You have an emergency?

During office hours (08h30–16h00):
Phone 021 650 1020 for assistance from the Student Wellness Service (SWS) Hotline.
You can also visit the SWS Ivan Toms Building service point on Lower Campus.

All hours:
For any emergencies, phone 080 650 2222 (toll-free) for UCT Campus Protection Services (CPS).
For mental health emergencies, phone 0800 24 25 26 (toll-free) or text 31393 for a call-me-back (UCT Student Careline).

See here for 

Alternatively, contact one of the below specialised services.

Emergency contacts for:

24-hour hospital emergency units

Groote Schuur Hospital (public hospital)
Main Road, Observatory
Tel: 021 404 9111 (switchboard) / 021 404 5566 (appointments)

Life Claremont Hospital 
245 Main Road, Claremont
Tel: 021 670 4300 

Vincent Pallotti Hospital
Alexandra Road, Pinelands
Tel: 021 506 5111

Kingsbury Hospital
Wilderness Lane, Claremont
Tel: 021 670 4000

Rondebosch Medical Centre (opposite Red Cross Childrens Hospital)
85 Klipfontein Road, Mowbray
Emergency Unit
Tel: 021 685 8706

Ambulances

State: 10177 or Private: ER24 084124

Mental health and counselling

UCT Student Careline: call 0800 24 25 26 or text 31393
Toll-free from a Telkom line / SMS call-back service

  • This line offers 24/7 telephonic counselling, advice, referral facilities and general support to students facing any mental health challenges or contemplating suicide. The line is available to offer support and advice to anyone who is concerned about a student who might be in distress. The line is able to advise and refer callers to both internal UCT resources and external (NGO, public and private) mental health resources.
  • Please make use of the UCT Student Careline while waiting for an appointment at the Student Wellness Service or if you require emotional support at any time.
  • This is a dedicated UCT Careline at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). The SADAG website contains useful information about mental health issues as well as details of their national helplines.

SWS crisis line for psychiatric emergencies (after hours): 021 650 1271

Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36

View also: Emergency protocol for a student in a mental health crisis on campus and in UCT residences

Sexual assault

UCT Office for Inclusivity & Change (OIC)
Tel: Rashieda 021 650 3530 or 072 393 7824

UCT Campus Protection Services (CPS)
Tel: 021 650 2222/ 3 (24-hours)

Pharmacies

Webb & Savoy
34 Cnr Main & Durban Roads, Mowbray
Tel: 021 689 8923
Mon–Sat: 08h00–21h00; Sun: 09h00–21h00

Rustenburg
Fountain Square, Main Road, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 686 3997
Mon–Sat: 08h30–22h00; Sun: 09h00–22h00

Clicks Pharmacy
Fountain Square, 23 Main Road, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 689 8973
Mon–Sat: 08h30–19h30

Poisons units

24-hour emergency number: 0861 555 777 Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape

Red Cross Hospital: 021 685 5111 (office hours)

Tygerberg Hospital: 021 938 6084 (office hours)

Reproductive health

The Marie Stopes Clinic
Tel: 0800 11 77 85 (toll-free)

  • Safe abortions
  • Contraceptives
  • Pregnancy care
  • HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing
  • Women wellness
  • Pap smears

Emergency contraception

The "morning after pill" is available at pharmacies, emergency hospital units or via Marie Stopes Telemedicine Services 0800 11 77 85 (toll-free).