest of local media and global organizations. Bohlale’s innovation has been described as a source of pride for the Limpopo province, and his efforts have shown that technology can truly make a difference when an idea comes from the heart and social responsibility.
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From innovator to entrepreneur
After graduating, Bohlale founded Mphahlele Alerts (Pty) Ltd, turning his idea into a real business venture. At the same time, he undertook studies in Information Technology to strengthen his skills and broaden the impact of his innovation. She has participated in support programs for young women developing technology solutions for their communities, while also becoming a mentor to other girls interested in technology.
Bohlale Mphahlele’s story demonstrates that change can start with a single person, a brilliant idea and the determination to make a difference. Today, five years after the creation of his Alerting Earpiece, he continues to create a safer future, inspiring a new generation to believe that even small actions can have a huge impact.
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