South Africa Community Volunteers Cape Town

Country Information

South Africa is the southern most country on the African continent, stretching over 2500km along the coast, from Namibia to Mozambique. It is one of the most developed countries on the continent, with very good infrastructure and excellent facilities for travellers.

South Africa has it all; from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. Cape Town has long been a favourite spot for tourists. Overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.

South Africa was originally inhabited by the Bantu-speaking people who migrated across Southern Africa. It was first marked on the ’map’ in the 15th Century when the Portuguese explorers arrived on the shore of the Cape of Good Hope, making settlements and establishing trade routes. As a result of this, modern South Africa has huge diversity in all aspects of life, stemming from the traditional, tribal and European influence.

The recent history is a mixed affair. As a developed country with political ties to Europe, South Africa gallantly took part in both World Wars. However, only as recently as 1994 has South Africa ended the Apartheid regime. This was engineered by the minority White race and was a horrific and suppressing existence for all who opposed it. One can now hope for a just and democratic state.

Sadly, South Africa’s diversity extends to economics, with roughly half the population living below the poverty line in shantytowns and mud huts. South Africa has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world and also the highest number of patients being treated for HIV/ Aids in the world. The government has tripled it’s spending on HIV/Aids treatments, although it is doing little to reduce it’s prevalence. The average life expectancy for men is just 47 years old, with women outlasting them by only four years, to 51 years old.

Time
South Africa is two hours ahead of GMT.

In Africa, time is not a priority like it is in much of the western world – there is a saying that Africa works to ‘Africa Time’, which basically means you must exercise a lot of patience! If a boat is due to leave at 12pm, don’t be surprised if it still hasn’t a couple of hours later… keep an open mind, and arrive ‘expecting the unexpected’.

Getting there

You will need to fly into Cape Town International Airport in South Africa. From here you will be met by your project representative, who will take you to your project to begin your orientation.

Climate

The weather in South Africa is some of the most temperate in Africa. Winter is cooler and drier and great for hiking and wildlife watching, whereas summer is hot and can be sticky. In the North East of the country the summer is hot and dry, but there are occasional tropical storms. In the winter the days are sunny and warm.

Please make sure you pack according to the weather!

Climate Chart for the Kruger National Park area: