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
Section titled “🚨 RIGHT NOW: Call This Number”Befrienders South Africa
Section titled “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)
Section titled “Other Crisis Options (Choose What Works for You)”Mental Health Crisis
Section titled “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
Section titled “Suicidal Thoughts”Befrienders South Africa: 0861-322 322 (24/7)
- Suicide prevention and support
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800-567-567 (24/7)
- Free crisis support
Lifeline South Africa: 0861-322-322
- Emotional support and suicide prevention
Abuse or Violence
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
- Rights and support
Deaf Federation South Africa: 011-482-0018
- Support for Deaf people
Substance Use Crisis
Section titled “Substance Use Crisis”SADAG: 011-716-6016
- Substance use information and referrals
Narcotics Anonymous: NA.org.za
- Local meetings and support
By Province
Section titled “By Province”National numbers work nationwide. Some provinces have additional local services:
Western Cape
Section titled “Western Cape”- Befrienders: 0861-322 322
- Rape Crisis Cape Town: 021-461-5818
Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Johannesburg)
Section titled “Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Johannesburg)”- SADAG: 011-716-6016
- Befrienders: 0861-322 322
Other Provinces
Section titled “Other Provinces”- Use national numbers or search “[Province] crisis helpline”
Emergency: Life-Threatening
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Accessibility & Contact Methods”For Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Section titled “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
Section titled “For Blind/Low Vision”- All services available by phone
- Some services offer email support
For Multiple Languages
Section titled “For Multiple Languages”- Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho available on major services
- English widely available
- Other languages: Ask about interpretation
Rural Areas
Section titled “Rural Areas”- Phone services available from anywhere
- Some services have mobile clinics
After You Call
Section titled “After You Call”Crisis lines help you get through RIGHT NOW. After that:
Finding Ongoing Support
Section titled “Finding Ongoing Support”Contact:
- Your local primary health clinic
- Community Health Center
- District Hospital
Mental health professionals:
- South African Society of Psychiatrists: saspsychiatry.co.za
- Psychological Society of South Africa: psyssa.com
Government services:
- SASSA (Social Security Agency) for support benefits
- Department of Health mental health services
Important Information
Section titled “Important Information”Most services are free, but some lines charge a local call rate, and hours vary by service — check each one.
Confidentiality
Section titled “Confidentiality”These lines are confidential. Emergency services are contacted only in cases of serious, imminent, life-threatening risk.
Many services run 24/7, but some have limited hours — check each listing.
You Can Call Multiple Times
Section titled “You Can Call Multiple Times”Many people use crisis services multiple times. That’s normal.
You’re Not “Sick Enough” to Call
Section titled “You’re Not “Sick Enough” to Call”If you’re asking: “Am I sick enough to call?” → You are. Call.
Know Your Rights
Section titled “Know Your Rights”Disability discrimination is illegal. If a service discriminates, speak up.
Related Resources
Section titled “Related Resources”- Main Crisis Help Section
- Emergency Preparedness & Safety Planning
- Disability Rights in South Africa
Confirm each number with the service before calling; details can change.
In crisis right now? Call 0861-322 322 or 0800-567-567. Everything else can wait.
Cost, confidentiality, and hours vary by service — check each listing.
Contribute to This Page
Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.