Volunteer South Africa
BUNAC offers volunteer work in South Africa through various community and conservation projects, giving you a real chance to experience the culture, the people and much more.
What can I do?
We’re looking for volunteers who will contribute to projects in communities where help is most needed.
At a one-to-one UK orientation interview we’ll discuss your skills, experience and of course, preferences to ensure that you’re assigned to the right project for you.
In South Africa volunteers are needed in a variety of project areas. Click on the links below to find a project you’re interested in.
Teaching
Assisting the teacher or taking your own classes can be very rewarding for volunteers who love working with children.
Our educational projects vary from pre-school and crèches to primary and secondary education.
The schools we work with are generally overcrowded and under staffed so as a volunteer you’ll be able to give the children much-needed attention. The role of a volunteer teacher can include assisting a local teacher, taking your own classes, preparing lesson plans and marking work. There will also be opportunities to organise extra curricular activities, from arts and crafts, dance and music, to sports days and football matches.
We like our teaching volunteers to have had some experience of working with children. And if you’re interested in developing your teaching skills before you go, why not sign up to an online TEFL course through BUNAC?
Work with Children
If you’re keen to work with children then Volunteer South Africa offers plenty of opportunities.
The locations and roles for this type of project are varied and could involve teaching, child care or working within a community development project.
You will be working with children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds so the extra care and attention offered by volunteers is highly appreciated by the staff, children and community alike. Your role could involve caring for and playing with the children, organising fun events such as concerts, sports competitions, plays and dance classes or helping with a range of educational activities such as homework clubs and English classes. South African children love to learn about different cultures so you can be guaranteed that you’ll be quizzed about where you come from.
HIV/AIDS Awareness
South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world.
BUNAC volunteers can get involved with raising awareness of the problem and caring for people living with the disease.
The projects aim to educate local communities on the risks of HIV infection. Volunteers assist with local workshops, organise and conduct seminars and produce educational material. Your help will also be needed with the general administration and promotion of the project in the community.
To volunteer in this type of project you need good communication skills and a genuine interest in preventing the spread of the disease. If you’re more interested in care and social work, see the ‘Care Work’ section for a summary of
projects available.
Community Development
Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of different initiatives in community development projects surrounding Cape Town.
Despite many people living in poverty, the townships have a great community spirit. Whatever project you work in, you’ll become part of this, working side by side with community members. The roles available to volunteers are varied. Depending on your skills you could help to develop fundraising initiatives, raise awareness of HIV/AIDS or promote tourism projects. In community centres, volunteers assist with the day-to-day running of the centre, including helping out with the community training programmes which offer practical life skills to people in the area.
Care work
If you’ve got experience in nursing or medicine then you might be interested in working on a health care or social work project.
Volunteers are needed to assist staff in clinics and care homes and you could be working with people with physical, emotional or mental disabilities. Your role will involve a range of work from recording medical backgrounds to examining patients. HIV/AIDS is a big problem in South Africa and you may also get involved with an HIV care project.
All of the projects are located in the poorer suburbs where facilities can be basic and the additional help and support that you can offer will be of great benefit to the project and provide comfort to those attending the centre.
Environmental & Conservation
Our environmental and conservation projects give volunteers the chance to discover some of South Africa’s most spectacular natural areas and fascinating wildlife.
For participants who love the outdoors, nature and don’t mind getting their hands dirty, these projects will be perfect.
Our local partners work with the WWF and Cape Nature to offer volunteers an opportunity to work in some of the region’s gorgeous and forgotten nature reserves which are currently being redeveloped.
Some of the environmental projects involve environmental awareness and education. Volunteers will be able to combine their love for the outdoors and nature with educating local youth in environmental awareness. There are also opportunities for volunteers who love physical activities, with projects such as building, mending fences and construction.
How long can I go for?
Our Volunteer South Africa placements range from 5 to 33 weeks including a one week arrival orientation.
You’ll have the chance to travel at weekends but to make the most of this beautiful country why not leave some time at the end of your programme to explore further afield.
Where will I be working?
The projects are based in the poorer suburbs and townships of Cape Town.
This will give volunteers the chance to experience the local culture and make the most of this exciting, cosmopolitan city at the weekends.
Who will I be working with?
We place volunteers in existing projects, working alongside local people.
BUNAC Volunteer programmes are essentially designed to provide independent experiences which promote integration with the local people. You may also be working alongside another international volunteer.
Where will I be living?
As part of our ‘Local Approach’, we believe that living with a host family is the best way for volunteers to become fully immersed into the local culture.
You’ll be placed with a family in one of the poorer communities on the outskirts of Cape Town, a short distance from your project. Your host will welcome you into their family and help you to settle into the local area.
Enjoying home-cooked food, sharing stories and life experiences and learning the local language will give you a unique and memorable experience. Houses are well equipped and you might be living with another volunteer.
Costs
How much does it cost?
|
|
| 5 weeks | £949 |
| 9 weeks | £1,099 |
| 13 weeks | £1,299 |
| 17 weeks | £1,499 |
| 25 weeks | £1,899 |
| 33 weeks | £2,299 |
What else should I budget for?
