Emergencies can strike at any moment — whether it’s a car accident, a medical crisis, or a criminal threat. Knowing the emergency phone numbers in South Africa can make all the difference when every second counts. In this guide, you’ll find an up-to-date, easy-to-understand list of emergency contacts to help you stay safe and respond quickly in any crisis.
Why You Should Know These Numbers
South Africa has a diverse range of emergency services, and not all emergencies are handled by a single number. While 112 and 10111 are universal entry points, knowing the right agency can speed up response times and improve your outcome.
Keep these numbers saved on your phone, written in your car, and shared with family members.
Primary Emergency Numbers in South Africa
1. National Emergency Number – 112 (From Cellphones)
- Who to call: For any emergency (police, fire, or ambulance)
- Free to call: Yes, from any cellphone
- Availability: 24/7
- Notes: Operators redirect calls to the appropriate services.
2. Police Emergency – 10111
- Who to call: For crime, break-ins, or suspicious activity
- Free to call: Yes
- Availability: 24/7 nationwide
- Connects you to: Nearest police station or dispatch center
3. Ambulance and Fire Brigade – 10177
- Who to call: For medical emergencies or fire-related incidents
- Free to call: Yes
- Availability: 24/7
- Handled by: Government emergency medical services (EMS)
Specialized and Regional Emergency Services
4. ER24 – 084 124
- Private ambulance service
- Available for emergencies and medical advice
- Nationwide coverage
5. Netcare 911 – 082 911
- Private emergency response
- Ambulance, trauma, and crisis services
- Rapid response times in major cities and towns
6. South African National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) – 082 911 or 112
- For water-related emergencies (boating accidents, drowning, coastal distress)
- Volunteer-run, highly trained rescue teams
Other Important Helplines
7. Childline South Africa – 0800 055 555
- For children in distress or danger
- 24-hour counseling and support
8. Gender-Based Violence Command Centre – 0800 428 428
- For victims of domestic violence and abuse
- SMS option: Send “Help” to 31531
9. Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0800 567 567
- Operated by SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group)
- Confidential and professional support
10. Poison Information Centre – 0861 555 777
- Immediate guidance for poisoning cases (household chemicals, medication, snake bites)
Municipal and Utility Emergencies
If you’re facing an emergency involving power, water, or infrastructure:
11. Eskom Fault Line – 08600 37566
- Report electricity faults or outages
12. Johannesburg Emergency Connect – 011 375 5911
- Handles electricity, water, sewer, and road emergencies in Joburg
13. Cape Town Disaster Risk Management – 080 911 4357
- All city-related emergencies in Cape Town
Quick Reference Table
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| General Emergency (Cellphones) | 112 |
| Police | 10111 |
| Ambulance / Fire Brigade | 10177 |
| ER24 (Private EMS) | 084 124 |
| Netcare 911 | 082 911 |
| NSRI (Sea Rescue) | 112 or 082 911 |
| Childline | 0800 055 555 |
| Gender-Based Violence Centre | 0800 428 428 |
| Suicide Helpline (SADAG) | 0800 567 567 |
| Poison Information Centre | 0861 555 777 |
| Eskom Fault Reporting | 08600 37566 |
| City of Johannesburg Emergencies | 011 375 5911 |
| City of Cape Town Emergencies | 080 911 4357 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I call emergency numbers without airtime?
Yes. All emergency numbers like 112, 10111, and 10177 are toll-free, even without airtime or data.
What’s the difference between 112 and 10111?
112 is for all emergencies via cellphone and routes you to the relevant service. 10111 is the dedicated police emergency number.
Should I use private ambulance services?
If you have medical insurance or need faster care, private services like ER24 and Netcare 911 can offer quicker response in many urban areas.
Can I text or WhatsApp emergency services?
Some services, such as the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, support SMS. However, most emergencies still require a phone call.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Emergencies can be overwhelming, but being prepared makes all the difference. Keep these essential South African emergency numbers handy, teach them to your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to call when something doesn’t feel right.
Whether you’re driving, at home, or traveling, one call can save a life. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.
