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Get to experience Africa at it's best!
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Volunteer at our Cats and Dogs Project
South Africa is famous for many things including its wildlife, wine, cricket, rugby, different cultures and history. The animals that receive the most interest from tourists are the Big 5 (the Black Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo). No tourist (or local) should miss out on seeing these magnificent creatures in action in places such as The Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park or Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Sadly, there seems to be little interest in homeless, domestic animals which live on our streets. In townships especially we see a great overpopulation of dogs and cats. The reason for this is simple; everyone enjoys the company of an animal but not everyone can afford to pay for the sterilisation of his/her pet. We are therefore previledged to have organisations such as Animal Welfare (located in the Helderberg region close to Cape Town), which offers shelter for these homeless animals as well as a mobile clinic. However, these organisations cannot run on thin air. Animal Welfare desperately needs constant food and money donations as well as extra sets of hands in the form of local and international volunteers to assist in the day-to-day running of this worthwhile operation. Without this assistance, organisations such as these will cease to exist.
The volunteers support the staff members of Animal Welfare wherever they need help. These tasks vary from feeding of puppies during the early morning to cleaning of animals, playing with animals or building of shade areas. Last week I was at Animal Welfare and saw the placement of a very young Jack Russell Terrier. I was busy with my yearly project visit and one of our volunteers was busy cleaning and preparing the puppy for his check up with the vet later that day. The puppy was approximately 25cm and was too cute. The happy ending to this story is that the puppy found a new home very quickly, only one day after my visit which made me very happy. But who could say no to this cute little puppy?
Written by Antje Kohnle – Cape Town volunteer coordinator
A Cape Town “To Do List” – through the eyes of a (once foreign) Volunteer Coordinator
Here are some places in Cape Town I visit frequently. They are a mixture of very well known tourist “spots” as well as some less known places.
The Magnificent Rhino
In these worrying times where rhino poaching is continuing, we all need to do our part in trying to protect these magnificent animals. Are you constantly creating awareness amongst your friends? Have you thought about sending financial support to foundations that assist with animal protection? Have you thought about volunteering in South Africa? Here are some interesting facts about South Africa’s most endangered member of the Big Five.
South Africa has two species of rhino, the black rhino (hook-lipped rhino) and the white rhino (square-mouthed rhino). Of the two species, the white rhino has the highest population, numbering +- 4000 in the Kruger National Park, which supports only 400 black rhino. It’s hard to believe that less than 100 years ago there were fewer white rhinos than black rhinos. The reason for such a low population of rhino in the park was as a result of excessive hunting and poaching. Another possible reason for the black rhino being so low in numbers could be the fact that they are very anti-social compared to the white rhino which are often seen in large herds of 10 to 15 animals and even more. Black rhino breed less frequently as a result of being so anti-social.
Black Rhino (Hook-lipped Rhino)
Latin Name: Diceros bicornis
Status: Endangered
Lifespan: 40 years
Weight: Both male and female adults average from 800 to 850kg, with large adults reaching up to 1000kg.
Habitat: Black Rhinoceros are found in dry arid areas as well as savannah and woodland areas with sufficient shrubs and trees to feed on and hide in during the heat of the day.
Food: Black rhino are browsers, feeding off a wide variety of shrubs and trees.
•They have a rather small hooked shaped mouth for feeding on trees and shrubs.
•The black rhinos’ natural head posture is face upward, so there is no need for it to lift its head when feeding off trees.
•Black rhino are often found in thick vegetation which is possibly the reason why the female will often run in front of her calf, to clear a pathway.
•The black rhino is short tempered and extremely aggressive compared to the white rhino.
•They are very solitary and seldom join up with other individuals.
White Rhino (Square-mouthed Rhino)
Latin name: Ceratotherium simum
Weight: Adult males 2000 – 2500kg, adult females 1600 – 1800kg.
Lifespan: +- 45 years
Gestation: 16 months
Feeding : White rhino are grazers. They have very broad, flat mouths which makes it possible to chew off large tufts of grass while feeding.
•Larger than the black rhino. Large bulls reach weights of 2500 kg.
•A white rhino’s natural head posture faces downward so its mouth is always close to the ground while grazing.
•They have a very distinct hump above the shoulders as well as a very prominent fold of skin at the lower parts of the shoulders.
•Being very social animals, it is not uncommon to see 10 or 15 white rhinos or more moving together.
•The calf normally runs in front of its mother, with the mother using her horn to direct the calf by tapping it on the rear.
There is no colour difference between the two rhinos. The Dutch people named the white rhino the “Weid mond rhino”, meaning “Wide-mouth rhino”. The English thought they were saying “white”, so it was all just a misinterpretation of the name. Even though the white rhino is less aggressive, there are still more incidents of them attacking people as they have a higher population and thus more regular encounters with people.
Check out this disturbing chart!
http://www.stoprhinopoaching.com/
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Cheetah has the fastest land speed of any living animal – between 112 and 120 km/h in short bursts, covering distances up to 500m – and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to over 100 km/h in three seconds?
An Internship in South Africa
WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?
