South Africa - FAQ

Tell me more about South Africa?
As its name suggests, South Africa is the most southern country on the African continent. It is bordered by Namibia to the north west, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, and Mozambique to the north east. South Africa is roughly 5 times the size of Britain, and covers 1.2 million sq km. South Africa was isolated politically and economically for a long period of time, as other countries protested against their racial discrimination known as apartheid (apartness). That era ended in 1994 when the ANC (African National Congress) was elected to power, led by Nelson Mandela. A referendum in 1992, under the De Klerk government, gave blacks the right to vote for the first time.

What is the climate like in South Africa?
In South Africa, the seasons are predominately summer and winter. The autumn and spring seasons are very fleeting. Finding itself at South Africa's northernmost area and bisected by the tropic of Capricorn, visitors to Limpopo can expect sunshine, long summer afternoons and dry days for most of their stay. Summer (October to March) in the Limpopo province can reach 30�C -35�C during the day. The winter is dry and very pleasant. Although the temperature can fall below 5�C at night, the days can present clear blue skies and temperatures in the low 20s.

What kind of volunteer work is available?
Teaching Assistance/Tutoring:
Volunteers with varying skills will be able to help in areas of academic and skill development through mentoring and tutoring activities. Assist with teaching at preschool, primary or secondary level. At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teaching assistants can help teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, life skills, and science. The subjects will be relative to each school's needs, however the greatest need is typically in math and science, particularly at the secondary school level. There will be additional opportunities for tutoring, career development, and organizing extracurricular activities for students. At the preschool level volunteers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties. A teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have, or are studying towards a university degree.

Childcare: Volunteers may work in settings such as day care centres or "places of safety" in the community. The town's Children's Home and certain foster home situations are referred to locally as "places of safety". As a volunteer, you can help by working with children ages 2-6, helping with general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth, teaching English, reading, writing and pronunciation. In addition, simple math and counting, body hygiene, crafts and educational games for younger children may be available as well. Volunteers will be able to use this time to display their mentoring experience, and motivate the students toward a positive future.

What hours do I work?
Teaching assistants typically work weekdays, approximately 7 hours per day. There is a small variation in hours depending upon the time of year. The hours are generally longer during the school terms. Those volunteers in childcare centres will normally have a busy afternoon schedule as children are done with school for the day, however there are some morning shifts where the children are under school age. Weekends are the normal days off.

Where will I be located?
Volunteer placements are primarily in the main town of Thohoyandou and its surrounding villages: Manamani, Dzwerani, Shayandima, and Itsane. This is about 4.5 hours north of Johannesburg within the Vhembe District, situated in Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa.

What resources are available for the program?
Some placements will have a stock of toys, but in most cases resources are limited. Classrooms do typically have a blackboard and chalk up front and sometimes even a bulletin board at the back. You may like to take donations of goods with you to distribute or use in the program. If you do choose to fundraise or donate items, please consult the list of suggested items in the Program Guide you will receive later.

Do you cater for vegetarians?
Vegetarians are very welcome. Host families are happy to accommodate this. If you are not a vegetarian, meat is typically served a couple times a week. If you have a particularly restricted diet, you need to indicate this on your application form.

Do you provide training?
No. There is an orientation process when you first arrive to help you adjust to your new surroundings, determine a schedule, and answer your questions, and supervision and general guidance are provided throughout your placement. Volunteers are however expected to be confident in carrying out their program activities without further training.

What is the average cost of flights to South Africa?
Prices will vary according to your country of origin, time of travel, and time of purchase. However, on average, return tickets to Johannesburg cost between US$800 and US$1,000 from Europe and between US$1,300 and US$2,300 from elsewhere.

How do I get to the project?
Volunteers simply need to organise their travel arrangements such that they arrive at OR Tambo Airport (in Johannesburg) prior to the official commencement date of the program. Our partner will meet you at the airport and bring you to your first night's accommodation. You will be taken the next day to the project site. Upon completion of your placement, transport back to Johannesburg will be provided.

