Mercy Ships South Africa

Mercy Ships South Africa Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,600 volunteers from more than 40 nations.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978, bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilizing people and resources worldwide, serving all people without regard for race or religion. Registration Number: 181-575 NPO

Mercy Ships is a global humanitarian organisation who uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has helped to transform the lives of more than 2.42 million people in the poorest countries of the world. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Together, we seek to bring hope and healing to the world’s poor one life, one community and one nation at a time.

25/12/2025

Born with a growth that weighed down her head and no access to safe surgery, little Armella faced an uncertain future. Her mother prayed for a miracle; she just wanted her daughter to be okay.

When the docked in Toamasina, Madagascar, everything changed. Through generous people like you and the dedication of volunteers, Armella received life-changing surgery.

Today, she can lift her head high in joy, health, and hope.

'Tis the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the miracles unfolding through acts of love and generosity. Because of you, children like Armella are not just looking up… they’re looking ahead.

Will you help a child lift their head and heart this Christmas?

25/12/2025

This Christmas, we celebrate Armella’s beautiful transformation! Once living with a growing mass behind her ear, she found healing through Mercy Ships, and her mother Caessah found comfort in knowing God guided each step.

Today, their smiles shine a little brighter, uplifted by love in this season of hope.

On board the ships, Christmas isn’t just about decorations and gifts—it’s about coming together as a crew, celebrating t...
24/12/2025

On board the ships, Christmas isn’t just about decorations and gifts—it’s about coming together as a crew, celebrating traditions from around the world, and bringing light to those we serve.

Wherever you are this season, may you find moments of light and community!



Photo Credit: Joshua Chau

Songs of hope and faith, lifted by our crew during a recent African Praise Night on board the . Moments like these brin...
23/12/2025

Songs of hope and faith, lifted by our crew during a recent African Praise Night on board the . Moments like these bring the ship together in a time of worship and are a powerful reminder of the heart of our community.

Join us and experience a community like no other.



Photo Credit: Romeo Urikeraka

Lights, laughter, and a ship full of gratitude. We are looking forward to celebrating hope and togetherness all season l...
22/12/2025

Lights, laughter, and a ship full of gratitude. We are looking forward to celebrating hope and togetherness all season long.

Happy holidays!



Photo Credit: Angie Rozek

At 17, Ivany tends cattle and works the fields for a local farmer. He never had the chance to go to school, partly becau...
16/12/2025

At 17, Ivany tends cattle and works the fields for a local farmer. He never had the chance to go to school, partly because of finances, and partly out of fear of being teased. Some called him names because of the cleft lip, and the words left a mark.

“I would be happy if it could be fixed one day,” he said.

On the in Madagascar, that hope became a reality through the surgery he received.



Photo Credit: Joshua Chau

From carols to cookies to community meals, the season is in full swing on board. These small traditions make life on the...
15/12/2025

From carols to cookies to community meals, the season is in full swing on board. These small traditions make life on the ship feel like home.



Photo Credit: Merel Visser-Piet

Are you called to walk alongside others? Join Mercy Ships as a volunteer Chaplain and offer spiritual support, encourage...
13/12/2025

Are you called to walk alongside others? Join Mercy Ships as a volunteer Chaplain and offer spiritual support, encouragement, and a steady presence to our international crew.

If you’re ready to serve with compassion, apply now: Chaplain | Volunteer Opportunities



Photo Credit: Romeo Urikeraka

Mercy Ships is recruiting for a Second Engineer.In this essential role, you’ll oversee the daily operation and maintenan...
12/12/2025

Mercy Ships is recruiting for a Second Engineer.

In this essential role, you’ll oversee the daily operation and maintenance of the ship’s machinery, ensuring our vessel remains safe, reliable, and ready to deliver life-changing medical care.

Your expertise keeps hope moving forward. Apply here: Second Engineer | Volunteer Opportunities



Photo Credit: Joshua Chau

11/12/2025

From every corner of the world to one ship, allow us to reintroduce ourselves. One crew, many nations, one mission.

Want to be part of this incredible community? Find out how you can join us at Volunteer Opportunities - Find Your Place Onboard!

Did you know each Mercy Ships hospital ship has a fully equipped pharmacy?If you’re a pharmacist looking to take your sk...
10/12/2025

Did you know each Mercy Ships hospital ship has a fully equipped pharmacy?

If you’re a pharmacist looking to take your skills beyond the ordinary and serve in a place where every prescription truly matters, we’d love to have you on board.

Discover the Senior Pharmacist role and apply: Senior Pharmacist | Volunteer Opportunities



Photo Credit: Joshua Chau

Safe surgery depends on the skilled and careful delivery of anesthesia. Our volunteer Anesthesia Supervisor helps ensure...
09/12/2025

Safe surgery depends on the skilled and careful delivery of anesthesia. Our volunteer Anesthesia Supervisor helps ensure that anesthetic and intensive care services are supported and maintained before, during, and after surgery, making every procedure safer for patients.

Ready to bring comfort and relief to those who need it most? Learn more: https://bit.ly/4pH6W4a



Photo Credit: Merel Visser-Piet

Address

Unit 1, 80 Main Road, Lakeside
Cape Town
7945

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27788399985

Website

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Our Story

NPO Number: 181-575 NPO

PBO Number: 930060742 Mercy Ships is a global humanitarian organisation who uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has helped to transform the lives of more than 2.42 million people in the poorest countries of the world. Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,600 volunteers from more than 40 nations. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Together, we seek to bring hope and healing to the world’s poor one life, one community and one nation at a time.