Emergency Numbers in South Africa
South Africa has no single emergency number for every service. Call police 10111 or 112, ambulance 10177 or 112 and fire 10111, 10177 or 112.
Many cities run their own fire and ambulance numbers. Private ambulances often arrive faster and will bill you or your medical aid.
Emergency numbers
Helplines and non-emergency numbers
- Gender-Based Violence Command Centre 0800 428 428
- ER24 private ambulance 084 124
- Netcare 911 private ambulance 082 911
Checked 22 October 2026 against Government of Canada travel advice: South Africa. Numbers can change; if you live in South Africa, check with your local authority.
South African public holidays 2026
Every holiday with its date, long weekends and a calendar download.
Emergency numbers in every country
Police, ambulance and fire numbers side by side, for when you travel.
Emergency numbers in South Africa: questions and answers
What is the emergency number in South Africa?
South Africa has no single emergency number for every service. Call police 10111 or 112, ambulance 10177 or 112 and fire 10111, 10177 or 112.
What is the ambulance number in South Africa?
For an ambulance in South Africa, call 10177 or 112.
What is the police number in South Africa?
To reach the police in South Africa, call 10111 or 112.
What is the fire service number in South Africa?
For the fire service in South Africa, call 10111, 10177 or 112.
Does 112 work in South Africa?
Yes, 112 works in South Africa. From a mobile phone.
Does 911 work in South Africa?
911 is not an emergency number in South Africa. Call 10111 instead, and do not count on 911 being passed on.
What should I say when I call?
Say where you are first: the address, a landmark or what you can see. Then say what happened, how many people are hurt and whether anyone is in danger. Answer the questions, follow the instructions and stay on the line until the operator says you can hang up.
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Kenya: 
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United Kingdom: 
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