Frequently Asked Questions & Other Helpful Information
How do I get from Johannesburg airport to the Hands at Work Hub?
Hands at Work is about four hours away from Johannesburg and there are various transport options depending on your budget. We would recommend finding a flight that arrives in the morning to Johannesburg so you have plenty of time to get here. If you arrive in the evening you may have to arrange an overnight stay in Johannesburg, which we may be able to help you with. We recommend that you come on the ‘Lowveld Link’ if possible as it drops you off in White River. Alternatively, you can arrive on the Citybug into Nelspruit. Or get an internal flight from Johannesburg to Kruger Airport. We can then arrange for someone to collect you. Flights from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Kruger Airport (MQP) leave daily. Whilst a more expensive option, specials can be found if booked in advance. Flight time is about an hour; with the airport situated a 20 minute drive from the Hands at Work village.
How can I get cash?
For most people, they are able to withdraw cash from any of the local ATMs for a small withdrawal fee. However, you may need to try a few to find one that works.
How do I pay you for accommodation?
You will need to pay for your accommodation and other fees (e.g. transport) by credit card or in cash each month. You will be given a monthly bill detailing how much you owe, and then payment can be taken to the finance office. Please talk to your International Office if payments can be made directly through them.
Do volunteers stay at Hands over Christmas, or can volunteers travel home?
Hands at Work closes its offices (rests from work) during the Christmas period. Some volunteers might choose to travel home over Christmas (in consultation with leadership) but most choose to stay to rest or travel regionally.
Should I bring my laptop?
We highly recommend that you bring a laptop to Africa. For couples we recommend that you each have your own laptop as for much of the work requires use of a computer.
Can my family and friends send mail?
Stamps can be purchased, and mail can be sent from the White River Post Office. Mail can be received at the Hands Office. The address is:
(Your Name)
Hands at Work PO Box 3534
White River 1240
South Africa
What is the Internet like and what kind of plugs and electrical items should I bring to South Africa?
There is limited Wifi access available on the Hands at Work property. Additionally, the plugs needed for electricity are 15 amps round 3 pin, 240 Volts. If you do end up going somewhere that requires different plugs, you will be able to purchase in South Africa before your departure.
Will I be able to drive?
Driving the Hands at Work vehicles is at our discretion and subject to satisfactorily completing an observed drive with a staff member; this is also only available to volunteers staying 6 months or longer and who have held a valid drivers license for 5 years.
You must obtain an International Driver Permit from your home country however many Hands staff and volunteers have cars and are willing to give you a ride when they are going somewhere.
For volunteers using a Hands vehicle, a per KM rate is charged and split amongst all passengers and will be billed monthly, along with your accommodation costs.
During the orientation process we will discuss the use of public transport.
What is the weather and climate like?
Summer months in Mpumalanga (October to April) have mild to hot subtropical temperatures and heavy rainfall. Average summer temperature can be around 26°C (79°F) to 38°C (100°F).
Winter months (May to August) typically have sunny days and colder nights. An average temperature can be from 8°C, 46°F at night to 26°C (79oF) in the day.
There can be rainy days in both seasons, so be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella.
What is the dress code?
When entering a new culture, it is important that your dress is suitable and respectful to the people you will be visiting. Traditional African culture requires women to wear a long, loose fitting skirt (knee length and below) when going into the communities. If cold, tights our trousers can be worn under the skirt. Men are expected to wear trousers. Tight and revealing clothing is not acceptable. All jewellery must be simple and modest.
It is good to have nice clothing for different outings and church, etc. Remember that during the winter months in southern Africa (May – August), weather can often be cold so bring warm layers.
While around the Hands at Work bases in South Africa and Zambia and in town, modest long shorts, jeans and sundresses are fine.
There may well be opportunities for you to swim whilst you are here. Swimming gear must be modest, therefore, bikinis and ‘Speedos’ are not acceptable.
What can I expect for shopping?
White River town is 20 minutes drive from Hands Village and caters for general shopping, with several restaurants. Nelspruit is a further 20 minute drive beyond White River where there are a number of shopping centres.
In Zambia, Luanya town is about 15 minutes from the Kachele farm and has a small grocery store. Ndola is about 30 minutes in the opposite direction where there is a bigger shopping centre and several restaurants.
Can family come visit me?
Yes, we love when family comes! We ask that you first check with leadership in Africa about the timing, and then work through our Teams & Visitor’s Office to coordinate and plan the visit.
Are there any useful books I can read before I come?
Here are a few of our recommendations:
Generous Justice by Tim Keller
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
When Helping Hurts by Corbett & Fickert
Walking With the Poor by Bryant Myers
The Wounded Healer by Henry Nouwen
28 stories of AIDS in Africa by Stephanie Nolan
Foreign to Familiar by Sarah A Lanier
If you come up with any other good books you would recommend, please let us know!