NGO MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP IN CAPE TOWN

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

HELP SPARK CONVERSATIONS IN AFRICAN COMMUNITIES WITH THIS NGO MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP

We are happy to offer this NGO management internship in Cape Town with a nonprofit doing solar-powered cinema screenings.

Sunshine Cinema is not like other cinemas: It is a solar-powered media distribution network which operates mobile. On the road, short films with a social impact are being screened using solar power. Content is being found in rural communities and, moreover, they involve the local youth in their film making efforts. Most films are educational and informative stories about the humans in the communities. Moreover, they train youth in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi to be impact producers and use relevant documentaries to spark dialogue, educate, and inspire social change.

As an intern you can contribute using the media to raise awareness about social issues. You will be working in the office in Cape Town and gain experience in different areas like reporting, monitoring and evaluation, social media, marketing, and sometimes also assist with the movie screenings in the area. This internship is a good mix of office work and active engagement!

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 2013, Sunshine Cinema is a South African solar powered cinema network that converts solar power to social impact. They train youth in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to be impact producers hosting solar powered screenings with a mobile cinema unit (the Sunbox). They use documentary and feature films that address social and environmental challenges and practical ways to overcome them. And also use these screenings to spark dialogue and inspire social change in their communities.

They work in four countries with 17 Sunbox Ambassadors, who have screened to over 20,000 audience members during more than 200 screenings. They also developed a free podcast series, The SunCloud, to amplify their reach outside public gatherings. In addition, information on relevant topics and recorded interviews with community leaders, civil society groups, journalists, and filmmakers are shared on community Whatsapp groups, social media platforms, and through Webinars with low data usage. This work feeds into their existing community engagement strategies as it connects their Ambassadors to stakeholders, and further builds their audience network.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

As an intern, you will support Sunshine Cinema with marketing, social media, fundraising, as well as facilitating the film projects. You will learn about African Cinema distribution and media advocacy interventions that raise awareness about social issues.

Responsibilities

You will be involved in the following tasks:

  • Data collection and evaluation: filling all reports, voice notes, photos and videos, and tracking Sunshine Cinema’s impact goals
  • Social media and marketing: collecting visuals from screenings to do regular recap posts online and provide thank you packages to filmmakers for their support
  • Set ups, advertising, PR: occasionally preparing, coordinating and facilitating the movie screenings

Requirements

  • Just-do-mentality and keen to take on different kind of tasks
  • Good English skills
  • Be able to work independently
  • Keen to work with social media and interest in films
  • Nice to have: project management experience
  • Drivers license preferable
  • Experience with video, photography, and basic shooting & editing preferable
  • Bring your own laptop

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

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.

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 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

Start and end dates for the internship with this organization are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you\'ll pay (2024 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 2,415

12 WEEKS USD 3,270

16 WEEKS USD 4,125

20 WEEKS USD 4,980

26 WEEKS USD 6,262


Remote internship: USD 525

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. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi access
  • 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
  • Daily transport to the project
  • Meals over the weekend
  • Lunch, 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
PROJECT FOCUS: Media distribution
TASK FOCUS: Reporting, Social Media, Marketing, PR, Events Coordination
LENGTH: 8-26 weeks
COST: From USD 2,415 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote) 

REVIEWS

“My time here has been an eye-opener and my perspective on a lot of things changed The internship made me independent and changed me in a good way. It's not easy to be so far away from home but I never really felt homesick. That's because everyone here in Cape Town is so friendly and kind. The city really stole my heart. I know for sure I will come back to South Africa.”

Hélène, BelgiumCommunications and Fundraising intern in Cape Town, South Africa
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain practical experience in marketing, reporting, and event coordination
  • Gain a full insight in the day to day running of a nonprofit organization
  • Contribute to a charity raising awareness of important issues in African communities
  • Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the most stunning cities in the world. Or enjoy the comfort from home if you prefer a remote internship
  • Enjoy exploring South Africa’s many highlights during your time off
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!

RELATED PROGRAMS

Project assistant internship

Open for applications

Project Assistant Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
  • COORDINATION, FUNDRAISING, COMMUNICATIONS
Gain experience with a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Cloud Forest, contributing to community engagement and environmental conservation.
Find out more
Social internship Amsterdam

Open for applications

Social Internship in Amsterdam

  • Min. 3 months
  • Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • SOCIAL WORK, PROJECT COORDINATION, DIGITAL MARKETING
Make a positive impact on communities and individuals through social work, project coordination, and volunteer management for meaningful change.
Find out more
NGO Management internship

New

NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • EVENT MANAGEMENT, FUNDRAISING, DIGITAL MARKETING
Actively engage in advancing the NGOs mission to combat period poverty and work towards dismantling societal taboos linked to menstruation.
Find out more

RELATED BLOGS

teacher and students in a classroom in ZambiaIntern experiencesNGO ManagementZambia
September 25, 2023

What to Expect from an NGO Management Internship in Zambia

Read authentic advice and insights from our intern alumni, India, who spent time working for an NGO in Zambia with Roots.
a woman standing next to an elephantIntern experiencesNGO ManagementZambia
September 12, 2023

What You’ll Gain From an NGO Management Internship in Zambia

Find out what makes our NGO management internship in Zambia worthwhile, from lessons learned to impact made. This is what makes Roots internships unique!
group of children are sitting in front of a brick building in AfricaNonprofit InternshipsFinding your internshipNGO Management
August 18, 2023

4 Best NGO Management Internships

If you’re wondering where to find nonprofit management internships, then we’re here to help you find an NGO management that’s suited to your goals.