Personal Information Form – South Africa Program
On this page, you need to fill in your personal details. The best way to do this is to copy and paste this page into a Word document and then send it to info@thepowerofsports.co.uk or directly to your personal mentor.
These details will be forwarded to our colleagues in Argentina, so they will be informed about your arrival time/date, medication use, dietary preferences, emergency contact information, and more. This ensures a smooth and well-prepared experience! Please submit this form at least one month before departure.
Personal Information
- First Names (as per passport):
- Last Name (as per passport):
- Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy):
- Gender:
- Email:
- Phone:
- Mobile:
Address
- Street Address:
- City:
- Province/State:
- Postal Code:
- Country:
Passport Details
- Nationality:
- Passport Number:
- Place of Issue:
- Expiration Date (dd/mm/yyyy):
Emergency Contact
- Full Name:
- Relationship to You:
- Phone Number:
- Mobile Number:
- Email:
Medical & Dietary Information
- Do you have any dietary preferences or food allergies?
- Do you have any medical conditions we should be aware of?
- Are you currently taking any medication? If so, please specify:
Education
- Which school, college, or university do you attend or have you attended?
Additional Travel Details
To help us create the most suitable program for you, please provide the following details relevant to your project:
- Favorite Sport:
- Previous Experience:
- Qualifications:
- Goals and Motivation:
- Additional Information (if applicable):
Travel Information
Would you like to join the South Africa Experience? Yes/No
Travel Insurance Details
- Insurance Provider:
- Coverage Period (days):
- Policy Number:
- Start Date (dd/mm/yyyy):
- End Date (dd/mm/yyyy):
Flight Details
Outbound Flight
- Departure Date (dd/mm/yyyy):
- Departure Time (24-hour format):
- Airline:
- Flight Number:
- Departure Airport:
Arrival in South Africa
- Arrival Date (dd/mm/yyyy):
- Arrival Time (24-hour format):
- Domestic Airline (if applicable):
- Domestic Flight Number (if applicable):
- Arrival Airport in South Africa:
Return Flight
- Return Departure Date (dd/mm/yyyy):
- Return Departure Time (24-hour format):
- Return Airline:
- Return Flight Number:
- Return Departure Airport:
Return Arrival
- Arrival Date (dd/mm/yyyy):
- Arrival Time (24-hour format):
- Return Arrival Airline:
- Return Arrival Flight Number:
- Return Arrival Airport:
Agreement
Do you agree to the general terms and conditions of The Power of Sports? Yes/No
Contact Information – South Africa Program
57 King Edward Street
Newton Park
Port Elizabeth, 6045
+27 (0) 41 364 0572
Morgan Harlin (Coordinator, Port Elizabeth)
Phone: +27 79 646 3207
Email: mharlin@unitedthroughsport.org
Morgan Harlin is the coordinator in Port Elizabeth. He originally started as a volunteer but has now been involved with the organization for over six years and is permanently based in South Africa. Morgan will be your main point of contact and will ensure that you have a valuable learning experience.
💡 Tip: It is recommended to contact Morgan before your arrival in South Africa.
Nick Mould (Founder & Director, South Africa)
Phone: +27 (0) 79 109 7108
Email: nmould@unitedthroughsport.org
Nick Mould is the director of the South Africa program. He is half English and half South African. Having spent most of his life in the UK, he graduated from Cardiff University before moving to South Africa. In 2005, he became a full-time program coordinator and has been deeply involved in the initiative ever since.
Emergency Contact (24/7)
Available 24 hours a day
South Africa: +27 (0) 79 109 7108
Preferred Contact Methods
For non-urgent questions:
If your inquiry is not urgent, we recommend emailing the south Africa team through nmould@unitedthroughsport.org
For general inquiries:
Your mentor in the UK is available via email, WhatsApp, or phone.
Your Fellow Travelers:
Since you will likely be traveling with other volunteers or interns from the UK, we will create WhatsApp groups with participants traveling within the same timeframe. Would you like to be added to a group? Contact your mentor to join.
