Even if you have read everything you might still have further questions. A few of them will be answered in the FAQs, but if you still have questions do not hesitate to contact Sophia via email: sophia@basambilu.com
Will my internship be recognized? We will move heaven and earth to have your internship accepted. However, we are dependent on your cooperation. You will have to tell us what your university, your work place, yourself or your further career demands.
What kind of Organization are you? Leka Gape is registered as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO), which falls under the South African NPO act. This means that we are reinvesting all our profits into our projects.
At which time can I do an internship at your organization? Basically ou can start your internship whenever you like, depending on your personal planning.
What about working hours? Depending on your working field you have to stick to different working hours. For example, at the Shelter your are working from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In some cases, you have to decide on your own when to work – we are expecting the corresponding self-organization and the necessary discipline.
Which vaccinations do I need? In general, there are no obligatory vaccinations for South Africa, except if you come from a country that is endangered of yellow fever. However, it is recommended that you have vaccinations for Typhus, and Hepatitis A and B. Please also consult your doctor on this. You can ask your health insurance company whether they bear the expenses for it. Normally they do not. However, you could have success if you can certify that this practical course takes place in order for your studies.
Do I have to take malaria prophylaxis? Please also consult your doctor on this. The area we are situated is malaria-endangered. In the winter months (from March till October) there are fewer problems with Malaria. Should you decide to take prophylaxis, you should consider sharing it with friends in the beginning, and then buying the rest here as it usually is a lot cheaper here, but maybe a plagiarism. It would be also necessary to take an anti mosquito lotion along with you. Maybe you ask in a backpacker store. On the spot, there are the best resources and long light clothing for the evenings, a mosquitoe-net (in summer at least) and maybe oil against mosquitoes would fit however.
Do I need a visa? For all official internships, you need a visitor's visa with permission for honorary work. That is also your visa simultaneously, if you stay longer than three months. This visa is approximately 80 EUR at the moment. For that, please contact your local South African Embassy. Take care to order the right documents as a regular work permit costs much more! We will provide you a LekaGape letter which you have also to hand-inn at the embassy.
Which insurances do I need? You should have a travel health insurance for foreign countries in any case. The organization does not have insurance covering interns and volunteers.
How safe is a stay in the township? The people in Lulekani are usually very helpful and friendly. Concerning the security, Lulekani is rather rural and cannot be compared with big cities at all. As long as you adhere to certain rules, it is absolutely safe to live here. "Rules" means: no hitch-hiking, especially not as a woman.
Not walking around alone in darkness. Especially not after 9 PM. As women it is advisable to be accompanied by a man and simply avoid certain areas at night.
Do I need an international driver's license? It is not absolutely necessary. Till now we did not have any problems with our European one. Unfortunately, we do not have any experiences with driver's licenses of other nationalities.
Do I need a student identity card? It is useful to have an international student ID to get several discounts, e.g. on flights.
What should I take with me? Besides a mosquito-net and a sleeping bag, you should not forget to take a sun hat, glasses and milk, your favorite music (CDs, mp3 player). Do not forget your photo camera – you will have here incomparable motives! If you own a laptop, it would be handy to have it here for working and surfing. You should also bring good shoes and sandals, a swimming suit, long clothes for the evenings (as a protection against mosquitoes), warm clothes for the cold evenings and nights during wintertime and maybe a good raincoat. Don't forget to check if your passport is still valid, at least till 3 months after your return. Besides that, the provisional is accepted as well. We are every time glad about recent newspapers and magazines. Sweets from home are the best thing against homesickness. It would be nice if you could ask shortly before the flight, whether there is anything needed.
What's the weather like? Usually, it is just comfortable in winter (June to September), nights can get pretty cool however; in summer (November to March) it can get very hot. And you mustn't think that it never rains. In Africa it can rain very heavily especially in summer during the rain season. Then it is quite cold too. But it cannot be compared to the rainfall of subtropical jungle. We have bush land here!
How much is the flight? Please consult the next travel agency on this or investigate in the Internet. A flight from Europe to Johannesburg will be about 600 EUR and 1000 EUR. The closest airport from here is Phalaborwa. A flight from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa is about 130 EUR. Besides that it is also possible to take a bus to Phalaborwa (travel time is about eight hours). If you want to go by bus, we recommend you, to go by bus only for the way back and choose at your arrival the comfortable version to travel by airplane. We will pick you up from Phalaborwa in any case.
Take care to book in time. Seasons are different than in the northern hemisphere. If requested we can also book flight or bus to Phalaborwa for you.
Can I do an internship if I am not a student at university or do not have a university degree? Sure, in general we need all kind of help! Especially experienced people (e.g. carpenter, baker, teacher, social worker) are always needed!
Where exactly are you located in South Africa? We work in Lulekani, a suburb and former township of Phalaborwa, close to the Kruger National Park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa (Limpopo Province, Google Maps).
What about daily supply? The water is drinkable, and you can also eat vegetable. You can shop for groceries in Lulekani as well as in Phalaborwa, about 15 km from Lulekani. In Phalaborwa you can buy actually everything. In Lulekani you get the most important things. Electricity also exists, however with another plug. Adapters are available in Phalaborwa.
What about accommodation? All LekaGape interns and volunteers are accommodated at Basambilu Lodge in Lulekani. We provide you a dorm, which you will share with other interns and volunteers, a self catering kitchen, shower facilities, swimming pool, curio shop and a bar. You can have a look at www.basambilu.com. If requested, we can organize you a different accommodation.
How much money do I need per week? That depends on how well you can adapt to the circumstances here – an amount between 350 and 700 Rand (35 to 70 EUR) per week is reasonable for your living (food, dinks). The accommodation in the Basambilu Lodge costs you 240 EUR for 30 days. You can withdraw money with your EC or credit card here. This is easier and faster than changing money or using traveler cheques. To check present rates of exchange, have a look at www.xe.com
Can I go on holiday? Yes, of course! But you should tell us early enough (if possible before your arrival) when and for how long you will not be around. Besides, we offer regular weekend-trips, for example to the Kruger National Park or Swaziland.
How do I apply? Please apply via email by using our application form.
Further questions? In case you still have further questions feel free to ask us anything you would like to know.