Service learning is a form of experiential learning in which students receive academic credit for addressing human and community needs in a way that benefits both provider and recipient of the service. Service learning can be seen as a philosophy, a model, or a pedagogical tool.

The book Service Learning in South Africa is designed to include a theoretical component and a practical perspective. The book adopts a social justice framework and the theoretical component addresses why students do service learning, includes reflection, and discuss issues of power, such as the positioning between students and site managers.

Case studies demonstrate how service learning has been implemented at various universities, providing guidelines on what

institutions, lecturers and students have learnt from the experience. There is synergy between the theory of service learning and practical case studies that complement the theory by drawing out general principles related to service learnin g.

Service Learning in South Africa is aimed at South African students taking courses in service learning in degrees as diverse as Education (B.Ed or PGCE), the B.Soc.Sci, B.Cur, B.Eng and Law; as well as lecturers and theorists of service learning, educational policy-makers and practitioners in non-governmental organisations. Service Learning in South Africa is the only South African textbook on service learning.