South Africa

Volunteer in South Africa

Live and work in the southern-most point of Africa and support disadvantaged communities

Volunteer in South Africa with Projects Abroad and support local communities through our ongoing development efforts in Cape Town.

We have several different opportunities for people looking to volunteer in Cape Town. You can care for animals, support early childhood development, or kickstart your career in international development.

No matter which project you contribute to, our local staff will be on hand 24/7 to guide and support you throughout your trip.

Cape Town has a lot to offer in your free time. Visit the iconic Table Mountain or go on a weekend trip to do a safari and see the Big Five! We also recommend trying as much of the delicious local food as possible.

Choose a project in South Africa

0

Janan K

In my eyes, it’s the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to. From the rocky mountains and sandy beaches to the fascinating history and vibrant mix of people – Cape Town has it all.

Heidi M

I am impressed by the professionalism and support Projects Abroad staff members offer. (…) I appreciate the attentiveness staff members provided during my stay in South Africa. They made sure I was safe and satisfied at all times.

Jordan W

What drew me most to the opportunity was the chance to gain real exposure to attorneys and clients as well as the social justice initiatives.

Michael A

I’m given freedom at work, but also support when I need advice. I work on a variety of things, from the death of Amy Winehouse to the problems of over fishing. It stretches you and keeps you fresh. It has been a real learning experience.

Joanna S

The staff are so welcoming and really put me at ease when I arrived, and throughout my time with them. I made friends from all over the world, established myself in a new culture and had some amazing experiences also.

Emma F

Never before had I had the opportunity to show someone, let alone, a child with very little, both the physical and mental affect which surfing can have.

Edward S

My time here has benefited me so much. I have met so many unbelievable people from all over the world and had many priceless moments with the children I taught.

Emma G

I received far more responsibility than I ever anticipated and was even invited to attend important business meetings and home visits with the senior staff, which were a fantastic experience.

Sarah B

I would recommend doing one job and putting your whole heart into making the best difference possible. This experience has changed my life and I will forever carry a piece of South Africa in my heart.

Gaurika J

Robben Island was a fascinating insight some of the history of South Africa and our tour guide was a real past political prisoner there. The beach and the Cape boasted some great views and animals!

Eloise G

I decided to bite the bullet and just go for it, thinking it would be good for my personal growth and it would be a chance to see a new country. I never expected to have one of the best two weeks of my life.

Miles B

The Project Manager, Fahima, was a joy to work with, encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone and do as much as possible. Teaching big groups of different ages and awareness levels about the benefits of healthy eating was challenging. But I’d urge any volunteer to jump in with both feet.

Map & Location

At the southernmost tip of the African continent lies the remarkable country of South Africa, with three capital cities and 11 official languages. A melting pot of culture with a chequered past, the South African people have a distinct “Ubuntu” spirit that you will feel everywhere you go.

Table Mountain, Robben Island, and expansive national parks are just some of the sites in this increasingly popular, historic destination. Did you know it was the first (and only) African nation to host the Football World Cup?

Cape Town

Cape Town, situated on the western coast of South Africa, is a captivating city renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Home to almost five million people, Cape Town has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

The famous Table Mountain overlooks the city and is one of many popular hiking locations. Beautiful beaches, world-class wineries, and exciting outdoor activities makes it no surprise that Cape Town is South Africa’s second largest city.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our South Africa Arrival Procedures page.

Meet the team in South Africa

Ms Kayla Davis

Operations Manager

Kayla was born and raised in Cape Town and loves living in the Mother City. She is currently studying Business Management at False Bay FET college. She supervisors the Teaching project and loves working with the children at the schools. She joined Projects Abroad in 2013 and enjoys working with volunteers from all over the world.

Ms Samantha Speelman

Volunteer Coordinator

Samantha, 20, grew up in Cape Town and lives in Capricorn. She graduated from Immaculata High School in 2011. She is a dedicated, honest, free spirited and outspoken person. She likes hiking and meeting new people. She is involved in a Youth group at her church in her area. She likes challenges and adapts easily. She would like to travel across South Africa and experience different cultures within the African continent. She would also like to get a degree qualification in Tourism, which is her short term goal.

Ms Danielle Celeste Fillis

Assistant Legal Services Coordinator

Danielle was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She received her law degree from the University of the Western Cape and later attended the School for Legal Practice at the University of Cape Town. After completing her articles and being admitted as an attorney in 2013, she practised on her own for a while before joining a predominantly civil law firm. Danielle joined our Projects Abroad Human Rights Office in March 2018. She says the best part about her job is the satisfaction she gets from helping people. In her free time, she loves hiking, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Ms Gabriela Estrada

Volunteer Advisor

Gabriela was born in Guadalajara, she has a degree in Foreign Languages. She has worked as an English teacher and translator for several years and she joined the Projects Abroad team in 2016. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to concerts and cultural events. Gabriela has had the opportunity to travel through South America and Western Europe.

Ms Judy-Rose Cyster

Law & Human Rights Office Personal Assistant

Judy-Rose was born and raised in Cape Town. She enjoys the outdoor life and regularly goes to the West Coast to break away from the hectic city life. She has been working in the hospitality industry for more than 4 years, but her passion has always been to make a difference in people’s lives. In high school she was part of her school’s community outreach programme and she has done volunteer work for the Art of Living Foundation.

Mr Shuan Solomons

Surfing Project Manager

Shuan is from Vrygrond in the Cape Flats and his passion to work with and help people stemmed from having witnessed the hardship faced by those in his community. He joined Projects Abroad in 2010. After working as the Social Justice Coordinator in the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office, he was appointed the role of Surfing Project Manager. This role has given him the opportunity to be creative and come up with different ways to teach life skills to young people from communities like his own.

Mr Sherwin Daniels

Law & Human Rights Office Legal Services Coordinator

Sherwin was born and raised in Cape Town. He completed his LLB law degree at the University of the Western Cape. Whilst at university, he did an international human rights course with Howard University (USA) which is where his passion for human rights commenced. In his free time, Sherwin likes socialising and meeting new people. He also enjoys playing squash, sand-boarding and going to the gym.

Mr Michael Henry

Social Justice Coordinator

Michael was born and raised in Cape Town. He is extremely passionate about working with at risk youths because of how he grew up. Before joining Projects Abroad, Michael worked with youth development programmes in various communities around Cape Town for four years. His major focus was on diversion for juveniles and rehabilitation for inmates at Pollsmoor Prison. He is a decent soccer player and thoroughly enjoys physical activity and new challenges.

Mr Ashwin Scott

Care Coordinator

Ashwin was born and raised in Cape Town, his very outgoing and loves meeting new people from different cultures. He is a part time dancer and worked with children for eight years, before joining Projects Abroad. His goal in life is to help others suffering from poverty and create positive change in the world.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

Our trusted accreditations

British Youth Travel Award 2025, Best Experience of the Year (Silver) Award
Go Overseas Rating
SDG Contribution finalist
Go Abroad Winner
Learning outside the classroom badge
GoOverseas community choice award
Sustainable tour operator finalist
GoAbroad Rating
Volunteer Forever award