Khethani ensures little lives are safe

Khethani Women’s Wellness is an organisation based in the Helderberg, that is making areal difference.

They offer, among other things, sex education workshops in schools, support groups for pregnant teenagers and teen moms, support and counselling for women in crisis situations.

Since 2023, Khethani has partnered with Helderberg Baby Saver, as Amanda-Lea (Mandy) Jones and Sophia Warner – two of Khethani’s founders – have been a part of the Saver Responder Team since inception (2014).

Two of the other Khethani members – Frances Fuchs and Phumi Williams – also joined the Saver Responder Team in 2024.

Helderberg Baby Saver was founded by Sandy Immelman in August 2014.

Since then there have been 13 babies’ lives saved as a result of brave women choosing safe relinquishment for their child when they felt desperate, instead of unsafely abandoning their baby due to their circumstances.

The Saver is built into the wall of Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre – and is open, and safe to use, 24 hours a day.

When a baby is placed in the Saver it immediately locks and an alarm is received by SecureRite Security, who monitor the Saver at no cost.

They immediately contact the Saver Responder Team and dispatch security guards to ensure the responders are safe when retrieving the baby from the Saver.

They also contact GBMed who send an ambulance (also at no cost) to examine the baby and then take him or her to Helderberg Hospital. The baby is admitted to hospital by the Social Workers and Wandisa Child Protection and Adoption Agency is contacted.

They ensure all legalities are in place and that the baby is cared for going forwards. From May 17, Khethani is now fully responsible for the Helderberg Baby Saver, as Ms Immelman determined that this would be the best solution to ensure the future and longevity of the Saver.

“I am completely confident that Khethani is the best option for taking over the Saver,” said Ms Immelman.

“Mandy will be heading up the project and her experience, along with Sophia’s will ensure this transition will be seamless and it fits perfectly into their vision– which is all about assisting girls and women in a variety of ways, including contraception education and assistance, sexual health and pregnancy support.”

Ms Immelman is a founding member of Baby Savers South Africa (and will continue with role), and Helderberg Baby Saver will continue to be a member of this national organisation.

BabySavers SA is a coalition of organisations, NPOs and PBOs that provide a safe alternative to unsafe baby abandonment through the use of a Baby Saver.

On Saturday the teams met to celebrate the handover, and the Khethani team showed their support and enthusiasm about the incorporation of the Saver into their portfolio. Khethanihas a 24-hour number for anyone needing assistance or guidance, and can be contacted at 072 412 1863.

For more information, or if you would like to support this organisation in their work, visit www.khethani.org