Important update on Tourist Guide Qualifications
As communicated previously, Tourist Guide qualifications are undergoing a process of renewal and enhancement. All current guide qualifications listed on SAQA and CATHSSETA was discontinued and expired on 30 June 2023. Students have until 30 June 2024 to enrol for the current qualifications, and these must be achieved/completed by 30 June 2027.
Whilst enhancement and professionalisation is lauded, private sector industry associations, SATSA, the South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA), the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the National Federation of Tourist Guides and Affiliates (NFTGA) and the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO), are collaborating to represent Tourist Guides and their specialisations, to ensure that the development and timeline is realistic and avoids any unintended consequences.
Below is an update on the various developments and current challenges.
New Qualification Development
The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with CATHSSETA and industry representatives, conducted four mapping sessions in 2023 to discuss and outline the potential new Nature, Culture and Adventure Guide Qualifications.
The discussions, although informal in nature, provided valuable insights and the final report has been circulated for comment. The next steps are for CATHSSETA to host a formal mapping session with industry and then to start the curriculum development process with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This will involve the appointment of a facilitator to develop formal occupational certificates, part qualifications, or skills programmes.
Private sector industry associations are committed to ensuring that the voices of all Tourist Guides, representing diverse specialisations, are heard during this process. SA AIA is currently working on a framework specifically for Adventure Guiding (each specialisation and level) to ensure that all practical skills and safety requirements are outlined, taken into consideration, and agreed upon as formal industry standards for guiding.
Request for Extension of Current Qualifications
The Association partners are actively working together to request an extension for the current qualification deadlines. The aim is to ensure that all tour guides are afforded the necessary time and resources to adapt to and complete the required qualifications.
Recognition of Historical Qualifications
The Association partners have formally requested to have all current qualifications, including the Generic Adventure Site Guide skills programme, recognised as historical qualifications. This recognition would allow guides to use the historical qualifications to register or re-register with their local registrar. Although this request has been escalated, a decision is still pending as of the latest update.
Staying Informed
Any new developments on the above will be shared with you as they arise, please keep an eye out for it in our newsletter.
