Safety tips for residents and visitors

Like anywhere in South Africa, a little preparation goes a long way. These tips apply to residents, students and visitors.
On the road
- Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic; don’t leave valuables visible when parked.
- Park in well-lit, busy places.
- Check road conditions before long trips and avoid driving at night on rural roads where possible.
At home
- Secure gates, doors and windows; consider an alarm and community neighbourhood watch.
- Don’t share travel plans publicly on social media.
Out and about
- Use licensed taxis or trusted ride services, especially at night.
- Keep phones and wallets out of sight in crowded places.
- Plan the way home before you go out and let a friend know where you are.
In an emergency
Dial 10111 for police, 10177 for an ambulance, or 112 from a mobile. The GBV Command Centre is 0800 428 428. See the full list of emergency numbers.