CRM/Loyalty Project The Tourism Monitor Programme: An extraordinary transformation story

The Tourism Monitor Programme: An extraordinary transformation story

By Katlego Morulane

It is a pleasure to announce that 233 Tourism Monitors employed by SANParks in various parks will be nearing the completion of their studies (Learnerships and National Qualifications), offered through SANParks Biodiversity and Social Projects Unit with support from the Learning and Development unit.

“This is an initiative of the National Department of Tourism as part of their Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) within National Parks”, explained Ms Antoinet Van Wyk, General Manager: Infrastructure and Special Projects.

According to van Wyk, Tourism Monitors are a valuable support for customer service, visitor safety, biodiversity conservation and security and have provided support in all these fields.

She said the programme has created 439 jobs since 2019 to date from communities neighbouring the National Parks; mainly Previously Disadvantaged Individuals, and of the total jobs created, 247 participants are females (56%) and 351 are youth (80%).

In line with our value of Transformation, applicants with Grade 12 were provided an employment opportunity, equipping them with first-hand tourism and conservation knowledge, and exposing them to work experience which they otherwise would not have had, said van Wyk.

“The programme also offered participants the opportunity to further their learning, ultimately presenting them with future employment opportunities in or outside the organisation.”

Van Wyk concluded by saying “This is a proud moment for our team and we extend heartfelt congratulations to all the Tourism Monitors. We would like to acknowledge and thank all the participants for their dedication and commitment”.

Camdeboo National Park Tourism Monitors

Herewith a list of the learning programmes which the applicants participated in:

Programme Park Number of learners

Further Education Training and Certificate: Nature Conservation Augrabies Falls National Park 8

Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship Further Education Training and Certificate: New Venture Creation Table Mountain National Park (Central and Tokai) Garden Route National Park (Knysna) Agulhas National Park and Bontebok National Park 15

10

15

Kruger National Park 15

National Certificate: Project Management Kruger National Park 15 National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices Kruger National Park 16 Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding Kruger National Park 15 National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices Golden Gate Highlands National Park 15 National Certificate: Occupational Health, Safety and Environment West Coast National Park 10 Further Education Training and Certificate: Nature Conservation Kruger National Park 15 Further Education Training and Certificate: Tourist Guiding Golden Gate Highlands National Park 10 National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship Table Mountain National Park (Marine and South) 16 National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship Garden Route National Park (Wilderness) 16 National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices Table Mountain National Park (North) 15 National Certificate: Supply Chain Management Kruger National Park 12