You’ve probably heard it before: “You need experience to get a job.”
But what if you’ve never worked before?
No problem — that’s where volunteering becomes your secret weapon.
In this episode, we show you how volunteering counts as experience, how to find legit opportunities, and how to make it work for your CV — even if you’re still looking for a paying job.
🧠 Why Volunteering Matters
Volunteering isn’t just charity work. It shows:
- You’re responsible and proactive
- You can work in a team
- You manage your time well
- You care about your community
- You’re gaining real, usable skills
Best part? You’re building a reference while you’re at it.
📍 Where to Volunteer in South Africa
Here are some great places to start:
1️⃣ Local Schools or Churches
- Help with admin, tutoring, event organising
- Ask your former school or local pastor
2️⃣ Community Centres or Libraries
- Help with computer labs, reading programs, or food parcels
3️⃣ NGOs and NPOs
Look for causes you care about — education, health, youth, environment.
Try websites like:
- www.forgood.co.za
- www.reachvolunteers.co.za
- Facebook groups like “Volunteer in [Your City]”
📄 How to Add Volunteering to Your CV
Volunteer Admin Assistant
Ikhaya Community Centre – Soweto (Feb 2024 – June 2024)
- Managed weekly attendance sheets
- Helped organise community feeding scheme
- Gained basic Excel and filing skills
That’s real experience employers want to see.
💬 How to Ask for a Reference
After a few weeks/months, ask your supervisor:
“Would you be willing to be listed as a reference on my CV?”
“Could you write me a short recommendation letter?”
They’ll usually say yes — and that can boost your chances when applying for jobs or learnerships.
⚠️ A Few Ground Rules
✅ Be consistent and show up
✅ Treat it like a real job
❌ Don’t overcommit — choose what fits your time
❌ Never pay to volunteer
✅ Final Word
Volunteering is one of the fastest and smartest ways to build your CV — even if you don’t have matric, a degree, or a cent in your pocket.
You’re not “unemployed.” You’re gaining experience. And that makes all the difference.
