In a significant development for child protection in the Helderberg area, Khethani Women’s Wellness assumed full responsibility for the Helderberg Baby Saver from Saturday 17 May.
This transition ensures the continuation and expansion of a vital service that has saved 13 babies’ lives since its inception in 2014. The handover represents a natural evolution of the partnership between the two organisations, with Khethani’s team already deeply invested in the Baby Saver’s operations for years.
Khethani Women’s Wellness has established itself as a cornerstone organisation in the Helderberg community, offering comprehensive support services including sex education workshops in schools, support groups for pregnant teenagers and teen mothers, and counseling for women facing crisis situations.
The organisation’s connection with the Helderberg Baby Saver dates back to its founding, as two of Khethani’s founders, Amanda-Lea “Mandy” Jones and Sophia Warner, have served on the Saver Responder team since the Baby Saver’s establishment in 2014. The partnership was further strengthened in 2023, and two additional Khethani members, Frances Fuchs and Phumi Williams, joined the Saver Responder team in 2024.
Sandy Immelman, who founded the Helderberg Baby Saver in August 2014, made the decision to transfer responsibility to Khethani to secure the initiative’s future.
“I am completely confident that Khethani is the best option for taking over the Saver,” said 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.”
Sandy Immelman
The Helderberg Baby Saver provides a critical alternative to unsafe baby abandonment. Built into the wall of Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre, the Saver is accessible and safe to use 24 hours a day. When a baby is placed in the Saver, it immediately locks and triggers an alarm received by Secure Rite Security, who monitor the system at no cost. They promptly contact the Saver Responder team and dispatch security guards to ensure the responders’ safety when retrieving the baby. GB Med Rescue also sends an ambulance, free of charge, to examine the baby before transport to Helderberg Hospital. At the hospital, social workers admit the baby and contact Wandisa Child Protection and Adoption Agency, which ensures all legal requirements are met and the baby receives appropriate care going forward.
Immelman will continue her role as a founding member of Baby Savers South Africa, and the Helderberg Baby Saver will remain part of this national coalition of organisations.
On Saturday, the teams gathered to celebrate the handover.
Khethani operates a 24-hour helpline for anyone needing assistance or guidance. Call 072 412 1863.
For more information, visit www.khethani.org.
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