Top 20 volunteer organizations in South Africa in 2024: detailed list

Volunteering equips you with the experiences and skills needed in a regular working environment. After completing your volunteer job duration, most employers will consider you an asset because you are already exposed to the working environment and its practices. If you would love to do these jobs, this article lists the top 20 volunteer organizations in South Africa to which you can apply.

This article lists local and international not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) running charity programs in South Africa and other developing countries worldwide. Most international organizations mentioned here enable people abroad to volunteer in South Africa or across Africa. Additionally, some international organizations can only be contacted via email addresses, live chats on their website, or international phone numbers.

List of volunteer organizations in South Africa

South Africa has diverse volunteer opportunities for the local communities. Therefore, search for volunteer organizations you can work for and send your application documents. Below are some of the top volunteer organizations in South Africa:

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While most volunteer jobs do not pay, you might be lucky to find an organization that pays volunteers. Regardless, volunteers' payments are usually small compensations to cover a percentage of their living expenses and stipends to appreciate and motivate them. If you are looking for volunteer jobs that pay in South Africa, inquire from the following organizations:

1. Africa Matters Initiative

• Address: 21 Dreyer St., 4th Floor, Sunclare, Claremont, Western Cape, 7788, SA
• Email: info@africamattersinitiative.com
• Website: www.africamattersinitiative.com

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Africa Matters Initiative (AMI) is a youth-led organization committed to upskilling and empowering African youth to change their communities.

AMI's programs combine leadership and social entrepreneurship training to help young people contribute positively to their communities. The organization's flagship and Bespoke programs include:

• The Africa Matters Ambassadors Program (AMAP)
• Schools Leadership Development Program (SLDP)
• The ShE is Empowered Program

2. The Tshemba Foundation

• Address: Stand 258, Moditlo Estate, Limpopo 1380, South Africa
• Phone: +27 (0) 84 568 9081
• Email: lisa@tshembafoundation.org
• Website: www.tshembafoundation.org

The Tshemba Foundation urges healthcare professionals who want to take a 'Leave of Purpose' to participate in this organization's unique medical volunteering experience.

The Tshemba Foundation's medical volunteer program connects healthcare professionals across various disciplines with knowledge, skills, experience, and a desire to give back to rural communities in need.

3. Marine Dynamics Academy

• Address: 5 Geelbek St, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai, South Africa
• Phone: +27 (0) 799 309 694
• Email: info@marinedynamics.org
• Website: marinedynamics.org/academy

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The Marine Dynamics Academy has volunteer organizations in South Africa for students. The programs offered are for anyone who loves marine wildlife and wants to work with some of Southern Africa's marine species, such as white sharks, whales, and dolphins.

You can join this academy's Marine Big Five volunteer program regardless of background or profession. The program offers marine enthusiasts various life-changing experiences designed to improve their skills and employability prospects.

4. DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage

• Address: Bona Ingwe Farms - Harmony 81, Hoedspruit, South Africa
• Phone: +27 (0) 82 656 2969
• Email: info@daktaribushschool.org
• Website: daktaribushschool.org

DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is a local NGO near Kruger National Park. It was founded in 2006 to educate and inspire children to value their environment and stimulate community development.

The children come to NGOs for lessons and to help care for some captured animals that cannot be rehabilitated or released back into the wild. Volunteers come from around the world to teach and guide the children in caring for the animals.

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5. Aid Africa’s Children

• Address: Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States
• Phone: +1 708-269-1139
• Email: luannwing@me.com
• Website: www.aidafricaschildren.com

Aid Africa's Children is an Illinois-based non-profit organization that helps impoverished African communities through programs for food, education, emergency medical care, clean water, HIV/AIDS medication, mosquito nets, and malaria medication.

The organization works with volunteers and diverse professionals, including doctors, nurses, teachers, attorneys, filmmakers, and pharmaсeutical companies, to assist African villages, hospitals, and childcare facilities.

6. StayAfrica

• Address: Suite 5, 1st Floor, Radio House, 92 Loop Str., Cape Town, 8001, SA
• Phone: +27 83 2323 618
• Email: enquiries@stayafrica.org
• Website: stayafrica.org

StayAfrica! (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) is a volunteer organization in Cape Town. Founded in 1972, it provides affordable travel opportunities for South African students.

Its volunteers make valuable contributions to communities in and around Cape Town. StayAfrica's programs include childcare, primary school education and sports, social welfare, healthcare, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and wildlife conservation.

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Moreover, the organization accommodates volunteers in the Bohemian Suburb Observatory in Cape Town. If you're interested in volunteering in South Africa for free, try your luck with StayAfrica.

