Volunteer South AfricaOverview The Southern African nations of Namibia and South Africa, while suffering through years of civil war and turmoil, are two of the most prosperous nations in the region. Both boast bustling, modern cities along side untouched natural resources. These nations offer more stable options for volunteers looking to become involved in comprehensive and innovative community development and HIV/AIDS awareness projects. Zimbabwe, by stark contrast, is still in a state of conflict with the recent economic collapse causing widespread famine and fueling the HIV/AIDS pandemic. However, it is these conditions which make volunteer positions with local, struggling NGOS all the more necessary. Learn much more about the country and plan a South Africa trip with help from FrugalMonkey. The website includes detailed information on South African history, cities, and culture. Population & Politics The politics of South Africa have a long a tumultuous history, with major changes occurring since the end of apartheid in 1994. While the country has held multi-party elections, it is still making the long-term transition into a true democracy and has still has a long way to go to completely rebuild itself into unified nation. Much of South Africa is prosperous, but this is offset by overwhelming economic disparity. Unlike many of the central African nations, fifty per cent of Namibia’s population belongs to one tribe, the Ovambo, who populate Namibia’s north. The country also boasts the second largest population of white Europeans (after South Africa) who make up 12% of the population. As a result, the two most widely spoken languages are Oshiwambo (the native language of the Ovambo) and Afrikaans and English also being widely understood. Namibia has parliamentary government, and though democracy has seen the same political party (South West Africa People’s Organization) hold power since 1992. While technically a parliamentary democracy, Zimbabwe’s recent elections have been embroiled in controversy, with allegations of human rights violations, intimidation and corruption. There is widespread party-opposition; the country is in the midst of an economic crisis as result, leaving many without food. This has exacerbated the spread of HIV/AIDS, and the life expectancy has plummeted from 60 to 37 for males (34 for females). Climate Like its northern neighbors, the Southern African nations enjoy as many as 300 days of sunshine per year, with a hot, dry climate during the day and cooler nights. Along the coastline, breezes keep the temperatures cooler with higher humidity, while the interior has two rainy seasons: October through December is the short season and the longer season from January to April. During both seasons, the temperatures go as high as 40º C (104 ºF). During the winter months (May through December) temperatures can drop below freezing. Volunteer Asia >>>
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