Content Writing Internship at Photography Organization in Cape Town

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Get valuable work experience with an exciting photography project

Are you an aspiring writer, journalist, or communications professional? And are keen to get some good practical experience? We have an exciting opportunity for you at Penda Photo Tours, a photography workshop company and aligned NGO, the Penda Trust.

A young but fast-growing organisation, Penda believes that photography has the power to change lives; both through incredible experiences, and through non-profit projects. During this Content Writing Internship with Penda, you’ll be a vital part of communicating this message. The main focus is on blog writing, social media, and online content creation. However this internship offers a variety of tasks and an opportunity to become a large part of a small team. An interest in photography would be great, but isn’t a must.

ORGANIZATION

Penda is a young social enterprise that uses photography to both create amazing experiences and to generate positive change. Penda Photo Tours offers photography workshop around the world; exciting trips that are completely focused on taking amazing pictures. People can, for instance, join Penda to photograph the Big Five in South Africa, to encounter Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, to learn about street photography in Cuba, or to photograph Brown Bears in Alaska. All workshop are guided by professional photographers, who help participants improve their skills throughout the experience. Penda also believes in the power of photography to do good. Through the Penda Trust, the organisation uses photography as a tool to support important conservation and community projects in developing countries. This is done through the following methods:

  • Providing grass-roots charities with professional photographs that they can use to raise awareness about their issues and fundraise for their causes. Visual marketing is essential for any charity to get their word across, and good photography is a vital part of this. We identify non-profit organisations in developing countries that will benefit from having professional photographs, and document their work.
  • Hosting photography workshops for talented young individuals in underprivileged communities. Photography can give people a voice. We identify young individuals with an interest in and talent for photography, and provide workshops where we encourage them to tell their stories, and the stories of their communities, through photography. We teach them creative self-expression, and the power visual images can have. Participants are encouraged to raise awareness about issues that matter most to them, which stimulates positive activism.
  • Highlighting important issues by creating and exposing great photography. We fund and organise expositions to present photography that would otherwise not be seen; photography that tells important stories, highlights the work of important organisations, and gives a communications platform to these causes.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Penda is a young but fast-growing organization, and as an intern, you can be a vital part of many aspects of Penda’s development. While a majority of the tasks are related to communications, we can tailor-make someone’s portfolio according to someone’s skills and experience.

Responsibilities

  • Writing SEO focused web content for both websites
  • Creating content for Penda’s blogs and occasionally for external platforms
  • Assisting with SEO analysis, strategy and improvement
  • Assisting with overall content strategies
  • Helping develop social media strategies
  • Manage social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Writing newsletters
  • Assisting with running digital marketing campaigns

We also offer a Marketing Internship at Penda, which focuses more on marketing research, digital marketing campaigns, and some fundraising. You might want to check that out too.

Requirements

Penda is looking for people who will be excited by being a large part of a small organization; one that is growing fast. We are ideally looking for interns with the following skills and experience:

  • Strong English writing skills
  • Some experience with social media is beneficial
  • An interest in investigative journalism would be ideal
  • An interest in blogs and content marketing
  • An ability to work quite independently
  • An interest in photography would be beneficial
  • Please note that you’ll need to have your own laptop

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

Penda has internship opportunities throughout the year, and the start dates are flexible.

What you’ll pay (2023 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 1,817

12 WEEKS USD 2,321

16 WEEKS USD 2,797

20 WEEKS USD 3,273


Remote internship: USD 525

At Roots, we do everything we can to make your internship experience smooth and hassle-free. We offer an all-inclusive service, which means we will help you find the right internship (we believe we are great matchmakers!), help you with visa arrangements, book accommodation for you in Cape Town, give you all the pre-departure information you need before arriving, pick you up from the airport and check in with you while on your work placement to ensure you feel supported.

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
PROGRAM FOCUS: Photography Social Enterprise
TASK FOCUS: Creative Writing, SEO, Social Media, Strategy, Blogging
LENGTH: 8-26 Weeks
COST: From USD 1,814 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

REVIEWS

“During that time at Penda, I got to wear many different hats: content writing, social media management, web design, web development, PR + administrative tasks. It allowed me on the one hand to gain insights into branding, marketing and researching and on the other hand enriched me with experience in the nonprofit sector. I am very happy and grateful that I was given the opportunity to do this and learn so many diverse things in such little time.”

Marlena, GermanyContent Writing Internship, Cape Town
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain practical experience in creative writing, content creation for social media, blog writing
  • Contribute to a social enterprise organizing photo tours but also using photography as a tool to support important conservation and community projects in developing countries.
  • Develop your writing, strategic communications, SEO, and research skills
  • Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the most stunning cities in the world.
  • Enjoy exploring South Africa’s many highlights during your time off or the flexibility to work from 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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