Know who you can call in an emergency

In an emergency every second counts and it could mean the difference between life and death. Currently, there’s no single emergency number in South Africa so it’s very important for you to have the correct contact details handy for a speedy response to your specific emergency.

Before you call

Always make sure that it’s a real emergency before you call as tying up emergency lines could lead to the prolonged suffering or death of someone else.

When calling an emergency number, make sure that you have the following information ready:

• Specific details about the location (address) of the incident or potential patient. Provide landmarks if you can.
• Specific details of the incident. Speak clearly and as calmly as you can to the person taking your call.
• Specific details about the contact person (name and telephone number). Make sure that the telephone line remains available until emergency services arrive at the scene.
• If applicable, a description of the suspect(s) and/or vehicle(s) involved.
• In the case of a stolen motor vehicle, the registration number, make, model and colour are important during the initial report.
• Where applicable, if the patient(s) involved in the incident is conscious and breathing, a description of the injuries sustained.

Depending on the nature of your emergency, you can call the appropriate emergency number below:

Coronavirus COVID-19

The Western Cape Government’s health teams are working around the clock to respond to COVID-19, and dedicated work-streams are meeting regularly to ensure a significant, all-of-government effort.

We are working together with the national government, and all our partners, to do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus. You have a role to play to protect yourself and your families. If we all do so, we will protect our communities too. We are all in this together.

 We need residents to know: 

• If you develop flu-like symptoms, do not panic. Please self-quarantine. This means you must limit your contact with other people.
• Please call the National Coronavirus Hotline: 0800 029 999, the Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102 or WhatsApp "Hi" to 060 012 3456 or email doh.dismed@westerncape.gov.za.
• You can also call your health practitioner for further advice on what to do next.
• If unwell, stay home, except to get medical care as directed by the hotline or advice of health practitioner – don't go to work, school or public areas.

Other relevant information: