The short answer is:

069 numbers in South Africa are associated with both MTN and Telkom number allocations.

The fourth digit matters. The 069 range has been divided into smaller blocks rather than the entire prefix belonging to one mobile network.

So, for example:

0690 xxx xxx → originally allocated to MTN
0695 xxx xxx → originally allocated to Telkom
0699 xxx xxx → originally allocated to Telkom

However, there is an important catch.

Is 069 MTN or Telkom?

It can be either.

An 0690 number is associated with an original MTN allocation, while numbers beginning with 0691 through 0699 are associated with Telkom allocations.

This is why simply saying that "069 is a Telkom number" or "069 is an MTN number" isn't entirely accurate.

You need to look at the first four digits.

For example:

Is 0690 MTN?

Yes. 0690 numbers were originally allocated to MTN.

That doesn't necessarily mean someone with an 0690 number is currently an MTN customer, however.

South Africa supports mobile number portability, which allows customers to move their existing cellphone number from one mobile network to another.

An 0690 number could therefore originally have been issued through MTN and later ported to Vodacom, Telkom, Cell C or another network.

Is 0691 Telkom?

0691 is associated with Telkom's original number allocation.

The same applies to the remaining 0691–0699 blocks.

Again, number portability means this identifies where the number was originally allocated rather than guaranteeing which network currently provides service to that number.

Why Doesn't 069 Belong to Just One Network?

Many South Africans are accustomed to older cellphone prefixes having an obvious network association.

For example:

Newer mobile number ranges are more complicated.

As South Africa required additional cellphone numbers, new ranges were made available and portions of the same three-digit prefix could be allocated to different telecommunications providers.

That is why newer prefixes such as 060, 063, 064, 065, 067, 068 and 069 cannot always be linked to a single network simply by looking at the first three digits.

Does an 069 Number Mean It Is Currently on MTN or Telkom?

Not necessarily.

The prefix tells you about the number's original allocation, not necessarily its current network.

South Africa has mobile number portability.

For example, someone could receive an 0695 number originally associated with Telkom and later move their service to another mobile network while keeping exactly the same cellphone number.

The number would still begin with 0695.

This is an important distinction when trying to identify a network from a South African cellphone number.

Are 069 Numbers Legitimate South African Cellphone Numbers?

Yes.

069 is part of South Africa's mobile numbering ranges. Receiving a call from an 069 number does not, by itself, indicate anything suspicious.

The fact that many people are less familiar with newer 06 numbers than traditional numbers such as 072, 082 and 083 can sometimes make them look unusual.

However, an 069 number can be a perfectly normal South African mobile number.

Is an 069 Number a Scam?

You cannot determine whether a call is a scam simply because the number starts with 069.

Scammers can use ordinary South African mobile numbers, while legitimate individuals and businesses can also have 069 numbers.

Instead of judging a caller by the prefix, be cautious if an unexpected caller asks you to provide things such as:

• Banking login details

• Card numbers or PINs

• One-time PINs (OTPs)

• Passwords

• ID numbers or other sensitive personal information

• Money or an immediate payment

Banks and legitimate companies will not require you to hand over sensitive security credentials simply because they have called you.

Can I Find Out Who Owns an 069 Number?

The 069 prefix cannot tell you the identity of the person who owns a particular number.

It can only help identify the number range and its original network allocation.

Be cautious of websites claiming they can reveal someone's personal identity simply by entering their cellphone number.

What Country Uses +27 69 Numbers?

If the number appears as +27 69..., it is using South Africa's international country code.

South African mobile numbers written domestically begin with a zero:

069 xxx xxxx

When written internationally, the initial zero is removed and replaced with South Africa's +27 country code:

+27 69 xxx xxxx

These represent the same type of South African number.

For example:

069 123 4567

becomes:

+27 69 123 4567

when written in international format.

What About Other 06 Numbers?

069 is only one of several newer South African mobile number prefixes.

Other 06-series numbers include:

060, 061, 062, 063, 064, 065, 066, 067 and 068.

Some are primarily associated with one network, while others are divided between multiple operators.

For a complete breakdown, see our guide to South African cellphone number prefixes, which explains which networks were originally allocated the major 06, 07 and 08 mobile number ranges.

Quick Answer

If you just need the answer:

0690 = originally MTN

0691–0699 = originally Telkom

But remember that mobile number portability means the number may now operate on a different network.

