Teaching Jobs in South Africa

South Africa is so varied and complex, you could never hope to understand it by just visiting for a week or two. To really get to know the rhythm and beating heart of this country, you have to live there. It’s fair to say that South Africa is the nation Nelson Mandela built: a multicultural mix of languages, traditions, and history. While it’s a country of beautiful national parks and subtropical forests, it’s also a country with deep problems. However, don’t be put off by the problems. Being a teacher in South Africa will be one you’ll remember the rest of your life.

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2 Teaching Jobs in South Africa

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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South Africa - Teach, Surf and Skate in Cape Town

This project is an adventure club for 12-14 year old children focused primarily on extramural surfing and swimming lessons. The adventure club provides children with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of outdoor activities from surfing and swimming to hiking and even sandboarding. An orientation in Cape Town is provided before the start of the project. There are anywhere from 5 to 20 children participating in the club every week. Volunteers are able to take free surf lessons during the school day and then help teach and lead groups of children after school. There are also opportunities to assist in community development or to help teach computer skills in schools during the day. Activities include teaching kids to swim, skate and surf, helping on hikes and running fun days and sports programs. so far over 300 children have learned to swim and over 80 have learned to surf!

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A Guide to Teaching Abroad in South Africa

Where to Teach in South Africa

As its name suggests, South Africa is located at the southern tip of the African continent. The country’s population of 50 million people is divided into a number of different provinces, all of which were renamed almost 20 years ago. Wherever you decide to teach English in South Africa, you’ll marvel at the wildlife and bask in the warm sun. Here are the best places to teach abroad in South Africa.

Cape Town, located in southwestern South Africa, is as close as Africa gets to a European city, which means there’s an intriguing mix of cultures. Here you can stroll through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, paraglide off Lion’s Head, and ogle at the painted faces of the Bo-Kaap. A trip up Table Mountain, the defining natural headliner of the city, and across the water to Nelson Mandela’s former prison Robben Island is a must.

Durban, the third most populous area in South Africa, is located in eastern South Africa on the coast of the Indian Ocean. This metropolis is a hotspot tourist destination thanks to its warm climate and endless beaches. Whether you’re looking to explore its nature reserves, shop to your heart’s delight at one of its many street markets, or soar down slides at uShaka Marine World, this city is the place for you.

Port Elizabeth, PE for short and nicknamed “The Friendly City,” is situated east of Cape Town and stretches along Algoa Bay. The city offers a subtropical climate with cowabunga surf spots and bathing beaches, and it’s the go-to spot for whale watching certain times of the year. You can also mosey through the gardens at St. George’s Park, or you could marvel at the towering elephants at the Addo Elephant Park.

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Latest Program Reviews

Three weeks volunteering in Siem Reap

August 11, 2025by: Olivia Aurora Lamassa - SwitzerlandProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

I spent three weeks volunteering at Salariin Kampuchea Learning Center in Siem Reap, where I helped teach English to younger students and supported the development of their social media presence. It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Some days were more challenging than others—adapting to a new environment and finding ways to communicate across cultures. But what I’ll carry with me, more than anything, is the deep sense of connection I felt with the people. I can confidently say I’ve grown and learned so much, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Living and working within the local community gave me a complete perspective shift. I was struck by their warmth and generosity, and the quiet strength with which they face life. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed. The children, the staff, and my host family made me feel included from the start, making it easy to feel at home throughout my time there

The most wholesome experience

March 26, 2025by: Ayshe Z Mercan - United KingdomProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

The programme insured that whilst getting my teaching experience, I learnt loads about the history of the children in this area. It has been the most eye opening experience and I am so grateful to have been part of it, I will be back!! The team were super supportive and ensured we were safe at all times. This was my first time solo travelling and I felt confident to flourish and be adventurous in the beautiful South Africa!