Questions & Answers about the NFTGA
Anticipated questions, and those posted on social media.
What is the NFTGA?keyboard_arrow_up
NFTGA is a Federation for all South African tourist guides. Affiliate members from industry are invited to join as it gives us a larger more representative footprint, and allows stakeholders to participate transparently. This is something that has never been achieved before, and it is long overdue.
What is the NFTGA's aims or objectives?keyboard_arrow_up
• To promote and maintain, among members of the NFTGA, the highest standards of professionalism. To this end, the NFTGA shall publish and promote a code of ethics for the conduct of all members.
• To organise and/or arrange educational courses, lectures, workshops and excursions for the Continued Professional Development (CPD) of members, through accredited training providers and to distribute pertinent information to members via electronic media. electronic media.
• To establish a voluntary mentorship programme (Mentorship sub-committee) where experienced guides will be available to assist in the career development of trainee and aspirant tourist guides and will thus support and contribute to transformation in the industry, and the maintenance of growth and employment opportunities in the tourist guiding sector.
• To establish a voluntary upliftment and transformation programme (Transformation sub-committee) where enthusiastic guides will encourage site communities and the youth, to become tourist guides, and in so doing, to access employment opportunities in the tourism industry.
• To take appropriate measures to promote, support or oppose tourism industry related legislative issues that impact on the member’s interests.
• To provide limited guidance and support with respect to tourism industry related legal issues between tourist guides and tour operators.
• To protect, promote and develop the general interest of its members in dealings with government departments, parastatals, authorities, operators, agents, and the public.
• To seek cooperation with industry bodies having similar interests.
• To establish suitable agreements with affiliated industry bodies, in order to offer tourism related member benefits such as coordinated safety warnings and post-incident trauma counselling.
• To set up a voluntary informal activities programme (Social sub-committees) whose aims it will be to:
1) promote goodwill and team spirit amongst Tourist Guides by arranging outings and fun events, and
2) activate opportunities for social upliftment through involvement with communities and youth awareness programmes, in cooperation with the Transformation sub-committee.
Why is industry invited to join as affiliates ?keyboard_arrow_up
They are bringing transformation, resources and experience to the table.
gamesWhat is the Steering committee?keyboard_arrow_up
The steering committee draws on prior experience from a wide range of participants representing tourist guides and contributors from the broader industry. It was one of the requests from both NDT and SANPARKS that there be a clear and direct line of communication to a single organisation representing the interests of tourist guides. That is one of the main reasons why this organisation has been set up.
Why were representatives for foreign languages included in the Steering committee, and why were some language groups left out?keyboard_arrow_up
This is a steering committee and we have looked at associations and groups that are the most active and visible in negotiating benefits and representing their members. This does not restrict, or place a limit on who will be represented by the NFTGA, but by bringing the people that we have onboard, we are convinced that we will have a dedicated committee that will look after the broader interests of the whole guiding community, and not only that of small groups. Language guides are all represented... not the language itself, but the guides on board representing language are not there just to look after their own languages, but to ensure that they bring their valuable experience as an association (and/ or otherwise specified) who “got it right” to the table.
What about membership fees? keyboard_arrow_up
Once the NFTGA is up and running, we will establish a fee structure for members (to be implemented only after 2019).
When will the NFTGA be launched?keyboard_arrow_up
The official launch will be announced in 2019.
As a Tourist Guide, how am I going to benefit from this?keyboard_arrow_up
NFTGA is basically your go-between with industry and government as a united voice.
BEE representation on the Steering committee?keyboard_arrow_up
Industry
• CULLINAN HOLDINGS: Procurement level 50% - BEE level 7
• FGASA: Association with various training providers
• SANPARKS: Procurement level 80% - BEE level 5
• SATSA: Southern Africa Tourism Services Association with various partners such as WTM Africa; Bidvest; Airlink; Westgro; etc. all complying with BEE.
• TOURVEST DMC: 51% black ownership; Procurement level 100%
Tourist Guides
• Abednigo Nzuza
• Alisha Kirk
• Francois Collin
• Jeremy Energy Howard
• Joleen du Plessis
• Kanya Kali: Legal rep
• Khimbini Hlongwane
• Maria Louise Kruger
• Vanessa Strydom
• Zania Collin
person_pinIs the National Department of Tourism (NDT) involved?keyboard_arrow_up
The NFTGA, after consultation with the National Registrar of Tourist Guides (Ms Ramphele) and Director Tourist Guiding (Ms Pillay), has prepared a submission to be included in a report to the Minister of Tourism. Feedback will be posted on our news feed.
person_pinWhat is the difference between NFTGA and IPTGSA?keyboard_arrow_up
IPTGSA, as quoted by Johan van Biljon on the NFTGA Facebook page: "The IPTGSA was set up to become the registered professional body as per SAQA Act and represent professional tourist guides'".