We feel it’s important to be as upfront as possible about any additional costs so that you can manage your budget and have a hassle free trip.
Fundraising
Raising extra funds for your trip needn’t be difficult as there are loads of things you can do to raise money.
For some ideas to get you started click here.
What’s included ?
Click the plus sign to reveal more information.
In the UK
- BUNAC membership
- Lonely Planet guidebook
- BUNAC Volunteer South Africa Handbook
- BUNAC t-shirt
- Comprehensive one-to-one orientation interview
- Personal support and travel advice from knowledgeable staff
- Group or individual flight booking service
In South Africa
- Support
- Placement based on your skills and needs
- 24/7 support from BUNAC and our local partner organisation for the duration of your stay
- South African SIM card
- Handbook and t-shirt
- Education sessions, culture, customs, safety, accommodation and your
placement
- Walking tour of Cape Town
- Excursions to Robben Island, the Winelands and Cape Point
- Township tour
- Airport pick up
- See FAQs section for further information.
- 5 nights hostel accommodation in Cape Town during the orientation
- Host family accommodation during your project
- All food whilst living with a host family
- Transfers to and from accommodation
- 2 free nights hostel accommodation in Cape Town
- See FAQs section for further information.
Your arrival orientation, placement and local support services are provided by SASTS (South African Students’ Travel Services) - BUNAC's partner
in South Africa.
How to Apply
Am I eligible?
To apply to Volunteer South Africa you must be:
- A British or Irish passport holder, resident in the UK or Ireland
- Aged at least 18
- Self motivated, adventurous, flexible and a good communicator
How do I apply ?
Download and complete the application form and send it to BUNAC along with the following documents:
- Your current CV
- Answers to the Application Questions
- Copy of your passport and birth certificate
- 4 passport photos
- 2 completed references
- £400 programme deposit (remaining balance due 8 weeks
before departure)
What comes next ?
Once you’ve applied for Volunteer South Africa we’ll help you prepare for your trip by guiding you through the following stages:
Reveal more information below by clicking on the plus sign.
You will be invited to attend a one-to-one Orientation Interview where we’ll discuss all aspects of the programme to ensure that you are fully prepared for your trip. Following a satisfactory interview, BUNAC will formally accept you onto the programme.
Many of our projects involve working with children so as part of our ‘Responsible Approach’, each participant must provide us with a police check before departure.
All participants are required to visit their GP to discuss their trip. BUNAC will provide a specific medical form which must be completed by the participant and their doctor prior to travel.
BUNAC can arrange your flights for you or you can arrange independent travel.
We will send you full details regarding the levels of cover we provide.
We will send you the contact details of the other volunteers on your programme so you can get in touch before you travel.
BUNAC will liaise with our local partner to arrange your placement and you will be given details of your project and accommodation a few weeks before you leave.
Full terms and conditions for the programme are included with
the application form.
Dates & Flights
When can I go?
The 2009 arrival dates are listed below.
Most flights from the UK travel overnight so it’s likely you’ll need to start your trip the day before the listed Arrival Date.
|
| January 25th 2009 | October 15th 2008 |
| February 22nd 2009 | December 13th 2008 |
| March 22nd 2009 | January 10th 2009 |
| May 31st 2009 | March 21st 2009 |
| June 28th 2009 | April 18th 2009 |
| July 26th 2009 | May 23rd 2009 |
| September 27th 2009 | July 18th 2009 |
| October 18th 2009 | August 8th 2009 |
| November 15th 2009 | September 5th 2009 |
Flights
BUNAC can arrange your flight to suit your needs. We aim to put volunteers together on the same flight in order for you to travel as a group..
Our flight tickets are flexible returns, which will allow you to change your return date whilst away (subject to airline availability and an administration fee).
Alternatively, if you’d like to arrange independent travel then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in Cape Town for the start of the orientation. Our in-house travel agents, GS Travel can give you a quote on 020 7250 0222.
Can I travel after my volunteer project?
Definitely! We encourage volunteers to take time out either before or at the end of their placement to explore more of the country.
During your placement you will generally have weekends free to travel. South Africa is a relatively easy country to travel around and our local partners will be able to give you advice on where to go and what to see.
Whether you go Big Five spotting in Kruger National park, surfing in Jeffery’s Bay, or are brave enough to attempt the world’s highest bungee jump, South Africa is a great country to combine a volunteering placement with backpacking.
FAQs
Application
Reveal the answers to the FAQs below by clicking on the plus sign.
At BUNAC Volunteer we believe that each volunteer should be treated as an individual. All participants will attend a one-to-one orientation interview in our London office. It’s not a formal interview, but a chance for us to get to know more about you and your reasons for volunteering.
We’ll discuss the types of projects you’re interested in and issues such as health and security to help prepare you for your time in South Africa. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you might have. If you’d like to apply but can’t travel to London for an interview, please call us on 020 7251 3386 to discuss your situation.
