FGASA is transitioning from an accredited training provider to a professional body recognized by SAQA, in line with the 2021 Tourism Sector Masterplan. By mid-2026, they will cease entry-level programs, requiring future guides to qualify through QCTO. This change aims to elevate industry standards and support professional development for nature guides, enhancing their recognition in the tourism sector.
The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) is embarking on a pivotal transformation, evolving from a CATHSSETA-accredited institution into a professional body recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This strategic transition aligns with the government’s 2021 Tourism Sector Masterplan and Professionalisation Strategy, enhancing the framework for field guiding in the region. Established in 1991, FGASA has significantly influenced the professional standards of field guiding, training over 40,000 individuals in the past three decades.
By mid-2026, FGASA will cease entry-level accredited programs, compelling aspiring nature guides to secure qualifications through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Current trainees will receive a three-year period to complete their qualifications. During this transition, FGASA aims to finalize its registration as a professional body, which will enable improved advocacy for member interests and elevate industry standards.
Managing Director Michelle du Plessis emphasized, “By formally registering as a professional body, we will be able to better advocate for the interests of our members, ensure the maintenance of high standards, and open the sector to greater diversity and transformation.” This initiative is poised to underpin the professionalization of the sector, awarding recognized designations and fostering continuous development for nature guides.
Du Plessis further stated, “It’s the best thing that could happen to the guiding industry. It brings this profession in line with other recognised professions.” This transformation is set to solidify nature guiding as a professional career and to recognize guides as skilled professionals within the tourism industry, ultimately enhancing South Africa’s competitiveness in global tourism.
In conclusion, these strategic advancements reflect FGASA’s commitment to elevating professional standards in the guiding sector, ensuring that South Africa continues to cultivate the finest nature guides in the world, thus bolstering the broader tourism landscape.
The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), established in 1991 as a non-profit, has been fundamentally involved in shaping the professional development of field guides in South Africa. Their current evolution into a recognized professional body under SAQA marks a significant modernization of standards, aligning with national strategies aimed at enhancing tourism professionalism. Over the past three decades, FGASA has established itself as a leader in the field, training thousands and contributing to the sustainability and professionalism of the guiding sector.
The transformation of FGASA into a professional body is a landmark development for the field guiding industry in South Africa. By adhering to national strategies for tourism and elevating professional standards, FGASA aims to provide better support and recognition for nature guides, ensuring that they are acknowledged as essential contributors to South Africa’s tourism sector. This strategic move not only enhances the profession but also promises to draw greater diversity and transformation within the field, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a global leader in nature guiding.
Original Source: www.getaway.co.za