NFTGA is a national federation of tourist guides but also includes industry stakeholders to promote interaction and cohesive, transparent handling of guiding issues as per our objectives.
Why use "tourist guide" as opposed to "tour guide"?
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is using "tourist" guide to denote the individuals' involved in guiding.
A "tour" guide is a book!
What are guides and industry saying about the NFTGA?
"The CTGA exco believe that a national body representing all registered tourist guides in the industry to be an imperative towards which every organisation should aim. It is important that the guides in all provinces be represented equitably with each voice as important as the other. Due consideration should be given to the independent nature of guiding, while clear structures should be put in place for all guides to be heard. The need for a unified voice amongst guides and guide associations is our goal. We support clear structures that would move the guiding industry forward in a unified and disciplined manner, while affording our stakeholders a clear and definite body with which to communicate at local, provincial and national levels." Jeremy Energy Howard (Tourist Guide / Vice chair of CTGA).
"Agreed Jeremy Energy Howard. With proper and consulted structures, the industry for tourist guides will benefit as it should nature of guiding, while clear structures should be put in place for all guides to be heard. " Dion Fabe (Tourist Guide /Chair of CTGA).
"This sounds very encouraging and obviously much hard work and thought has gone into it. I personally look forward to seeing how this could benefit all guides in South Africa that we could all be more effective in showing guests what our amazing country has to offer. Well done to all involved and all the best to steering committee in particular in forging ahead ?" Ray Haakonsen (Tourist Guide)
"Awesome guys, a long time in coming. I mean this a positive way! Please remember some watch words : transparency as much as possible to be effective; inclusiveness especially of the formerly disadvantaged in RSA; and accountability. Public office carries an awesome responsibility that one does not become self serving!" Ted Weber (Tourist Guide)
"It is an honor to serve on this Committee! I look forward to when required! ??" Julien Paul Gregory Janssen (Cullinan Holdings)
"I am happy that there are more platform created for guides to interact and improve our situations. Good luck everyone." Damien Laine (Tourist Guide)
"Congratulations to those chosen onto the steering committee. I’m a language guide and have never had a problem with the previous committee, if I’d had a query I’d contact Zania and I’d have my answer soonest! ?" Erica Buekes (Tourist Guide)
"A Big Thank you! !!! I've been there since the beginning of this Dream. So happy I can now be part of it ?." Evie Daniel Peristeris (Tourist Guide)
"Good luck - it seems a big ask to get this right. Hope you are all able to pull in the same direction." Ian Wallace (Tourist Guide)
"Most of us are very positive with this new venture" Heidi Lehodey (Tourist Guide)
"I agree with the idea of the steering committee and it should've been done a long time ago! I just wanted to find out how it was chosen as I believe that there is a few key areas of the industry that could've also been represented(and I'm not talking about the language side)." Machiel Breedt (Tourist Guide)
"Something great you started there just please don't just concentrate on the big Operators, they are important but it's the smaller niche market operators that generally make the difference in travel because of their non corporate individual approach to tourism" Stefan Bause (Tourist Guide)
"To all our colleagues please let us look at the positive lets give the group a chance to make a difference - Stop dishing and complaining about things beforehand. I know the representatives and they are some of the best in the industry I have all the faith in them. Give them a chance." Steve Touring Menzies (Tourist Guide)
" I wish you guys/ guides luck Was chairman of FENATA in Namibia for 5 years, know all about the battles." Klaus Dau (Tourist Guide)
"Well done you are amazing!!!!." Dawid Rossouw (Tourist Guide)
"Thank you very much for all of your combined efforts to make this possible. I am honoured to be a member." Dawid Rossouw (Tourist Guide)
"Great work. Glad to be aboard!" Anne Lawrance (Tourist Guide)
"Thank you, It is an honour to be a member." Tony Molyneaux (Tourist Guide)
"It’s becoming easier to understand." Brian Ritchie (Tourist Guide)
"I am all for this cause. You have the necessary role players and decision makers all lined up to to much good here, something that many of the other 'associations' have not managed to do. The issue I see, is the massive task of first separating the mud from the water before anything will start flowing. I respect what you are trying to achieve with this but do not envy you in the least. Should you manage to pull this off, I'll buy you a Bells sir, and the tannie a Rooibos." Steve Sara (Tourist Guide)
"Firstly, I think the peeps behind this are demonstrating a huge commitment, which is vitally important. I think that they - perhaps with some input from the rest of us - have a good chance of evading the kind of icebergs that got in the way of the Titanic. Anyway, before you can sink the Titanic, you have to build it and launch it :) Carry on, Mr and Mrs Collin. Steady as she goes!" Ron Mcgregor (Tourist Guide)