Are you passionate about wildlife, empowering local communities, or excited about looking after the environment? Now is your chance to leave a lasting legacy that will ripple into the lives of future generations.
From conservation initiatives to community development projects, Cape Town presents an array of volunteering opportunities for individuals eager to contribute to positive change, while experiencing its vibrant culture and natural beauty.
In this article, you’ll discover how you can become a catalyst for positive change, embracing the transformative power of volunteerism while creating bonds and memories that will stay with you forever.
Greenpop
Join the treevolution with Greenpop.
They’re on a mission to plant trees, green communities and empower environmental stewards across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Greenpop focuses on forest restoration, urban greening, food gardening and environmental awareness.
Get your hands dirty through regular and ad-hoc volunteering opportunities in Cape Town. Simply sign-up on their website and get added to their volunteer database.
Soil for Life
Soil for Life is a public benefit organisation, teaching people how to grow their own food and improve their health and well-being while protecting the environment.
Since 2002, they have taught over 7,600 people in resource-poor communities how to develop and sustain productive home and community food gardens.
Through various programmes, tiny green islands develop in what were once bleak and barren environments. As people learn how to use waste, grow their own food, prepare nutritious meals and live a healthier life, they reconnect with the earth and their neighbours.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill in the form on their website.
SANParks
SANParks, short for South African National Parks, is a governmental organisation responsible for the management and conservation of South Africa’s national parks and protected areas.
Currently, they manage 19 national parks with diverse ecosystems and wildlife populations all over South Africa.
Key features and responsibilities of SANParks include conservation, wildlife management,
tourism and visitor experience, research, community engagement, education, and international collaboration.
If you’re passionate about nature and would like to support SANParks with various programmes, you can become an Honorary Ranger. For more information on their latest activities and how you can get involved, visit their website.
SANCCOB
Saving southern Africa’s seabirds since 1968, SANCCOB is a registered non-profit organisation focusing on reversing declining seabird populations.
The organisation works closely with colony managers, identifying birds who need care in the wild, and bringing them to one of their centres.
You can get hands-on experience working with endangered African penguins and other seabirds, by assisting with seabird rehabilitation, cleaning and feeding birds, driving/collecting seabirds and many other tasks.
If you’re looking for a place to donate your time and make a meaningful impact, visit their website.
SAVE Foundation
As a registered non-profit organisation, SAVE Foundation’s main objective is to enhance, train and empower various communities across Africa, while also working to preserve conservation areas and rehabilitate wildlife.
Founded in 2006, SAVE Foundation has grown out of South Africa and into Uganda, Namibia and Malawi, supporting over 30 projects. These projects range from conservation development to sustainable community outreach projects.
One of their many programmes is called the Adventure Club Project. This is a great way for volunteers to gain experience working with children and groups. You’ll be taught swimming, boxing, spike ball, surfing and skateboarding so you can help teach the children.
SAVE focuses on responsible volunteering projects, working with communities based on their needs, priorities and aspirations, with sustainability in mind.
If you’d like to sign up for one of their projects, go over to their website below.
