Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa:

Worldwide fellowship for alcoholics supporting those choosing to be sober. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

  • National helpline: 0861 HELPAA (435 722) or Website for more contact or meeting information

Al-Anon:

Al-Anon Family Groups is for the families and friends of problem drinkers, with a special section – Alateen – for children of alchoholics, and a group for adult children of alcoholics.

  • Helpline: 0861 ALANON (25 26 66), Main office: (021) 595-4508, E-mail or Website 

Narcotics Anonymous SA:

NA is a non-profit organisation for recovering drug addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.

  • National 24-hour helpline: 083 900 MY NA (083 900 69 62) or Website

SA National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence:

Sanca provides specialised and affordable prevention and treatment services for alcohol and other drug dependence. A national body established in 1956, it has independently operated societies and counselling centres in all nine provinces.

  • Sanca – Western Cape: (021) 945 4080/1 or Website

  • Department of Social Development’s Substance Abuse Line Offers support, guidance and help for people addicted to drugs and alcohol as well as their families. Run in partnership with the SA Depression and Anxiety Group.

  • National toll-free helpline: 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312

Childline South Africa:

Assistance from trained counsellors for abused children, young people, and their families. Not-for-profit organisation.

  • 24-hour toll-free helpline: 08000 55 555 or Website

  • Information, support and assistance to children and their families. Issues dealt with include physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, behavioral problems, legal advice and trafficking

Child Welfare South Africa:

The coordinating body for more than 260 affiliated child welfare societies, organisations and community outreach projects. It is the largest non-profit, non-governmental organisation in South Africa in the fields of child protection and child care and family development

  • Report neglect or abuse of a child: 0861 4 CHILD (24453), Email or Website

  • National: (011) 452-4110

Police Child Protection Units:

The South African Police Service’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit Special police units investigate violent crimes against children and offer specialised services to child victims of crime. There are units around the country. Email

  • Emergency number: 10111

  • Crime Stop: 08600 10111

  • Report cases of child abuse for police investigation, email : childprotect@saps.org.za

Women in crisis:

People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa). Gauteng-based organisation offering shelter, counselling and legal support to women in abusive relationships, rape survivors, survivors of incest.

Stop Gender Abuse:

Crisis counselling for women who have been raped or abused, advice and support for people wanting to support women in need of help, legal and other options available for abused women and rape survivors. Run by LifeLine Southern Africa.

  • Toll-free helpline: 0800 150 150

Rape Crisis:

Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust works to prevent rape, offers healing to survivors, and works towards legal reforms that will ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. Services include counselling, court preparation, support groups, important contact numbers. Non-governmental organization. Website

Counseling Lines:

  • 021 447-9762 (Observatory)

  • 021 633 9229 (Athlone)

  • 021 361 9085 (Khayalitsha)

HELPLINES IN SOUTH AFRICA :