South Africa Quitline — National Council Against Smoking 011 720 3145

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national quitline in South Africa?

Yes. The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) runs a national Quit Line on 011 720 3145. It is the number printed on cigarette packs sold in South Africa. NCAS staff give telephone advice and counselling on how to quit, and you can also reach them by WhatsApp on 072 766 7812.

Source: National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) — Quit Smoking , National Council Against Smoking (NCAS)

How much does it cost to call 011 720 3145?

The 011 720 3145 Quit Line is a Johannesburg landline number, not a toll-free line, so you pay your normal call rate to reach it. The advice and counselling you receive on the line are provided free of charge. If cost is a concern, you can instead send a WhatsApp message to 072 766 7812 or email quit@iafrica.com.

Source: National Council Against Smoking (NCAS)

What support does the Quit Line offer?

The NCAS Quit Line provides telephone counselling and practical advice on how to stop smoking during office hours. Staff can talk you through the quitting process and can post you a personal guide to quitting. NCAS also offers follow-up support through WhatsApp.

Source: National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) — Quit Smoking , National Council Against Smoking (NCAS)

What other help is available to quit smoking in South Africa?

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) runs a free online eKickButt programme that guides you by email, plus downloadable quit guides. CANSA also directs smokers to the NCAS Quit Line. Your doctor or local clinic can advise on counselling and stop-smoking medication, which together can more than double your chance of quitting successfully.

Source: CANSA — How to Quit Smoking , CANSA — Commit to Quit

Who runs the Quit Line and what languages does it use?

The Quit Line is operated by the National Council Against Smoking, a non-profit organisation based in Johannesburg that works on tobacco control and cessation. The line operates in English; NCAS also publishes its written quit-smoking guidelines in English, Afrikaans and isiZulu. South Africa has 12 official languages, so available spoken support may vary.

Source: National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) , CANSA — How to Quit Smoking