Africa's Trusted Partner for Internships, Service-Learning & Corporate Impact

Run directly by a registered NPO since 2006

Why Choose SAVE Foundation?

We are the Project,
Not the Middleman

Most internship, exchange, and CSR providers sit between you and the actual work, charging a placement or consultancy fee along the way.

SAVE Foudnation works differently.

we design, manage and support the projedts ourselves, meaning your participation, funding and support go directly towards the communities and conservation programmes you are helping.

Registered NPO since 2006

30+ active Projects

Projects across Southern and East Africa

Built for measurable impact

SAVE Foundation works across cumminuty development, education and conservation programmes in Sough Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania. is a registered NPO (088-104), operating continuously since 2006, currently supporting 30+ projects across community development, education, and conservation in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Tanzania.

WHO WE WORK WITH

There's a way for everyone to make an impact.

Whether you’re a student, an educational institution, a business or an individual supporter, there’s a meaningful way for you to get involved and help create brighter futures.

Gain practical experience through structured, supervised internships within SAVE Foundation’s education, community and conservation programmes. Built for skills development and academic learning.

We work with universities and schools to develop structured experiences that support academic learning while contributing directly to community, education and conservation initiatives. Custom service-learning & exchange programs, no existing partnership required.

Partner with SAVE Foundation to create meaningful CSI, CSR and ESG initiatives in Southern Africa. Support community, education and conservation projects through direct, transparent partnerships designed to create measurable and lasting impact.

Support SAVE Foundation’s community, education and conservation projects and help create lasting impact where it is needed most. Fund a project directly, no middleman, Section 18A certificates available.

Be Part of Lasting Impact

CREATING LASTING IMPACT THROUGH COMMUNITY, EDUCATION & CONSERVATION

This short video offers a glimpse into the work of SAVE Foundation, a South African nonprofit organisation creating meaningful impact through community development, education and conservation initiatives. Since 2006, SAVE Foundation has worked directly with local communities and project partners to support children, strengthen education, protect wildlife and create opportunities for sustainable development. Whether you are a student seeking a structured internship or service learning experience, a university looking for a trusted local partner, a company exploring meaningful CSR opportunities, or a supporter wanting to make a difference, discover how you can contribute to lasting impact in Southern Africa.

SAVE Foundation Projects

Pre-Vet & Safari Internship

This programme is a hands-on pre-veterinary internship based on a working livestock farm in Cathcart, South Africa.

Marine Conservation Internship

This programme is a hands-on marine conservation and research experience based in Gansbaai, South Africa.

Wildlife Internships

This is a remote wildlife conservation and cultural immersion experience based in the Tuli Block, Botswana.

Early Childhood Development & Teaching Internship

This programme is a community-based teaching and childcare experience in Cape Town, South Africa.

Adventure Sports Development Programme

This programme is a youth development and sports-based initiative working with children from disadvantaged communities in areas like Du Noon and Wolwerivier

Social Work & Community Outreach Internship

This programme is a community-based early childhood development project located in a disadvantaged informal settlement near Table View.

SAVE Foundation · Registered South African NPO · Est. 2006

Be Part of a Lasting Impact in South Africa

Through internships, service learning, university partnerships and corporate CSR, SAVE Foundation connects people and organisations with community, education and conservation programmes across Southern Africa.

News & Stories

Axel Otterbeck Memorial Clinic

Aksel Otterbeck was a Swedish volunteer who spent time working with SAVE Foundation in Cape Town, dedicating his energy and compassion to supporting local community projects.

Tragically, Aksel passed away after being struck by a drunk driver, a loss that deeply affected everyone who knew him and worked alongside him.

In honour of Aksel’s life, kindness and commitment to helping others, his friends and relatives came together to raise funds for a meaningful legacy project.

Through their efforts, and in partnership with SAVE Foundation, a free health clinic was built in Wolwerivier.

The clinic now provides essential healthcare services to members of the local community, ensuring that Aksel’s spirit of generosity and service continues to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

New Namibia and Botswana Program

We are thrilled to announce the launch of two exciting new conservation projects, offering volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact in both Botswana and Namibia.

These initiatives are designed to support vital wildlife conservation efforts and community development in some of Southern Africa’s most remarkable natural environments.

Volunteers will have the chance to work alongside dedicated conservation teams, contribute to protecting wildlife and natural habitats, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes involved in conservation work.

It’s a unique opportunity to be part of projects that help preserve these incredible ecosystems for future generations while experiencing the beauty of Africa firsthand.

A Skate Ramp for SAVE Kids

Through the incredible support of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, the Adventure Surf Program was able to raise the funds needed to build a brand-new skate ramp for the kids.

This exciting addition provides a safe space where young people can gather, stay active and develop new skills while enjoying the thrill of skateboarding.

The skate ramp is a place where children can spend time together, build confidence and express themselves through sport and creativity.

Projects like this help create opportunities for kids to stay engaged in healthy activities, develop friendships and feel part of a supportive community.

It is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when volunteers and supporters come together with a shared goal of empowering and uplifting the next generation.

Fundraisers

Christmas Time at SAVE Foundation

This holiday season, let’s come together to bring smiles, hope and warmth to the underprivileged children of DuNoon township.

Aksel Otterbeck Memorial Clinic

Today, the Aksel Otterbeck Memorial Clinic plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing of the local community.

Discover all Fundraisers at Givengain

Discover all the inspiring fundraising initiatives supporting our work by visiting our GivenGain page.

Here you can explore the various campaigns created by supporters, volunteers and partners who are passionate about making a positive difference.

Each fundraiser helps contribute to projects that support conservation, community development and meaningful outreach initiatives.

Find out how collective efforts are helping create real and lasting impact.

Partner With SAVE Foundation

Support community, education & conservation initiatives through internships, academic partnerships, corporate impact & direct giving.

Volunteer Donate Partner with us

SAVE FOUNDATION FAQ

What does SAVE Foundation do?

SAVE Foundation is a registered South African nonprofit organisation that supports community development, education, youth empowerment and wildlife conservation across Southern Africa. Founded in Cape Town in 2006, SAVE works directly with community and conservation initiatives, helping direct people, skills, funding and practical resources where they can create measurable, long-term impact.

Where does SAVE Foundation work?

SAVE Foundation currently supports programmes in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Its work ranges from early childhood education, youth development and sports programmes in Cape Town to wildlife, marine and conservation initiatives elsewhere in Southern Africa.

Is SAVE Foundation a registered nonprofit organisation?

Yes. SAVE Foundation is a registered South African nonprofit organisation, NPO 088-104. The organisation is governed through a Board structure and focuses on transparent, responsible delivery of community and conservation programmes.

Does SAVE Foundation offer internships and service-learning programmes?

Yes. SAVE Foundation facilitates structured internships, field experience and service-learning opportunities connected to community development, education, conservation, animal care and related fields. Options can suit individual students as well as school, university and faculty-led groups, subject to the requirements of the specific programme.

Can companies, schools and universities partner with SAVE Foundation?

Yes. SAVE Foundation works with companies, schools, universities, donors and other organisations on tailored partnerships. These can include CSI/CSR funding, employee impact days, service-learning programmes, internships, faculty-led experiences, skills-based support and project-specific donations.

Pre-Schools Built & Started

Children taught computer literacy

Children taught to swim

Children taught to surf