There are thousands of organisations working in South Africa, trying to improve the lives and conditions of people and animals. If you are South African look for opportunities close to home.
Animals and wildlife
Children and youth
You pay to volunteer (but it’s organized!)
You are paid to volunteer
Animals and wildlife
There are many organisations in both cities and rural areas that rely on volunteers to achieve their objectives. Whether you wish to help out once or twice a month whilst at home or studying, or you want to spend 6 months paying to live and work closely with animals (for example, with animal capture and relocation organisations, or animal rehabilitation centres), there are plenty of opportunities in South Africa.
The following links are suggested places to start looking – use Google to search on phrases such as “volunteer with animals Nelspruit”, “volunteer animal rehabilitation”. More links will be added when possible.
The following are some animal welfare and rehabilitation centres you can contact. To search for all South African charities click on this link to the SA Charities website.
Animal Anti-Cruelty League
59 Alice Street
Regents Park Extension
Johannesburg.
Tel: (011) 435-0672
Fax: (011) 435-0693
Society for Animals in Distress
The Paddocks
Plot 20, Moerdyk Street
Vorna Valley
Telephone: (011) 466-0261
Fax: (011) 466-0262
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Johannesburg SPCA
5 Benray Road
Reuven
Tel: (011) 681-3600
Fax: (011) 681-3660
Email:
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Randburg SPCA
229 Northumberland Avenue
North Riding
Telephone: (011) 462-1610
Fax: (011) 462-2659
Roodepoort SPCA
Nadine Street
Maraisburg
Telephone: (011) 672-0448
Fax: (011) 672-2918
Sandton SPCA
9th Street, next to the Department of Labour and the Traffic Department
Marlboro Gardens
Telephone: (011) 444-7730
Fax: (011) 444-8056
Email:
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Web site: www.sandton.spca.org.za
Freeme
Rietfontein Nature Reserve
North of Witkoppen Road
Sandton
Telephone: (011) 807-6993 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm or, in case of emergencies, 24 hours a day at 083-558-5658.
Web site: www.freemewildlife.org.za
Email:
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South Africa National Bird of Prey Centre
Director: Glodel Oertel
Inanda Club
Forrest Road, Inanda
Tel: 083-585-9540
Fax: (011) 648-3491
Email:
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Web site: www.birdsofprey.org.za
South African Non-Government Agencies (NGO’s)
For the latest lists of NGO’s in South Africa click on the link below. You can find NGO’s sorted by objectives, for example NGO’s promoting environmental issues.
Earthlife AFRICA
Environmental Justice Network Forum
Environmental Monitoring Group
Empowerment for African Sustainable Development
The Greenhouse Project
Groundwork
Group for Environmental Monitoring
Sustainable Energy Africa
Other organisations:
Animal Rescue, Cape Town
African orphanage, Hoedspruit
Let us know of your findings and experiences – we will add links to the above list if they can significantly assist users of this site to contribute more effectively of their time and money.
Children and youth
There are so many charities and non-profit organisations that need help from volunteers that it will take you time to determine which one is right for you.
Different skill levels are required, but your time and commitment are the most important qualities that are needed.
Below are some general websites that will allow you to find and contact organisations in your area in South Africa.
Charity SA
Greater Good SA
Volunteer Child Network – a very comprehensive site of charities and organisations who require volunteers to work with South African children.
You pay to volunteer (but it’s organized!)
Organisations and South African reserves offering volunteering in the South African bush:
Action Aid – based in South Africa, offering projects all over the world
Africa and Asia Venture – work with children in the Free State, and enjoy a safari too!
African Conservation Experience – work with animals in the bush of South Africa
Amanzi Travel – many varied projects throughout South Africa and the Southern African region
Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (CARE) – work with baby baboons
Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage – work with school children and care for animals
Dyer Island Cruises – selected volunteers work with sharks, whales and other marine life (including tourists) off Gansbaai)
Enkosini Eco Experience – 6 to 12 month ranger program and other options
Greenforce, South Africa - live and work with sharks and penguins
i-to-i – many opportunities in South Africa and the rest of Africa
Kwa Madwala – 8 week programs
Moholoholo – game ranger guide course
Pathfinders – various courses in the Kruger Park
Projects Abroad – various projects, based in Cape Town
Real Gap – one of the largest providers of gap travel and volunteering. Have a look at the African options available to you
SanWild – volunteer to help
Shumba Experience – work with cheetahs in Namibia
Vivisto – volunteer projects in various parts of South Africa
Volunteer Africa – options in Kruger Park, Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Institute and Wild Coast
Whipalong – work with horses and ride to the nearby Moholoholo game reserve
Organised volunteering experiences in Africa (near South Africa)
All Out Africa – various projects in Swaziland, South Africa, and Mozambique
Coral Cay Conservation – no previous experience required. Work on projects related to saving the coral reefs
You are paid to volunteer
As with any other type of work, the more relevant experience and qualifications you possess, the more opportunities there are to earn a decent rate of pay.
Saying that, if you keep looking and approaching organizations for work, you will eventually find a suitable position. Good luck!
Visions in Action – USA registered NGO, offering paid volunteering jobs. Need various qualifications
Paid cricket coaching through Real Gap – they require a fee, but there are many clubs and schools that require coaches
A very exciting opportunity has opened for young volunteers!!
Click here for detailed information