Emergency Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
🚨 In a Life-Threatening Emergency
Call 10111 (Police) or 10177 (Ambulance) immediately.
These numbers are free from any phone, including cell phones without airtime.
Mental Health Crisis
Immediate help for mental health emergencies
SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group)
24/7 counselling and support for depression, anxiety, and mental health issues. Free and confidential.
Hours: 24/7
Suicide Crisis Line
Immediate help for suicidal thoughts or crisis. Toll-free, anonymous, 24/7.
Hours: 24/7
Lifeline South Africa
Crisis counselling and emotional support for anyone in distress.
Hours: 24/7
Childline South Africa
Support for children and youth under 18. Free counselling and reporting abuse.
Hours: 24/7
The South African Federation for Mental Health
Mental health support, counselling referrals, and resources.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Gender-Based Violence
Support for GBV survivors
GBV Command Centre
Report gender-based violence, get counselling and emergency assistance. 24/7, free, confidential.
Hours: 24/7
Stop Gender Violence Helpline
Free counselling and support for victims of gender-based violence.
Hours: 24/7
Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust
Trauma counselling, court support, and resources for rape survivors.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm (24/7 emergency line)
People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
Counselling, legal support, and shelter for women experiencing abuse.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Financial Crisis
Emergency financial assistance and food security
SASSA (Social Security)
Apply for social grants: child support, disability, foster care, old age. Free application.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Gift of the Givers
Emergency food parcels, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid.
Hours: 24/7
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Student funding for tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and transport.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm
University Financial Aid Offices
Contact your university's financial aid office for emergency bursaries, meal vouchers, and hardship funds.
FoodForward SA
Food distribution for vulnerable communities. Find your nearest distribution point.
Legal Aid & Rights
Free legal support and advice
Legal Aid South Africa
Free legal services for civil and criminal cases. Available to those earning under R6,000/month.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm
University of Pretoria Law Clinic
Free legal advice and representation for qualifying individuals.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Wits Law Clinic
Free legal advice for low-income individuals in Gauteng.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
UCT Law Clinic
Free legal services in Western Cape.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
Free Internet & Study Spaces
Access to WiFi and study resources
Public Libraries
Most public libraries offer free WiFi and quiet study spaces. Bring your ID to register for a library card.
Project Isizwe WiFi Zones
Free WiFi hotspots in Tshwane and Cape Town. Check website for locations.
University Libraries
Many universities allow visitors to use WiFi in public areas (lobbies, courtyards). Check with security.
Starbucks & Vida e Caffè
Free WiFi with purchase (or sometimes without). Good for quick study sessions.
Zero-Rated Educational Sites
Access these data-free: Wikipedia (wikipedia.org), Khan Academy, OpenStax, MIT OpenCourseWare.
Healthcare & Medical
Free or low-cost healthcare services
National Health Line
Health advice, clinic locations, and medical referrals.
Hours: 24/7
Public Clinics
Free healthcare at government clinics and community health centers. Bring your ID and proof of residence.
Marie Stopes Clinics
Reproductive health, family planning, HIV testing, and counselling. Free or low-cost.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
TB HIV Care
Free TB and HIV testing, treatment, and support.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Substance Abuse
Help for substance abuse and addiction
Narcotics Anonymous SA
Support groups for drug addiction recovery. Free, anonymous meetings nationwide.
Alcoholics Anonymous SA
Support groups for alcohol addiction. Free meetings in all major cities.
South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA)
Treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation for substance abuse.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm
Accommodation & Homelessness
Emergency shelter and housing support
Street People
Emergency shelter and support for homeless individuals in Cape Town.
Johannesburg Social Development
Emergency accommodation and social services in Johannesburg.
University Residence Offices
If you're a student facing homelessness, contact your university's residence office immediately for emergency accommodation.
You Are Not Alone
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These organizations are here to support you through difficult times.
If you know of additional resources that should be listed here, please contact us at support@pathwaysa.co.za