If BUNAC rejects your application at any stage you’ll receive a full refund of your programme deposit. We have a 7 day cooling off period, so if you feel that you’re not suited to the programme and you contact us within 7 days of attending the Orientation Interview you can cancel and receive a full refund (less £35 administration fee). More information regarding cancellation refunds is included within the Terms and Conditions which are printed with the application form.
As part of our ‘Responsible Approach’, each participant must provide a police check or “Subject Access”. This is a summary of data which is held about you on the National Police Computer (NPC). It will cost approximately £10 and takes between 30 and 40 days to be issued.
You can usually download the application forms from your local police force website (look for links for “Freedom of Information” on their website). Your local police station should also be able to provide you with relevant forms over the counter. Once your Subject Access has been issued, please send the original to BUNAC. If you already hold a CRB from an existing or recent employer issued within 3 months we can accept this as an alternative to the Subject Access.
We provide a medical information sheet for South Africa with recommended injections for you to have. Our programme Handbook also includes practical health and safety guidelines. As a programme participant you must visit your GP as soon as possible to receive expert health advice. We will provide you with a medical form which must be completed by you and your GP who must ultimately declare that you are fit to participate on this programme.
The cost of the medical can vary; on average you should expect to pay up to £70. As the types of inoculations will vary depending on your destination and also your personal medical history it is very difficult to provide a guide to the typical cost. However, please be aware that whilst some inoculations are relatively cheap others (specifically anti malarials) can be very expensive. Please discuss your needs with your GP.
Flights Visa & Insurance
If you’d like to arrange independent travel then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in Cape Town for the start of the orientation. Our in-house travel agents, GS Travel can give you a quote on 020 7250 0222. In this case, please provide BUNAC with proof of your return trip so that we can arrange your pick up.
As a volunteer you’ll be able to work under a tourist visa. A 90 day tourist visa will be issued on your arrival to South Africa. You can extend your stay beyond the 90 days whilst in South Africa, which currently costs approximately £35. Our local host SASTS will be able to advise you on this.
Yes. BUNAC offers a fully comprehensive insurance policy that has been arranged with Endsleigh, one of the UK’s leading insurance companies. Full details will be sent following acceptance on to the programme.
Volunteer Placement
Numbers vary but we would normally expect up to 10 BUNAC participants on each arrival date. Our South African partner will also receive volunteers from other countries so the week long arrival orientation will be an exciting opportunity to meet volunteers from all over the world.
The orientation is a great opportunity for you to be introduced to the country and its culture. It is covered in the programme cost and our local hosts will discuss volunteering, health and safety issues and will also take you on a number of great excursions. The orientation will provide you with useful information, interesting tours and enable you to meet other volunteers on the programme.
We believe that it’s important to consider the needs of the community and the preferences of the volunteer equally. Our partner works closely with all of the projects, monitoring their activities and placing volunteers where they feel they’ll be able to make the most worthwhile contribution.
On the application form we ask you to indicate your preferred areas of project work. We’ll then discuss your choices in detail during the orientation interview, where we can provide more information about what to expect and jointly agree on the most suitable type of placement for you. Your application information is sent to South Africa so that an appropriate placement can be found and you’ll be sent confirmation and details of your work and accommodation arrangements approximately 4 weeks before your trip.
Hours vary from placement to placement. Generally you can expect to be at your project Monday-Friday for about 4-6 hours a day but start times vary. There will be opportunities for you to be proactive and look at other areas in the community where you may be able to lend a hand. This could involve setting up after school clubs, sports events and offering one-to-one lessons.
It is possible that you may share accommodation or be working at the same project as another volunteer but we cannot guarantee this as it is based on individual placement preferences and availability. Ultimately BUNAC's volunteer programmes offer a lot of support, but they are intended to be independent experiences where the individual can gain through working amongst the local people.
Volunteer South Africa is a flexible programme with placements running for a period of between 5-33 weeks. We believe that a volunteer would not be able to accomplish much or feel satisfied with their participation on a project if they were there for a period shorter than the required minimum. In fact, feedback from previous volunteers suggests that many people don’t want to leave after 5 weeks and wish they’d committed to longer!
Definitely! During your placement you will generally have weekends free to travel. South Africa is a relatively easy country to travel around and our local partners will be able to give you advice on where to go and what to see. We also encourage volunteers to take time out either before or at the end of their placement to explore more of the country. Whether you go Big Five spotting in Kruger National park, surfing in Jeffery’s Bay, or are brave enough to attempt the world’s highest bungee jump, South Africa is a great country to combine a volunteering placement with backpacking.
It’s difficult to give an exact figure, as it depends on what you choose to do while you’re in South Africa. We recommend that you anticipate spending £175 per month whilst you are volunteering to cover your daily needs. However, if you intend to travel at weekends or have plans for post programme travels we recommend that you take extra.
In most cases it will be possible to extend your volunteer programme whilst you are away. Specific arrangements are made through our local partner and are subject to the availability of accommodation and projects.
If you have any further questions on Volunteer South Africa, please call the BUNAC Volunteer team on 020 7251 3386 or e-mail volunteer@bunac.org.uk