Where to Get Help in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 10111 or go to your nearest police station or hospital. All numbers below were checked against recent sources on 5 October 2026. Numbers and opening hours can change, so please confirm before sharing widely.
National 24-hour lines (free, work in both provinces)
| Service | Contact | What it offers |
| GBV Command Centre | 0800 428 428 | Please Call Me: *120*7867# | 24/7 social workers, counselling and referral to shelters, police and care centres. SMS “help” to 31531 (persons with disabilities). |
| Stop Gender Violence Helpline | 0800 150 150 | Free, confidential counselling and referral for survivors. |
| Police (SAPS) | 10111 | Emergencies. Crime Stop (anonymous tips): 08600 10111. |
| National Shelter Movement of SA | 0800 001 005 | Helpline for survivors needing shelter. SMS/WhatsApp/Please Call Me: 082 057 8600, 082 058 2215 or 072 239 7147. |
| TEARS Foundation | *134*7355# (free USSD) | 010 590 5920 | Sends the nearest rape and sexual abuse support services to your phone, even without data or airtime. |
| Childline South Africa | 0800 055 555 | Free 24-hour counselling for children and for adults worried about a child. |
| Human Trafficking Hotline | 0800 222 777 | Confidential reporting and support. |
| Sonke Gender Justice whistleblower line | 0800 333 059 | SMS 33490 | Anonymous and safe reporting of GBV. |
Mental health, suicide and substance use (national)
| Service | Contact | What it offers |
| SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline | 0800 567 567 | SMS 31393 | 24 hours. Counselling and referral for anyone in distress or at risk of suicide. |
| Cipla Mental Health Helpline (SADAG) | 0800 456 789 | SMS 31393 | 24 hours. General mental health support. |
| Dr Reddy’s Mental Health Helpline (SADAG) | 0800 21 22 23 | 8am to 8pm. Counselling and referrals. |
| Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline | 0800 70 80 90 | 8am to 8pm. Depression and anxiety support. |
| LifeLine National Counselling Line | 0861 322 322 | 24-hour counselling, including after rape or abuse. |
| Dept of Social Development Substance Abuse Line | 0800 12 13 14 | SMS 32312 | 24 hours. Support and referral for alcohol and drug use. |
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal continues to record some of the country’s highest GBV figures, with eThekwini, uMgungundlovu and King Cetshwayo named by the Premier in November 2025 as the main hotspots. The provincial government reported 21 shelters and 31 White Door Centres of Hope in operation, plus a new Khuseleka One Stop Centre in Zululand. To be referred to the nearest shelter or White Door Centre, call the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
Thuthuzela Care Centres (KZN)
One-stop centres in public hospitals offering medical care, counselling and legal support after rape and sexual violence. The list below is as published by UNHCR South Africa and may not include every site, so call ahead or ask the Command Centre for the nearest one.
| Centre | Hospital / location | Phone |
| Edendale TCC | Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg | 033 395 4325 |
| Empangeni TCC | Ngwelezana Hospital, Empangeni | 035 901 7000 |
| Madadeni TCC | Madadeni Hospital, Newcastle | 034 328 8000 |
| Phoenix TCC | Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital | 031 502 1719 |
| Port Shepstone TCC | Port Shepstone Regional Hospital | 039 688 6021 |
| RK Khan TCC | RK Khan Hospital, Westcliffe | 031 459 6000 |
| Stanger TCC | Stanger Provincial Hospital, Stanger | 032 437 6000 |
| Umlazi TCC | Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, Umlazi | 031 907 8496 |
Local organisations (KZN)
| Organisation | Contact | What it offers |
| Lifeline Durban | 24/7 crisis line: 031 312 2323 | Counselling and crisis support. Its social workers are stationed at government hospitals in KZN and at police stations in the Ugu, eThekwini and iLembe areas. |
| Open Door Crisis Care Centre (Pinetown) | 031 709 2679 | Interdenominational one-stop crisis and trauma centre offering counselling, social services and support groups. |
| SADAG KwaZulu-Natal branch | www.sadag.org | Local branch of the national mental health organisation, with free support groups. |
| We Will Speak Out South Africa (Durban office) | www.wwsosa.org.za | Equips faith leaders to respond to survivors and coordinates the Faith Action to End GBV Collective. Not a crisis line. |
Gauteng
Thuthuzela Care Centres (Gauteng)
As published by UNHCR South Africa. This list may not include every site, so call ahead or ask the Command Centre for the nearest one.
| Centre | Hospital / location | Phone |
| Baragwanath / Nthabiseng TCC | Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Diepkloof | 011 933 1206 |
| Kopanong TCC | Kopanong Hospital, Duncanville, Vereeniging | 016 428 5959 |
| Laudium TCC | Laudium Hospital & Community Health Centre | 012 374 3710 |
| Lenasia TCC | Lenasia Hospital, Lenasia South, Johannesburg | 011 211 0632 |
| Mamelodi TCC | Mamelodi Day Hospital | 012 841 8413 |
| Masakhane TCC | Tembisa Hospital, Tembisa | 011 923 2180 |
| Sinakekelwe TCC | Natalspruit Hospital | 011 909 5832 |
Local organisations (Gauteng)
| Organisation | Contact | What it offers |
| POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) | 011 642 4345/6 | counselling@powa.co.za | Free counselling at six branch offices, telephonic and email counselling, legal support, and two shelters (East Rand and West Rand). |
| TEARS Foundation (Sandton) | 010 590 5920 | *134*7355# | Crisis intervention, counselling and referral for survivors of rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence. |
| Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre | 011 331 0088 | Helps women who have experienced or are at risk of GBV to access justice. |
A note for faith communities
The Faith Action to End GBV Collective, coordinated by We Will Speak Out South Africa, brings together faith leaders from eight traditions to build safe, survivor-centred faith spaces. It is a resource for faith leaders and communities rather than an emergency service, so survivors in crisis should use the lines above.
About this list
Compiled on 5 October 2026 from the Department of Social Development and SA News (GBV Command Centre), SADAG, UNHCR South Africa, POWA, Lifeline Durban and local news reports. Shelter and NGO numbers change often. We recommend a periodic check, especially before each 16 Days of Activism campaign.