SAWC Technical Meeting Strengthens Regional Volunteer Cooperation in Southern Africa

Southern Africa Workcamps Co-operation (SAWC) recently convened a successful and impactful Technical Meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, bringing together member organisations from across the region, including Zimbabwe (GEPI Zimbabwe & ZWA), Botswana (BWA), Mozambique (AJOV & AJUDE), Namibia (Lida Community Foundation), (SAVWA)South Africa, and Zambia (New Hope Waves & Nziko Langa) from 18–22 March 2026! 

Held over three days, the meeting served as a vital platform for reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning, reinforcing SAWC’s commitment to strengthening South-to-South cooperation and advancing volunteer-driven development across Southern Africa. 

Participants engaged in rich discussions focused on enhancing regional collaboration, improving the quality and impact of workcamp programmes, and identifying innovative ways to respond to the evolving needs of communities. A key highlight of the meeting was the shared commitment to building stronger partnerships among member organisations, ensuring that knowledge, resources, and opportunities are more effectively exchanged within the region. 

One of the most exciting outcomes of the meeting is the upcoming SAWC Caravan, a regional initiative that will see volunteers and organisations travel across multiple countries—starting in Namibia, passing through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and concluding in Mozambique. This caravan represents a bold step toward deepening regional integration, promoting intercultural exchange, and showcasing the power of volunteerism in action across borders. 

The meeting also provided an opportunity to gain valuable insights from Prof. Manda, who presented on Prof Manda from the University of Pretoria, who presented the groundbreaking Global Index of Volunteer Engagement (GIVE) to members. This innovative tool the first of its kind has been developed in collaboration with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) to systematically measure and showcase the vital contributions of volunteers toward sustainable development worldwide. This session emphasized that strengthening data systems will not only improve programme effectiveness but also enhance advocacy efforts and recognition of volunteering as a key driver of sustainable development. 

Beyond the formal sessions, the gathering fostered a renewed sense of solidarity and shared purpose among participants. It reaffirmed the role of SAWC as a unifying platform for organisations dedicated to empowering communities through voluntary service, skills development, and grassroots action. 

As SAWC continues to grow and evolve, members are encouraged to actively contribute to the visibility of regional efforts. Organisations are invited to submit articles, photos, and information about upcoming volunteer camps and training opportunities to be featured on the SAWC website and in future publications.