Here's a list of questions that most frequently arise from prospective volunteers:
What is included in the ZAR1500 registration fee?
- Transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport at the beginning and end of your stay
- Transport to the local shops once a week
Working hours?
Work days will generally be from Monday to Friday from 8am until 4 pm, but will vary according to which section you will be working in, and on weekends you will be free to enjoy yourself whatever way you want.
How long can I stay?
You can work in any section of the project for a minimum 2 weeks and the maximum stay 6 months.
Where will I be staying?
The Indlovu Lodge in the heart of Monwabisi Park is a comfortable, colourful backpackers’ lodge providing dormitory style accommodation (see Accommodation). Here you can experience the warm communal ambience known as ‘ubuntu’ (togetherness), in which residents welcome visitors to the township way of life. This is a friendly, vibrant, and welcoming community. Take a guided tour around the gardens of C1; join in a guided bike tour of the whole area; have your hair braided African style or enter a pool competition in our youth centre - It is impossible not to get caught up in the energy that is township life.
How safe will I be?
When you visit Cape Town there are basic travel safety measures to follow to ensure your visit is a fantastic experience.
As a visitor to and guest of our beautiful city, your enjoyment and wellbeing are of utmost importance to us. As in other countries, there are a few basic precautions you should take during your visit to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible.
- Separate your cash and credit cards and don’t carry all your cash with you.
- Store parcels out of sight in the boot of the car.
- Never leave your luggage unattended.
- Do not allow strangers to assist you in your transactions at automated teller machines.
- Try to obtain a route map before you set out on a road trip and plan your route beforehand.
- Try to explore in groups and stick to well-lit streets especially at night.
- Never pick up strangers.
- Park in well-lit areas at night.
- Always drive with your doors locked and your windows closed.
If unsure of any area, approach the local police station or tourism office for further advice and guidance. Although incidents against tourists in South Africa are rare, it is advisable for you to be aware of basic emergency procedures in the unlikely event that you are a victim of crime.
Be aware that Monwabisi Park is an informal settlement (squatter camp). Crime levels are extremely high. If you keep to the rules of the project as outlined in your orientation meeting you will be fine. The surrounding community support the project and care about the people working there. Visitors are warmly welcomed and looked after. To date no volunteer working at the Indlovu project has experienced anything untoward or threatening. Make sure you have adequate medical insurance, and insure your personal belongings and valuables.
What about transport?
Public transport in Cape Town does not extend to Monwabisi Park. Local minibus taxis operate from Monwabisi Park to the Site C taxi rank. We can vouch for your safety in Monwabisi Park, but not necessarily in Site C. Our minibus can transport you to the local shops weekly, and arrangements can be made for you to hire a vehicle for your own expense. Airport transfers are included in the ZAR1500 registration fee.
What happens to the registration fees I pay?
Every cent goes to the project to cover upkeep of the buildings, skills development, medicines for the clinic and food for the soup kitchen. You can see your money at work being used where it is most needed.
All our administration and infrastructures costs are covered by a local sponsor so your money doesn’t go towards financing fancy offices and smart cars!
What age is acceptable and do I need any qualifications?
The minimum age to join a project is 18 unless part of a supervised school group. There are no required qualifications, but preference is given to volunteers with specific skills and qualifications such as teaching, building, dramatic arts etc.