He might be dead, but the Community tourism projects in South Africa are still inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy of moral fortitude and offer a way for the local and international traveller to acquire a little of his glow and change the southern tip of Africa for the better in some small or large way.
The number of choices for volunteering in South Africa can be bewildering. There is a wide range of local and international organisations doing amazing community tourism projects throughout the country.
If you have more than few days, the Bulungula Lodge in the Eastern Cape should be your first stop. The lodge provides a platform for outsiders to access one of the poorest communities in South Africa.
The lodge is nestled on one of the most remote beaches in the country. You can spend your days getting involved by making bricks, stamping corn, brewing beer or catching crayfish. Stay longer and share your expertise with the community, be it in art, teaching or nursing – all contributions are welcome.
Calabash Tours, also in the Eastern Cape, allows volunteers to go into the local schools to teach at the same time as they learn from the community. Children can benefit from your time and knowledge while you can forge relationships that will change the way you look at the world.
Orphans and abandoned babies are a big problem in Africa. Why not spend some time looking after those without anyone to love them?
Remember that whatever community tourism project you select, make sure that the money you spend is going back into the community by choosing only those volunteer projects who follow the Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) code of good practice for volunteerism.
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