South Africa is not just about the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and a vibrant rainbow nation community. It’s a place that offers countless initiatives for volunteers from all over the world to create a meaningful impact. South Africa has NGOs (Non-governmental organisations) throughout the country and they always need volunteers. Ranging from underprivileged communities to extraordinary wild animals, you’ll definitely leave South Africa having made a difference.
The benefits of volunteering include; contributing to society, expanding your network of people and social skills, enhancing your CV, and feeling a sense of fulfilment. We have gathered a few organisations that facilitate volunteer opportunities in the country.
UNICEF
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
Is a volunteer program that aims to improve the lives of children and youth in South Africa. Together with local communities, you’ll work to create a change, by reducing child poverty, improving education and health care, and protecting every child. It is an excellent opportunity to assist in implementing national programmes that are dedicated to helping children and young people’s development.
African Impact
Has a wide range of volunteer programs. Starting from wildlife conservation to community projects. They work closely with the local communities to ensure that their work contributes to sustainable long-term change. They collaborate with local NGOs, schools, hospitals, and organisations that offer support through physical and financial assistance. Some examples of volunteer programs they have are: sports coaching, teaching, childcare, and Marine and Wildlife conservation.
Volunteer SA
Is perfect for an animal lover. They have programs where you can work with cheetahs, big cats, elephants, rhinos, horses, safari wildlife and marine life. The programs adhere to ethical standards and focus on rehabilitating and caring for the animals. Volunteers will also work closely with the certified personnel to collect data and observations that can be used for further research. They offer seven different programs, you have to choose whichever one would suit you the best, for example: programs with Cheetahs, Elephants and Rhinos or Marine Life.
Wild Animal Volunteers
Specialises in wildlife conservation, they unofficially call themselves the zoological facility. They rescue and rehabilitate animals from different backgrounds, including illegal pet trading. Examples are tigers, crocodiles, hippos, lemurs, sloths, snakes and so many more. The staff you will get to work with are very passionate about the animals. You will get firsthand experience and the pleasure of interacting with these beautiful animals, but you will also have to get down and dirty in maintaining the enclosures.
GoEco South Africa
Is where you can make a difference for disadvantaged communities in the Cape Town settlements. You can contribute through education, skills development and community improvement projects. If you want to, you can be a surf and adventure instructor for children from underprivileged areas. Being a part of this program means that you will teach children life lessons and hopefully help them to make good decisions for the rest of their life.
Volunteering Solutions
Have orphanage childcare programs in Cape Town. You will be working with well-established centres in the Mother City directly. The children are aged from 18 months to six years and will require help with basic educational, life and social skills. During the day, the children will receive a snack and lunch, this might be their only meal for the day as their families are living in poverty. Every bit that you contribute means exponentially more to these children than it would to you. It is a fantastic way to support those less privileged.
We hope that one of these options has opened your eyes to a whole new world and shown you that no matter what you do, you can make a difference. That being said, make sure that you thoroughly research any organisation that you are interested in volunteering for. You can do this by reading previous volunteers’ feedback, and consider the costs and requirements involved. Enter the volunteering experience with an open mind and make the best of the opportunity to make an impact!
