Crisis helplines (national, 24 hours)

Researched by the VarsityStart team from official university sources. Last checked 10 October 2026. How we check

Higher Health, 24 hours, for university and TVET students and staff: 0800 36 36 36, or SMS 43336. Run with SADAG, with counselling in 11 languages.
Suicide and mental health: SADAG suicide crisis line 0800 567 567, Life Line 0861 322 322 (WhatsApp 065 989 9238), Cipla 24-hour mental health line 0800 456 789, Akeso psychiatric response unit 0861 435 787 (24 hours).
Gender-based violence: Stop Gender Violence 0800 150 150, and the GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428 (or SMS "help" to 31531). A December 2024 report said the Command Centre line was cutting off and we found nothing newer confirming a fix, so if it does not connect use the other number or Higher Health.
Emergencies: SAPS 10111, Netcare 911 082 911, ER24 084 124.