Mentor in the UK – Mike James
Mike worked in England as a sports teacher, mainly at primary schools, and coached football in the evenings. He practices many different sports and describes himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none.” In the past, he has volunteered and coordinated projects for The Power of Sports, including in South Africa. It was an easy choice for him to broaden his horizons and continue his connection with TPOS through the new location in Mauritius. He has a great passion for sport, travel, and sports education for children.
Mike has already spent some time together with Juul, his Dutch girlfriend, as a coordinator in Mauritius and has greatly enjoyed his time there.
Reading before departure
– Be prepared for culture shock. To minimise this, it is a good idea to do as much research as possible about the destination and the culture. That way, you will be ready for the different ways people act, communicate, greet everyone, taboos, etc., Allowing you to realise that a behaviour can be just `different and not necessarily threatening or intimidating.
– Learn more about the weather and typical weather patterns so that you are aware of weather variations during your stay. Knowing this will also help you decide what clothes to take.
– Find out what diseases are common in the country and how they are contracted, so you know how to prevent or reduce such diseases.
– Find out about creepy crawlies and other insects/animals in the country so there are no nasty surprises!
Arrival information
You must arrive in Port Elizabeth on the start date of your trip. You will be collected from Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) and taken to your accommodation. If you cannot find our staff at the airport, you will need to call the team in South Africa. Should they not answer, contact your mentor in the Netherlands.
Arrival:
Our arrival weekend starts on Saturday, on that day you are also expected to arrive. You are welcome to arrive in South Africa earlier, but you will have to stay in off-site accommodation until Saturday at your own expense and provide your own transport from the airport to your own accommodation. You will then be picked up by us on Saturday and taken to our accommodation. If you arrive on Friday, you could possibly already use our accommodation but we will have to charge an extra day.
Departure:
The official departure day is Saturday. Those who leave on this day will receive transport to the airport. Volunteers/trainees who leave outside this period must arrange their own transport (e.g. Uber). We may extend the official departure to Sunday in exceptional cases, with additional charges for the extra night.
Programme orientation
The day after you arrive at the accommodation, the 2-3 day orientation at Umzi (name of the accommodation) begins. This is to get to know each other and your South African staff, to learn more about the South African way of life and to have a fun first weekend.
In-Country Team
There are a number of people who will look after you during your time abroad. you will interact with many of them. Others will work ‘behind the scenes’ to ensure you have a fun and rewarding experience.
Accommodation and food
Overview
| Standard Accommodation |
Included |
| Meals |
3 meals per day (not weekends) |
| Drinks |
Tea and coffee |
| Persons per Room |
3 to 10 |
| Wi-Fi |
Yes |
| Laundry |
Yes – R10 per load* |
| Safe |
Yes, in room** |
| Lock on Door |
Yes |
| Shower |
Yes |
| Private Bathroom |
No |
| Sheets |
Yes |
| Towels |
No |
| Mosquito Net |
No |
| Fan |
No |
| Air Conditioning |
No |
* Or at extra cost in local launderettes
** Bring a padlock
Standard accommodation
Shared dormitories with 4-6 people per room (8 to 10 in the largest dormitories). Usually bunk beds. Shared bathrooms – usually one shower and toilet per 5 people
Comfort accommodation
We have one single room (shared bathroom) and one double en-suite room with double bed and private bathroom available for volunteers to book for an additional fee
Food
Three meals a day are offered as part of our service, but there are also two ‘mini’ kitchens to store and/or prepare your own food if you wish. Breakfast consists of cereals and toast, with a choice of spreads and fruit. Lunch is a packed lunch with sandwiches, crisps and fruit. Dinner is a hot meal with a standard variety of western dishes, alternating with South African dishes. There is a dining room and a lounge, both equipped with TV. including sports channels.
Supermarket: 5 minutes’ walk from the accommodation
ATM: 5 minutes’ walk from the accommodation.
Tap water: the tap water is completely clean and safe to drink in our accommodation
Restaurants/bars: there are plenty of small restaurants and bars within walking distance. The beach and larger entertainment areas are a 15-minute drive away.
The accommodation Umzi (Xhosa for home)is located in Newton Park, Port Elizabeth. Although the accommodation has simple shared rooms with bunk beds, it also has a range of great facilities, including:
– Several common areas for socialising, including the TV room, reading room, large garden and a games room with table tennis and a pool table.