Tell me more about the accommodation?
Volunteers stay with local Venda families in Thohoyandou town area and surrounding villages. The accommodation facilities are basic, typically with electricity, pit toilets and bucket showers being the norm. Basic bedding and 3 meals per day are provided. Thohoyandou Mall in town has an internet shop approximately $2 per 30 minutes.

Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
The spaces in the accommodation are reserved for volunteers only. We are unable to accept volunteers' family members unless they are volunteering as well.

Do I have to be from New Zealand to participate?
No, we can take volunteers from all over the world. Participants have come from Australia, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. Everyone is welcome.

What age do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. All that is required is a reasonable level of health and fitness.

Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. You may have English as your first or second language. In Venda the main languages are English and Tshivenda.

When do I need to arrive in South Africa?
The program runs year-round. Volunteers should arrive on the first or third Friday of each month. Placements run between 2 weeks and 6 months according to your preference and program availability.

What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
DTP (Diptheria, tetanus and polio): Essential
Yellow Fever: Required if travelling from an infected area
Hepatitis A and B: Recommended
Rabies: Not Required

Malaria is endemic in the lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Kruger National Park, a very popular destination, is within a malaria area. We strongly urge you to visit your GP or travel medicine specialist. If you intend traveling beyond South Africa, you must consult additional, reliable sources.

Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Absolutely. The project is well positioned for trips to local scenic sites and Kruger National Park less than an hour away. An optional weekend excursion will be organized by our partner organization if there is enough interest. Pilanesberg National Park, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Mozambique, Durban and Swaziland are other examples of destinations volunteers have visited in the past.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers all the necessities - food, accommodation, airport pickup and so forth. You will need to have additional money for bottled water, internet, extra food, for days off, airport departure tax, and any personal shopping you may do.

How safe is it to volunteer in South Africa?
South Africa, particularly Johannesburg, has a high crime rate and a very poor image when it comes to the issue of personal safety. However, you are staying in rural South Africa in quite a close-knit community. When you are outside the area, we will advise you on where it is safe to travel and stay.

Most volunteers will be accommodated in a home stay situation. The host families have all been carefully selected to provide you with a safe family environment and an insight into Venda life. As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in South Africa. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats. For additional travel advice you may like to check out AllSafeTravels - a provider of travel safety advice for anyone who travels internationally.

What clothing and other personal supplies do I need to bring?
Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable but tidy attire. It can be very hot at certain times of the year, however covering up is important not only for protection from the sun and insects, but also to show respect to your local co-workers and members of the community. For women this means long pants, skirts, and dresses. For men, this means long pants, or even nice knee-length shorts if necessary. If you are working with very young children, keep in mind that your clothes may get extra dirty as the greatest fun for children is making a mess!

Can I get my medicines in South Africa?
You can't count on it. Please ensure that you bring all the medicines you do - and may - require.

Should I bring my mobile phone?
You will be provided with a mobile phone to use during your placement to use for program purposes and emergencies. If you would like to also have a phone during your independent travel then you can bring your own phone and purchase a local SIM card so that it will work in South Africa.

How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This depends on how many people volunteer at the one time. A maximum of 12 volunteers can be accommodated.

Can you tell me more about the partner organisation in South Africa?
Our partner is a South African based organisation aimed at establishing educational, cross-cultural, and service delivery projects in areas of Africa. Through its projects, our partner asserts its active commitment to youth development, improved education opportunities, skills development for young people.

Their education initiatives (volunteer program and career fair) seek to work in partnership with Vhembe District to create an enabling environment and communities which are supportive of youth and present positive role models.

What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision.

Who organises my visa for my volunteer placement?
Most nationalities will be granted a 3 month tourist visa on arrival, providing you have a valid passport and 2 adjacent blank visa pages inside. If you choose to stay in the country longer, either as a result of extending your volunteer placement or electing to travel, it is possible to extend your visa at the Department of Home Affairs. As at 1 April 2004, a tariff of ZAR 425 applies. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you intend to return home. You will also be asked to substantiate that (i) you have enough money to support yourself during the remainder of your stay (ie. bank statements) and (ii) you have a return ticket.

Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$10,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.

How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program. Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. The program fee is non refundable, in accordance with GVN's legal terms of service.

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