Welcome to the South African Volunteer Rights Association (SAVRA)

Sizwe Buthelezi

Co-founder | Chairperson

Provides leadership and strategic guidance to the organisation, overseeing decision-making, governance, and the implementation of organisational goals. Supports teamwork, accountability, and ensures that the organisation remains focused on its mission and objectives.

Xolani Kheswa

Secretary

Responsible for supporting the administration of the organisation, maintaining accurate records, preparing meeting documentation, and ensuring effective communication of organisational information. Helps coordinate activities and supports good governance and accountability.

Nomcebo Mkhize

Treasurer

Responsible for managing the organisation's financial administration, maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring budgets, and supporting transparent and accountable financial practices. Helps ensure responsible management of organisational resources.

Nthabiseng Ramoupo

Founding Member | Deputy Chairperson | Public Relations Officer

Plays a key role in the organisation's leadership, supporting strategic direction, decision-making, and member coordination. As Public Relations Officer, manages communication, promotes the organisation's public image, builds stakeholder relationships, and ensures effective engagement with communities and partners.

ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT

The South African Volunteer Rights Association (SAVRA) advocates for the protection, recognition, and fair treatment of volunteers across South Africa.

Our role is to ensure that volunteers understand their rights, have access to information, and receive support when facing unfair treatment, exploitation, abuse, or challenges within volunteer environments.

SAVRA provides advocacy and support through:

• Promoting awareness of volunteer rights and responsibilities.
• Educating volunteers and organisations about ethical volunteering practices.
• Listening to volunteer concerns and providing guidance on available solutions.
• Supporting volunteers who experience unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment, or exploitation.
• Advocating for safe, respectful, and inclusive volunteer environments.
• Working with relevant organisations and stakeholders to promote accountability and positive change.
• Encouraging organisations to recognise and value the contribution of volunteers.

SAVRA believes that volunteering should be based on dignity, respect, fairness, and genuine community service. We are committed to giving volunteers a voice and ensuring that their contributions are respected and protected.

SAVRA: Protecting Volunteer Rights. Promoting Dignity. Building a Fair

Training & Education

NETWORKING

The South African Volunteer Rights Association (SAVRA) believes that collaboration and strong partnerships are essential in protecting and promoting volunteer rights.

Through networking, SAVRA connects with volunteers, organisations, community groups, government institutions, legal support services, and other stakeholders who share our commitment to ethical and fair volunteering practices.

Our networking efforts focus on:

• Building partnerships that support volunteer rights and welfare.
• Creating platforms for volunteers and organisations to share knowledge and experiences.
• Connecting volunteers with resources, information, and support.
• Working together with stakeholders to improve volunteer environments.
• Encouraging dialogue and collaboration within the volunteer sector.
• Strengthening a national network that gives volunteers a stronger voice.

SAVRA welcomes opportunities to collaborate with organisations and individuals who support the recognition, protection, and empowerment of volunteers across South Africa.

Resources & Updates

Awareness Campaigns

Press Statements

Success Stories

Events

Training Opportunities

Know your Rights

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. What is SAVRA?

The South African Volunteer Rights Association (SAVRA) is an organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of volunteers, advocating for fair treatment, dignity, and ethical volunteering practices.

2. What is the purpose of SAVRA?

SAVRA's purpose is to ensure that volunteers are respected, protected, and treated fairly while raising awareness about volunteer rights and responsibilities.

3. Who can join SAVRA?

Individuals, volunteers, organisations, and supporters who believe in protecting volunteer rights and promoting ethical volunteering can become part of SAVRA.

4. Is SAVRA only for volunteers?

No. SAVRA works with volunteers, volunteer organisations, community groups, and stakeholders who support fair and ethical volunteering.

5. What does SAVRA do when a volunteer has a complaint?

SAVRA listens to volunteer concerns, provides guidance, promotes fair processes, and supports volunteers in finding appropriate solutions.

6. Does SAVRA replace labour organisations or legal institutions?

No. SAVRA focuses specifically on volunteer rights and ethical volunteering. Where necessary, SAVRA may guide individuals to appropriate legal or labour support services.

7. What is the difference between an employee and a volunteer?

An employee works in exchange for wages or a salary, while a volunteer freely gives their time and skills without expecting employment payment. Volunteers must not be exploited or used as unpaid employees.

8. Can a volunteer report unfair treatment to SAVRA?

Yes. Volunteers can contact SAVRA to raise concerns about issues such as exploitation, discrimination, harassment, unfair treatment, or unethical volunteering practices.

9. How does SAVRA protect confidentiality?

SAVRA respects the privacy of individuals and handles complaints and personal information responsibly.

Volunteer Agreements

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LABOUR AND VOLUNTEERING

LABOUR / EMPLOYMENT

Labour refers to work performed by a person in exchange for payment, such as a salary or wage.

An employee usually:

• Has an employment agreement or contract.
• Works for an employer or organisation.
• Receives payment for their time, skills, and services.
• Has specific duties and responsibilities.
• Has working hours set by the employer.
• Is protected by labour laws and workplace regulations.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering refers to freely giving time, skills, and services to support a community, organisation, or cause without expecting a salary or wage.

A volunteer usually:

• Offers their services willingly and freely.
• Is not an employee of the organisation.
• Does not receive a salary or wage.
• May receive reasonable support such as expense reimbursement or a stipend where applicable.
• Volunteers because of a commitment to a cause, community, or personal development.
• Must be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE

Volunteers should not be used as a replacement for paid employees.

When a person is controlled by an organisation, works set hours, performs ongoing duties, and provides regular services that benefit the organisation like an employee, it may no longer be genuine volunteering.

SAVRA promotes ethical volunteering and advocates for volunteers to be respected, protected, and treated fairly.

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