– Large swimming pool
– DSTV with nine 24-hour sports channels.
– Shops/shopping centre within walking distance.
Breakfast: cereals and toast (self-service) from 7:30-9:00 Monday to Friday and 8:00-9:30 on weekends.
Lunch: volunteers/interns make their own packed lunch (sandwiches, crisps, fruit) during the breakfast period to take away. Lunch boxes are provided on arrival. On weekends, lunch is served between 12:30-13:00.
Dinner: Dinner is served between 17: 00 – 18: 00. Supper is kept for those who have training in the evening. You wash your own plates when you finish eating. Typical meals are – rice dishes, burgers, lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, curries, cake etc.
Passport
Your passport is your most important document when travelling abroad. Make sure your passport is fully updated with at least six months validity when you return to the Netherlands. Do not place your passport in luggage compartments when travelling by plane. Keep it in your pocket at all times.
Visa
Should your stay be longer than 90 days, you are required to have a visa. If you are staying in South Africa for more than 90 days, contact your mentor. He will help you get a visa and will give you good advice on how to get it. Getting a visa to South Africa is a time-consuming and frustrating task. So start working on it at least two months in advance. Keep in mind that countries often change their visa requirements, sometimes every six months. For the latest visa information, visit the embassies’ website in London.
An alternative way to obtain a visa is to show proof on arrival in South Africa that you will leave the country again within 90 days, for example by showing your return flight to the Netherlands. Upon arrival in South Africa, you will then automatically receive a 90-day visa. Once in South Africa, you can then change your return flight to the original departure date, where we will be happy to assist you in applying for the visa. We have prepared a handy guide for this purpose. This approach is considerably easier than applying for a visa in the UK and saves both time and costs. That is why most volunteers and trainees choose this method.
DBS
To ensure that we can offer a safe and trusted environment, it is necessary that all interns and volunteers apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
You can get this via www.gov.uk, currently for 21.50 GBP.
Once in possession of your DBS, we kindly ask you to send a copy to your mentor at The Power of Sports. This allows us to ensure that all our team members meet the required standards and contribute to a safe and positive experience for the young people we work with. The DBS is of particular importance to us, given the nature of our work with vulnerable youth in disadvantaged neighbourhoods abroad.
Photocopies
It is always wise to make copies of all important documents. Keep one copy with you abroad (separate from the original documents, of course!) And leave another copy at home with a friend or relative. We recommend you make photocopies of the following documents in case of loss or theft:
Passport: your passport number, date and place of issue and any visa.
Flight details: your flight numbers, connections and destination airports.
Insurance policy: your policy number, 24-hour emergency medical number.
Vaccination card: documents showing what vaccinations you have.
Bank cards: the phone number needed to notify/cancell credit or debit cards.
Email yourself!
It is also wise to scan your important documents to a computer and attach them to an e-mail as jpeg files. You can then send this e-mail to an account you can access from anywhere in the world. This ensures that you still have copies of your documents even if the originals and photocopies are lost or stolen.
Voluntourism
The topic of ‘voluntourism’ has a lot of talking points, and we totally understand that! You may have heard of ‘orphanage tourism’, but voluntourism is much broader than that. It is super important that you, as a volunteer or intern, are aware of this issue and what impact it can have. At our organisation, we set up our projects ourselves and think carefully about all aspects of voluntourism. To set ourselves apart from other organisations, we even co-founded ‘Volunteer Aware’, a seal of approval that shows we avoid harmful forms of voluntourism.
But not only as an organisation, even as individuals, it is essential that we carefully consider our behaviour. A well-known phenomenon within voluntourism is the so-called ‘white saviour syndrome’, where Western volunteers and trainees tend to see themselves as saviours of underprivileged communities in other countries. While our programmes definitely have a positive impact, we must remain aware of the limits of our role. As a volunteer or intern, you are fulfilling a supporting role within the project. Remember that we are guests in the community in which we work and our role should focus on supporting local initiatives and listening to the needs of the community.
To help you get a better understanding of voluntourism, we recommend watching the video below. This will help you become aware of the key principles of responsible voluntourism and how you can put it into practice during your project.
