Volunteer activities survey, 2010

Table 1: Distribution of volunteers by type of volunteering

About 1,2 million South Africans were involved in volunteer work in the 2nd quarter of 2011. Those who only volunteered as individuals (direct volunteering) accounted for 53,9% of total volunteer work, 36,8% volunteered through organisations only; while the remaining 9,3% volunteered both directly as individuals and through organisations. The majority (about 90%) of the volunteers were involved in one volunteer activity.

• Of the 34,4 million people who were aged 15 years and above in the 2nd quarter of 2010, only about 1,2 million were involved in volunteer activities - a volunteer rate of 3,5%. Women volunteered at a higher rate (4,3%) than men (2,6%).
• Volunteer rate increased with age up to the age of 45–54 years, after which it declined. The rate of volunteering was consistently higher (higher than the national average) among women than among men in all age groups except among those aged 65 years and older.
• The white population had a higher volunteer rate than other population groups.
• South Africans spent about 379 million hours on volunteer work over a 12-month period. Had this work been compensated, it would have cost R7,5 billion per annum.
• Women contributed about 19,7 million hours during the reference period, which is approximately 256 million hours over a 12-month period, valued at R4,4 billion annually. Men contributed 123 million hours per year, valued at R3,1 billion.
• The employed contributed 145 million hours to volunteer work which is valued at R3,1 billion.
• Of the 550 000 individuals who offered their volunteer services through organisations (including those who offered volunteer services both directly and through organisations), the majority (520 000) volunteered in the services industry. They offered 211 million hours of their time which is valued at R4,6 billion.
• Among organisation-based volunteers, 249 000 volunteered through religious organisations; 185 000 volunteered through charity/non-profit organisations/NGOs/CBOs, and the rest through other types of organisations. South Africans contributed about 157 million hours of volunteer work through charity/non-profit organisations/NGOs/CBOs and religious organisations. Had this work been remunerated, it would have cost R3,6 billion over a 12-month period.
• Apart from the satisfaction that comes from helping people, the volunteers were asked whether they received or expected to receive something for their help. Of those who indicated that, they did receive or expected to receive something, 33,3% received or expected to receive out-of-pocket expenses; 28,7% received or expected to gain experience or get skills; 12,7% received or expected to receive food; and a remaining 8,1% received or expected to receive transport, clothes and shelter for their services.
• If the 379 291 000 hours of volunteer work done by 1,2 million volunteers over the 12-month period were to be translated to full-time equivalence, assuming a 40-hour week, this would translate to 182 351 persons working full time.

For media enquiries contact:
Ms Kefiloe Masiteng
Deputy Director General: Population and Social Statistics
Tel: 012 310 2109

For technical enquiries contact:
Mr Peter Buwembo
Acting Executive Manager: Household Labour Market Statistics
Tel: 012 310 8655