Grassroots Organization Volunteering in South Africa

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Give your creativity an outlet in this media and graphic design internship with an NGO in South Africa. Committed to urban greening, reforestation and eco-education in Sub-Saharan Africa, this award-winning NGO in Cape Town works to empower communities through tree planting, fighting deforestation and spreading environmental awareness. Since being established in 2010, they have already planted 18,000 trees as well as created exciting initiatives for children and the local community. The organization is always looking for new promotional materials and methods for their online media. As a media and graphic design intern, you will have an opportunity to be involved in the process, from conception to design and delivery. To be eligible for this internship, you need to have some experience in marketing and knowledge of social media platforms. You must also have eyes for a new approach to media and graphic design. Experience in Photoshop, illustrator and Mac are required, while videography and editing skills are greatly appreciated. You must have strong conceptualizing, branding, and creative skills. It is recommended that you bring your own laptop.

If you're a keen photographer and you'd like to use your skills for a good cause, this is an exciting opportunity! This humanitarian photography project allows you to document the work of grassroots organizations doing important social impact, environmental, or animal welfare work. It's a flexible program that allows you to focus on your passion, explore what photography can achieve, and explore this wonderful part of the world. You'll start your program with a one-week workshop by Anna Lusty, a professional humanitarian photographer. You'll learn how to approach nonprofit photography in a culturally sensitive way, and how to document projects in a way that will be most beneficial to the cause. From the second week, you'll start your one-week assignments. You'll be matched with grassroots nonprofits doing work you feel passionate about, and you'll spend a week learning about and documenting their projects. You can join this program for 2 to 4 weeks, and there are regular start dates. You'll need to: - Have basic photography skills and a good camera - Be passionate about using your photography for a good cause - Be keen to learn

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, South Africa. As a photographer on this program, you'll learn how to document the work of local nonprofit organizations effectively, and you'll put that knowledge into practice during photographic assignments. You'll be tutored by a professional humanitarian photographer with extensive experience and a deep passion for nonprofit photography. Through personal guidance, you'll be sure to grow both in skill and confidence as a photographer. This workshop is a wonderful way to make an impact through your lens and experience South Africa in a unique way. During your stay in Stellenbosch, your accommodation, transport, and meals will be taken care of. You'll be based in a comfortable lodge in the city center, allowing you to easily explore some of the many highlights Stellenbosch and Cape Town have to offer. To qualify for this NGO photography program, you'll need to have basic camera skills and some photographic experience. The workshop runs several times a year, and you can join us for 2 to 4 weeks.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges. Our network includes watchdog groups, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobby groups, and think tanks. Depending on your placement, you may help develop educational workshops for immigrants, conduct peer education training, monitor and evaluate community-based initiatives, research political or gender rights issues, or contribute to reports on human trafficking, child labor, and other critical topics. Each internship is tailored to your background and interests, giving you the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

Cape Town, known for its diverse and growing population, is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Opportunities to serve all year round include daycares for lower-income families, education centers for disadvantaged learners, and human rights organizations. Partnering with community-based organizations and completing a reflection-based curriculum will allow you to learn how local experts address these issues in their communities while gaining intercultural leadership skills. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so please visit our website to learn more about your options. Our Cape Town program is recommended for anyone interested in the education and/or disability service fields.

Take a semester or academic year in the fascinating Stellenbosch with AIFS Abroad. You can earn up to 15 credits studying at the University of Stellenbosch. The courses are delivered in English. Choose your course on the Full Curriculum Program. Focus on South African history and culture through the General Education Program. Global Service Learning and a Learning for Sustainable Community Engagement program are also available. Live in the student residence hall at the heart of campus life. You will have a single en-suite room with shared common areas and laundry facilities. Internet access and a meal allowance are included. You will enjoy cultural and social activities such as: • Beach excursions • Trips to local craft and food markets • Vineyard tour • Day trip along the famous Garden Route • Day trips to Cape Town, Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve, and Boulder’s Beach (home of 3,000 African penguins) Optional excursions include a 3-day trip to the Cederberg Mountains and a 5-day visit to Addo Elephant Park and Breede River.

Volunteer in South Africa’s nonprofit organization sector, together with a team of counselors, psychologists, social workers, and community workers in this program abroad. The project focuses on providing counseling services, workshops, and training to people and groups going through traumatic experiences. These could include depression, domestic violence, family and marital stress, sexual abuse, HIV-related, and grief. Your role as a volunteer and the activities assigned to you may vary depending on certain factors, including the organization’s current needs (at the time of your participation). You’ll work as part of a team, helping with community networking activities and workshops. You could also attend case study groups and counseling courses. This project is available from mid-February to mid-November, with start days from Monday to Friday. Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, with a major or qualification in a relevant field. If you have experience in these fields, we’d be especially delighted to have you. The minimum length of stay is 4 weeks and a longer duration is subject to visa requirements.

Magister South Africa offers a broad range of internship and volunteering placements in Cape Town. As one of the most established and well-known internship and volunteer organizations in South Africa's capital, our main goal is geared toward matching and placing qualified international students, interns, and volunteers with dynamic companies and organizations based in Cape Town. With our wide network of contacts and range of skills, we strive to ensure that the participants' experiences abroad remain unforgettable one. Magister offers great value to students and volunteers and invests in their personal development and education as well as their careers. We match placements according to qualifications, interests, and university requirements to ensure a unique internship or volunteer experience that best fits individual needs.

Join Nourish Eco Village and make a real impact by supporting agricultural entrepreneurship in rural communities. Help develop sustainable farming businesses, tackle food security, and empower local entrepreneurs through training in agro-ecology, agri-processing, and product development. Get hands-on at our training farm, assisting with daily tasks, managing chicken coops, and creating products like pickled beetroots, hot sauce, and gluten-free flour. Stay at our on-site backpackers, work alongside a passionate team, and gain valuable skills in sustainable farming, education, and conservation. You can also engage in our other impactful programs: Green Kidz – Teach environmental education in local schools Rise Creches – Support early childhood development for vulnerable children Social Enterprise – Help small businesses grow through our incubator Eco Village – Promote recycling, sustainability, and community outreach During weekends, explore Kruger National Park, immerse yourself in South African culture, and experience an adventure of a lifetime! Join us now and be part of real change!

Make a real impact in Africa by joining Time to Help's volunteer trip focused on fighting poverty and helping with disaster relief. This program offers a chance to work directly with communities, delivering essential services and making a difference. Volunteers will receive full support from our team, ensuring smooth travel, accommodations, and logistics. On this trip, you'll work alongside local communities to provide services that are respectful of their customs and traditions. The experience aims to benefit those in need and give volunteers a deep understanding of African cultures. Whether distributing supplies or aiding in disaster relief, your efforts will improve lives and bring hope.

Over 80% of South African 10-year-olds struggle to read for meaning, indicating a serious literacy crisis. After-school academic support programs have proven effective in improving educational outcomes, especially in under-resourced communities. These programs help reduce educational inequality by offering academic and psychosocial support, and by creating safe, nurturing spaces for vulnerable children and youth. Hope Warriors Children’s Charity provides an inspirational learning environment in Soshanguve, where children receive free homework help and academic enrichment. Activities include reading aloud, mental math, and Spelling Bee competitions to build confidence and skills. We encourage children to stay focused on their studies, living out Nelson Mandela’s belief that "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." To support learning, we also provide meals and proper clothing, helping children who face hunger and poor nutrition to concentrate better and engage more actively in school life.