We are incredibly grateful for your commitment and dedication to participate in our programmes. Together, let’s strive for a responsible and respectful approach to volunteering or internship abroad.
Insurance
The Power of Sport strongly advises travelling well insured. Since these are long-term trips, it is more likely that something could happen to you abroad. Consider:
Medical emergencies: Unexpected illnesses or injuries can occur anywhere in the world. Travel insurance with medical cover ensures that you can cover medical expenses without major financial worries.
Trip cancellation or interruption: Sometimes trips have to be cancelled or interrupted at the last minute due to unexpected circumstances such as illness, family problems, natural disasters or other unforeseen events. Travel insurance can cover the cost of cancelled flights, hotel bookings and other non-refundable expenses.
Luggage loss or theft: Losing luggage or becoming a victim of theft can ruin your travel experience. With travel insurance, you can get compensation for lost or stolen property, which helps reduce your financial loss.
Delayed flights: If your flight is delayed, causing you to miss connecting flights or scheduled activities, travel insurance can help you cover additional costs and inconvenience.
Liability: In some cases, you may be held liable for property damage or injury to others during your trip. Travel insurance can provide cover for this unforeseen liability.
Travel accidents: While no one hopes to be involved in an accident while travelling, travel insurance provides cover in case of permanent disability or death due to an accident while travelling.
Legal assistance: If you find yourself in a legal situation while travelling, such as a dispute over contracts or other matters, travel insurance can help you get legal advice and assistance.
Loss of travel documents: If you lose your passport, visa or other important travel documents, travel insurance can help you cover replacement costs and assistance in obtaining new documents.
Although it incurs extra costs, travel insurance can ultimately save you a lot of money, stress and inconvenience in case of unexpected events during your trip.
Vaccinations
For a trip to South Africa, there are several recommended vaccinations and precautions to consider:
Recommended Vaccinations:
- DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio): This vaccination is recommended for all travelers to South Africa.
Possible Vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for travelers staying in primitive conditions.
- MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella): If you have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had the disease, this vaccination is recommended.
- Yellow Fever: This vaccination is mandatory if you have been in a country where yellow fever is present in the seven days prior to your arrival in South Africa, or if you have had a transit in such a country for more than 12 hours.
Personalized Vaccinations:
Depending on your personal situation and travel plans, the following vaccinations may be considered:
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for stays longer than three months or for high-risk activities.
- Rabies: Consider this vaccination for longer stays or close contact with animals.
- Tuberculosis (TB): In certain cases, such as long-term stays, this vaccination may be advised.
Health and hygiene
We are not authorised to give medical advice regarding your health and vaccinations, so it is imperative that you consult professional medical advice (GP) before departure.
As always, prevention is better than cure. There are a number of things you should do before you leave to ensure you stay fit and healthy while abroad. Read the recommendations below carefully.
What can I do to prepare for my trip?
Check-ups before departure
– Visit your GP or GGD to e ask what vaccinations you need and to inject them if necessary.
– It is advisable to visit your doctor for a general check-up at least 2-3 months before departure.
– Take a supply of any prescription medication you are taking, including any contraceptives.
– Check with your doctor (or your health ministry) whether it is legal to take your prescribed medication in the country. If you are taking medication in the country, it is advisable to have a cover letter from your doctor stating what the medication is for and why you need to take it with you.
– Make an appointment with your dentist. A toothache or a cavity will ruin your trip immensely and dental work abroad is usually very expensive. The quality of treatment can also be very poor.
Food poisoning
Many of our participants suffer stomach upsets within 48 hours because they are in a new environment and exposed to new bacteria. By resting, drinking plenty of fluids and replacing salts, you will recover quickly from such upsets. Some people travel with 1-day multivitamins to boost the immune system.
Sunburn
Beware of heat and intense sunshine. Dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke are all too common among our participants. However, you can easily avoid these problems by taking the following preventive measures:
– Avoid direct sunlight when the sun is strongest (e.g. in the afternoon)
– Wear sunglasses
– Wear a cap or hat
– Apply a high factor sunscreen
– Drink plenty of water throughout the day and always take a full bottle of water with you
HIV and AIDS
All participants should be aware of the HIV virus and how it is transmitted. HIV and AIDS are present all over the world. Therefore, make sure you follow these basic rules wherever you are:
– Avoid casual sex and contact with infected body fluids
– Never allow yourself to be injected with an unsterilised needle or syringe
– Avoid any other blood contact wherever possible
FIRST AID
It is advisable to bring a personal first aid kit.This is essential for any minor accident or injury you may suffer abroad.
