FGASA is transitioning from an accredited training provider to a professional body recognized by SAQA to enhance the standards of field guiding. This significant shift aims to better advocate for guides, promote diversity, and position the guiding profession as a competent career. FGASA has trained over 40,000 guides since its inception, and by 2026, will cease entry-level programs, requiring aspiring guides to gain qualifications through the QCTO.
The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) is transforming from an accredited training provider to a recognized professional body under the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This realignment, in accordance with the 2021 Tourism Sector Masterplan, aims to establish higher professional standards within the field guiding sector. Founded in 1991, FGASA has trained over 40,000 guides and will conclude its entry-level programs by mid-2026, allowing current trainees a transitional period for certification completion. This transition reflects a commitment to fostering diversity and enhancing the status of nature guides as skilled professionals in the tourism industry. According to FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis, this professionalization will better advocate for members’ interests and elevate the guiding profession to match recognized career standards.
The FGASA has long been instrumental in setting and maintaining professional standards for field guides in South Africa. Established as a non-profit organization in 1991, it has contributed significantly to shaping the nature-guiding landscape by providing accredited training. The current shift towards becoming a recognized professional body signifies an important evolution in aligning the guidelines of nature guiding with formal professional standards applicable across various sectors. This transformation aligns with broader national strategies aimed at enhancing the tourism industry’s competitiveness and inclusivity.
The transition of FGASA from a training provider to a professional body is a significant move towards enhancing the recognition of field guides in South Africa. By establishing formalized standards and promoting diversity, FGASA aims to align the guiding profession with other esteemed professions, thereby ensuring guides are acknowledged as highly skilled practitioners. The initiative not only supports the guides but also contributes positively to the growth of South Africa’s tourism industry.
Original Source: www.getaway.co.za
