A new group of cultural and adventure guides will soon be ambassadors of greater Stellenbosch after graduating from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s (Dedat) Stellenbosch Tourist Guide Training.
The group of locals have been learning first-aid, Stellenbosch’s history and safety procedures on hikes at the Bergzicht Learning and Development Centre since the beginning of the year.
The programme, which is a NQF Level 4 qualification, was born from businesses within the Stellenbosch tourism sector after the need for competent, experienced, job-ready tourism guides was identified.
According to Nicolette Booyens, managing director of Cause Development Agency, it is precisely this sector-led training that makes the programme so different.
“The success of the programme is all thanks to the Visit Stellenbosch network which came on board, and with the financial backing of Dedat we helped to shape guides immediately ready for a sector that truly needs them.”
Annemarie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch, said the region welcomed 2,8 million visitors last year. She told the graduating class: “These aren’t just numbers; they are families sustained, school fees paid, jobs created and families supported. Tourism drives real impact and, as guides, you are at the heart of it. You are the storytellers. You connect people with place and history. You ensure every visitor to our beautiful destination.”
The 17 graduates were chosen from more than 400 applications.
According to Hantie Nelson, deputy director of Tourism Regulation at Dedat, it is pleasing to see a 100% retention and pass-rate for the programme. She said the department would continue supporting the guides through further training and by sharing opportunities.
Adventure guide Chulumanco Sihlabeni (24) from Lanquedoc, who told of early mornings and muddy shoes during his training, said he was excited for welcoming visitors. “We didn’t climb this hill alone; we did it all together. Through every challenge, every training session, every shared laugh, we supported one another,” he said.
“While today marks an achievement, we know this is only the beginning. We remain humble enough to know that there is still much to learn, but we’re also excited to know that the adventure industry, including the culture industry, holds a lot for us to learn as well.”
Cultural guide Fierhouz Holliday (28) said she looked forward to working to make Stellenbosch more halaal-inclusive and show visitors that the Winelands are about more than just wine.
“My aim is to help create a tourism sector that is more inclusive,” Holliday explained. “Many people aren’t really sure what being halaal means; it is more than merely not drinking alcohol and not eating pork. It has to do with the preparation of food and having an imam praying over it. To build a more inclusive sector, collaboration with the boarder Stellenbosch tourism sector is needed.”
Among the various partners and sponsors who made the programme possible are Kleine Zalze Wines, Cape Adventure Brands and Visit Stellenbosch.
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