At United Planet, we offer volunteer abroad trips to over 35 countries – but we know it can be difficult to decide where you want to travel! The following article provides some handy information about South Africa, a “rainbow nation” with the flag to match. You can learn about other United Planet destination countries by viewing more of our country spotlights!
South Africa has an extensive terrain. When you go to South Africa, you will find its riches extend well beyond its famed natural resources. The country is geographically located on the southern most tip of Africa which lends it a subtropical climate. Though not a peninsula, South Africa has an amazing coastline bordering two majestic oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, for more than 1500 miles. Popular destinations include Cape Town, the port city of Durban and Johannesburg. It is also home to some of the most famous people in the world such as the late President Nelson Mandela and social rights activist Desmond Tutu.
Language is as equally diverse as the population in South Africa which is close to 53 million people. Altogether the country has eleven official languages, not including regional dialects. Only two other countries have higher language totals, Bolivia and India. However English is still the predominant language spoken in business and noncommercial settings. The population is a cultural mix of people from different regions; Indigenous Africans, those from Central and Eastern parts of Africa, along with internationals from Asia, India and the Netherlands are just a few of the nationalities inhabiting this varied region.
The cuisine in South Africa includes an extraordinary range of African, Malaysian, Dutch and Indigenous African tastes. From pap to spicy biltong, there is something for everyone. Its tap water is also of good quality and relatively safe to drink in urban areas. Pair your tall glass of water with either traditional or modern dishes. A well-prepared local meal can be the highlight of your trip. You will find traditional African and South African restaurants in all major cities and most larger towns across the country. And if you are so lucky, you will be staying with a host family or with a group that can make an authentic dish!
There are hundreds of both popular and out-of-the-way destinations in South Africa. Cape Town and Cape Town Peninsula have wonderful scenic marine landscapes. Among the granite boulders in Boulders Bay, Cape Peninsula, you may come across the African Penguin, an endangered but charismatic species that is popular with tourists. Johannesburg, near the capital city of Pretoria, is considered the entertainment pulse of the country. It is the largest city in South Africa by population and is considered one of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the world. Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon Natural Reserve are two hiking and exploration sites. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was confined for over two decades, has now become a symbol of triumph and change for the country. Once the epicenter against the [defeated] institution of apartheid, Soweto now features historical Freedom Struggle sites and cultural interactivity. Then there is Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital city, but technically one of three capital cities!
Social Quest
Minimum Stay: 5 weeks
Volunteers Needed: Year round with specific start dates
Requirements: At least 17 years old
Volunteers can work on a number of social projects including teaching, arts and crafts, or orphanage care work projects. Volunteers use creativity and compassion to broaden opportunities for sick, disabled or underprivileged children in the Port Elizabeth area.
There are hundreds of both popular and out-of-the-way destinations in South Africa. Cape Town and Cape Town Peninsula have wonderful scenic marine landscapes. Among the granite boulders in Boulders Bay, Cape Peninsula, you may come across the African Penguin, an endangered but charismatic species that is popular with tourists. Johannesburg, near the capital city of Pretoria, is considered the entertainment pulse of the country. It is the largest city in South Africa by population and is considered one of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the world. Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon Natural Reserve are two hiking and exploration sites. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was confined for over two decades, has now become a symbol of triumph and change for the country. Once the epicenter against the [defeated] institution of apartheid, Soweto now features historical Freedom Struggle sites and cultural interactivity. Then there is Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital city, but technically one of three capital cities!
There are many natural reserves in Pretoria. Pretoria manages to balance much of the country’s history, together with natural beauty. There are cheetah breeding centers, the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and National Zoological Gardens. The Victorian-styled President Paul Kruger House and sprawling views from atop the Union Buildings are listed as top attractions in Pretoria. The Union Buildings where President Nelson Mandela was sworn into office as the first African president top the list of must-see spots in the capital city.
“Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.”
-Nelson Mandela
-Nelson Mandela
As a United Planet Volunteer in South Africa, you can expect to work on projects in education and healthcare. Though South Africa is an emerging economy, it still has both poverty and related health concerns to deal with. Volunteer teachers for arts & crafts, orphanage projects can share their time and in-turn help benefit children in the area. Sports, especially soccer, dominate the South African landscape and persons with a passion for coaching are appreciated. Also keep an eye out for the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg where South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup!
Angelica Mack, a previous United Planet volunteer in South Africa, described her work experience as “remarkable.” She explains, “Although I was only there a short period of the kids’ lives, I could really tell that it made a world of difference. It gave the kids more support, more confidence, and it helped them to learn a lot about other people, countries, and cultures too.”
Social QuestMinimum Stay: 5 weeks
Volunteers Needed: Year round with specific start dates
Requirements: At least 17 years old
Volunteers can work on a number of social projects including teaching, arts and crafts, or orphanage care work projects. Volunteers use creativity and compassion to broaden opportunities for sick, disabled or underprivileged children in the Port Elizabeth area.
Sports Coaching Quest
Minimum Stay: 5 weeks
Volunteers Needed: Year round with specific start dates
Requirements: At least 17 years old
Volunteers play and coach sports for at-risk youth players who are passionate about football/soccer, cricket, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, basketball, swimming and more. As part of the program’s life-skills curriculum, volunteers promote good citizenship and health awareness.
Many of United Planet’s volunteers return changed from their life challenging experience. According to United Planet volunteer, Kimberly Purdy, “I just returned from one of the most challenging and rewarding five weeks of my life volunteering as a kindergarten teacher. United Planet gave me the opportunity to live in Africa, working with some of the most amazing individuals in a community that thrives on tradition and culture.”
To learn more about all the Quests available in South Africa, visit the country page on our website!
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
