All South African emergency numbers you had better save
Nobody desires or plans to be in a crisis. Even so, accidents, fires, medical, and other exigencies occur all the time. If you find yourself in a dire situation, you should dial the relevant emergency numbers for immediate help. Therefore, it is crucial to have all the South African emergency numbers saved on your phone.
Source: UGC
Have you updated your list of South African emergency numbers? There are different numbers for different emergencies in the country. Read on to learn the emergency contacts you should know and save on your devices.
All South African emergency numbers
In dire situations, every second counts and makes the difference between life and death. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, you should call the relevant authorities.
It is essential to note that there is no single number that deals with all emergency situations in South Africa. Instead, different crises have different helplines.
Details you should have before calling
Before you dial one of the given contacts during an exigency, you should have the following details:
- Specific details about the location and address of the incident or affected person. It is crucial to give landmarks to assist the relevant help to locate you quickly.
- Specific information about the incident or accident. Do your best to speak clearly and calmly so that the person taking your call can understand you.
- Specific information about the contact person, including their name and telephone number. Ensure the telephone line remains open to receive calls until the necessary help arrives at the scene.
- If applicable, give information about the suspect(s) and/or vehicles(s) involved.
- In the case of a stolen car or motorbike, the registration number, make, model, and colour should be provided during the initial report.
- If applicable, give information about the patient's status, for example, if they are still breathing, conscious, and the injuries sustained.
NB: Never hang up unless you are asked to do so.
Source: UGC
Emergency numbers in South Africa
The primary contacts you should have in case of a crisis in South Africa are listed below.
- South African police number: 10111
- Military Police Crime Line: 0800 567 567
- Ambulance: 10177
- Cell phone emergency: 112
- Firearm call centre: 012 353 6111
Fire emergency numbers in South Africa
The South African Fire Service is in-charge of providing fire fighting services in the country. The staff has been trained and educated by the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa.
- Fire brigade number in South Africa: 10111
- Disaster Management Center: 012 848 4602
In addition to the contacts above, there are provincial, municipality, and district firefighter numbers in South Africa.
- City of Cape Town Headquarters: 107 (landline)/ 021 480 7700 (cell)
- Cape Winelands District Municipality: 021 887 4446
- Breede Valley: 023 348 9060
- Drakenstein: 021 872 2323
- Langeberg: 0860 88 11 11
- Stellenbosch: 021 808 8111; 021 808 8888; 021 808 8890 (24/7 emergencies)
- Witzenberg: 023 231 4059 or 112
- Central Karoo District Municipality: 023 414 8176
- Beaufort West: 023 414 8176
- Laingsburg: 082 925 7953
- Prince Albert: 082 925 7953
- Garden Route District Municipality: 044 805 5071
- Bitou: 044 501 3232
- George: 044 801 6300
- Hessequa: 044 805 5071
- Knysna: 044 302 8911
- Mosselbay: 044 606 5000
- Oudtshoorn: 044 203 7800
- Overberg District Municipality: 028 425 1690
- Overstrand: 028 312 2400
- Swellendam: 028 514 3980/ 083 274 9322
- Theewaterskloof: 028 212 3727
- West Coast District Municipality: 10177/ 022 433 8700
- Bergriver: 083 661 9253/ 022 433 8700
- Cederberg: 022 433 8700
- Matzikama: 027 482 1775
- Saldanha Bay: 022 713 1815/ 086 007 3473
- Swartland: 022 487 9479
- Helderberg District: 021 444 7600/01 (Strand Fire Station)
- Gugulethu Fire Station: 021 444 5481
- Mitchells Plain Fire Station: 021 444 3085
- Bellville Fire Station: 021 444 8279
- Atlantis Fire Station: 021 444 4260
- Milnerton Fire Station: 021 400 6949/480 7700
- Roeland Street Fire Station: 021 444 8963
- Wynberg Fire Station: 021 444 9621/3
Source: UGC
Other important emergency numbers in South Africa
Besides police and firefighter emergency numbers in South Africa, which other contacts should you have on speed dial?
- Lifeline: 021 461 1113
- Child Emergency: 0800 123 321
- Childline: 0800 055 555/ 021 461 1113
- Safe Schools call centre: 0800 454 647
- Crime Stop: 0860 010 111 (to report crimes or offer anonymous tip-offs)
- Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777
- Poison emergency numbers: 021 689 5227 (National Red Cross)/ 021 931 6129 (Tygerberg)/ 080 033 3444 (Kwa Zulu Natal)/ 082 491 0160 (Bloemfontein)
- Gender-based violence command center: 0800 428 428
- Bureau of Missing Persons: 021 918 3512 / 3449 / 3452
- Mountain Rescue: 021 948 9900
- City of Cape Town electricity: 0860 103 089
- City of Cape Town water issues: 0860 103 089
- Animal Welfare: 021 534 6426
- SASSA Helpline: 0800 601 011
- Aviation rescue: 083 1999
- Mental National Crisis Line: 0861 322 322
- Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 0861 435 722
- Narcotics Anonymous: 0861 00 6962
- Sea Rescue: 021 449 3500 (Capr Town)/ 022 714 1726 (Saldahna)/ 044 604 6271 (Mossel Bay)
What are the 5 emergency services?
The emergency service sector's mandate is to save lives, help communities affected by disasters, and protect property and the environment. The five primary disciplines that make up the sector are listed below.
- Law enforcement
- Emergency medical services
- Fire and rescue services
- Public works
- Emergency management
Source: UGC
What number is 112 in South Africa?
112 is the cell phone emergency contact you can use in South Africa. You can call 112 from any mobile network. An operator will pick up your call and connect you to the relevant emergency service you require.
What is the 911 number in South Africa?
112 is the emergency cell phone number in South Africa. Although it is widely believed that 911 is an emergency contact for all countries, the correct number to use in South Africa on your mobile phone is 112.
What happens if you call 911 in South Africa?
If you call 911, you may not get the services you require. Instead, call 112 on any mobile phone network.
South African emergency numbers come in handy in case of a crisis. It is essential for all South Africans to save these numbers on their smart devices and put them on speed dial.
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Jedidah Tabalia Jedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry. She has a BSc. in Human Resource Management from Moi University (graduated in 2014) and a working in progress MBA in Strategic Management. Having joined Genesis in 2017, Jedi is a passionate Facts and Life Hacks, Fitness, and Health content creator who sees beauty in everything. She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants. Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
