4WDGSA Submission

Written by 4WDGSA-WC

Wednesday, 12 October 2005

Paper by the 4 WHEEL DRIVE GUIDES ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (4WDGSA) to the National Off-Road Workshop (NOW), 18 – 20 October 2005, high-lighting the guiding of groups in RSA and cross border - in a sustainable and sensitive manner. INTRODUCTION The 4WDGSA was founded on 23rd April 2005 in Somerset West due to the initiative of Dave van Graan who believed that 4x4 guides needed to be identified and heard in order to empower registered guides and to promote education and training. A second group of guides followed suite in Pretoria on 28th May.  From these two branches a National Committee were elected. For a few months these volunteers worked separately to define parameters, procedures, code of conduct and to craft a constitution. The 4WDGSA will take the legal form of a Trust, which is in the process of being registered Although still a long way from finalized, basics have been thought through and is now in the process of being forwarded to all concerned for comments and implementation. A web address had been registered through which long needed communication can now be effected (www.offroadguide.co.za). The 4WDGSA is run by volunteers elected to the committee by registered guides who are committed to setting up and growing an entity that can promote the work of all 4 w guides in the RSA. PREAMBLE The 4WDGSA supports the concept and objectives of the National Offroad Workshop. The association awaits the outcomes and initiatives developed at the Workshop, and reserves the right to assimilate and incorporate such outcomes as it deems fit. MISSION In order to determine the direction, a mission was crafted as follows (to be confirmed by members): “To represent and assist South African 4WD guides in their business of promoting and facilitating tourism in the experiencing and discovering the treasure trove of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage  -  with sensitivity and responsibility”. THE TOURIST GUIDE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS A professional tourist guide should not only be recognized by his/her tan or attire, but for the professional way the client is handled through the entire trip or contact and for the value added to the experience – and the memories to be cherished for a long time: The following is a list generic inputs to be submitted to and finalized by members. Shall be concerned at all times for the safety of the tourist. Shall be welcoming and demonstrate an enthusiasm for South Africa. Shall at all times show willingness to provide optimum support and quality service to all tourists and will give tourists an opportunity to enjoy or visit a desired destination. Shall in now way discriminate in rendering service to any tourist on the basis of colour, gender, ethnicity, nationality, physically challenged, age, etc. Shall be impartial, unbiased and positive and represent South Africa objectively. Shall be suitably dressed and presentable at all times. Shall be punctual, reliable, honest, conscientious and tactful at all times. Shall be a responsible driver when in the role as a guide. Shall carry out the programme / itinerary of a tour to his / her best abilities and be loyal to the company / organization that he / she is representing. Shall deal with conflict in a sensitive and responsible manner. Shall report any incident of injury or death to a nearby Tourist Authority and / or Police Station. Shall be knowledgeable and shall assist tourists and not provide them with misleading information. Shall, in the event of not being familiar or unable to provide information requested by a tourist, consult with the appropriate authorities for assistance. Shall at no time whilst on duty be under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic substance. Shall refrain from administering any medication to a client without proper medical qualifications and / or consultation - situation dependent. Shall never tout for clients or solicit gratuities. Shall wear the appropriate tourist guide badge and will carry his / her registration card. Shall treat with respect all people, cultures and the environment. Shall adhere to all the rules and regulations of all appropriate authorities, e.g. National Parks, foreign countries, etc. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND ACTION PLANS To unite all offroad guides under the umbrella of the 4WDGSA Three  categories of membership are proposed to cater for all: Safari and overland guides Registered guides Unregistered guides (Affiliate members) Catering for all offroad and adventure guiding activities To facilitate and promote ongoing training and education of guides in order to uplift the level of expertise, knowledge and  professionalism of members to differentiate them from non-member guides i.t.o. of their ability to satisfy clients to transfer knowledge to clients with passion and confidence Develop a unit standard for 4WD & Offroad Guides Promote  the DEAT qualification as minimum acceptable standard Cultivate and actively promote an awareness of responsibility for the environment To institute practices to self-regulate our activities Persuade members to buy-in to environmentally sensitive behavior through ongoing training and communication Craft a code of conduct to which all members subscribe and abide - with pride Develop appropriate regulatory and corrective mechanisms Promote regulatory and statutory compliance by members Develop a mechanism/procedure by which complaints can be addressed and sanctioned To promote environmental awareness and responsibility Sensitize clients to the environment and it’s biodiversity Develop a culture of eco-awareness Promote active interaction and co-operation with local authorities Focused training on areas offering a positive outcome in environmental utilisation Promote positive interaction with the local environment: Understanding, interacting with, and respect for cultures of local communities Understanding and promotion of local crafts and tourism initiatives Interaction with local authorities Understanding the local ecology Awareness of, and adherence to the laws and by-laws of that specific area Assist and support the business of our members to achieve long-term sustainability and growth in the tourism industry Promote the value of a 4WD Guide to our member guides, to non-member guides, and to clients Develop and promote a brand to be proud of, and which will be recognized both locally and abroad Sensitise tourists to the richness of the offroad experience, and to African biodiversity and culture Negotiate group benefits Developed by:  4WDGSA-WC