Also, make sure you keep it in a convenient place during your stay and take it with you every day while volunteering.
Safety & Security
Theft is more common abroad than at home. However, it can often be prevented by staying alert and taking the right precautions. Below are general situations that could put you at risk. Once you arrive in South Africa, you’ll also learn to become more “street smart” so that you know where you can and cannot go.
Tourists are often targets for pickpockets. Make sure to research South Africa before your trip so you’re aware of potential risks and how to navigate safely. Here are some practical tips:
-
Never go out or travel alone, especially at night.
-
Find out which areas are unsafe and avoid them.
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Keep important documents and valuables in a secure place, like a hidden inner pocket or a money belt.
-
Only carry as much cash as you actually need.
-
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
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Be cautious of people who seem overly friendly too quickly.
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Keep cameras and valuables out of sight.
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Keep your wallet in a front pants pocket.
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Before swimming, check if the area is safe. Don’t swim with the whole group at once.
Practical Precautions
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A money belt or fanny pack is helpful for storing your valuables. Wear it underneath your clothes, out of sight, and only access it in safe, familiar locations.
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When using an ATM, choose one in a well-lit, busy area, and don’t count your money until you’re somewhere safe. Avoid withdrawing cash at night, and never do it alone.
Behavior & Clothing
Your behavior and clothing can attract attention, sometimes unwanted. In less developed areas, cultural norms may be different, and people might interpret your appearance or actions in unexpected ways. Overconfidence or flaunting material possessions may be perceived as arrogance.
Keep these in mind:
-
Be modest in your behavior and avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
-
You’re there to experience, learn, and respect the culture — not to judge, compare, or make critical remarks.
-
Try to learn local customs, such as greetings or gestures — they can go a long way in building respect.
-
Wear appropriate clothing that is modest and never politically charged or offensive.
-
Large groups of foreigners can feel intimidating or threatening to locals. Always be aware of your impact.
Language & Swearing
Be mindful of your language. Swearing is taken more seriously in South Africa than in some other countries. Many swear words are universal, and their impact can be stronger than you may think. As a volunteer, you are expected to set a good example. Using offensive language is not tolerated.
Drugs
Never buy, use, or carry drugs while abroad, even small amounts. Doing so will result in immediate termination of your volunteer work. South African authorities will not hesitate to arrest you, and you could be sent to prison without trial. Conditions in local prisons are often very poor, and you won’t have the same rights as you do back home. Possession of even a small quantity of marijuana can lead to prison sentences of over 10 years.
Alcohol
Alcohol is involved in nearly all serious incidents involving volunteers. Excessive drinking increases your vulnerability — many participants have been robbed or worse while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs your judgment and can give you a false sense of confidence, putting you at serious risk.
We strongly advise avoiding alcohol during the week and staying in control on weekends.
Code of Conduct Agreement
We want you to have a meaningful and enjoyable experience abroad, but it is important to remember that you are representing our foundation as an ambassador. Therefore, it is essential that you conduct yourself appropriately throughout your time abroad.
For this reason, you will be required to sign this contract upon arrival in South Africa.
Code of Conduct
-
Respect & Cultural Awareness
- You will always respect local attitudes, cultures, and beliefs.
- You will not make any derogatory, sexist, or racist comments to anyone during your stay.
- You will dress, speak, and behave appropriately at all times.
-
Appropriate Behavior & Social Conduct
- You will not act in a way that is considered antisocial by the Lead Coordinator or local community.
- This applies particularly while under the influence of alcohol.
-
Attendance & Punctuality
- You must arrive at your Placement on time each day.
- If you are delayed or unable to attend, you must inform the Lead Coordinator as soon as possible.
- You may also notify an In-Country Staff member, provided they were designated in advance by the Coordinator.
-
Travel & Overnight Stays
- You cannot take personal time off for travel or visiting friends/family without permission from the Lead Coordinator.
