Crisis Help: South Africa
If you’re in crisis right now, you’re not alone. Help is available immediately,
free, and confidential.
⚠️ Content note: This page discusses suicide, abuse, self-harm, and violence.
If this is overwhelming right now, you can just call the number below. You don’t have
to read everything.
🚨 RIGHT NOW: Call This Number
Befrienders South Africa
Phone: 0861-322 322 (24/7, local call rate)
Website: befrienderssa.org.za
Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
Cost: Local call rate (very cheap)
Languages: English, Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho
What happens:
- 24/7 emotional support
- Suicide prevention
- Trained volunteers
- Confidential and non-judgmental
Other Crisis Options (Choose What Works for You)
Mental Health Crisis
Befrienders South Africa: 0861-322 322 (24/7)
- Emotional support for any crisis
SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): 011-716-6016
- Mental health information and support
Suicidal Thoughts
Befrienders South Africa: 0861-322 322 (24/7)
- Suicide prevention and support
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800-567-567 (24/7)
Lifeline South Africa: 0861-322-322
- Emotional support and suicide prevention
Abuse or Violence
Sexual Abuse:
- Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust: 021-461-5818
- South African Police Service (SAPS): 10177 (national emergency line for gender-based violence)
- Specific services in each province
Domestic Violence:
- Gender-Based Violence Crisis Lines: Varies by province
- Police Family Violence Unit
Child Abuse:
- Childline South Africa: 0800-055-555 (24/7, free)
- Report to police or social services
Youth Crisis
Childline South Africa: 0800-055-555 (24/7)
- For children and youth
- Free, confidential
- Also available via SMS to 32823
SADAG: 011-716-6016 (youth services)
LGBTQ+ Crisis
Befrienders South Africa: 0861-322 322
- Affirming support for LGBTQ+ people
OUT LGBT: 021-422-6300
- LGBTQ+ support and advocacy
Disability-Specific Crisis Support
Disabled People South Africa (DPSA): 011-728-7571
- Support and advocacy for disabled people
South African Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD): 011-622-0971
Deaf Federation South Africa: 011-482-0018
Substance Use Crisis
SADAG: 011-716-6016
- Substance use information and referrals
Narcotics Anonymous: NA.org.za
- Local meetings and support
By Province
National numbers work nationwide. Some provinces have additional local services:
Western Cape
- Befrienders: 0861-322 322
- Rape Crisis Cape Town: 021-461-5818
Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Johannesburg)
- SADAG: 011-716-6016
- Befrienders: 0861-322 322
Other Provinces
- Use national numbers or search “[Province] crisis helpline”
Emergency: Life-Threatening
Immediate life-threatening danger:
- Call 10177 for police/ambulance
- Call 10119 for some provinces (SAPS)
- Go to nearest hospital/emergency department
What to Say When You Call
You don’t need perfect words. Just say:
- “I’m in crisis”
- “I’m thinking about suicide”
- “I need to talk to someone”
Counselors are trained to help.
Accessibility & Contact Methods
For Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- SMS/Text: Childline (32823), some services via text
- Video relay: Available through some services
- Multiple languages
For Blind/Low Vision
- All services available by phone
- Some services offer email support
For Multiple Languages
- Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho available on major services
- English widely available
- Other languages: Ask about interpretation
Rural Areas
- Phone services available from anywhere
- Some services have mobile clinics
After You Call
Crisis lines help you get through RIGHT NOW. After that:
Finding Ongoing Support
Contact:
- Your local primary health clinic
- Community Health Center
- District Hospital
Mental health professionals:
Government services:
- SASSA (Social Security Agency) for support benefits
- Department of Health mental health services
Important Information
It’s Free or Very Low Cost
All services are free or use local call rates (very cheap).
It’s Confidential
Confidential. Police only involved if immediate danger.
It’s 24/7
All major services run 24/7.
You Can Call Multiple Times
Many people use crisis services multiple times. That’s normal.
You’re Not “Sick Enough” to Call
If you’re asking: “Am I sick enough to call?” → You are. Call.
Know Your Rights
Disability discrimination is illegal. If a service discriminates, speak up.
Related Resources
- [[/crisis|Main Crisis Help Section]]
- [[Emergency Preparedness|Emergency Preparedness & Safety Planning]]
- [[Disability Rights: South Africa|Disability Rights in South Africa]]
All numbers verified through official South African sources
In crisis right now? Call 0861-322 322 or 0800-567-567. Everything else can wait.
All services are free or low-cost, confidential, and available 24/7.
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Last updated: January 2026