LAW INTERNSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

HELP MAP OUT A LEGAL LANDSCAPE FOR A WOMEN’S RIGHTS ORGANIZATION IN CAPE TOWN

If you’re looking to make a positive impact during your law internship, and you’re keen to travel abroad, here’s a wonderful opportunity.

We’re excited to offer law students the chance to join Kwanele, a nonprofit organization in Cape Town dedicated to supporting victims of, and preventing, gender based violence – a widespread issue in South Africa. Through an innovative app, Kwanele gives women across the country a tool to report and prosecute gender based violence crimes, and on top of this, the nonprofit has created a local community of support for victims in the Cape Town area.

During a law internship with this nonprofit, you’ll use your expertise to map out the legal situation in South Africa with regards to gender based violence. This information will help for a foundation for workshop programs, awareness campaigns, and legal support to victims. On top of this you’ll have the chance to design and run awareness campaigns through social media, help provide legal support to victims, and assist with the overall development of the organization.

You can do this law internship in Cape Town, or, should this work better for you, remotely.

Learning outcomes of this communications internship:

  • A wealth of practical experience in legal research, using a legal framework to provide important information to victims of abuse, and offer legal support to individuals
  • A thorough understanding of using the law in a nonprofit context
  • Insights into of the day to day running of a nonprofit organization
  • International work experience

ORGANIZATION

You’ll be part of Kwanele, a start-up nonprofit organization that works to support women who are the victims of gender-based violence, an issue that is prevalent throughout many of Cape Town’s communities. Kwanele has developed an app to support victims of gender based violence. The benefits of this app include:

  • Providing trauma support to girls and women who are abuse victims
  • Developing GBV-training for outreach workers, so that they can provide support and guidance throughout different communities of Cape Town. This assures that each emergency call to the “Kwanele Champions” will be attended by a GBV-trained professional
  • Providing legal support to abuse victims, which can include court preparations, legal advice, and logistical support to ensure women can get to court houses
  • Tracking GBV cases, in order to increase the number of cases being reported and individuals accessing help
  • Doing research into trends around gender based violence, and using data and strategic partnerships to support family restoration, both for the victim and the perpetrator

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As a law intern with this nonprofit, your tasks will be customized to your skills and experience, but they are likely to include the following;

  • Mapping out the legal situation regarding gender based violence in South Africa; information that will help form the foundation of workshop programs, educational campaigns, and legal support offered to victims
  • Creating and managing social media campaigns around women’s rights
  • Assisting with offering legal support to victims of GBV
  • Assisting with the running of a domestic violence help desk at Cape Town court twice a week, with lawyers from Bowman’s Law. Sit in consultations, help prepare evidence and assist with monthly reporting on cases seen
  • Helping prepare court cases
  • Helping put together sensitivity training for institutes that deal with GBV victims, such as police stations and prosecutors
  • Gathering stories and visual material on the projects that can be put out on all communications platforms
  • Assisting with the development of a youth advocacy program for aspiring law students
  • Possibly assisting with fundraising research, grand applications, or system development
  • Creating newsletters and writing blog content focused on raising awareness on women’s rights

Requirements

  • You’ll need to be a law student or graduate, or have relevant experience
  • Strong research skills and well-developed communication skills
  • A passion for the work Kwanele does, and for raising awareness on women’s legal rights
  • An ability to work quite independently and take initiative
  • Experience in a similar role would be a bonus

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You’ll be staying at The Lenox, a comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Cape Town. Built in the old Cape Dutch style, The Lenox is characterful and historic. It has multiple balconies, a large dining room, and many other communal spaces. Shared bedrooms include 2 twin beds, and there are plenty of single rooms available as well (at an extra fee). You’ll be walking distance from many shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Be sure to prioritize hydration in the summer to avoid heatstroke. South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. Some safety guidelines are to always walk in groups, take a taxi/Uber in the evenings, know safe/dangerous areas, secure your belongings, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.

Communication

Communication

The accommodation offers free Wi-Fi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Cafes/restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked, or setting your phone’s status to roaming, depending on your provider’s rates.

Meals

Meals

A simple breakfast, lunch and a delicious cooked dinner (vegetarian & vegan options available) from Monday to Friday are included in your fee. Indulge in local dishes, like bobotie and South African Braai! For desserts, don’t miss out on milk tarts and malva pudding. There is a diverse food scene in Cape Town, so no matter your cuisine preference or dietary restrictions you’ll have plenty of options. Let us know in advance if you have any allergies/dietary needs.

Location details

Location details

Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the selection process.

What you\'ll pay (2024 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 1,817

12 WEEKS USD 2,321

16 WEEKS USD 2,797

20 WEEKS USD 3,273

26 WEEKS USD 3,987

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation in a shared room (2 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Meals from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi access
  • Housekeeping service
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship
  • A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns

Exclusions

  • Flights to Cape Town International Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Transport to the office
  • Meals during weekends
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.

What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?

During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.

Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?

Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.

Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?

Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.

Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?

Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
PROJECT FOCUS: Gender Equality NGO
TASK FOCUS: Research, Awareness, Case assistance
LENGTH: Min. 8 Weeks
COST: From USD 1,817

REVIEWS

“I worked on a variety of things during my remote internship. I helped with the implementation of Kwanele App guiding victims to report GBV in South Africa, drafted a handbook for people who respond to the helpline to support survivors, assisted with the legal consultation and summarized clients' cases. And together with the social media team we launched the Know Your Rights Campaign to make the law accessible to everyone. And finally I also looked for and updated grant opportunities for social enterprise or innovation.”

Rujia,China, Law internship

“The experience I gained was nothing short of life-changing. From the get-go, I was welcomed as a valued member of the team and given responsibility. I found that ideas I had were welcomed and equally, I always felt I could ask questions where needed making it a great learning environment. Working with this organization has undoubtedly added to my interest in working in human rights law and has given me a fantastic insight into the running of an NGO. I found the commitment and work ethic from the team to be hugely motivating, once again creating a great learning atmosphere. A huge asset to my internship was how hands on it was. Given that it’s a small organization, every little bit helps, so from the get go I felt like a working member.”

CeolaTrinity College Dublin, Law internship
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Use your knowledge of the law to support an important gender equality program
  • Get a wealth of practical work experience in law within a nonprofit context
  • Help put together information that will change women’s lives for the better
  • Get insights into the day to day running of nonprofit community programs
  • Enjoy living and working in Cape Town, a wonderfully diverse and scenically stunning city or enjoy the comfort of your own home if you prefer a remote internship
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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