South Africa (ZA)
South Africa combines English-friendly professional life, major finance and tech hubs, relatively affordable private healthcare and housing, world-class nature, wine regions and a complex but vibrant post-apartheid society.
Capital: Pretoria
Region: Africa
Language: Zulu
Currency: ZAR (R)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 32)
Emergency: 112
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Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before you need them.
General Emergency
112 from any mobile phone
Police
10111
Fire Brigade
10177 or local municipal fire service
Ambulance
10177, 112 from mobile, or private ambulance via medical aid/provider
Poison Control
0861 555 777 (Poison Information Helpline of the Western Cape, widely used nationally)
Mental Health
0800 567 567 (SADAG Suicide Crisis Line)
Domestic Violence
0800 150 150 (Gender-Based Violence Command Centre)
Child Protection
116 (Childline South Africa)
Road Assistance
AA South Africa: 0861 000 234
How to call emergency services in South Africa
For life-threatening emergencies call 112 from a mobile first. In private-medical-aid households, also call your insurer/emergency-assistance number because private ambulance authorisation can matter.