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Are you passionate about culture, nature, and showcasing South Africa’s beauty to visitors? Becoming a registered tourist guide is a great career choice. Here is everything you need to know.

🌍 Why Register as a Tourist Guide?

The Tourism Act No. 3 of 2014 defines tourist guiding as a professional field with proper governance, ethics, and quality standards. Registration ensures guides are:

Professionally trained and qualified

Legally recognized

Trusted by employers, tour operators, and tourists

🎓 Step 1: Meet the Qualification Requirements

Before you can register as a tourist guide, you need:

✅ Training and Assessment

Complete a tourist guiding qualification accredited by CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) or any other institution recognized by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).

These qualifications include unit standards focusing on knowledge and skills relevant to your guiding category (e.g. nature, culture, adventure).

✅ Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you already have years of guiding experience or informal training, you can apply for RPL to get your skills assessed and credited towards a formal qualification.

🗂️ Step 2: Choose Your Tourist Guiding Category

There are three main categories of tourist guides:

Nature Guides

Specialists in flora, fauna, conservation areas, and national parks.

Culture Guides

Focus on cultural heritage such as art, history, museums, and cultural villages.

Adventure Guides

Conduct activities involving risk, like abseiling, hiking, or mountain climbing.

🗺️ Step 3: Decide Your Scope of Operation

Tourist guides are further divided into:

Site Guides: Guide only within a specific site (e.g., a museum or game reserve).

Provincial Guides: Guide anywhere within a province.

National Guides: Qualified to guide across all nine provinces of South Africa.

💼 Step 4: Prepare for Registration

To register as a tourist guide, you need to submit:

✅ Proof of competence (SAQA-recognized qualification)

✅ Valid first aid certificate (from a Department of Labour-recognized institution)

✅ Completed application form with the prescribed fee

✅ Signed the code of conduct and ethics for tourist guides

✅ Proof of South African citizenship or valid work permit (for non-citizens)

✅ Four (4) passport-size photos

📍 Step 5: Register with the Provincial Registrar

For KwaZulu-Natal, contact:

Ms Peggy Dlamini: 033 264 9324 | peggy.dlamini@kznedtea.gov.za

Mr Sthembiso Zungu: 033 264 9316 | sthembiso.zungu@kznedtea.gov.za

Ms Mpume Dlamini: 033 264 9318 | nompumelelo.dlamini@kznedtea.gov.za

Ms Nosipho Zondi: 033 264 9321 | nosipho.zondi@kznedtea.gov.za

Mr Celumusa Thabethe: 033 264 9322 | celumusa.thabethe@kznedtea.gov.za

General enquiries: info.tourismreg@kznedtea.gov.za

💡 Step 6: Get Your Badge and ID Card

Once registered, you will receive:

🎖️ Tourist Guide Badge

🪪 ID Card indicating your guiding category, sites or provinces accredited, and specialties.

Tip: Always carry your ID card when guiding. It may be requested at attractions or during spot checks by authorities.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a registered tourist guide is more than just knowing facts – it’s about creating memorable experiences while maintaining South Africa’s tourism standards. Complete your accredited training, prepare your documents, and register confidently to start your career as a guide.

For accredited training providers and qualifications: Visit www.cathsseta.org.za or contact CATHSSETA at 011 217 0600.

For qualifications verification: Call SAQA at 086 010 3188 or visit www.saqa.org.za.