- You must not spend a night away from your accommodation without permission from the Lead Coordinator.
- No unauthorized visitors are allowed to stay overnight at your accommodation.
-
Departure & Accommodation Rules
- You must leave your accommodation on the Placement End Date unless granted permission to stay longer.
- This applies to local homestays and all other accommodations arranged by our organization.
- You cannot leave your Placement earlier than the agreed end date without consulting the Lead Coordinator.
-
Accommodation Cleanliness & Respect
- You must keep all areas tidy and orderly, including personal and communal spaces.
- Failure to respect the accommodation may result in early dismissal from the program.
-
Alcohol Consumption
- You must only drink alcohol in moderation during your time abroad.
- The Lead Coordinator will explain the specific drinking rules upon arrival.
-
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Drugs
- Buying, handling, or consuming illegal substances is strictly forbidden.
- Anyone caught in possession or suspected of drug use will be immediately removed from their Placement and accommodation.
-
Sexual Relationships & Safety
- We strongly advise against engaging in sexual relationships while in-country.
- Attitudes towards relationships and sexual conduct may differ in the host country, potentially putting you at risk.
- Be aware that HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases may be more common.
- Drugs are sometimes used in cases of sexual assault; be mindful of your surroundings while socializing.
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Following Instructions
- You must always follow the Lead Coordinator’s advice.
- Failing to do so may endanger yourself or others and lead to immediate dismissal.
- Health & Medical Responsibility
- You are responsible for your own health and well-being.
- If you experience any medical issues, you must seek medical attention immediately.
- Medical facilities in the host country may be of a lower standard than you are used to.
- Visa & Travel Compliance
- Your return flight date must align with the expiration of your visa requirements.
- You are responsible for obtaining the correct visa (if required).
Additional Rules for the Volunteer Coaching Program
- Alcohol Restrictions for Volunteers
- Unless otherwise permitted, you may not consume alcohol excessively from Sunday to Friday evening.
- Alcohol consumption may be allowed on Friday and Saturday, but only with the Lead Coordinator’s permission.
- Breaking this rule may result in immediate dismissal from your Placement and accommodation.
- Commitment to Volunteer Hours
- As a volunteer, you agree to complete a minimum of 4 hours per weekday (Monday – Friday) unless otherwise stated.
- You understand that this is a commitment, and you are expected to perform to the best of your ability.
Termination of Placement
If your placement is terminated due to non-compliance with the Code of Conduct, you will be required to leave immediately.
Discrimination Policy
We have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination. If you witness, experience, or hear about any form of discrimination, you must immediately inform your coordinator.
Drug Policy
There is a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Anyone caught in possession or suspected of drug use will be immediately removed from their accommodation.
What should you bring?
The following list is intended to help you select and prepare your personal clothing for your trip abroad. The weather will generally be quite warm but if you arrive in winter it can feel cold at night. It can also be quite relaxed in South Africa so it is best to leave your three piece suit or evening dress at home, it is a very informal affair.
Upon arrival you will receive a (sports) shirt from our foundation that is mainly meant to wear during teaching. But because you don’t want to walk around in the same shirt every day, you will also want to bring some extra equipment. The advice is to bring a lot of sports clothing.
Clothing
- Fleece: For insulation. It can get cold, especially at night in the winter months.
- Sweater: Even though it’s generally warm, it can get chilly, especially at night. Bring a few warm sweaters (wool/fleece).
- Shirts: Always useful to have a few shirts on hand. We recommend packing sports shirts and training tops for the program.
- T-shirts: A good number of T-shirts for daily use.
- Shorts: Most of the time, it will be warm, so bring plenty of shorts.
- Trousers: Cotton trousers are ideal for hot weather and also useful in the evening to protect against bugs.
- Swimwear: For swimming in pools or the sea, and for activities like surfing.
- Socks: You’ll be active, so pack plenty of socks, including football socks if you plan on joining a local team.
- Underwear: Cotton underwear is preferred for hygiene. Bring enough for the week.
- Special Clothing/Equipment:
- Whistle (for hockey coaches)
- Sports shoes/football boots
Shoes
- Casual Shoes: One pair should be sufficient.
