VOLUNTEERISM IN SOUTH AFRICA - Celebrating the spirit of Ubuntu

“Volunteerism is essential for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” 

Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator, South Africa

UNV REGIONAL OFFICE TEAM VISITS PRETORIA

Lucy Ndugu, Regional Manager for East and Southern Africa at United Nations Volunteers visited South Africa from 6 through 12 June 2024. Accompanied by Yuichiro Sakai, Portfolio Manager, David Wirtz, Partnership Associate and supported by Anthea Hurling, Country Coordinator of the Multi-Country Field Unit and her team. The objectives of this mission aimed at amplifying the Pretoria-based Multi-Country Field Unit. The Field Unit was established in February 2022 and includes UNV operations in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, along with encouraging partnerships with governments, UN entities, civil society organizations and the private sector.

IT'S ABOUT STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

The mission aimed to enhance UNV’s strategic partnerships with various UN entities, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Food Programme (WFP). Partner collaborations are key to mobilizing volunteers and advancing efforts in humanitarian, peace, and development initiatives. In a media interview with SA FM, a national radio station in South Africa, Lucy Ndugu, Regional Manager, emphasized the importance of South Africa, noting that it hosts the region's only multi-country office. Through the Pretoria sub-regional hub, UNV operations are coordinated in four other countries. She highlighted South Africa's strong tradition of volunteerism, rooted in the ubuntu philosophy of interdependence and collectivism.

“Volunteer efforts are a powerful force to harness technology and social innovations for the good of all humanity.” 

Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative of UNDP South Africa

IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF UBUNTU

During the mission, the UNV Regional Office team met up with UN Volunteers and other volunteers serving in South Africa and neighbouring countries, both in-person and virtually. These interactions were an up close and personal exchange of experiences and ground realities. The power of collective action and the idea of community came full circle as volunteers celebrated their achievements and shared best practices. A townhall was also part of the exchange, where a questions and answer session helped to expand discussions on volunteerism and its impact. UN Volunteers in South Africa's Multi-Country Field Unit support health initiatives, education for all, sustainable agricultural practices and more. Their efforts add to the fabric of the region while promoting volunteerism and Ubuntu.

“Volunteering with the UN has reshaped my view on global challenges. I now understand the complexities of international relations and organizational dynamics firsthand.” 

Georgina Edwards, UN Volunteers Innovation Analyst serving with UNFPA South Africa

CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUTH

INVESTING IN YOUTH

The mission coincided with the Youth Month in South Africa and team members participated in the Youth Volunteer Dialogue in Pretoria. The focus was youth entrepreneurship and innovation. Lucy Ndugu, Regional Manager highlighted the potential of youth to address the continent's challenges through local solutions. Notable participants included Maxwell Gomera, UNDP Representative, Dorcas Kibachio, UN Volunteer and Gaisang Noge, a popular South African actress.

WE ARE INSPIRATION IN ACTION

The mission to South Africa was a reminder of UNV's commitment to regional development through volunteerism. Inspiring each other though interaction and building on a shared vision, the images from the mission are a vivid illustration of what collective action is able to achieve. Currently, 30 UN Volunteers serve in 12 agencies, including UNODC, UNRCO, UN Women, UNDP and UNICEF.