One person’s dream to improve the safety of women in eMalahleni has gained momentum thanks to a young girl’s generous donation of 900 safety whistles.

According to Henryette Jacobs, the woman behind the idea, she and Ward 20 councillor Maureen Scheepers had been collecting safety whistles when McKenzie Weir, a Grade Seven learner, approached them.

Jacobs said McKenzie donated 900 whistles as part of her Land Service project.

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In mid-June, the trio distributed them to women across Ward 20. The remaining whistles were then handed over to Jacobs, who will continue hosting distribution days alongside Scheepers in various parts of eMalahleni to ensure that more women have access to the simple but potentially life-saving tool.

“The idea is simple,” Scheepers said. “If a woman feels threatened or in danger, she can blow the whistle to attract attention, alert those nearby, and potentially prevent an attack.”

The councillor explained that many women walk long distances every day, or make their way through isolated areas and fields with long grass, often placing them at risk of becoming victims of crime and violence.

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“This simple whistle can make a powerful difference by drawing attention and alerting nearby residents when a woman feels threatened or unsafe,” Scheepers said.

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