Role of Volunteer
As a medical volunteer in South Africa, your duties may include assisting local medical personnel and taking on various tasks independently at the clinic or hospital. Volunteers assist with outpatient department services, dispense medications and deliver injections/immunizations. Volunteers also support health education via community outreach programs and assist with family planning and antenatal services.
NOTE: Tasks and assignments vary from day-to-day, depending up on the schedule of the project and personal skills/experience of our volunteers and work plans are developed by clinic or hospital directors upon a volunteer’s arrival.
In South Africa, we work in small communities/neighborhoods, and the majority of our projects are very closely related within these communities. All of these projects are in desperate need of volunteers. Therefore, volunteers will often be requested to work with more than one project in their community during their stay. This not only helps the projects immensely, but it also gives volunteers a unique opportunity to experience different the different issues and facets of the South African people.
Volunteer in South Africa: Project Locations and Free Time Options
The locations of Global Crossroad’s volunteer in South Africa projects are in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces. All projects and our Cultural Program originate in Cape Town, but most placements are located are located outside of Cape Town. All placements offer access to activities that are considered “authentic South African” experiences and all locations are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and natural beauty.
A few of our projects are located in Stellenbosch in The Winelands. This town is the second oldest and one of the richest towns in South Africa. The wines, historical buildings, oak lined streets and university offer a beautiful backdrop for free-time excursions. Stellenbosch is centuries old and the town was founded primarily to support the region’s wine production. Historic Cape Dutch architecture rules the town and most buildings have been carefully restored. Vineyards and wineries are the main pull here, but hiking trails abound at local nature reserves.
Our Garden Route projects are based in Albertinia, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Riversdale. The Garden Route is wrapped along the coastal area along the Gouritz River, up into the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. There are a few local wineries and the local Garden Route Game Reserve offers a chance to see animals in their natural environment. The 2nd highest bungee jump in South Africa is located at the famous Gouritz Bridge. Beachside towns are only 30-45 minutes away and offer a great afternoon of relaxation and playing tourist. There are water sports and trails for hikes, horses and cyclists. Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich feather capital of the world and also boasts caverns and caves to explore. Riversdale is the flower kingdom of the garden route and there are mountain activities as well as many local markets at which to buy local artists’ works.
