South Africa is one of the most popular destinations to volunteer abroad. With its vast range of causes and a culture of transformation, it’s an exciting time to be part of the change. South Africa plays host to so many different opportunities enabling the volunteer to place themselves in rural villages, coastal towns, buzzing cities or get immersed in the wildlife that South Africa has to offer. Every year thousands of foreigners enter the country to provide their services in aid of a noble cause and participating in a volunteer program closest to their heart.
The sheer volume of volunteer opportunities in the country are endless and getting started can quickly become overwhelming so we have decided to list a few to get you started.
Great Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa
Volunteer with Children:
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, TLC Outreach Projects is a non-profit, welfare organization. They are mainly focused on providing care for troubled youth in the area, help adults in informal settlements and enrich the lives of the elderly in retirement homes. There are various outreach teams focus on facilitating preventative programs, help move the youth into safe areas and reunite them with family members.
You should be at least 18 years old at the time of arrival in South Africa to volunteer in this program. Placements are scheduled throughout the year and you can choose from a set of start dates and durations.
Save The Children is another popular volunteer programme for those wanting to spend their time helping kids in South Africa. Their volunteer model is based on five programme areas including:
- Holistic Early Childhood Care and Development
- Health and Nutrition
- Education
- Child Protection
- Children’s Rights Governance
Volunteering for Save the Children will give you the opportunity to meet new people from different cultures and play a vital role in helping save children’s lives. In order to register to volunteer you can complete their online application form. They will inform you if you are selected for one of their programmes.
Volunteer With Animals
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, The Wildlife Sanctuary is the ideal fit for those looking to work with injured or orphaned animals. Volunteers get the opportunity to work closely with animals such as zebras, cheetahs, elephants and more; allowing them to establish a relationship with these rehabilitated creatures.
The programme starts monthly and volunteers can stay from 2 to 12 weeks at a time and the sanctuary is only 40 mins away from the buzzing city of Joburg.
If you find yourself looking for volunteer opportunities on the marine side of things, The Great White Shark Conservation could be a perfect fit. Their certified research and eco-tourism organization is devoted to marine conservation and education.
They recommend a 2-4 week stay to take possible bad weather into account. The programme is based in Gansbaai, South Africa, and your volunteer focus will be on marine conservation and research. The diving equipment is provided, and you’ll receive accommodation and breakfast and lunches as a part of the programme.
Does volunteer work appeal to you?
Did any of the above-mentioned volunteer opportunities sound like it might be your next adventure? We’d love to assist in helping you obtain your volunteer visa so that you can be fully prepared for your trip to South Africa.
Speak to a professional
We are able to help you with all Visa Applications in South Africa. We also feature a Free Online Assessment to help you determine your current status and which steps to take next. Contact Le Roux Attorneys today to assist you in applying for your general work permit in South Africa.
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