Inventing Hope: Bohlale Mphahlele’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

With over 120,000 reported cases of violence against women and children in a single year, gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive social issue that affects all South Africans. In response, a young inventor, Bohlale Mphahlele, developed the ‘Alerting Earpiece’ - a ground-breaking innovation designed to combat GBV and human trafficking. Her invention has since made headlines as a powerful tool for personal safety.

The Alerting Earpiece is a discreet device designed to resemble an earring, featuring a hidden button that allows the wearer to act swiftly in dangerous situations. When pressed, the button activates a camera that captures an image of the perpetrator and sends an alert, along with the wearer’s real-time location, to pre-set contacts and emergency services.

Bohlale invented the Alerting Earpiece in 2020 at just 16 years old, while she was still a student in Limpopo. Motivated by the alarming prevalence of GBV in South Africa, she was determined to give women and children a fighting chance during moments of crisis. The device gained national attention after winning a bronze award at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists and was lauded by Limpopo’s then-MEC for Education for its innovation.

Despite the recognition and media spotlight, developing a market-ready prototype proved challenging. Bohlale faced numerous obstacles, from lack of funding to academic setbacks that led her to repeat her matric exams. Nevertheless, she overcame.

Now, five years later, Bohlale has founded Mphahlele Alerts (PTY) Ltd with the aim of bringing the Alerting Earpiece to market and making it accessible to communities most affected by GBV. She has since completed high school and is currently pursuing a degree in Information Technology to further develop her skills. Beyond her studies, she is also mentoring young girls in technology, empowering them to follow in her footsteps.

At the 2025 State of the Nation Address, gender-based violence was officially recognised as a ‘national crisis’ affecting every sector of society. Innovations like the Alerting Earpiece not only offer practical safety solutions but also inspire a ripple effect, encouraging future generations to create change. Bohlale’s journey reminds us that one person with a vision can make a significant difference, spark vital conversations, and contribute to building a safer South Africa for women and children.