Your first priority is distance from immediate danger whenever it is safe to move.
SOUTH AFRICA • SAFETY + EMERGENCY RESOURCE
Know Who to Call. Know What to Do.
Emergencies are not the time to start searching the internet. Save the essential South African emergency numbers now, understand which service to contact, and create a personal safety plan before you need one.
Tell the operator what happened, where you are and whether anyone is injured.
Street name, complex, landmark, pin location or nearest intersection can save valuable time.
Have a local emergency contact who knows where you are and can assist if needed.
SAVE THESE IN YOUR PHONE
South Africa's Essential Emergency Numbers.
These national services cover many of the emergency and crisis situations you may encounter while living or traveling in South Africa.
01
EMERGENCY
Mobile Emergency
112
National emergency number from a mobile phone. Use for an immediate emergency requiring assistance.
CALL 112 →
02
POLICE
SAPS Emergency
10111
South African Police Service emergency line for crimes in progress or situations requiring police dispatch.
CALL SAPS →
03
MEDICAL
Ambulance / EMS
10177
Public emergency medical response number used for ambulance and emergency medical assistance.
CALL EMS →
04
ANONYMOUS TIP
SAPS Crime Stop
08600 10111
Report information about criminal activity anonymously. For an active emergency requiring police dispatch, use 10111 instead.
CALL CRIME STOP →
05
GBV SUPPORT
Gender-Based Violence Command Centre
0800 428 428
National support service providing assistance, counselling and referrals for people experiencing gender-based violence.
CALL GBVCC →
06
VIOLENCE SUPPORT
STOP Gender Violence
0800 150 150
National support line listed by South African government resources for people affected by violence and abuse.
CALL HELPLINE →
07
CHILD SAFETY
Childline South Africa
116
Free 24/7 helpline for children and young people, as well as adults who are concerned about a child.
CALL CHILDLINE →
08
TRAFFICKING
Human Trafficking Support
08000 737 283
National government resources list this support number for concerns involving human trafficking.
CALL SUPPORT →
09
MENTAL HEALTH
Suicide Crisis Helpline
0800 567 567
SADAG's 24-hour toll-free Suicide Crisis Helpline for someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
CALL CRISIS LINE →
10
SUBSTANCE SUPPORT
Substance Abuse Helpline
0800 12 13 14
Department of Social Development substance-abuse support service listed through SADAG.
CALL HELPLINE →
11
OLDER PERSONS
Elder Abuse Support
0800 003 081
Support resource listed by South African government for concerns involving abuse of older persons.
CALL SUPPORT →
12
WATER RESCUE
NSRI Emergency Operations
087 094 9774
National Sea Rescue Institute emergency operations number for water and maritime rescue emergencies.
CALL NSRI →
WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS
What to Do In the Moment.
Different emergencies require different responses. These are practical first steps — always follow the instructions of emergency professionals on scene.
01
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Serious Injury, Illness or Medical Crisis
+
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Serious Injury, Illness or Medical Crisis
DO
- Give your precise location.
- Explain what happened and how many people are injured.
- Tell the operator if anyone is unconscious or not breathing normally.
- Follow the emergency operator's instructions.
- Have someone wait where responders can easily find you if possible.
02
CRIME
Robbery, Mugging or Threat With a Weapon
+
CRIME
Robbery, Mugging or Threat With a Weapon
CALL
Once you can do so safely, call SAPS on 10111.
DO
- Prioritize getting yourself and your family out of immediate danger.
- Do not pursue someone who is fleeing.
- Move to a secure, populated location when possible.
- Report stolen bank cards and phones promptly.
- Write down details you remember once you are safe.
03
ROAD + VEHICLE SAFETY
Carjacking, Road Incident or Feeling Followed
+
ROAD + VEHICLE SAFETY
Carjacking, Road Incident or Feeling Followed
IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE
Move toward a staffed, well-lit public location or police station when it is safe to do so.
EVERYDAY PRECAUTIONS
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed where appropriate.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Plan unfamiliar routes before driving.
- Avoid stopping in isolated places if you feel you are being followed.
- In an emergency call 112 or 10111.
04
HOME SAFETY
Break-In or Suspicious Activity at Home
+
HOME SAFETY
Break-In or Suspicious Activity at Home
CALL
For an active crime or immediate threat, call 10111.
DO
- Do not enter a property if you believe an intruder may still be inside.
- Move to a safe location if you can do so safely.
- Use your estate, complex or private-security panic system if applicable.
- Avoid disturbing potential evidence after a break-in.
- Notify building or estate security once police have been contacted.