So if someone asks "069 is which network in South Africa?", the most accurate answer is:

069 numbers were originally allocated to both MTN and Telkom. Check the fourth digit: 0690 is associated with MTN, while 0691–0699 are associated with Telkom.

Last updated: October 2026

Older prefixes are relatively straightforward. For example, 082 and 072 are traditionally associated with Vodacom, while 083 and 073 are associated with MTN.

Newer South African cellphone prefixes – particularly numbers beginning with 06 – are more complicated. A single three-digit prefix such as 060, 063 or 065 can contain number blocks allocated to several different networks.

Here is a quick guide.

Important: A Prefix Doesn't Always Tell You the Current Network

There is an important catch when trying to identify a South African mobile network from its number.

South Africans can port their cellphone numbers between networks.

Someone could therefore have originally received an 082 Vodacom number and later moved that same number to MTN, Telkom or another network.

The prefixes in this guide are best understood as the network or networks to which the number ranges were originally allocated. They cannot always tell you which network a specific cellphone number currently uses.

Which Network Is 060?

060 numbers can belong to several different original network allocations.

The fourth digit is important:

So simply seeing 060 is not enough to determine the original network. You need at least the first four digits.

For example:

0604 → originally MTN
0607 → originally Vodacom
0602 → originally Telkom

The number could subsequently have been ported to another network.

Which Network Is 061?

061 numbers are primarily associated with Cell C, although parts of the range have also been allocated to Telkom.

Historically, much of the 061 range was issued to Cell C as South Africa required additional mobile numbering capacity.

Because allocations can occur at a smaller block level – and numbers can subsequently be ported – it is safer not to assume every 061 number currently operates on Cell C.

Which Network Is 062?

062 is associated with Cell C.

This is one of the simpler 06-series prefixes compared with ranges such as 060, 064 and 065.

However, mobile number portability still means an individual 062 number may subsequently have moved to another network.

Which Network Is 063?

063 numbers can originally be from either MTN or Vodacom.

The range is divided into smaller blocks:

For example, an 0632 number would traditionally point to MTN, whereas 0636 would point to Vodacom.

Again, this identifies the original allocation rather than guaranteeing the person's current network.

Which Network Is 064?

064 is shared between MTN, Cell C and Vodacom.

The original allocations include:

This makes 064 another prefix where the first three digits alone aren't enough.

An 0642 number, for example, was originally associated with Cell C, while 0648 was originally associated with Vodacom.

Which Network Is 065?

065 is shared between Cell C, MTN and Telkom.

The number blocks have historically included:

Therefore:

0652 → originally Cell C
0656 → originally MTN
0659 → originally Telkom

Number portability can still change the current network.

Which Network Is 066?

066 is primarily associated with Vodacom.

Compared with many of the other 06-series numbers, this makes 066 relatively easy to identify from its original allocation.

That doesn't necessarily mean every person using an 066 number today is still a Vodacom customer, since the number may have been ported.

Which Network Is 067?

067 numbers are shared between Telkom and Vodacom.

Historical allocations include:

For example, 0674 originally indicates Vodacom, while 0678 indicates Telkom.

Which Network Is 068?

068 numbers are primarily split between Telkom and MTN.

The original number blocks include:

So an 0682 number was originally associated with Telkom, while an 0688 number was originally associated with MTN.

Which Network Is 069?

069 numbers are associated primarily with MTN and Telkom allocations.

The range has historically been divided as follows:

This means an 0690 number and an 0695 number do not necessarily originate from the same network even though both start with 069.

This distinction is particularly important because asking "Which network is 069?" doesn't have a single-network answer.

What About 071, 072, 073 and Other 07 Numbers?

South Africa's older 07-series numbers are generally easier to recognise.

The 071 range is another exception where smaller number blocks were allocated to different networks.

Traditionally:

0710 → MTN
0711–0716 → Vodacom
0717–0719 → MTN

What About 081, 082, 083 and 084?

Some of South Africa's most recognisable mobile prefixes fall into the 08 range.

082 and 083 are particularly recognisable because they were among the original cellphone prefixes used by Vodacom and MTN respectively.

Why Does South Africa Have So Many Cellphone Prefixes?

South Africa's mobile market has expanded enormously since the first GSM networks launched.

As the number of mobile subscribers, SIM cards and connected devices increased, additional number ranges had to be made available.

ICASA, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, manages the country's national numbering resources. Modern ranges can be allocated in smaller blocks, which is why newer prefixes such as 060, 064 and 065 can be shared by multiple operators rather than belonging entirely to one network.

