Developer API

SMS API in South Africa

Add SMS to your application in South Africa in minutes. The eSMS Africa SMS API delivers to Vodacom, MTN, Cell C & Telkom over direct routes, with delivery webhooks, OTP, sender IDs and a free sandbox to test before you go live.

Get API keys free Read the API docs

Direct routes to 4 networks Delivery reports ZAR 0.2274 per SMS

Networks in South Africa

VodacomMTNCell CTelkom

Country code

+27

Status

Production

Why eSMS Africa

SMS API in South Africa, done properly

REST API + SMPP

Send with a simple HTTPS request or bind over SMPP for high throughput. Either way your South Africa traffic runs on the same direct routes to Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom.

Delivery webhooks (DLR)

Get a real-time callback for every message status - sent, delivered, failed - so your app always knows what happened to each SMS in South Africa.

Sandbox + SDKs

Test free in the sandbox, then go live with official Node, Python, PHP and Go SDKs. Example numbers for South Africa use the +27 country code.

Sender IDs & OTP

Step by step

How to send an SMS to South Africa with the API

1
Get your API key. Create an account and copy your API key from the dashboard.
2
Format the number. Use international format for South Africa numbers - they start with +27 (e.g. 27821234567).
3
Call the send endpoint. POST to https://api.esmsafrica.io/v1/sms/send with to, from and message.
4
Receive delivery reports. Set a webhook URL and eSMS Africa calls it with each message status in real time.
5
Go live. Test in the sandbox with a test key, then switch to your live key.

Integrate in minutes

Send your first SMS to South Africa

curl -X POST https://api.esmsafrica.io/v1/sms/send \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "to": "27821234567",
    "from": "MyBrand",
    "message": "Your message"
  }'

Full REST reference, SMPP details and SDKs for Node, Python, PHP and Go in the API documentation.

Local pricing

SMS API pricing in South Africa

Basic

ZAR 0.2642

per SMS

Business

ZAR 0.245

per SMS

Enterprise

ZAR 0.2274

per SMS

Prices reflect live rates for South Africa. See the full pricing page or contact sales for volume rates.

FAQ

SMS API in South Africa: common questions

How do I send an SMS to South Africa from my app?

POST to the eSMS Africa /sms/send endpoint with the recipient in international format (+27...) and your message. See the code samples on this page for curl, Node, Python and PHP.

Do you support delivery reports over the API?

Yes. Set a webhook URL and eSMS Africa calls it with the delivery status of every message to South Africa in real time.

REST or SMPP for South Africa?

Use REST for most applications; use SMPP when you need very high, sustained throughput. Both reach Vodacom, MTN, Cell C & Telkom on direct routes.

Is there a sandbox?

Yes - a free sandbox and test API keys let you integrate and test SMS to South Africa without spending credit.

Which SDKs are available?

Official SDKs for Node.js, Python, PHP and Go, plus a documented REST API you can call from any language.