In this article, we will delve into the world of Telephone numbers in South Africa to explore its many facets and discover its importance in different contexts. Throughout history, Telephone numbers in South Africa has played a fundamental role in people's lives, impacting the way we relate, work and function in society. From its origins to its relevance today, Telephone numbers in South Africa has been the subject of study and debate, generating endless interpretations and opinions. Through this article, we propose to analyze and reflect on Telephone numbers in South Africa, unraveling its most relevant aspects and offering a critical and comprehensive look that allows us to understand its true scope.
South Africa switched to a closed numbering system effective 16 January 2007. At that time, it became mandatory to dial the full 10-digit telephone number, including the zero in the three-digit area code, for local calls (e.g., 011 must be dialed from within Johannesburg). Area codes within the system are generally organized geographically. All telephone numbers are 9 digits long (but always prefixed by 0 for calls within South Africa), except for certain Telkom special services. When dialed from another country, the "0" is omitted and replaced with the appropriate international access code and the country code +27.
Background
History
Numbers were allocated when South Africa had only four provinces, meaning that ranges are now split across the current nine provinces.
South-West Africa (including Walvis Bay) was integrated into the South African numbering plan. However, the territory had already been allocated its own country code by the International Telecommunication Union, +264, in the late 1960s.
Namibia
Following its independence, Namibia discontinued direct dialing from South Africa and replaced it with international dialing using the +264 country code. For example, for a call from South Africa to Windhoek, before and after 1992:
Before 1992: 061 xxx xxxx
After 1992: 09 26461 xxx xxxx
After Jan 2007: 00 26461 xxx xxxx
Lesotho
Calls to Lesotho could be made using the access code 050 instead of the international code +266; for example, to call Maseru from South Africa, subscribers would dial 0501.
088: Fax Divert, Pagers and Telkom CallAnswer voicemail
089: Maxinet, for polls and radio call-in services
Note that from 10 November 2006, mobile number portability was introduced in the cellular market. The cellular prefixes as above are therefore not strictly applicable anymore, although they remain mostly unchanged.
09X XXX XXX (Premium-rate and machine-related numbers)
090: Premium-rate services
0902: Premium-rated adult services
091: Premium-rate services
092: Premium-rate services
096: Machine-related services (14-digit numbers)
097: Machine-related services (14-digit numbers)
098: Machine-related services (14-digit numbers)
There are still some non-automated exchanges which use longer dialing codes, mostly for "farm lines" and remote areas with operator-assisted exchanges.
09X XXX XXXX numbers are no longer in use in South Africa.