About South Africa
Did you know that most of its 46 million inhabitants live in the major towns and cities and that its vast bushveld is virtually empty?
The contrasts are extraordinary: first world cities on the one hand, and communities as poor as anywhere on the continent on the other – a genuine “Rainbow Nation”!
This is a stunning and rugged country, where a new generation of talent is emerging from the rebuilt townships – but slowly.
Volunteering in South Africa you will see there is a passionate desire for education – in the classroom, on the sports’ field and about the world.
South Africa Gap Year Program
We offer gap year projects and volunteering opportunities with a small, rural community in the Karoo, South Africa’s ‘Big Sky’ country, in the southern part of the Orange Free State, where there are five schools in need of your help. You will live in the town of Philippolis and spend your time getting to know these wonderful people.
You literally have to prise these children off you at the end of the day – they just don’t want you to go home!
Our volunteers have found the challenges here immensely rewarding. Volunteering in South Africa with AV gives you the chance to teach anything (primary to secondary), play anything (especially football), sing, dance, paint and act. Your days will be busy and you’ll love it!
Language: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.
Population: Nearly 46,000,000.
Population Density: 36.8. people per km²
Size: 1,219,090 km²
Excellent local produce, including meat, fruit and wine. The long coastline produces fresh, cheap seafood. Typical dishes include sosaties (a type of kebab), bobotie (a curried mince dish), bredies (meat, tomato and vegetable stews). Poetoepap or stywepap, made with white maize meal, is often served with meat. Biltong (dried meat) is a speciality.
We have representatives throughout east and southern Africa. Kate Groch is our South Africa Manager, and she has Lulani Vermeulen in her team to help you with day-to-day problems. They are all wonderful at solving a wide spectrum of problems and handing out TLC, when required. Be warned…Kate and Lulani have a highly contagious virus called “enthusiasm”. You will catch it!
- Malaria Area: Only in some reserves and the east
- Wet Season (Global warming permitting!): Jun-Aug but steady throughout the year in Eastern Cape
- Internet cafes: Everywhere
- Electricity Type: UK type 220-240 volt
- Plugs: Large 3 pin, round pin
- In Country Rep: Kate Groch and Lulani Vermeulen
- Language: Mainly English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu
- “Hello!”: “Goeie dag!”
- Money: South African Rand
- Visa or MasterCard: Visa is best but most are accepted