Tips and FAQ's
When you are deciding whether to come to South Africa and work as a volunteer, you might have many
questions. Here you will find answers to the frequently asked questions. For further questions you can send an email to Volunteers Email.
General:
Why volunteer at the Ikhaya Trust Centre?
The Ikhaya Trust Centre offers a unique way to get in touch with a unique and beautiful community. Because of
the various projects, every volunteer will find something he or she likes. The way the Trust is run - by South
Africans only, and mainly people from Khayamandi itself - is also unique. The Trust is therefore a good example
of what empowerment can mean. The friendly but ambitious people at the centre will make you feel welcome and
help you find a role in which you can give optimal support to both the projects and your personal development.
Am I suited for volunteering?
Because of the endless number of possibilities of voluntary work, you do not need specific qualifications to be a
volunteer at our Trust Centre. Volunteering can do a lot of good and it can give you great satisfaction in helping
people and their community. However, it is important to consider whether you are suitable as a volunteer before
you go.
We will guide you in the best way possible, but your life will be different from what you are used to back home and your voluntary work is likely to change you forever! As there are many different types of people, so there are
many different types of volunteers. However, in general, as a volunteer you should…
… be open to experiencing and appreciating other cultures.
… be able to adjust to new and different cultures, situations and people as you encounter them.
… have self-discipline and be able to work independently.
… be pro-active in looking for possibilities and coming up with new ideas to help.
Is it possible to contact former volunteers of the Trust?
Yes, we have a Group on Facebook. Please join our group and ask the former volunteers all your questions. Of
course, through the group you can also meet other volunteers who are volunteering at the same time as you are.
You can also read our volunteers’ blog here soon.
How safe am I in the township of Khayamandi?
Khayamandi is safe to walk around in during the day. However, when it gets dark it is recommended that you
don't go outside unless someone collects you. It is advised, as in all parts of South Africa, not to walk around with
expensive items, such as cameras and cell phones, on show. Leave expensive jewellery at home. Try to limit
taking a bag out with you. Similar advice will be found in guide books.
Does the Trust charge me for a (voluntary work) placement at their organisation?
No, the Trust does not charge you anything. We are appreciative of the fact that you would like to help us and
your support will add value to our organisation.
Which organisations offer assistance in finding voluntary work?
Listed below are volunteer organisations that can arrange your volunteer experience. They are globally known
and trusted, and have worked with the Ikhaya Trust Centre in the past.

SASTS Working Adventures

Atlantic Volunteer
Before you go:
Do I need a visa?
At present you only need to present your passport, which should be valid until at least 30 days after your
departure. A temporary visitor’s permit valid for up to 90 days will be granted to you on arrival. If you stay in
South Africa for longer than 3 months, you will need a visa, although visa requirements are constantly
changing. You can check with the South African Embassy in your country which type of visa you need and when
you will need it. The acquirement of a visa will be your own responsibility.
If you decide to stay longer while you are in South Africa, you can submit an application to extend your visitor’s
permit, as long as you do so at least 30 days before it expires. This can be done at the Department of Home
Affairs South Africa (see website for locations, options and requirements: www.home-affairs.gov.za/visas.asp).
If you are planning to stay for more than 90 days, you can choose to either apply for a visa before you leave
home, or to arrive in South Africa without one and extend your 90 day visitor’s permit while you are here. The first
option is recommended. For questions or assistance you can always contact us.
Which vaccinations do I need?
Before your departure (4-8 weeks), you should visit your general physician or a travel health clinic for advice on
which vaccinations to get. In general, when travelling to South Africa, you should have an immunisation against
hepatitis A. In the case of a long-term stay, the Department of Foreign Affairs also recommends hepatitis B,
typhus and hydrophobia vaccinations. Before your departure you should check if you are still immunised against
tetanus, diphtheria and polio, and where necessary pertussis, mumps, rubella, measles and seasonal influenza
as well.
Which medical insurance is recommended?