7. Via Volunteers

• Address: 137 3rd Avenue, Rondebosch East, Cape Town, 7780, South Africa
• Phone: +27 84 979 6399
• Email: info@viavolunteers.com
• Website: www.viavolunteers.com

Working at Via Volunteers is a life-changing experience. The organization was established in 2013 and has hosted thousands of volunteers from over 60 countries worldwide. Its projects are divided into childcare & community and wildlife conservation. You can focus on one project or combine any number of projects to create an experience that’s right for you.

8. Love Volunteers

• Address: 7 Milford Rd, Milford, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
• Phone: +64-9-888-0575 | +1 415-800-4993
• Email: help@lovevolunteers.org
• Website: www.lovevolunteers.org

Love Volunteers was founded in 2009 in New Zealand and has expanded to numerous countries, including Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in South Africa.

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The organization offers hundreds of meaningful, rewarding, cost-effective volunteer and internship opportunities worldwide in developing countries.

Love Volunteers South Africa provides programs in animal rescue, childcare and development, education support, environmental conservation, medical internship, social welfare, sports development, surf and adventure, and wildlife conservation.

9. Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)

• Address: 15A Coedmore Avenue, Yellowwood Park, Durban, South Africa
• Phone: +27 (31) 462-1127 | +27 (83) 212 5281
• Email: info@crowkzn.co.za
• Website: crowkzn.co.za

The CROW is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in South Africa. The Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals into the wildlife. The organization assists over 3000 orphaned, injured, and displaced animals annually. It is run by a small yet highly dedicated and experienced team of staff and volunteers.

10. CodeMakers

• Address: Durban, South Africa
• Phone: +27 (0) 71 361 4717
• Email: info@codemakers.org.za
• Website: www.codemakers.org.za

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CodeMakers empowers young South Africans through science and technology education. The not-for-profit organization (NPO) teaches computer coding fundamentals and provides hands-on learning tools to low-income communities.

What's more, CodeMakers shows learners how what they learn in the classroom can be applied and inspires them to pursue scarce skills in their careers.

11. COPESSA

• Address: 8955 Protea Blvd, Protea Glen, Johannesburg, 1818, South Africa
• Phone: +27 11 297 3320
• Email: copessainfo@gmail.com
• Website: www.copessa.co.za

COPESSA (Community-based Prevention and Empowerment Strategies in South Africa) is a multi-award-winning organization founded to help prevent violence against women and children. The not-for-profit organization (NPO) relies on fundraisers to run its projects, and all donations made to COPESSA are tax-deductible. COPESSA partners with SIGMA, Nedbank, and other successful organizations.

12. African Impact

• Address: Cape Town, South Africa
• Phone: 0808 1644 055 | 1 844 939 4115
• Email: info@africanimpact.com
• Website: africanimpact.com

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African Impact has offered life-changing volunteer and internship programs across Africa since 2004. Their projects include teaching & childcare, medical and healthcare, sports coaching, gender equality, wildlife conservation, marine conservation, animal care and veterinary, wildlife photography, and environmental sustainability.

13. GoEco

• Address: 188 Commerce St, Frankton, Hamilton, New Zealand
• Phone: +1-772-667-5313
• Email: goeco@goeco.org
• Website: www.goeco.org

GoEco is a leading ecotourism company that provides affordable volunteer projects abroad. It has over 150 exciting volunteering opportunities in more than 40 countries. Some of GoEco's top projects include:

• Marine and Turtle Conservation in the Maldives
• Volunteer in Zimbabwe at the African Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
• Sri Lanka – Women’s English Literacy and Empowerment Program
• Wildlife Veterinary Internship in South Africa
• Ecuador, Galápagos – Giant Tortoise Conservation Program
• Belize – Private Island Marine Experience
• Teach and Surf Project in South Africa
• Indonesia – Education Enrichment in Bali
• Costa Rica – Animal Rescue and Conservation.

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14. Naturally Africa Volunteers

• Address: 5 Golding Gardens, East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 5PB, UK
• Phone: +44 (0) 208 123 0301
• Email: info@volunteerafrica.com
• Website: volunteerafrica.com

Naturally Africa Volunteers provides opportunities for skilled and non-skilled volunteers to help make a difference in Africa. They offer a variety of volunteering opportunities, including teaching, medical, sports, and wildlife conservation.

15. International Working Holidays (IWH)

• Address: 28 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 9 6660 192
• PO Box: 52, Helensville, Auckland, 0840, New Zealand
• Website: iwh.co.nz

International Working Holidays was established in 1994. The organization has numerous screened partner projects worldwide that volunteer tourists can work on. The exclusive South Africa Wildlife and Namibia Volunteer Projects allow you to work with African Wildlife.