05
ABUSE + STALKING
Gender-Based Violence or Domestic Violence
+
ABUSE + STALKING
Gender-Based Violence or Domestic Violence
SAFETY PLAN
- Identify a safe person you can contact.
- Create a code word that signals you need help.
- Keep essential identification and documents accessible.
- Know where you can go if remaining at home becomes unsafe.
- Do not announce an exit plan if doing so could increase danger.
06
CHILD SAFETY
Child Missing, Threatened or in Danger
+
CHILD SAFETY
Child Missing, Threatened or in Danger
PREPARE
- Teach children your full name and mobile number.
- Give children an age-appropriate emergency plan.
- Create a family code word.
- Keep recent photographs and identification details accessible.
- Make sure children know they can call 112 from a cellphone during an emergency.
07
EXPLOITATION
Suspected Human Trafficking
+
EXPLOITATION
Suspected Human Trafficking
CONTACT
Human Trafficking Support: 08000 737 283
If immediate police intervention is required: 10111.
IMPORTANT
- Do not confront suspected traffickers yourself.
- Protect the safety and privacy of the potential victim.
- Record useful information only when it is safe to do so.
- Provide information directly to appropriate authorities.
08
MENTAL HEALTH
Severe Emotional or Suicide Crisis
+
MENTAL HEALTH
Severe Emotional or Suicide Crisis
CONTACT
SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
For an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 112.
SUPPORT
- Stay with the person when it is safe for you to do so.
- Take statements about suicide or self-harm seriously.
- Contact emergency or crisis professionals rather than attempting to manage a severe crisis alone.
09
WATER SAFETY
Ocean, River, Dam or Drowning Emergency
+
WATER SAFETY
Ocean, River, Dam or Drowning Emergency
IMPORTANT
- Give responders the exact beach, waterway or nearest landmark.
- Do not place yourself in danger attempting an untrained rescue.
- Follow lifeguard and rescue personnel instructions.
SAFETY WITHOUT FEAR
Build Smart Habits. Then Live Your Life.
The goal of safety planning is not to live afraid. It is to understand your environment, create systems and make informed decisions the same way you would when settling into any major city.
Know Where You're Going
Plan routes before leaving, especially when visiting unfamiliar neighborhoods or traveling at night.
Keep Valuables Low-Key
Avoid unnecessary displays of phones, cash, jewelry or expensive equipment in unfamiliar public areas.
Use Trusted Transportation
Use reputable transportation providers and confirm vehicle and driver details before getting in.
Understand Your Complex or Estate
Learn your access procedures, security desk number, panic systems and after-hours protocols.
Share Your Plans
When traveling alone or somewhere unfamiliar, make sure someone trustworthy knows where you are.
Trust Local Knowledge
Ask people you trust about neighborhoods, routes and local conditions instead of relying only on internet commentary.
BEFORE AN EMERGENCY HAPPENS
Create Your Personal South Africa Safety List.
01
Local Police Station
Save the direct number for the station serving your neighborhood.
02
Estate / Complex Security
Save your guardhouse, control room or armed-response provider.
03
Nearest Hospital
Know your closest appropriate emergency department.
04
Medical Aid / Insurance
Store membership and emergency authorization information.
05
Trusted Local Contact
Have at least one person nearby who can assist in an emergency.
06
Embassy / Consulate
Save the contact information for your country's nearest mission.
07
Children's School
Save school security and emergency contact procedures.
08
Vehicle Assistance
Save your insurer, roadside-assistance provider and vehicle details.
VERIFY + STAY INFORMED
Official Safety Resources.
01
South African Police Service
Police services, Crime Stop and official public safety information.
VISIT SAPS ↗ 02South African Government
Government services and public information, including victim-support resources.
VISIT GOV.ZA ↗ 03Childline South Africa
National child-support and counselling resources.
VISIT CHILDLINE ↗ 04SADAG
Mental-health crisis, counselling and support resources throughout South Africa.
VISIT SADAG ↗ 05National Sea Rescue Institute
Water-safety, drowning-prevention and emergency rescue information.
VISIT NSRI ↗
SAFETY IS PART OF THE RELOCATION PLAN
You Don't Need to Learn South Africa Alone.
Inside Ordered Steps, relocation goes far beyond booking a flight. Members learn how to navigate neighborhoods, housing, transportation, banking, immigration resources, daily life and the practical realities of settling into South Africa.
EXPLORE ORDERED STEPS →
IMPORTANT
Emergency numbers, services and operating procedures can change. Melissa Today provides this resource for general safety planning and educational purposes. In an active emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service immediately. Always verify local police, medical, security and emergency contacts for the specific area where you live or travel.
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