Can I Tell Who Owns a Number From the Prefix?

No.

A cellphone prefix can provide information about the number range and its original network allocation, but it does not reveal the identity of the person who owns the number.

You should also be cautious of websites or services claiming they can reveal the personal identity of an unknown caller simply from a South African cellphone number.

Can I Tell If a Number Is a Scam From Its Prefix?

No. A particular cellphone prefix does not mean a call is legitimate or a scam.

Scammers can use ordinary South African cellphone numbers, and legitimate people and businesses can use any of the normal mobile number ranges.

An unfamiliar 060, 069, 072 or 082 number should therefore not automatically be considered suspicious simply because of its prefix.

If an unknown caller asks for passwords, OTPs, banking credentials or other sensitive information, do not provide it simply because the number appears to be South African.

Quick Reference: Major South African Mobile Prefixes

If you just want the short version:

Vodacom: traditionally includes 072, 076, 079 and 082, plus portions of several newer ranges.

MTN: traditionally includes 073, 078 and 083, plus portions of several newer ranges.

Cell C: traditionally includes 062, 074 and 084, plus portions of newer ranges such as 061, 064 and 065.

Telkom: has significant allocations within newer ranges including 060, 061, 065, 067, 068, 069 and 081.

The newer 06x numbers are often shared at sub-prefix level, so checking four digits rather than only the first three can give a much better indication of the number's original network.

And because South Africa supports mobile number portability, none of these prefixes can guarantee which network a number is currently using.

Last updated: October 2026

What number do you dial for MTN voicemail?

Dial:

132

Call 132 from your MTN cellphone and follow the voice prompts to listen to your messages or manage your voicemail settings.

MTN also lists *100# as the USSD code for accessing its voicemail menu.

How do I listen to an MTN voicemail?

1. Dial 132 from your MTN phone.

2. Follow the recorded instructions.

3. Select the option to listen to your messages.

4. Use the menu prompts to save, repeat or delete each message.

You may be asked to enter your voicemail PIN, particularly if you have previously enabled one.

How do I change my MTN voicemail password?

According to MTN’s voicemail guidance, you can dial 132, open your personal options and follow the prompts to change your voicemail password.

Choose a PIN that is difficult for someone else to guess. Avoid using simple combinations such as 1234 or the final four digits of your phone number.

Why can’t I access my MTN voicemail?

Try these steps:

• Confirm that you are calling from the correct MTN SIM.

• Check that your phone has an MTN network connection.

• Restart the phone and try calling 132 again.

• Dial *100# to see whether the voicemail menu is available.

• Contact MTN support if your voicemail has not been activated or your PIN no longer works.

Quick answer

Dial 132 from your MTN cellphone to access your voicemail. You can also dial *100# to open the MTN voicemail menu.

Does 132 still work on your MTN package? Share your experience below, especially if the steps differ between prepaid and contract accounts.

What is the Vodacom Please Call Me code?

Dial:

*140*recipient’s number#

Then press the call button.

For example, if you want someone with the number 082 123 4567 to call you, dial:

*140*0821234567#

The person should receive a message asking them to call you.

Does it cost anything?

Vodacom’s Please Call Me service is free. You therefore do not need airtime to send the request.

However, Vodacom may limit the number of Please Call Me messages you can send in a day.

Can you personalise a Vodacom Please Call Me?

Dial *140# to open the CallMe menu. Depending on the options currently available on your account, you may be able to add or change the name displayed in your Please Call Me messages.

Adding your name can help recipients recognise you if they have not saved your number.

Why is my Vodacom Please Call Me not working?

Check the following:

• Make sure you entered the code in the correct format.

• Do not leave spaces in the recipient’s cellphone number.

• Confirm that the recipient’s number has ten digits.

• Check whether you have reached your daily limit.

• Restart your phone or reconnect to the Vodacom network and try again.

Newly activated Vodacom SIM cards may also need to be recharged once before they can receive certain calls and messages from other customers.

Quick answer

To send a Please Call Me on Vodacom, dial *140*cellphone number# and press call.

Has this code worked for you recently? Let us know below if Vodacom has changed the process or if you found another method.

*121*Recipient’s Number#

For example:

*121*0831234567#

Press the call button, and the recipient will receive a message asking them to call you. MTN refers to this service as CallBack.

132

Call 132 directly from your Vodacom cellphone and follow the voice prompts to listen to, save or delete your messages.

