South Africa is a popular tourist destination and its world-famous vineyards, safaris and cosmopolitan cities offer a range of high-end holiday experiences.

However, visitors to South Africa are often surprised by the juxtaposition of rich and poor that can be found there. Affluent tourist hotspots such as Stellenbosch sit just kilometres away from some of the country’s most deprived townships.

The Daily Mail’s Matt Fortune found out what life was really like for underprivileged South Africans by taking part in a 5 day voluntourism trip in the township of Kayamundi. Located in the popular tourist area of South Africa’s Western Cape, he was shocked at the conditions:

“Being in the midst of this is shocking especially when you’ve come from the relative luxury of the winelands. Litter fills the streets, which are made up of row upon row of corrugated iron shacks. The most basic of human needs such as clean water and an organised education seem a formidable effort to attain. For tourists, it presents a vastly different side to South Africa.”

Fortune’s volunteer work included helping with a community feeding scheme and distributing teaching resources at a local school, but he was sceptical of how much he could contribute in just 5 days.

However, he returned from the trip with many fond memories. One such memory was his encounter with one of the children at the township school. He recorded the experience in his diary:

“Here I am, so removed from the comparatively privileged upbringing I enjoyed in London, teaching, enriching the life of a child with whom I can share just a few words. I’ve found a child desperate for a connection… It’s that warm fuzzy feeling I’ve been searching for.”

Inspire supports community volunteer projects in South Africa’s Western Cape. Find out more about volunteering in South Africa.