Kurt Winter’s new book, ‘Help Us Find Kerry’, sheds light on the tragic disappearance of his sister, Kerry Winter, and the ongoing fight for justice and social change.

This tribute not only seeks to honour her memory but also aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and the importance of community support.

Kerry, 35, a former Durban resident was working in Dubai, disappeared in August 2008 after a violent argument with British ex-boyfriend Mark Arnold.

Arnold was found guilty of Winter’s murder and, after appealing the verdict, was sentenced to 25 years in jail.

Event host Alison Weihe said this book tells the remarkable, brave journey of a man who moved “heaven and earth” to try and find his sister, who had been brutally murdered, or at least her remains, which have never been found.

She said this story, which holds a deeper message for the country and for the world, needed to be told to heal the hole in Winter’s soul.

“You might too have a story buried in your soul… That’s how we heal the world one courageous conversation at a time,” she said.

Winter partnered with four organisations that will benefit from the proceeds, including Women For Change, Awareness for Child Trafficking Africa (ACT Africa), Missing Children South Africa, and the Dyslexic Association of South Africa.

He said the search for his sister has been more than just a physical journey. “It’s been one of the heart, a search for peace, for understanding, and the courage to keep going despite the weight of unanswered questions.”

This book has also set him on a journey as an activist for social change.

Women for Change community manager, Cameron Kasambala, who was at the event, said the title of the book, ‘Help Us Find Kerry’, is important because, as an organisation, they want everyone to be part of the solution.

“It is not just about us as an NPO; we want to work with other organisations. We want community, because at every single level, we need the support in a community. We need to support our loved ones.

“On a systemic level as organisations, we need to acknowledge the systems that are disempowering women and girls and, on a governance level, how do we hold the government accountable if the people on the ground don’t even acknowledge that this is a real crisis,” she said.

Hillary Leon, co-founder and CEO of Awareness for Child Trafficking (Act) Africa, said they were honoured to be a ‘partner to this inspiring and heart-wrenching book’.

Leon said this book is close to her heart because of the lived experiences that both she and the organisation have gone through.

According to Leon, it is important to apply tangibility to advocacy by making a difference and changing negative mindsets.

Negative mindsets are a contributor that fuels gender-based violence and gets people into situations that lead to trafficking, she warned.

“We have to ensure that there are tangible actions that are implemented that can change this narrative,” said Leon.

Commenting on social media, Missing Children South Africa said the book is more than just a story, “It’s a voice for justice, a call to action, and a tribute to all women silenced by violence.”

Speaking at the launch, Winter, who is dyslexic, said he was encouraged to overcome his learning disability by his wife, Trudy, in order to tell this important story.

“It took us three years to do it… To me, it’s an achievement and it’s not only for me; it’s for the ladies who spoke and the dyslexic society. I want to take them on the journey with me because it’s not about me; it’s about the things that have happened and the things that we can change,” said Winter.

The KwaZulu-Natal launch will be held at Curfew Durban on September 13, 2025.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

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