To leave a voicemail message for another Vodacom customer, dial:

134

You can also dial 082 14, followed by the last nine digits of the person’s cellphone number.

Dial:

*121*Recipient’s Number#

For example:

*121*0831234567#

The recipient will receive a message showing the MTN number that sent the request. You can then save or write down your number.

You can also check your number in the MTN App or contact MTN customer service by dialling 135 from your MTN SIM.

Boardriders is one of the more established South African online stores for surf and skate lifestyle apparel. It combines three major brands under one platform: Roxy, Quiksilver and DC Shoes. You can find everything from wetsuits and boardshorts to hoodies, sandals, sneakers and casual clothing. They also stock additional lifestyle brands such as Skullcandy, Nixon, Gunslinger and GoPro, which makes it convenient if you prefer a one-stop shop for both apparel and accessories.

2. Komsurf
A surf, skate and lifestyle store offering surfboards, wetsuits, beachwear, skate gear and everyday clothing. Good for people who want a broad mix of gear and apparel.

3. Beachbum
Focuses on surf and water-sport gear, including surfboards, bodyboards, accessories and beach essentials. More equipment-focused than lifestyle fashion.

4. The Store (Jeffreys Bay)
A well-known surf and lifestyle retailer offering clothing, accessories and casual wear. A good alternative for those looking for well-known surf brands outside the major chains.

5. Instinct Surf
A South African surfwear brand with a strong heritage. They stock clothing and accessories and appeal to those who prefer supporting local surf culture.

6. Keep It Simple Surf (KISS)
Cape Town–based shop offering surfboards, wetsuits, surf gear and selected lifestyle apparel. Suitable for those who want both technical equipment and casual clothing from a local retailer.

Whether you’re shopping for boardshorts, wetsuits, skate shoes, casual hoodies or outdoor accessories, these stores cover most needs for South Africans who live an active lifestyle. Boardriders offers the biggest international lifestyle collection in one place, but the other stores are strong alternatives depending on whether you want local brands, hard gear, or specialist surf equipment.

1. Airalo
Airalo remains one of the most popular eSIM providers for travellers entering South Africa. It offers fast activation, multiple data-only plan options, and reliable coverage. You can install the eSIM before you fly and it will activate as soon as you arrive.

2. Holafly
Holafly is a strong option for travellers who prefer larger data bundles. It is straightforward to set up and offers a range of eSIM plans suitable for both short and extended visits.

3. Saily
Saily provides affordable data plans and offers flexibility for travellers looking for light-to-medium usage. Good for browsing, maps, messaging and basic travel needs.

4. Ubigi
Ubigi is another reliable international eSIM provider with competitive pricing and solid network performance in South Africa. Suitable for both tourists and remote workers.

5. Local Network eSIMs (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C)
South Africa’s major mobile networks offer eSIM support on selected plans. This option is ideal if you want a South African phone number or need voice calls and SMS. These usually require in-person activation at a retail store, so they aren’t as quick or convenient as travel eSIMs but offer full local functionality.

What to check before you buy an eSIM:

• Make sure your phone supports eSIM technology and is unlocked.

• Most travel eSIMs are data-only. If you need voice calling or SMS, consider a local network’s eSIM.

• Confirm how much data you realistically need based on your travel plans.

• Activate or install the eSIM before you arrive, so it connects instantly when you land.

Method 1: USSD Code

Dial *100# on your Afrihost Mobile SIM.
Navigate the menu to view your account details.
Your number will appear on screen.

Method 2: SMS or Call Someone

If you have airtime or data:

• Send an SMS or make a call to a friend or family member.

• They’ll see your number displayed on their device.

You can also send a “Please Call Me”:

• Dial *130*recipient’s number# and send.
  The person will receive a message that includes your number.

Method 3: Use the Afrihost App

• Download and open the Afrihost App.

• Log in with your Afrihost account.

• Select your mobile service, and your number will be shown in your profile or account details.
  You’ll need data or Wi-Fi for this option.

Method 4: ClientZone (Web Login)

• Visit the Afrihost ClientZone via a browser.

• Log in with your account details.

• Navigate to Mobile Services, where your number will be listed.

Method 5: Call Customer Care

Dial 135 from your Afrihost Mobile SIM.
Follow the prompts or speak to an agent to retrieve your number.

Method 6: Check the SIM Pack

If it’s a new SIM, your number may be printed on the starter pack or purchase receipt.

Let us know in the comments which method worked best for you, or if there’s another trick we should add.