You bring the skills to capture attention. But can you hold it long enough to build trust? To shift perspectives? To change behavior? In South Africa’s townships, you’ll find stories that don’t need dressing up — just someone who knows how to see them, shape them, and share them. As a media or communications intern, you might…
document Ready4Life’s work through photos, short films, or interviews,
work with local media houses,
help NGOs refine their messaging to attract donors or volunteers,
support health awareness campaigns by making content that informs and inspires,
run social media training for teachers or students who want to be heard,
or test a content idea of your own — from a TikTok campaign to a podcast pilot.
Here, content has consequences. And that’s exactly the point.
You’ll be guided by mentors who understand both the power and responsibility of storytelling. You’ll sit with people who don’t need a voice — they have one — and just need someone who’s really listening.
You’ll learn:
You’ll see how stories shape perception, how perception shapes policy, and how small pieces of media can shift the bigger picture.
You won’t change everything in one post or one project — but you will help people feel seen. And that’s a start.
South Africa has deep historical and linguistic ties to Dutch. While Afrikaans isn’t identical, its roots mean that Dutch and Flemish speakers often find themselves understanding more than expected — especially in interview settings. If you speak either language, you’ll likely find it easier to build rapport, follow conversations, and pick up on the nuances that make stories worth telling.
It’s not essential, but it is an advantage especially when working closely with local media professionals who may switch between Afrikaans and English. Dutch or Flemish can help you connect more deeply, more quickly, and more respectfully. It also helps to have…Â
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Who owns a story? Who gets to tell it? You’ll be working with people, not just content. Bring your questions, your self-awareness, and your respect for complexity.
If you have an eye for framing, colour, layout, or flow, your social media work will land harder and linger longer. Sometimes, it starts with a good hunch about what looks and feels true.
You understand the difference between clicks and connection. Between visibility and value. Knowing how to set a goal, measure engagement, and pivot when needed makes your work more than creative — it makes it effective.
You don’t have to speak every language — but you’ll need to read a room, tune into context, and collaborate across perspectives. If you know how to listen between the lines, you’ll go far.