The Soweto Orphanage Project requires caring, hardworking team players who are tolerant and open to different cultures and traditions. Volunteers are accommodated within the project's environments.

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16. Lebo's Soweto Backpackers

• Address: 10823A, Pooe Street, Orlando West, Soweto, South Africa
• Phone: +27 11-936 3444 | +27 81 5242918
• Email: lebo@sowetobackpackers.com
• Website: www.sowetobackpackers.com

Lebo's Soweto Backpackers is one of the best Volunteer organizations in Soweto. They offer several valuable volunteer programs in partnership with the Hero Holidays. If you would like to share your skills or acquire practical experience, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers can help you spend some rewarding time with the kids in Soweto.

17. Door of Hope

• Address: 15 Barbara Ave, Glenvista, Johannesburg South, 2091, South Africa
• Phone: +27 11 432 2797
• Email: info@doorofhope.co.za
• Website: doorofhope.co.za

Door of Hope is among the top volunteer organizations in Johannesburg. It offers shelter to abandoned babies and reunites some with their families.

The organization also makes adoption arrangements to place these babies into loving homes. International and local volunteers are welcome to lend a helping hand in raising these kids.

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18. Agape Volunteers

• Address: Home Park, Muddiford, BARNSTAPLE, EX31 4ET, UK
• Phone: +44 (0) 845 519 8469
• Email: info@agape-volunteers.com
• Website: agape-volunteers.com

Agape Volunteers is a fully registered UK non-profit charity with over ten years of experience in humanitarian work. The organization specializes in placing volunteers into charity projects across Africa, including childcare, teaching, medical, HIV, music, and sports programs. Agape Volunteers guarantees volunteers an affordable and impactful experience.

19. South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB)

• Address: 514 White St, Bailey`s Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa
• Phone: +27 12 452 3811
• Email: helpdesk@sancb.org.za
• Website: sancb.org.za

The South Africa National Council for the Blind is among the best volunteer organizations in South Africa, and working with them is rewarding.

The organization empowers visually impaired people. You can help with fundraising, mobilizing people to attend SANCB events, spreading awareness about SANCB, offering expertise ideas to the staff, and so on.

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20. Izizwe Projects

• Address: 514 White St, Bailey`s Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa
• Phone: +27 12 452 3811
• Email: helpdesk@sancb.org.za
• Website: www.izizweprojects.co.za

Since 2008, Izizwe Volunteer Projects has facilitated volunteers from Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Their volunteer initiatives include sports programs like basketball and swimming, adult literacy, basic English tuition, and CV & interview training. These projects aim to uplift the community of Gqebera Township in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Where can you volunteer in SA?

When looking for volunteer organizations near you in South Africa, look for a chance from these international and local not-for-profit organizations:

• StayAfrica
• Via Volunteers
• Love Volunteers
• Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
• CodeMakers
• COPESSA
• African Impact
• GoEco
• Naturally Africa Volunteers
• International Working Holidays (IWH)
• Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
• Door of Hope
• Agape Volunteers
• South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB)
• Izizwe Projects

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What are the Big Five volunteers in South Africa?

Companies that need volunteers in South Africa to care for the big five marine animals (shark, whale, dolphin, seal, and penguin) and the big game animals (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo) include:

• Marine Dynamics Academy
• DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
• StayAfrica
• Via Volunteers
• Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
• African Impact
• GoEco
• Naturally Africa Volunteers
• International Working Holidays (IWH)

What are the 3 types of volunteer organizations in South Africa?

Most volunteer organizations in South Africa deal with wildlife rescue and conservation, childcare and education, and women and youth empowerment.

How to join a volunteer organization in South Africa?

Discover your passions to know which volunteer jobs you want to do. After that, research volunteer organizations in South Africa with projects that match your interests. Determine how long or often you can volunteer, identify the skills and knowledge you can offer, and then send your volunteer resume to organizations you want to work for.

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Which South African organization needs volunteers the most?

UNICEF South Africa's Volunteer Program and the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) need many volunteers. The organizations aim to improve the lives of children and youth across South Africa.

Can you volunteer in Africa for free?

Humanitarian and wildlife NGOs in Africa provide volunteer placements free or for a low fee. Opportunities range from wildlife conservation to community development to ecotourism.

How much does it cost to volunteer in South Africa?

For someone from overseas to volunteer in South Africa, they might be required to pay about $700 - $800 per week for training, staff, housing, and meals (depending on the volunteer program and organization). Additionally, they should account for flights to and from their home country, which are not included in the program fees.

These volunteer organizations in South Africa can help you discover your passion. Some offer free volunteer opportunities without payment, while others provide volunteers small stipends. Some, however, charge volunteers a small fee for lodging, meals, and training.

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Source: Briefly News