Short answer. In South Africa, call 10111 for the police (Flying Squad) and 10177 for an ambulance; 112 works from any cellphone on MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom 3. In Cape Town, emergencies are reached on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone 2. Disaster management is run by the National Disaster Management Centre with provincial and municipal centres 4.
Which numbers should every South African know?
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police Flying Squad | 10111 3 |
| Ambulance | 10177 3 |
| Cellphone emergency (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom) | 112 3 |
| Crime Stop | 0860 010 111 3 |
| National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) | 087 094 9774 3 |
| National Disaster Management Centre (head office) | 012 065 0969 4 |
The NDMC home page shows 012 065 0969 as its current number; its Public Awareness page still also shows the older 012 848 4602 4.
Which numbers apply in Cape Town and the Western Cape?
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| City of Cape Town emergencies | 107 from a landline; 021 480 7700 from a cellphone 12 |
| City of Cape Town Disaster Operations Centre (also to confirm a Koeberg siren) | 021 597 6000 2 |
| Western Cape Disaster Risk Management Centre | 080 911 HELP (4357) 13 |
| Poisons Information Helpline (Western Cape) | 0861 555 777 3 |
A note on the Cape Town emergency line: Eskom's 2026 calendar gives 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a cellphone 2, while the Western Cape "Know who you can call" page shows the two the other way round 3. The City of Cape Town lists 080 911 HELP (4357) for its Disaster Risk Management Centre, the same number as the provincial centre 13.
Which organisations are responsible?
- National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) — national coordination, with provincial and municipal disaster management centres: https://www.ndmc.gov.za/ 4
- South African Weather Service (SAWS) — weather warnings: https://www.weathersa.co.za/ (see alerts)
- National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) — nuclear safety: https://nnr.co.za/
- City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre — local disaster guidance 1
How should I keep these numbers?
Write them down as well as saving them in your phone: pen and paper and contact numbers appear on the official lists 12. Our family plan guide and important documents guide help organise them.
Frequently asked questions
Is 112 free from a cellphone in South Africa?
The Western Cape lists 112 as the cellphone emergency number on MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom 3; it does not state the cost.
Who do I call to check a Koeberg siren?
The City of Cape Town Disaster Operations Centre on 021 597 6000 2.
What is the number for a poisoning?
The Western Cape Poisons Information Helpline: 0861 555 777 3.
Who handles sea rescue?
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI): 087 094 9774 3.
Sources
- City of Cape Town — Disaster guidelines — https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/natural-disasters-and-your-home/disaster-guidelines (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Eskom — 2026 Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Emergency Plan Calendar — https://www.eskom.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/141-25-Koeberg-Eskom-Calendar-2026.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Western Cape Government — Know who you can call in an emergency — https://westerncape.gov.za/know-who-you-can-call-emergency (accessed 2026-10-20)
- National Disaster Management Centre — Advocacy and Public Awareness — https://www.ndmc.gov.za/Home/PublicAwareness (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for South Africa, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- City of Cape Town · Disaster guidelines checked 2026-10-20
- Eskom · 2026 Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Emergency Plan Calendar checked 2026-10-20
- Western Cape Government · Know who you can call in an emergency checked 2026-10-20
- National Disaster Management Centre · Advocacy and Public Awareness checked 2026-10-20