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What is the Human Rights Internship in South Africa all about?
Join Kaya Human Rights Internship in South Africa and contribute to local organizations providing services to those victims of human rights violations.
South Africa has one of the most liberal constitutions in the world and is home to many progressive human rights NGOs. Yet, many South Africans are still denied some of their rights and freedoms as it should be guaranteed to them by law. South Africa is committed to building a human rights-based society, making it the ideal location to gain an understanding of human right’s violations and challenges within the country.
During the human rights internship in South Africa, you will be working with a program coordinator who also happens to be a human right advocate and qualified lawyer. Through this mentorship, you will have the opportunity to learn more about international human rights law and participate in policy development with community stakeholders. For the duration of your internship experience, you will gain an appreciation for the nation’s progressive human rights culture through your daily internship work.
The Human Rights Internship in South Africa works with a multitude of local organizations. Interns are matched with programs based on their skills, experience and interest to ensure they are able to offer assistant that contributes to the overall mission of the host organization. Most host organizations are service-oriented and specialized in different categories of human rights including women’s shelters, refugee and migration centers or organizations working with ex-offenders.
This Human Right Internship in South Africa is a great opportunity to gain some employable skills in your field of study and career interest.
Why choose this Human Rights Internship in South Africa placement?
- Gain insights in the areas of prevention, advocacy, victim assistance, and rehabilitation.
- Receive in-depth training and insights into local South African human right landscape.
- Get involved with tasks and initiatives that make a clear and beneficial contribution to the overall goals and mission of the organization
Role of the Human Rights Intern
This internship gives interns a chance to make an impact on human rights in South Africa by working with a local organization combating the local issues. Your role and tasks will depend on your areas of studies and interests, but you can be assured you will contribute to the overall mission of your host organization servicing victims of freedoms and rights in South Africa.
What skills do I need to be a Human Rights Intern in South Africa?
In order to be accepted on the Human Rights Internship in South Africa, you will be asked to go through an interview process to determine your eligibility. Flexibility, willingness to learn, dedication, patience and passion for the matter are essential. Also, this placement can be very emotional, so a certain level of maturity is required.
Travel during COVID times
The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!
RECRUITING FOR EARLY SPRING 2021
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To contribute in a positive way to a local issue
Gain on-hands experience in the field that you truly care about
Be exposed to the local culture and the context of the issue
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Where will I work in South Africa?
About the Location
As an intern, you will live and work in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town, well known for its iconic attractions such as Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope on your doorstep. Cape Town has a lot to offer, from vibey restaurants and cafes, to marine life, wildlife, and surfing.
Accommodation
Interns are accommodated in a single room sharing communal areas with other interns in a very popular neighborhood just 6 kilometers out of Cape Town City Center. The neighborhood is mainly known to be the home of many locals and foreign nationals, including a high percentage of students attending University of Cape Town. The area refers as “Obz” by the locals, offers many cafés, restaurants, galleries and trendy thrift shops giving you lots to do to relax after hard days of work.
What to do in your spare time
Cape Town is a great place to start if you want to visit the scenic Garden Route, or climb up the famous Table Mountain during your time off. You may also want to venture further afield and participate in a safari or visit Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic meets. If you are into watersports, or just beaches, it’s a great place to be to experience surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and many other things.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4-12 weeks
- Cost: £2501 / $3904 for 4 weeks
£46 / $72 per week for additional weeks - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Working hours: Mondays through Fridays, 30 hours per week
- Project availability: Weekly year-round
- Arrival day: Sunday
What is included
- Accommodation: single room in a house with communal space
- Food: no meals included
- Airport: pick-up and drop-off from/to Cape Town International Airport
- Access to personal online Kaya Community account including:
- Pre-departure information pack for “country”
- Fundraising Guide
- How to Manage your Money Abroad Guide
- Learning Reflection Guide
- Healthcare Ethics and Culture Documents
- On the ground training:
- Cultural and safety orientation and project induction
- Weekly culture series
- Weekly social gatherings
- Support: 24-hour support including emergency contact numbers from local team
- Excursion Planning assistance from local staff (activity prices may be extra)
- Certificate on completion of your internship placement diary and presentation to the local team
- Supervision from qualified professional
- Wi-Fi in accommodation
- Laundry in accommodation
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Food: meals are not included
- Transport to/from project
- Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Routine vaccinations
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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