ABSTRACT
The concept of volunteering is influenced by economics, culture, religion, society and politics. Despite these influencing factors volunteering, in various forms (aiding others), is a phenomenon that is found across the globe and an integral part of the majority of societies. It is also evident that the discourses around volunteering are influenced by western concepts and perspectives. Events like the International Year of Volunteering 2001, the International Year of Volunteers + 10 (IYV+10), European Year of Volunteering (EYV, 2011) and International Volunteering Day (which is an annual event held on 5 December since 1985) are testament to this.
