Volunteer in South Africa

In the last 20 years South Africa has undergone an amazing transformation. The country has shaken off its Apartheid-era isolation to become the economic hub of Africa - and the destination of choice for adventurous, independent travelers.

Modern South Africa is a rich mix of cultures, languages, landscapes and wildlife. From sophisticated Cape Town to the vast, open country of the veldt, this is a country waiting to be explored.

Now you can experience this ever-changing country first hand, while helping South Africa continue to reinvent itself for the better.

What You Can Do

Spend 5 or 9 weeks volunteering on a project that fits your skills and interests.

You can choose from a number of project types, including

Social Welfare:

Help South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens. Work in a local orphanage, home for disabled children, or a safe house for young woman. Help out with childcare, plan activities and provide companionship, or work on awareness projects.

Education:

Work with students in high school, primary school, or pre-primary crèches. Help with one-on-one teaching, organise concerts and activities, or help improve the school itself by constructing play spaces.

Wildlife:

Protect flora and fauna in the greater Cape Town area. Take care of the wildlife, build a fence, or work on an environmental education programme for local youth. Bring your camera for this project.

Community Development:

A project for volunteers who enjoy a challenge. Be part of a community training workshop or project. Community development centres offer services ranging from computer training to childcare and are often not as structured as other projects.

Sports Development:

Coach disadvantaged youth in the Cape Town area in volleyball, football and other leisure activities. Great for athletes or those studying physical education.

Health / Medical:

Assist medical staff in a clinic, public hospital or HIV/AIDS hospice, or help these institutions secure supplies and financial aid. A background in medical work is required for this programme.

31+ Mature Volunteer Program:

Take on a leadership role in one of the above fields. Private accommodation available. An excellent, and meaningful, career break.

Getting Started with SASTS

Orientation:

Before you start working, you’ll spend a week meeting other volunteers from around the world and get your first glimpse of South Africa’s fantastic sights. You’ll take tours of the local Townships, head to Robben Island and even visit some of South Africa’s famous vineyards. You’ll also get all the tips and tools you need to adapt to life in South Africa, some lessons about the country’s culture and languages and advice for staying healthy and safe while volunteering.

Housing:

During your stay you’ll most likely live with a local host family. Depending on the project, however, you may live at your project site with other volunteers. Either way, your accommodation will always be within walking distance of your project site, or transportation will be provided. Your hosts will also provide home cooked meals for the duration of your stay.

Volunteer in South Africa also includes:

• Pre-arranged placement on a volunteer project
• Airport transfer
• 5 nights accommodation in Cape Town
• Accommodation and meals for the duration of your volunteer project
• Transportation to placement
• Donation to take to placement
• 24-hour emergency support from USIT and our local partner organization
• Optional tour of Table Mountain for participants on 9-week program
• South African mobile phone and SIM card
• Regular social events for participants

Time to Explore

There’s plenty to see in South Africa, so don't forget to explore. We have plenty of ideas for adventure tours and expeditions, local travel passes, stopover suggestions and round the world routings – some of which are cheaper to buy before you go.

Take a safari in Kruger National Park, or check out The Cradle of Humankind just outside of Johannesburg. If you’re still hungry for adventure try heading to Namibia, Botswana, or even Madagascar.

If would like further information please email: volunteer@usit.ie or call 01 602 1906