Short answer. No. South Africa publishes no official network of public blast or fallout shelters and no shelter count. Official plans rely on evacuation to mass care centres, community halls and schools 12. Around Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, the mass care centres are printed on the back page of Eskom's annual emergency plan calendar and announced on radio and television 2.
Does South Africa have public shelters?
South Africa publishes no public shelter network for blast or fallout protection, and no number of shelter places. When people must leave home, local authorities direct them to a "place of safety like a shelter or hall" 1, meaning reception sites, not protective structures.
Where would I go near Koeberg?
Within the 16 km zone around Koeberg, Eskom's plan says: "If you are instructed to evacuate, you will be guided to a mass care centre (as indicated on the back page of this calendar) by local authorities, so that you and your belongings can be checked for possible contamination" 2.
The 2026 calendar names the Parow Mass Care Centre and the Edgemead Community Centre 2. Centres are also announced on Good Hope FM, Kfm 94.5 and SABC television 2. Keep the current calendar, since it is reissued each year.
Where would I go elsewhere in South Africa?
Outside the Koeberg zone, local authorities direct people to a place of safety such as a shelter or hall 1. No national list is published; follow instructions from your municipality and from radio and TV (see alerts).
What can I do instead of a public shelter?
- Prepare a three-day supply at home (see emergency supplies) 1.
- Keep a bag ready for evacuation; Koeberg evacuees are told to take clothing, a radio, a torch, bedding, toiletries, medication, documents and a phone charger 2.
- Learn the difference between sheltering and leaving: our guide shelter or evacuate explains the general principles, and nuclear plant zones explains emergency planning zones.
For a private shelter, see build a shelter: South Africa has no shelter-specific rules.
Frequently asked questions
How many public shelters does South Africa have?
No official count is published, because no public blast or fallout shelter network exists 12.
What is a mass care centre?
A site where evacuees from the Koeberg area are guided by local authorities, and where people and belongings can be checked for possible contamination 2.
Which mass care centres serve Koeberg in 2026?
The 2026 calendar names Parow Mass Care Centre and Edgemead Community Centre 2.
Can I go to a mass care centre on my own?
The calendar says you will be guided there by local authorities if instructed to evacuate 2. Follow announcements on Good Hope FM, Kfm 94.5 and SABC television.
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)
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