- Sandals/Flip-flops: Good-quality sandals or flip-flops with ankle straps are great for warm climates.
- Sports Shoes: Bring a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, as you’ll be outdoors a lot, and rain showers can create muddy conditions.
Rainwear
- Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight, waterproof, and breathable.
Accessories and Essentials
- Camera/Phone: For those Instagram-worthy moments.
- Personal First Aid Kit: Always handy for travel emergencies.
- Mosquito/Insect Repellents: Strong repellent (at least 50% DEET) is essential for preventing bites.
- Sunscreen & After Sun: High-factor sunscreen (30+), sunblock, and after-sun lotion due to strong sun exposure.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the bright sun.
- Flashlight: A mobile flashlight works, but make sure to have one, as power outages are common.
- Towel: Bring at least two towels, including a beach towel.
- Toiletry Bag: Your usual toiletries for daily use.
- Water Bottles: Carry at least two liters of water at all times. Bottled water is available but not always guaranteed.
- Whistle: Useful for refereeing in your own games.
- Easy Bag: Highly recommended for convenience.
- Powerbank: Essential during power outages (load shedding).
- Lock: Bring your own lock for your room locker.
Telephone
The international access code for South Africa is +27
You can buy a South African SIM card to make calls cheaper but luckily there is also Whatsapp these days. There is free wireless internet at the accommodation, so people who bring phones and laptops can connect online (keep in mind that if many people use it, the internet can be slow). There are also internet cafes a short walk from the accommodation.
Laundry
Four coin-operated washing machines are available for laundry in your accommodation. Alternatively, a paid laundry service is available at R10 per kg.
Electricity
Type D, M and N sockets are used in South Africa. Take a look at the following images. You will need a travel plug for type D, M and N sockets. The type M is used on our accommodation.
Load-shedding
Since 2022, there has been ‘Load shedding’ in South Africa. This means that the national electricity supplier takes the power off for about 2 hours. This can occur a few times a day. It does not have a huge impact, except when it coincides with the evening hours. At the accommodation, battery-powered solar panels are connected in the office building, so generally there is always power in the main building even during load-shedding, but this does not currently apply to the accommodation for the volunteers and trainees. Overall, it is manageable and will not affect your experience much. It is advisable to bring a torch and a power bank.
Transport
Pick-up and drop-off to Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) is included. Transport to/from accommodation and activities is also included.
Money
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). An approximate exchange rate is as follows:
1 Pound = 15 ZAR
Keep in mind that you will spend approximately between 75 and 100 GBP per week while in South Africa.
Food and drink
Eating in South Africa is delicious! At every meal, you will be exposed to every kind of meat, from impala and kudu to ostrich. The best ways to taste this meat is to eat it from a typical South African hot braai (barbecue). If you want to try some more traditional dishes, go for some Biltong, Baboti, and Boerewors. South Africa eats a lot of meat but there is also plenty for the vegetarian among us. Drinking water from the tap is safe throughout the country, except in the more rural areas.
Smoking and drinking
Smoking and drinking are tolerated in South Africa, although smoking is prohibited in public places such as cinemas, bars and airports. You will find that you can get cheap alcohol in most shops, and there are also many tasty local beers. South Africa is also known for its wines, so don’t miss the chance to try some local varieties.
However, respect other volunteers. Drinking is only allowed in moderation and should not affect your work during the week. While we want you to have fun in your free time, anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated during your project.
Greetings
Greetings are taken seriously and using ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ can go a long way towards making friends and being accepted in South Africa. Take the time to learn a few local words and show that you are happy to be included. There is also a lot of emphasis on shaking hands. The Western way of doing this is fine, but you will probably pick up a few local variations! In general, South Africans are easy-going people – social mistakes are unlikely to cause offence, so don’t worry above all!
SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCE
A ‘South Africa experience’ is organised four times a year. In this week, you will do the Garden Route together with all the other volunteers and trainees. A great way to say goodbye to South Africa. Press the button to see the full programme. Should you want to do this, let us know!
Dates 2025
28 March – 4 April
27 June – 4 July
22 – 29 August
14 – 21 November
Dates 2026:
March 27 – April 3
June 26 – July 3
August 14 – 21
November 6 – 13
Click here to view the programme
