In South Africa, getting help in an emergency is often more complicated and slower than it should be. Security and medical responders can take upwards of half an hour to arrive in major cities, and in rural areas, delays can stretch for days. On top of that, simply knowing which services are available and how to reach them can be confusing.
Samsung has stepped in to close this gap with Samsung SOS+. Zahir Cajee, MX Lead of Product and Commercial at Samsung South Africa, explains how the latest expansion of the service is helping more South Africans stay safe.
Q: What is SOS+ and how does it work?
A: Samsung SOS+ was designed with the realities of South Africa in mind. At its core, it gives you one-tap access to 24/7 security and medical emergency response. Through our partnership with AURA, customers are connected to a nationwide network of private security and medical responders. When you tap the SOS+ button, your request is routed to the closest available responder, wherever you are in the country.
We launched in June, and our average response time is just under seven minutes in metro areas, which is remarkable. The experience, interactivity and transparency you get through the service creates immense peace of mind.
Q: Tell me about the latest update, where you’re rolling out the service to new phones.
A: We initially launched on our Galaxy A Series, our mid-range line-up. We’ve now expanded availability to selected models in the Galaxy S Series and Z Series, making SOS+ accessible across the broader Galaxy ecosystem. Anyone who purchases a qualifying device between 1 November and the end of March 2026 will receive 12
Devices now supported include: Galaxy Z Series (Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE) and Galaxy S Series (S25 Ultra, S25+, S25, S25 Edge, S25 FE)
months of SOS+ at no cost. We’re also working to bring the service to more existing Galaxy devices and our wearables in the near future
Q: In an emergency, how do customers access the service?
A: We offer multimodal access. Customers can reach SOS+ via SMS, a toll-free number or the dedicated app. During sign-up, we provide all the details you need. In the app, you simply tap “Medical” or “Security,” and a responder is dispatched. You can see their location and estimated arrival time, and your information and location are automatically shared, making the process quick and seamless.
Q: How are customers using the service so far?
A: On the security side, people are using it to access private armed response. If you feel unsafe at home late at night, or you’re stranded on the roadside while waiting for other assistance, SOS+ can send someone to stand by with you until help arrives.
SOS+ has shown itself to have immediate impact in urgent real-life scenarios, which can occur at any given time. The service has demonstrated speed and effectiveness in various situations, devoid of time or location, and has proved successful in critical situations.
Q: South Africans are always watching their wallets. What does this cost?
A: SOS+ gives you access to emergency medical and security response. Hospital or medical treatment costs aren’t included. The service is currently free for 12 months for new customers on qualifying devices. There are no hidden fees. We see it as an essential, potentially lifesaving service at an accessible price point.
Q: What sets this service apart from others that might be similar?
A: Firstly, the ease of access and the intuitive interface stand out. Then there’s the response time and the fairness of the system. Every call is treated equally, with no prioritisation based on the type or severity of the emergency. If you need help, you get help.
It’s also nationwide, giving you consistent quality no matter where you are. SOS+ doesn’t depend on whether you’re headed to a private or public hospital, and you don’t have to worry about your call going unanswered. At Samsung, we focus on removing barriers to communication and accessibility. With SOS+, we’re committed to democratising critical, value-driven services for communities across South Africa.