Volunteer in South Africa: Johannesburg

Volunteer in Johannesburg South Africa

Although Johannesburg is a popular residential area for wealthier South Africans, the surrounding townships and rural areas display shocking images of poverty. This is especially true of Soweto, the most well-known and at the same time poorest township in South Africa. Give the children in Johannesburg some much-needed help as a volunteer in South Africa!

Orientation days in Johannesburg

After your arrival at Johannesburg airport, you will be collected by an employee from our partner organisation and brought to your accommodation, where you can get yourself settled in. The next day, you will take part in an orientation, including an introduction to the following topics:

• South African customs and traditions
• Safety
• Health
• Your time in the project
• Means of communication
• Money matters

You will also go on a few excursions, for example into the Soweto township and to a traditional village, which will give you a first taste of South African culture before you begin to volunteer in South Africa. On Friday, you will be taken to your project site in Soweto or Malelane. At the weekend, you will have time to settle in and become acquainted with your surroundings, before you begin to volunteer on Monday.

Accommodation

As you volunteer in South Africa, you will live either directly on the project site (in a cottage with a bathroom and a fully-equipped kitchen) or with a host family, depending on the project. Participants usually sleep in shared rooms. This way, you will have the opportunity to get to know the South African township lifestyle first-hand as you volunteer in South Africa.

There’s no need to be afraid as a volunteer in South Africa – even if you are living and working in the township itself, the projects are safe-guarded around the clock.

Volunteer in South Africa - Johannesburg: Overview

• Activities: See Work. Depends on the project and on your experience. You will work approximately 6-8 hours a day.
• Free Time: Usually 1-2 days each week, usually at the weekend.
• Duration: 4.5 or 8.5 weeks.
• Application: At least 2 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
• Starting Dates: Every first Tuesday in the month.
• Practical Experience: Not necessary.
• Other: As you will be entering a completely new cultural region when you volunteer in South Africa, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and independence are essential. The work can be physically demanding, but also psychologically and emotionally stressful – you must be aware of this.