- Volunteer teaching
- Conservation volunteering
- Childcare volunteer work
- Women’s
South Africa
Volunteer in South Africa
As the host nation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa is a country in the international spotlight. This is the first time the tournament has been staged in an African nation and as a volunteer in South Africa you can be part of the country during a defining moment in its history. Of course, the World Cup is not the only reason to spend your career break in South Africa. The "Rainbow Nation" is a country of immense natural beauty. From the exotic wildlife of Kruger National Park to the spectacular scenery of the Cape Peninsula, it is easy to see why the land has been occupied for more than 100,000 years! While South Africa continues to grow as a tourist destination, for many the country is more famous for its troubled history. Even with the end of apartheid, South Africa has continued to suffer from high unemployment and social inequality and HIV/AIDS is prevalent. These development issues mean that there is a genuine need for voluntary work in South Africa.
South Africa as a Career Break Destination
The Republic of South Africa occupies the southernmost tip of the African continent and is a fascinating destination for a career break abroad. Bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho, South Africa is one of the larger African nations, though its most significant neighbours are the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Volunteering in South Africa is an opportunity to place yourself at the heart of a country distinguished by its diversity. In terms of geography, this is demonstrated by the contrasting landscapes found across South Africa. While the inland Karoo plateau is a landscape of sparse scrubland and rocky hills and mountains, the eastern coastline is lush and green and the south-west is renowned for its Mediterranean climate!
In terms of biodiversity South Africa is one of the richest countries in the world, making it an exciting location for conservation volunteer work. South Africa’s game reserves and national parks are home to some of Africa’s most celebrated animals, including the Big Five. South Africa also has abundant marine life, making it ideal for whale-spotting and shark encounters.
Yet for many taking part in a volunteer project in South Africa, the country is best known for its troubled history. South Africa has a complex colonial past and Dutch and British influences have shaped the country’s history since the 17th century. In the 20th century South Africa operated a racially driven system of apartheid, which was only dismantled after years of international and domestic opposition. Out of this dark period emerged a number of figureheads of democracy, including Nelson Mandela.
Nowadays South Africa remains a country of remarkable cultural diversity. The largest ethnic group is Black South Africans who make up around 80% of a population of 50 million. Other significant groups include those classified as White and Coloured who each constitute around 9% of the population. Career break volunteers can experience this diversity firsthand on any one of our volunteer programmes in South Africa.
Volunteer Work in South Africa
We have only recently expanded our operations to South Africa, but we can offer a wide range of rewarding volunteer projects for career breaks in this amazing country. South Africa is home to a wealth of exotic wildlife and for those interested in conservation volunteering, MondoChallenge can offer voluntary work in a private game reserve. This reserve provides a natural habitat for over 50 different mammals, including the Big Five, and boasts a large population of white rhino, as well as some rarer species, such as the brown hyena and aardvark. Career break volunteers are given bush training and can help monitor wildlife levels across 36,000 hectares of rugged landscape.
As a volunteer in South Africa you can also help to address the social and economic issues affecting people across the country. MondoChallenge supports a range of humanitarian voluntary projects, where volunteers can make a real difference on their career break abroad.
Our community development work is based in the winelands region of the Western Cape, where we work with an NGO that seeks to improve the prospects of marginalised women and children.
This volunteer placement is an opportunity to provide support for communities where poverty is rife and resources are scarce. There are a number of roles that career break volunteers can take on and those interested in teaching in South Africa, supporting women’s empowerment or working as a childcare volunteer can make a real difference here.
As you can see, there are a many ways that you could spend your career break in South Africa. MondoChallenge can help you to make the most of your time in South Africa with meaningful voluntary work in amazing locations.
Career Break Travel Opportunities in South Africa
Whether you want to teach in South Africa or take part in any of our other exciting volunteering work, there are plenty of options for career break travel in South Africa. Below are just some of the suggestions for things to do as a volunteer in South Africa:
Safaris, National Parks and Wildlife - South Africa is home to some of Africa’s finest nature and game reserves including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, where you can witness the Big Five in their natural environment. South Africa’s marine life is equally impressive and a career break in South Africa is the perfect opportunity to observe Great White sharks and whales on the open ocean.
Robben Island and Soweto - Robben Island and the township of Soweto are essential sights for anyone volunteering in South Africa interested in its intriguing history. Soweto had a crucial role in the struggle for democracy, while Robben Island is famous as the prison where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were banished.
Table Mountain - Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions and a must-see on your career break abroad. Rising over 3,500 feet above sea level and with its distinctive flat top, Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town.
Durban and the Wild Coast - For those seeking sun, sea and sand, South Africa has some magnificent coastline for you to explore. Durban boasts miles of soft, sandy, swimming beaches, great surfing and warm weather all year round, making it a great place to unwind after your voluntary work. The Wild Coast is another popular beach break for career break volunteers, where you can snorkel and dive amongst abundant wildlife and spectacular shipwrecks.
Volunteers Travelling to South Africa
South Africa is a modern country with good transport connections, health services and facilities in its major cities. While we are not aware of any particular issues in the country at present, it is recommended that those planning to volunteer in South Africa keep an eye on the Foreign Office website (UK volunteers) and the press for up to date information.
South Africa has a high crime rate but this is largely restricted to townships and isolated areas away from normal tourist destinations. As would be advised anywhere else in the world, volunteers on a career break in South Africa should be vigilant and take precautions to protect their valuables.
Volunteer Projects in South Africa
You can also use the menu at the top left of this page to navigate projects in this country.
