It is important that everyone stays safe during the lockdown. We know that some homes and communities are safer than others. Here are some numbers and links to help you to keep yourself and your family safe.
Who to contact about coronavirus/COVID-19 questions
SACoronavirus: sacoronavirus.co.za
Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999
WhatsApp Support Line: 0600 123456
Provincial numbers:
Gauteng: 0860 428 8364
Western Cape: 0860 142 142 (or WC Social Development 079 932 4127)
KwaZulu-Natal Dept of Health: 0800 005 133 (from 8am to 4pm)
Who to contact if you experience abuse in your home
Government has assured the public that shelters for the vulnerable will remain functional during the lockdown, including old age homes, child and youth care centres and rehabilitation centres.
GBV command centre: 0800 428 428 or *120*7867# (free)
Urgent victim response line: 0800 150 150
Reporting crime to SAPS: 08600 10111
Who to contact if you experience abuse by the police or military
Read this article about safe-guarding your rights during the lockdown.
If you witness abuse, you can contact the IPID on the following numbers.
Eastern Cape: 082 592 9888
Free State: 063 225 6081
Gauteng: 076 455 5718
Limpopo: 078 871 4811
KwaZulu-Natal: 079 895 2741
Mpumalanga: 072 881 4196
Northern Cape: 064 624 8203
North West: 078 163 6874
General: 079 433 2663
Alternatively, if you witness abuse by the police or army, you can also call the Legal Support Hotline: 066 076 8845
A public interest law organisation may be available to assist you free of charge. Take note of the time of the incident, the location, the name of the officer (if wearing a name tag), the registration or vehicle number, the nature of the incident. Please film the incident if you can.
Who to contact if you believe shops are increasing prices unfairly
Under the regulations shops are not allowed to hike the prices of essential goods. If you believe that businesses are taking advantage of the situation, they can be reported.
DTI hotline: 0800 141 880
Who to contact if you need support with food
Access to food and food parcels is a hot topic under lockdown as many people are hungry. President Ramaphosa announced on 21 April that SASSA will be rolling out a technology solution to deliver ‘food assistance’ to people through food vouchers. However, it will take some time to get this working. In the interim, the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the Solidarity Fund and various nonprofit organisations is working to deliver food parcels to different areas around the country. To apply for social relief of distress please dial 0800 60 10 11 toll free and select option 3.
FunDza has been able to find some contacts for food parcels in the Eastern Cape. These numbers are:
Alfred Nzo: Mrs Mgilane – 0798738006
Amathole: Mr Langa – 0663074612
Buffalo City: Mrs Siziba – 0825771804
Chris Hani: Ms Mpondwana – 08324115812
Joe Gqabi: Ms Mngini – 0824115698
Nelson Mandela: Mr Ngqabayi – 0828518491
OR Tambo: Ms Titus – 0823368071
Who to contact if you need counselling
Being under lockdown can be stressful. If you need support here are some numbers or download this pdf with more trauma counselling contact details.
South African Depression and Anxiety Group: 0800 567 567 (toll-free counselling between 8am and 8pm)
Lifeline: 0861 322 322 (24/7 National Counselling Line)
Lifeline: 0800 150 150 (24/7 Gender Violence toll-free line)
Lifeline: 0800 012 322 (24/7 Aids Helpline)
FAMSA: 011 975 7106/7 or email: national@famsa.org.za
How to stay virus-free in an informal settlement
Watch this isiXhosa video on hygiene in an informal settlement – HERE.
How to tell fact from fake news
The coronavirus is not just spreading the virus, it is also spreading a lot of misinformation and fake news. Don’t be a victim of fake news. Know the facts! Read this article about it, and check out:
SACoronavirus – Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Coronavirus
Africa Check – Fact sheets about Coronavirus