Volunteerism A new perspective for the post- Covid-19 reality in South Africa

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic affected livelihoods, and particularly households of the poor, women and youth in South Africa. People started to look at different ways to support their families, and volunteering for a good cause came into the frame. This paper focuses on volunteering post the Covid-19 pandemic, with volunteers looking forward to reward, support or appreciation to mitigate the economic and social effects of Covid-19. The expectancy theory of volunteerism was adopted as the guiding framework. Based on its findings, this paper argues that changes in the post-Covid-19 era are due to technological innovations, institutional advancements, globalisation, societal and demographic inclinations, and lifestyles changes. Although vulnerable groups are faced with enormous challenges, a new perspective of volunteerism – the desire for reward – has emerged in their new world view of development.