It is advisable to get general travel insurance in your country of origin before you leave. Just ask your medical
insurance which kind of insurance is recommended for the period of your stay (and the nature of your travel
plans). If you are volunteering through an organisation, health insurance may be covered in the initial programme
fee.
Which books on South Africa are recommended?
Long walk to freedom (Nelson Mandela); Three-letter plague (Jonny Steinberg); The seed is mine: Kas Maine the life of a South African sharecropper (Charles van Onselen); New History of South Africa (Hermann Giliomee
and Bernard Mbenga).
Arrival in South Africa:
Will someone be able to pick me up at the airport?
Yes. As part of your volunteer service with the Ikhaya Trust Centre, we can arrange transportation for you via our
preferred service provider, MVR Travel and Tours, a local tour operator based out of Stellenbosch. MVR will pick
you up from the airport and drop you off at your new place of residence in Khayamandi or Stellenbosch. If you
would like for the Trust Centre to arrange this transportation for you please email
volunteers@ikhayatrust.org.za at least a week before your arrival at Cape Town International Airport.
How will I get to my project every day?
If you live in Khayamandi your work will be literally around the corner. Each morning you can walk to your project
with the other volunteers. The volunteers that live in town come on foot or by taxi, bike or car.
What does a volunteer’s average day look like?
As a volunteer, your days never look the same. You will have your own responsibilities, but there are always
enough possibilities of helping out with new, upcoming events or putting ideas of your own into practice. It
depends on the project you are working for, but you usually work from 9am-1pm or 9am-4/5pm. Most volunteers
who have the afternoon off go into Stellenbosch or help out with other small projects such as computer classes
for children, the crafts project, or taking drumming lessons.
What is the South African currency and what is the exchange rate?
In South Africa, we use the South African Rand (ZAR). You can find the exchange rate with your own currency at
various sites on the internet, such as www.x-rate.com.
What is the cost of living?
Compared to European standards, the costs of groceries like vegetables, fruits and meat are low. However,
cheese, electronics and drugstore goods (e.g. body lotion, razors and shower gel) are considerably more
expensive. Going out for dinner or a drink is, again, comparatively cheap, as are the entrance fees for museums,
theatres, etc.
Where can I find information about what to do in Cape Town, South Africa and
neighbouring countries?
Cape Town and the Western Cape provide lots of entertainment. Everyone will find something they enjoy.
Although there is more than enough to do in Cape Town and surrounds to keep you busy for months, the rest of
the country should not be missed either. South Africa’s neighbouring countries are also worth your attention.
Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique offer an insight into Africa’s inspiring
cultures, wildlife and natural environment.
There are various internet sites and travel guides where you can find information. A good start might be on the
following internet sites:
www.stellenboschinfo.com
www.capetown.travel
www.places.co.za
www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa
www.roughguides.com
What kinds of transport are available in South Africa?
Some volunteers like to visit Cape Town to take part in tourism activities or travel on weekends. It is safe to travel
into Cape Town by train on a Friday or Saturday, but travelling back by train on Sunday is not advised. It is better
to catch a shared taxi shuttle if there are other volunteers returning as well. Another cheap option is taking a
minibus. The minibuses/taxis cover many routes. You can also take the taxi back and forth between Khayamandi
and Stellenbosch. A one-way trip costs you R5.
If you want to go further than Cape Town, travelling by bus is also an option. A safe and pleasant way of
travelling is the Baz Bus (www.bazbus.com). The Greyhound and Intercape buses are also good ways to travel
from one place to another. Between the big cities, taking a domestic flight with one of the cheap charters is also
an option. You will find an overview of the possibilities in the Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) and Rough
Guide (www.roughguides.com). At the local tourist offices, people are also more than willing to help find suitable
transport for you.
Besides public transport, renting a car can offer you a lot of freedom. Having a car makes life a lot easier in South
Africa. You can rent cars at many different locally and internationally known rental agencies.