Welcome to the top spot for info on Peace Corps South Africa! If volunteering in South Africa interests you, you came to the right website. We’ll fill you in on Peace Corps’ past in South Africa. We’ll also give details about South Africa as a country. You can find out the languages spoken there. You can also check out stories from other volunteers. Here you can get info about safety and health. We’ll also provide ways to reach out to former Peace Corps peeps in South Africa. Get set to learn more to help choose if South Africa is a good fit for you!
Volunteers in South Africa work on projects in Education and Health (leave in July).
What is the History of Peace Corps in South Africa?
Peace Corps South Africa has an interesting history that started when the program first began in the country in 1997. Since then, more than 1,700 Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) have worked in South Africa in different areas. The program has focused on important areas that match the country’s changing needs and goals. The main programs Peace Corps has in South Africa are in Education and Health.
Volunteers have helped improve education, especially by teaching English as a second language and increasing reading and writing skills in rural and underserved communities. They have worked closely with local schools to support teachers and create educational materials.
The Peace Corps has also been very important in health projects, particularly in educating people about HIV/AIDS and preventing its spread. Volunteers have worked on community health projects that aim to raise awareness, reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS, and promote overall health and wellness.
What about South Africa as a nation?
South Africa is a diverse and culturally rich country located at the southern tip of Africa. It’s famous for its beautiful landscapes, like mountains, beaches, and wildlife. South Africa has a complex history, especially because of its fight against apartheid, a system of racial segregation that ended in 1994. Today, South Africa is a democratic country with 11 official languages and a vibrant mix of cultures and traditions. The nation is also known for its influence on the economy and politics of Africa.
Environment
South Africa is famous for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, savannas, deserts, and stunning coastlines. The country is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants. Some of its major natural attractions are Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, and the Drakensberg Mountains. However, South Africa faces environmental challenges like water shortages, loss of habitats, and the effects of climate change. Despite these challenges, the country is working hard to protect its unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Politics
South Africa is a democratic republic with a government system that includes three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The country became a democracy in 1994, ending the apartheid era, which was a time of racial segregation and unfair treatment. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa in 1994, marking a new era of equality and freedom. South Africa’s political landscape has many parties, with the African National Congress (ANC) being one of the most important ones.
Economics
South Africa has the second-largest economy in Africa and has a wide range of industries. Key industries include mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The country is especially known for its mineral resources, like gold, platinum, and diamonds. However, South Africa also faces challenges, such as high unemployment rates, economic inequality, and slow economic growth. The government is working on different plans to improve the economy and solve these problems.
What languages do they speak in South Africa?
In South Africa, there are 11 official languages. The most widely spoken languages include: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi, Tshivenda, SiSwati, Xitsonga, Ndebele. English is commonly used in government, media, and education, but many South Africans speak multiple languages depending on the region they live in.
Volunteers learn to speak local languages, including Sepedi, Setswana and Xitsonga.
How safe is it serve as a volunteer in South Africa?
In general, 100% of volunteers felt safe or very safe where they lived in South Africa. And 100% felt safe or very safe where they worked. But more detailed information about safety compared to other Peace Corps countries can be found in the latest South Africa Country Crime Profile.
Most of the medical problems seen in South Africa are also found in the United States. The medical problems specific to South Africa are:
- Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies
- diarrhea and skin infections
- dental problems and headaches
- respiratory infections
- minor injuries and amoebic dysentery
- HIV/AIDS and STIs.
Health problems also can result from local environmental factors, such as dust, humidity, insects, and disease-producing microorganisms.
Because malaria is endemic in South Africa, volunteers are required to take anti-malarial medication.
But more detailed information about health related issues at Peace Corps South Africa can be found in the South Africa Health and Medical Care Summary.
What do volunteers think of serving in South Africa?
Since 1975, the Annual Volunteer Survey has been a source of information on the state of the Peace Corps (PC) program for the agency, Congress, researchers, the media, and the general public. In 2019, 76% of volunteers found their overall Peace Corps service rewarding or very rewarding. 76% of volunteers would still make the same decision to serve with the Peace Corps today. 69% of volunteers would recommend Peace Corps service to others. More information can be found in the South Africa Annual Volunteer Survey Satisfaction Results.
Where can I learn more about PC South Africa volunteer experiences?
PCV blogs and YouTube channels offer a unique look into the daily life of volunteers serving in South Africa. These blogs and channels can help you understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a volunteer. Explore these links for inspiring stories and practical advice from current and past volunteers.
Blog and YouTube Channel Links:
If you’re interested in learning more about serving in South Africa, I’ve got you covered! Click here to see all of my posts about Peace Corps South Africa with details on the experience, culture, food, packing tips, and more.
How can I connect with Returned PCVs who served in South Africa?
And where can I find official information about Peace Corps South Africa?
- PeaceCorps.gov/South Africa
- About PC South Africa
- Projects in South Africa
- Stories from South Africa
- Living Conditions
- Navigating Identities
- Packing Guidance
- Peace Corps South Africa on Facebook
- Peace Corps South Africa on Instagram
- Peace Corps South Africa on YouTube
This is an old PC publication called “The Peace Corps Welcomes You to South Africa“, published in 2013. In the past, before the internet, this is how volunteers learned more about South Africa. Even though it is many years old, there is still a lot of good information there. You can download it HERE but remember it is just for informational purposes. For up-to-date information, always check with you Peace Corps contacts and staff.
Conclusion:
This blog post provided insights to help determine if serving in South Africa is right for you. You got info on South Africa’s culture, languages, and growth. We also covered safety tips and health facts for volunteers. Plus, we explained how to connect with former Peace Corps peeps. To learn more about Peace Corps South Africa, check their website or the resources here. We hope this post was helpful for getting details on Peace Corps South Africa!
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the South Africa Government.
Photos from the Peace Corps Media Library and the Peace Corps South Africa Facebook page
