VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
Voluntourism promotes personal development and cross-cultural understanding. However if no
respect and integrity are shown to communities the volunteer program can leave a negative impact
on the local community. The volunteer code of conduct is designed to ensure clarity on your
responsibilities as a volunteer. If you do not understand a term of the code of conduct you need to
ask for an explanation.
BACKGROUND OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
(Give some background of the volunteer program)
BACKGROUND OF LOCAL COMMUNITY
(Give a description of the local community and their culture – especially the structure of gender
roles within the community and how to engage with elders and community leaders )
GENERAL GUIDELINES
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Make sure you abide by the laws in South Africa.
The volunteers are required to respect the opinions and actions of the people they interact with.
Local communities may have different values and customs, please reserve judgement and
respect that there may be a deeper meaning or reason for certain actions
Exercise caution when taking photographs of people – especially those under 18 – without their
consent or the consent of their legal guardians/caretakers. Check with the organisers as to what
is appropriate, as they may have blanket consent from participants’ guardians.
Listen to, and follow the advice or requests of your Project Manager
A zero tolerance policy towards the possession and use of illegal substances
Follow your project rules; respect your family and local community regarding consumption of
alcohol.
Treat all people with respect and dignity
Dress appropriately at all times with regard to the culture you are living in
Not engage in political demonstrations or illegal activities
If you are unsure or concerned about anything ask your Project Manager
Do not smoking in view of children or inside buildings
Please respect the environment at all times and be conscious of where you place your litter
(cigarettes included)
Any sexually predatory behaviour or any reports of sexual harassment will lead to your
immediate termination from our programmes
Use water sparingly and wisely
Do not show any behaviour of an aggressive nature
Never contaminate natural water sources with litter or chemicals such as soap and shampoo
Remember culture is dynamic and not all cultural activities are based on the contemporary way
of life but may also be based traditions. Honour these activities and celebrate past and present
cultural differences
WHEN PARTICIPATING IN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES OR VISITING CULTURAL VILLAGES
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Beware of cultural activities that exploit local cultures and communities
Do not go uninformed and unprepared into an interactive cultural experience
Make sure you are aware of relevant social issues, such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and water etc;
pertaining to the area or culture you are visiting
Take special consideration of and respect for gender issues to which you may have a different
viewpoint
Take up opportunities to exchange culture with the local community in authentic settings and
with willing participants.
Always be polite and respectful to local people and show respect
WHEN SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH BUYING FOOD, LOCAL CRAFTS AND
SOUVENIRS
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When buying woodcarvings and items crafted from raw animal products, unless you are sure of
the source of the raw material and its sustainable policy do not buy it
Be aware of the import regulations of your home country
Be aware of illegal harvesting of indigenous hardwoods and killing of animals for skins for the
souvenir trade
Do not purchase souvenirs that are made from protected / threatened wildlife products or other
natural materials e.g. coral, shells (marine or land), starfish, seahorses, wild animal skin
(handbags, belts, drums, etc.), ivory, hard wood, bush-meat, parts of wild animals (bone,
feathers, quills, teeth, etc. used in traditional medicines, good luck charms, etc.), tortoise shell,
plant parts (seeds, roots, flower heads), etc.
In many rural markets bargaining is not accepted practice. These markets are organised on a
cooperative basis where all the crafters take turns in selling on behalf of the group. The seller is
often not the crafter and cannot accept a lesser amount. It is also in the cooperative agreement
that seller cannot ‘punt’ his or her own crafts over and above another’s
In markets where each person is selling their own craft bargaining may be acceptable. Establish
this fact first. In bargaining show respect for the crafter and pay a fair price based on whether
you would sell the same article for the price you are willing to pay, after all he is only trying to
make a living. If you take the time for it, it can be the best experience, with lots of laughter and
good humour.
Support local culture by being aware that in many cases the crafts you see in many markets may
in fact not be from South Africa at all. For instance there are no South African tribal groups that
use carved wooden masks, which abound in most markets. Buy local wherever possible.
WHEN PARTICIPATING IN WILDLIFE ACTIVITIES OR VISITING WILDLIFE PARKS AND SANCTUARIES
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Do not feed wildlife
Do not touch wildlife
Respect wildlife’s environment and space
Do not pick flowers or any plants
Do not approach breeding sites