South Africa comprises the southernmost tip of Africa. It shares it’s borders with Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Swaziland, with the southern coast bordering 2 different oceans. Further, in the interior of the country lies the Free State of Lesotho, encircled entirely by South Africa.
Best Volunteering Programs in South Africa
About South Africa
In terms of size, South Africa is one-eighth the size of the US, twice the size of France and over three times the size of Germany.
As its name suggests, South Africa is the most southern country on the African continent. It is bordered by Namibia to the north west, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, and Mozambique to the north east. South Africa is roughly 5 times the size of Britain, and covers 1.2 million sq km. South Africa was isolated politically and economically for a long period of time, as other countries protested against their racial discrimination known as apartheid (apartness).
That era ended in 1994 when the ANC (African National Congress) was elected to power, led by Nelson Mandela. Pressure from ANC, other black political organizations, and the international community forced an apartheid government to pass a referendum in 1992, for everyone to vote in free and fair election.
Development in South Africa
South Africa is a country rich in natural resources such as gold, coal, platinum and copper. South Africa’s unparalleled scenic, wildlife, cultural and historic attraction has made it a very popular tourist destination. Tourism contributes over R25-billion to the economy (8.2% of GDP).
About a quarter of the population is unemployed, and lives on less than US $1.25 a day. Development is significantly localised around four areas: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Pretoria/Johannesburg. Beyond these four economic centres, development is marginal and poverty is still prevalent despite government efforts.
How You Can Help
Volunteers provide greatly needed assistance in the social and academic development of young people. As a volunteer in South Africa you can provide love, affection, education and support to disadvantaged communities. You could help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. You can also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in South African communities.
Locations
You can apply to join programs in places like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Soweto and Venda.
Volunteer placements are in the Orlando West, Soweto area and in the main town of Thohoyandou, Venda and its surrounding villages: Manamani, Dzwerani, Shayandima, and Itsane. This is about 4.5 hours north of Johannesburg within the Vhembe District, situated in Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa.
Popular Projects
Teaching Assistance/Tutoring
Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities. Assist with teaching at preschool, primary or secondary level. At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teaching assistants can help teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, life skills, health and hygiene, and science. The subjects will be relative to each school’s needs, however the greatest need is typically in mathematics and science, particularly at the secondary school level. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students. At the preschool level volunteers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties. A teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have, or are studying towards a university degree.
Childcare
Volunteers may work in settings such as day care centres or “places of safety” in the community. The town’s Children’s Home and certain foster home situations are referred to locally as “places of safety”. As a volunteer, you can help by working with children ages 2-6, helping with general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth, teaching English, reading, writing, and pronunciation. In addition, simple mathematics and counting, body hygiene, crafts, and educational games for younger children may be available as well. Volunteers will be able to use this time to display their mentoring experience, and motivate the students toward a positive future.
FAQ
What is the climate like in South Africa?
In South Africa, the seasons are predominately summer and winter. The autumn and spring seasons are very fleeting. Finding itself at South Africa’s northernmost area and bisected by the tropic of Capricorn, visitors to Limpopo can expect sunshine, long summer afternoons, and dry days for most of their stay. Summer (October to March) in the Limpopo province can reach 30°C -35°C during the day. The winter is dry and very pleasant. Although the temperature can fall below 5°C at night, the days can present clear blue skies and temperatures in the low 20s.
What hours do I work?
Teaching assistants typically work weekdays, approximately 7 hours per day. There is a small variation in hours depending upon the time of year. The hours are generally longer during the school terms. Those volunteers in childcare centres will normally have a busy afternoon schedule as children are done with school for the day, however there are some morning shifts where the children are under school age. Weekends are the normal days off.
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. All that is required is a reasonable level of health and fitness.
Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. You may have English as your first or second language. In Venda the main languages are English and Tshivenda.
Tell me more about the accommodation?
Volunteers in the Soweto project will stay with a local family in Soweto. Accommodation facilities are more western, basic bedding and 3 meals a day are provided. Volunteers in the Venda project will stay with local Venda families in Thohoyandou town area and surrounding villages. The accommodation facilities are basic, typically with electricity, pit toilets, and bucket showers being the norm. Basic bedding and 3 meals per day are provided. Thohoyandou Mall in town has an internet shop approximately $2 per 30 minutes.
Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Absolutely. The project is well positioned for trips to local scenic sites and Kruger National Park less than an hour away. An optional weekend excursion will be organized by our partner organization if there is enough interest. Pilanesberg National Park, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Mozambique, Durban, and Swaziland are other examples of destinations volunteers have visited in the past.
How safe is it to volunteer in South Africa?
South Africa, particularly Johannesburg, has a high crime rate and a very poor image when it comes to the issue of personal safety. You will be staying in rural South Africa which is quite a close-knit community, volunteers are still asked not to walk around at night. When you are outside the area, we will advise you on where it is safe to travel and stay. Most volunteers will be accommodated in a home stay situation. The host families have all been carefully selected to provide you with a safe family environment and an insight into Venda life. As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in South Africa. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
What else can I do in South Africa?
If you’re looking for diversity, South Africa’s hard to beat. If landscapes are your thing there’s the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime wildflowers and the phenomenal Table Mountain. No visit would be complete without a trip to Kruger National Park to join a safari where if you’re lucky you could spot the Big Five. For something a little more cosmopolitan, try the nightclubs of Cape Town, a curry in Durban’s Indian Area, or dig in at a braai, a traditional South African barbecue!