Get Help
Free helplines and services for when you, or someone you know, needs help right now. Most are toll-free, and the USSD codes work on any phone with no airtime or data.
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Police (SAPS) Emergency
For any crime in progress or immediate danger. Connects you to your nearest police response. From a cellphone you can also dial 112 (works even with no airtime or SIM).
112 from any cellphone reaches emergency services even with no airtime.
Ambulance / Medical Emergency
National ambulance and medical emergency number for life-threatening situations, accidents and injuries.
112 from a cellphone also routes to emergency services.
GBV Command Centre
24-hour national line for victims of gender-based violence and domestic abuse. Trained social workers offer counselling and can arrange help. You can also request a social worker to call you back via the USSD code.
0800 428 428 spells 0800 GBV GBV. The USSD code is free from any phone.
TEARS Foundation (GBV & abuse)
Free 24-hour helpline and support locator for survivors of gender-based violence, rape and abuse. The USSD code finds your nearest support service by location.
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POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse)
Counselling, shelter and legal support for women experiencing abuse, particularly in Gauteng.
Childline South Africa
Free, confidential support for any child in distress, and for adults worried about a child's safety. Handles abuse, neglect and crisis situations.
116 is free from any phone. The toll-free line 0800 055 555 also works.
SADAG Suicide Crisis Line
24-hour crisis line for anyone having suicidal thoughts or in acute emotional distress, run by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
SADAG Mental Health Line
Counselling and referrals for depression, anxiety and other mental-health concerns. SADAG can point you to a counsellor or support group in your area.
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Lifeline National Counselling
Telephone counselling for emotional crises, trauma, relationship and personal problems.
Substance Abuse Helpline
National line for help with drug and alcohol dependency, for users and their families.
National AIDS Helpline
Confidential information and counselling on HIV/AIDS, testing, treatment and prevention.
SASSA (Social Grants)
Official line for all social grants - SRD R370, Child Support, Old Age, Disability and more. Use it for application problems, payment issues, fraud, and to freeze your profile after a SIM swap.
Email [email protected]. Apply for the SRD grant at srd.sassa.gov.za.
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Legal Aid South Africa
Free legal advice and representation for people who cannot afford a lawyer - including labour disputes, evictions, maintenance, and grant appeals.
CCMA (Labour Disputes)
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration handles unfair dismissals, unpaid wages and other workplace disputes - for free, without needing a lawyer.
Referrals must usually be lodged within 30 days of a dismissal.
National Consumer Commission
Lodge complaints about unfair business practices, faulty goods, or being ripped off as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act.
Human Trafficking Hotline
National 24-hour line to report suspected human trafficking or to get help if you or someone you know is being exploited or held against their will.
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These numbers were last checked on 24 June 2026. Helpline numbers and operating hours can change - if a number does not work, please confirm it on the organisation's official website. CoolNerds is not affiliated with these services; we simply list them so they are easier to find.