Assist with digital marketing, communications, and fundraising to spread the message of Ubuntu
Join a grassroots community empowerment organization based in a township on the outskirts of Cape Town. Support their valuable work at a community center and after-school care program, where they provide children from troubled backgrounds a safe and stimulating space to go to each day.
As a Marketing intern in South Africa, you’ll assist with the day-to-day running of the center along with their digital marketing, communications, and (digital) fundraising activities. You’ll be based near the Fish Hoek area of Cape Town offering access to a variety of beaches, vineyards, and the city center. This is your chance to explore South Africa and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty, while growing your resume and boosting your professional development. This Marketing and Communications Internship is a great opportunity to gain practical working experience while at the same time contribute and be involved in a community-centered project.
Projekt Ubuntu is a social development organization that works in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town that deals with a high level of social issues such as poverty, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Ubuntu’s main focus is the Ubuntu Centre, a community center that directs resources to the community and cares for between 60 and 100 children every day. The children are from families that lack the resources to provide them with daycare, and the center offers a safe and educative space on a daily basis. They also offer the children healthy meals. Many of the children have experienced traumas and receive as much emotional support as possible at the center. The organization also supports a number of daycare centers in the township that are run by the grandmothers and mothers of the community.
Projekt Ubuntu is an active community organization that runs various initiatives, so you may be asked to assist with tasks that are outside of your internship description (ex: helping chop vegetables for the weekly meal distribution). One of the reasons why their community work is sustainable is because everyone gets involved in all kinds of work. We encourage you to carry an open mind and keenness to get involved wherever needed; many hands make light work!
As an intern, your role will be designed according to your specific skills, academic focus, and desired learning outcomes.
Project hours
                  Monday-Thursday                  Friday
08:30-12:30        Morning projects                   Morning projects
12:30-14:00        Lunch                             Lunch
14:30-16:30        Afternoon projects                    –
The weekends are off unless you are assisting with volunteer house arrivals/departures.
You’ll stay at a comfortable and welcoming volunteer house in a picturesque suburb of Cape Town, on the Southern Peninsula. It’s a great setting; you’ll be surrounded by beaches and mountains, and the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach is only a 5-minute drive away. The house hosts people from around the world that are volunteering in the surrounding communities, which creates a wonderfully international vibe. The nearest shops and restaurants are a 5-minute drive away, and Cape Town’s city center is a 40-minute drive away. It’s easy to take Ubers and make your way around, or we can assist you with renting a car for more flexibility.
South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. While being based at Yoga Shala it’s recommended to rent a car for the duration of your stay to comfortably get around or be prepared to book Ubers as the accommodation is not within walking distances to any public commodities. When visiting the city center, do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night – it’s better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.
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.
A simple breakfast 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.
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.
You can start your internship with this organization every Monday. Please keep in mind this organization is closed for one month of summer holiday at the end of the year.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,864
12 weeks USD 3,839
16 weeks USD 4,387
20 weeks USD 5,255
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs 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.
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.
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.
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!
“It's a wonderous time to be a part of the journey. I strongly believe that more and more interns working here could be the next level to even greater accomplishments. The outcome of how brilliant this experience can be results in how much engagement you put into it. With a large amount of freedom to see what you can create, whether it be a documentary, blog writing, or fundraising events, you can really let this project be the canvas of your creativity, and with the intent being that you are here to support, stand as a good representation, a contributor not a saviour and prove to yourself what you are capable of and lastly; to listen to the message of Ubuntu and discover your own interpretation of it.”
Denver, United KingdomMarketing and Communications Internship, Cape Town
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
CONTACT
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