Internships provide practical experience in an actual work environment usually related to an individual’s study or career aspirations. They also offer a wonderful opportunity to explore a different country while learning new skills and gaining knowledge in a particular industry of choice. An internship is a good way to prepare and even enter into a particular career field.
WHY DO AN INTERNSHIP?
Globalisation
The ability to deal with different cultures and business environments is essential in today’s global economy. This is becoming increasingly more important as commerce and industry spreads across the globe with many companies now represented across different countries and continents. An internship not only allows you to share knowledge and skills with likeminded career professionals but also helps you make new friends and meet exciting people, which will give you a broader perspective on the world we all live in.
Experience in a Professional Environment
Working in a professional environment will help you decide on prospective career choices. This learning experience will also help you to gain deeper insight into the processes of an established company and a career you are interested in.
Improve Your People Skills
Whilst gaining invaluable knowledge and experience, working and living in a diverse country will significantly improve your people skills and help you deal with a variety of people in the professional environment. This will definitely benefit you in all areas of your life irrespective of your career choice.
Personal Growth
Besides the career-related advantages, staying abroad will have a huge impact on your personal development. Taking this big step and being confronted with a new culture requires a huge amount of courage, openness, flexibility and tolerance. This will help broaden your horizons, make you question your opinions and views, as well as overcome personal and career obstacles.
Improve Your English to the Best Level
Speaking English fluently is a desirable skill in most industries and businesses worldwide. This is especially true with the demands of commerce and globalisation in recent times. Interns from non-English speaking countries will greatly benefit from being surrounded by English speaking people who are keen to aid you in conversations and help you improve your communication skills. Better fluency in the universal language of commerce will give you great confidence in your working environment now and in the future!
WHY CHOOSE SOUTH AFRICA AS A DESTINATION?
Combination of Cosmopolitan Cities and Nature
South Africa combines flourishing art, design, music and film with a growing business industry. What other country can offer sleepy towns along the coast, picnics in the wine lands, a beautiful day on a sandy beach and of course the pristine African wilderness? South Africa embodies urban city life as well as relaxed country living in a natural, unique and beautiful way.
A Country full of Diversity
South Africa is a combination of a 1st and 3rd World country. Being a mixture of modern Western and traditional African lifestyles creates am extremely vibrant and enormously captivating dynamic.
Multiculturalism
South Africa is home to many different cultural, religious and language backgrounds. It is no wonder that it has been given the exceptional name “Rainbow Nation”. It is a country full of variety and provides numerous fantastic ways to experience different human perspectives. Prejudices and old hostilities between nationalities are being replaced with social integration and tolerance for one another.
Endless Exploration
You can enjoy great adventure experiences and exciting travel excursions during your leisure time. You will be able to explore some of the most beautiful places on earth and could very well see exotic animals in their natural habitat.
People
South Africa is generally considered to be one of the friendliest and most hospitable nations. Meeting new people and making lots of friends is an additional advantage to your stay in the Rainbow Nation.
A Changing Nation
Since Apartheid has been abolished South Africa has been steadily changing. Commerce, industry and the local economy are growing, with continued improvements in transport, safety and communication systems, as well as positive changes towards poverty alleviation and better access to health and education facilities.
WHO CAN DO AN INTERNSHIP?
We offer placements for School leavers, University students, University graduates or Professionals on a career break. Internship placements range from as little as 6 weeks to 6 months.
HOW DOES THE PLACEMENT PROCESS WORK?
Work Travel South Africa is a South African company based in Somerset West, Cape Town. WTSA offers a ‘search and select’ service to candidates interested in an internship position whereby we source a suitable employer and job according to each candidate’s individual skills and internship requirements. We further ensure that all internships are structured with employers in order to achieve the desired outcomes for both the company and the intern.
As a dynamic and experienced company it is our intention to provide a unique cultural exchange between foreign interns and the people of South Africa. This gives young people from abroad the opportunity to experience South Africa at its best, while contributing to the growth of this great country. Through the mutual sharing of skills and experiences we make South Africa a more international workplace.
If you are interested in doing an internship we will source a suitable internship position, match your requirements to the right employers, contact them on your behalf and advertise you as a potential intern. Upon their acceptance of your proposed internship we will ensure that employers provide a structured and supervised internship, which is contractually regulated.
During the placement process you will benefit from our staff’s intimate knowledge of the local economy, industry requirements and the indigenous internship policies as well as our excellent working relationships with our employers.
We will match your individual needs and career or study aspirations to an appropriate company, ensuring you a customised internship position according to your abilities, experience and unique requirements.
During your valuable customised Internship you will be integrated into your employer’s daily business routine with the same privileges and responsibilities as one of its full-time staff members. You will be given detailed set tasks, specific duties and work assignments which will assist you to develop your skills as required for the specific industry. If needed, we also offer a comprehensive support service throughout your stay and can assist with accommodation, language courses and transfer arrangements.
WHAT MUST YOU DO NOW?
Contact our offices for more information and an Application Form.
We look forward to hearing from you 
31 Jan 12 | Did You Know?, Gap Year Tips, Internships, Travel Tips, Uncategorised | Read on | Comments (3)Why Volunteer Abroad?
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