VOLUNTEER

Image: Jonx Pillemer

As a volunteer-driven event and organisation, AfrikaBurn offers many ways in which anyone can participate. A good starting point would simply be to ask yourself what it is you’d like to do and see where that skill or contribution would fit. Take a look at the following areas, find one that suits you, and then step up, rock up and prepare to have a lot of fun.

Please come along to the Volunteer Booth at Off-Centre Camp (OCC) and we'll make sure you have fun and make friends while volunteering in Tankwa Town.

Get involved

AfrikaBurn will blow your hair back whichever way you choose to experience it. The more you do, the more fun you’ll have – guaranteed, because it’s a do-ocracy – a place where you’re welcome to start something, make something or do anything (within reason). Forget standing at the sidelines – jump in with both feet and get busy!

There are many ways to participate, and it’s largely an anarchic space in the true sense of the word – nobody’s directing the action and you’re free to do as you please as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. The only thing expected of you is that you build something, sing something, dance something, cook something, make something, gift something, share something, play something, or fill almost any role that strikes your fancy – so long as you do something, you’re participating.

If you want to get involved, you’ve come to the right place.

For a start there’s a host of volunteer roles that need filling – and there’s a full list below where you can read about those and sign up for shifts. You can pick your own shifts, and choose what suits you.

If you’re not sure what you want to volunteer for, no problem – you can hop on over to the Volunteer Facebook page, Instagram or Whatsapp and check out what they’re looking for right now, or get in touch with volunteer@afrikaburn.com and they’ll help you find your niche.

Sign up as a General Volunteer Here.

Got any questions about volunteering? Here’s your spot.

ARTeria

Working here means you’re the reception desk for arriving artists and theme camps, both registered and unregistered. You’d get to help them locate their designated spots (or find them one). This is a great way to meet the people that create the magic of Tankwa Town.

Sign up for ARTeria shifts right here. More information: art@afrikaburn.com

Box Office

A shift in the Box Office takes you out of the desert elements for 4 hours and puts you into the hot seat at one of the Box Office windows, scanning the many burners arriving in the desert into Tankwa Town.

Click here to sign up. For more info, send an email to: patsy@afrikaburn.com

Chillaz

Heita! Hola! Hi! CHILLAZ launched at AB 2022 and was an absolute game-changer! The epi-centre of the Off Centre hub is looking for crew to take turns during the event to help keep the space shipshape and MOOP-free, to field queries from and book slots for those who wish to grace the stage and to be helping hands to the star performers. No technical knowledge required.

Please sign up and join in the fun!

Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV)

Love the smell of LRP in the morning?! Why not hitch a ride on the back of a butterfly, a bumblebee or a unicorn? Drive the registration and meet the builders, artists and creators, get to know them and be inspired to maybe build your own. So get on the highway, point yourself our way, DMV awaits.

Click right here to ride the highway to Tankwa.

Die Hek (Gate)

When people arrive with Tankwa stars in their eyes, this is the crew that processes them and their tickets. It’s a great way to meet loads of people and share in the stoke of arrival. Sound good? It is good.

You shall not pass! Unless you want to volunteer – join the online community here and then click here to sign up.

Die Yskas (Ice)

Literally the coolest place at AfrikaBurn! A large shady tent. No, not shady like your neighbour; shady as in out of the sun. And if that is not enough for you, you can spend some time in the refrigerated truck. DIe Yskas serves the coolest – and only – product sold in Tankwa Town. It’s a great way to meet people, and earn the undying admiration of thirsty and hot burners.

Join our Ice crew by signing up here.

Greeters

Bubbly? Enthusiastic? Fancy welcoming the citizens of Tankwa Town with a smile, song or dance? Perfect. Get to dress up and welcome, orientate and inform people as they arrive.

Got gees (spirit) for greeting? Click here to sign up! Get up to date news here

Kitchen

Every year, behind the scenes, the hard-working Kitchen Crew swings into action to keep the AB staff steady on their feet 24/7 by keeping them fed and well-hydrated.  Even if you’re a kitchen novice, come and help prep, serve, and of course, clean up.  You’ll have unique, behind the scenes, interactions with folk from all over the world who make AB happen.

Sign up for kitchen shifts here.

Lost & Found

Our Just In(e) booth is where all the missing things are collected. From lost cameras to lost minds, you can find it all here. Shifts involve manning the booth, receiving lost items and logging them and then reuniting people with found items.

Click here to reunite humans with their items. Contact lostandfound@afrikaburn.com for more details.

MOOP/Leave No Trace

The Tankwa Karoo is a pristine environment, but all the stuff that hits the ground has to be removed, and despite the fact that AfrikaBurn is a Leave No Trace event, some people don’t read – or sometimes forget – the manual. Which is when MOOP happens. (Matter Out Of Place) Got some karma to work off?

Sign up for a morning or afternoon MOOP shift and have fun while helping folks keep it tidy.

Recycling

In keeping with our core principle of ‘leave no trace,’ we are firmly committed to the responsible management of waste.

The art of waste separation and recycling is a pivotal element of our overarching sustainability mission, and its success depends on the dedication and collaborative efforts of individuals like yourself

Sign up to help us Leave No Trace

Rangers

Rangers aren’t the police or security, but rather there to make sure everyone has a good time and doesn’t get hurt. They’re active participants in the community, who promote awareness of what AfrikaBurn is all about and point out potential hazards. Rangers walk about, engage with the community and mediate where necessary.

So if you enjoy assisting others, guiding the odd burner through a difficult circumstance and generally enjoy keeping the peace, you’re Ranger material. But bear in mind you must be calm (although you will be taught to F.L.A.M.E.), flexible and have a sense of humour.

Meet up with Rangers here: Info & Training Page Please ensure you have completed Dust Ranger training before signing up to shift.

Sanctuary

It’s the place where anyone can go if they’re having a hard time or feeling overwhelmed. If it’s a physical or psychological challenge people are facing and it’s too much to handle, our Sanctuary crew will be on hand to assist in a calm, peaceful space. And you’re welcome to join the team.

For info on Sanctuary (and a link to sign up, if you have the required skills), head here. Contact Sanctuary here: sanctuary@afrikaburn.com .*Please note you need to have done Sanctuary training to be able to volunteer.

Throne Crew

Want to get involved in the belly of the beast? Become a hero of the suburbs, and a legend whispered about in dark bathrooms around the city!

Voted ‘Most Satisfying Crew in 2022’, these are the peeps that roll around in the morning making sure that the loos are stocked and clean and ready to go!

Sign up and rest easy in the knowledge that you have taken care of some shit for the day.

Volunteer & Info Booth

Ever wanted to spend some time at the nerve centre, and encourage people to sign up for shifts and help burners volunteer for what they want to do to make this event what it is?

Sign up here!.