South Africa for Volunteers

What Is It Like Volunteering in South Africa?

• South Africa is African Impact’s home (so we may be a little biased), but volunteering in South Africa is completely unique to any other destination on earth. Despite their complex history, South Africans are hugely welcoming to international travelers and are extremely proud of their tourism industry. Outside of it being one of the top destinations in Africa for those looking to go on safari or experience the continent’s iconic wildlife, it’s also an adventure-junkie’s paradise.
• You can surf, sky-dive, bungee-jump, go whale watching, ride horses, dive with Great white sharks, and even ski (yes, it can snow here!). Tourism is the backbone of the economy and an income-generator for a lot of communities, so South Africa is the perfect destination to complete and internship or volunteer if you’re also looking to tick some bucket list adventures off your list.
• But, there’s a lot more to experience as a South Africa volunteer than simply the tourist attractions.

 South African Culture

• South Africa is also known for its diverse culture and has 11 different official languages – there is no other country in the world with quite so many. As a volunteer in South Africa with African Impact, here is a little bit more information on some of the cultures you will encounter:

 Zulu

• The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group in South Africa, with Zulu the most widely spoken language, easily identifiable by its ‘clicking’ sounds. Traditionally, Zulu men wore animal skins and feathers, made famous by King Shaka Zulu who also brandished a large spear and shield. However, in today’s culture, most Zulu people wear traditional Western clothing and will only adorn traditional attire when celebrating. That being said, while volunteering in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region of South Africa, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to a traditional ceremony or two, but be sure to try and learn a few of the ‘clicks’!

Sotho

• Sotho was one of the first written languages in Africa and has a rather mysterious origin. While Sotho is the official language of the Kingdom of Lesotho, it is now widely spoken across the North-Eastern part of South Africa. Similarly to many other South African tribal cultures, Sotho communities are split into villages, led by a chief. Uniquely, however, traditional Sotho villages are separated by age and assigned specific roles and responsibilities. While volunteering with animals on our Greater Kruger projects, you’ll definitely encounter this colorful tribe.

Xhosa

• While not the most spoken language in South Africa, Xhosa is the most widely distributed, meaning you may bump into a Xhosa speaker anywhere you visit (but you are guaranteed when doing an internship in Cape Town!). More fascinating is that around 15% of the Xhosa language originates from the San people; the first people of South Africa and one of only 14 populations from which all humans descended. Perhaps the most famous Xhosa-speaker of all time? Nelson Mandela!
• For many, South Africa is on their radar because of the late Nelson Mandela, who was the face of revolution and played a key role in the anti-Apartheid movement. However, it’s important to note that more than 50% of South Africa’s population still lives in poverty and remnants of the Apartheid era are still evident in day to day life.

• Apartheid (literally meaning ‘apartness’ in the Afrikaans language), was a political and social system in South Africa that ensured racial segregation and deep discrimination against non-white individuals by limiting their rights and privileges. While South Africa has a very long history of racial discrimination, the law of Apartheid only came into play in 1948 and ended in the early 1990’s, following years of protesting, international pressure and negotiations led by figurehead Nelson Mandela. 1994 saw the country’s first democratic election, where Mandela was elected the first black President of South Africa.
• Despite having ended over twenty-five years ago, the social, economic and politic consequences of the Apartheid rule is still impacting the 57-million residents of South Africa and there is still enormous inequality that continues to provide barriers to quality education and healthcare for marginalized citizens.
• The unequal distribution of wealth is not only seen in the bright lights of the most well-known city, Cape Town, but across the country. Communities living alongside some of the most famous national parks in South Africa are also struggling from food scarcity and minimal opportunities for employment, while those living on the rural coastline struggle to access healthcare and find schools for their children.

• Its complex and difficult history, one that is still very much in the making, means South Africa is a country that welcomes, and needs, volunteer support through coordinated South Africa volunteering projects.