Volunteer in South Africa

Picture yourself as a volunteer in South Africa, a land famous for cosmopolitan cities, lush vineyards, magnificent wildlife and miles of coastline. South Africa comprises the southern tip of Africa. Wine and gold are its largest exports, and as a former Dutch colony, it offers an interesting mix of traditional South African and European culture and cuisine. South Africa’s difficult past gave birth to a great victory over apartheid, or the mistreatment of those of non-European origin. While South Africa’s strong economy, well-developed infrastructure and modern amenities make it unique among African countries, the nation is still working to recover.

As a volunteer in South Africa, you play an important role supporting educational initiatives. Volunteering as a coach with at-risk youth or working in a child care center are just two of the ways you can make a difference here. As a volunteer in the South Africa, you will be hosted by Volunteer Centre, ICYE’s South African partner organization.

United Planet also offers short-term (5 to 12 weeks) volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internships in South Africa.  Learn more about all of our volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internships in Africa.

Work as an administrative assistant in an established non-profit that focuses on the care, development and rehabilitation of underprivileged individuals in South Africa. This non-profit is an umbrella organization that runs around 150 retirement communities, hospices, child care centers, drug rehabilitation centers, and adoption centers around South Africa.

Volunteers work with the elderly in a local retirement community. Volunteer tasks include assisting with basic care, cooking, organizing social activities, and helping with physical exercises. Assist in all aspects of running a child care center, from administration, to childcare, sports programming, education, collecting food donations, and more. Volunteers may be required to do night shifts. The center hosts children up to 18 years old. The project will assign tasks based on the volunteer preference, interest, skill, and personality.

Join the other 80% of South Africa’s population that visits a Sangoma more than three times a year. To see a Sangoma, you can visit Johannesburg’s Muti Market where you can also find a variety of herbs used to treat a wide range of ailments. Sangoma’s are great representations of Zulu culture.

The Zulu are one of Africa’s most well known tribes, they observe many old traditions, rituals, and ceremonies. Take the opportunity to visit one of the cultural villages, the best known one being Shakaland. Spend a night in the village and learn about the history and origin of the Zulu tribe.

Travel to Boulder’s Beach in South Africa, and see African Penguins up close. African Penguins are the only penguin species that breeds in Africa; they are also an endangered species. While you are visiting, you can learn more about the conservation efforts being done to save these birds.

The museum is made up of three different buildings in separate locations. There is the Bhunga building in Mthatha, a museum component in Qunu, and finally an open-air museum in Mvezo. These three locations trace Nelson Mandela’s life journey, there are even exhibitions in the museum that are narrated from his biography. This museum is a great opportunity to learn more about the man who played a huge role in shaping the country that South Africa is today.

• Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend in New Hampshire with United Planet staff or online
• Food and lodging in your host country
• Airport transfers
• Emergency medical insurance
• In-country orientation upon arrival and ongoing support and supervision throughout your Quest
• Language training
• Mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers) and final camp
• Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

• 18 – 30 years old
• Citizen or resident of the United States or Canada

• Volunteers are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights (including pre-departure training).
• Volunteers will obtain the necessary visas with support from our Long-Term staff to volunteer in their host country.