Most days out in Gauteng go exactly as planned.
You get to the restaurant, make the concert, catch the Gautrain, find your friends at the market and eventually make your way home. But every now and then, something goes sideways. Your phone gets stolen. A rideshare trip does not feel right. You get separated from your group. Someone becomes unwell. You find yourself somewhere unfamiliar and need help.
Nobody plans for those moments. But knowing what to do when something goes wrong can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
For women exploring Gauteng alone, travelling with friends, driving at night or heading to an event, having a few emergency contacts saved in your phone is simply good preparation.
It is not about expecting something to happen. It is about knowing you have options if it does.
When You Need Immediate Help
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent police assistance, contact the South African Police Service.
SAPS Emergency Services : 10111
From a cellphone, 112 can also be used for emergencies.
When you call, try to stay as calm and specific as possible. Tell the operator where you are, what has happened and what kind of assistance you need.
If you are at an event or venue, you can also alert security or medical personnel while emergency assistance is being arranged.
If You Need Gender-Based Violence Support
If something has happened that involves gender-based violence, harassment or abuse, you do not have to figure everything out on your own.
The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) provides support and assistance through:
0800 428 428
You can also use the Please Call Me option:
*120*7867#
The Department of Social Development lists these as GBV Command Centre contact options, with the service providing support and referrals to people affected by gender-based violence.
Save these numbers before you need them.
If Something Goes Wrong at an Event
Concerts, festivals, markets, wine expos and nightlife venues can get busy quickly. If something happens, your first move should be towards people who can actually help..
If you feel uncomfortable, become separated from your group or need assistance:
- Move towards venue staff, security or medical personnel.
- Stay in a busy, well-lit area.
- Tell a friend or someone you trust what has happened.
- If you have become separated, go to your group’s agreed meeting point.
- Do not accept a lift from a stranger simply because you need help.
- If you are seriously injured or unwell, ask venue staff to contact medical assistance.
This is also why agreeing on a meeting point before entering a busy event can be so useful.
For more practical advice on looking out for friends while you’re out, read Going Out as a Group: How Women Can Look Out for Each Other at Gauteng Events
If Your Phone Gets Stolen
Losing your phone while travelling or attending an event is stressful, but the first priority is getting yourself somewhere safe.
Once you are in a secure place:
- Ask venue staff or security for assistance.
- Use another phone to contact someone you trust.
- Block your SIM or mobile account as soon as possible.
- Contact your bank if banking apps or payment information were accessible through the phone.
- Change important passwords when you can.
- Use Find My Device or Find My iPhone if the function is available and appropriate.
- Report the theft to SAPS if necessary.
Do not put yourself in danger trying to recover a stolen phone. Your safety comes first.
If Something Goes Wrong With Your Rideshare
Sometimes the problem is not where you expected it to be. A driver may take an unexpected route, behave inappropriately or simply make you feel uncomfortable.
If that happens, trust your judgement.
Where possible, ask to end the trip in a busy, populated location rather than somewhere isolated. Avoid getting into a confrontation with the driver. Once you are somewhere safe, use the rideshare platform’s reporting or safety tools to report what happened.
Keep the trip information, including the driver’s details, vehicle registration and trip record, if you have access to them.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
For a fuller guide before getting into a rideshare, read Rideshare Safety in Gauteng: What Every Woman Should Know Before Getting In
If You Think You Are Being Followed
The important thing is not to panic or make a rushed decision.
If you are walking, move towards a busy public place where there are other people and staff around.
If you are driving, do not drive directly home. Instead, head towards somewhere public and staffed, such as a police station, busy petrol station or shopping centre with security.
Call someone you trust and let them know where you are.
If you believe the situation is an immediate emergency, contact the police.
Our guide to Safe Driving Alone in Gauteng: A Woman’s Guide to Road Safety After Dark covers this situation in more detail, including what to do if you are concerned about another vehicle following you.
WHAT’S ON G QUICK SAVE
Save this section to your phone.
| Emergency | Number |
| SAPS Emergency | 10111 |
| Emergency from cellphone | 112 |
| GBV Command Centre | 0800 428 428 |
| GBV Please Call Me | *120*7867# |
The GBV Command Centre numbers are confirmed by South Africa’s Department of Social Development.
Before You Head Out
You do not need a complicated emergency plan. A few small habits are enough.
Before leaving home:
✓ Charge your phone
✓ Save your emergency numbers
✓ Let someone know where you’re going
✓ Have your transport plan sorted
✓ Make sure your rideshare app is working
✓ Agree on a meeting point if you’re going out with friends
✓ Keep important medical or emergency information accessible
If you are travelling alone, a quick message when you arrive can be just as useful as one when you leave. Someone knowing roughly where you are gives you an extra layer of support without taking away your independence.
Knowing Your Options Is the Point
Knowing what to do when something goes wrong does not mean expecting the worst.
It means knowing who to call. It means knowing where to go. It means knowing when to ask for help and having enough information to make your next decision calmly.
That is what confidence looks like too.
You can go to the concert. Take the Gautrain. Meet your friends for dinner. Explore somewhere new. Drive yourself home.
And if something does not go according to plan, you have options.
Her City. Her Rules.
Save this guide for later and share it with another woman who spends time exploring Gauteng.
