Certificates of proficiency in Mandarin have been awarded to the 20 South African tourist guides who recently participated in a Departmental Language Training programme.
The Department of Tourism initiated the programme to empower guides to be proficient in languages of countries that have been identified as focus markets, such as China.
“China is the world’s largest outbound market for tourism, and the training will enable guides to confidently communicate to Chinese tourists who often visit our country,” said National Registrar for Tourist Guides, Morongoe Ramphele.
The tourist guides were enrolled at the Confucius Classroom at the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre, in Johannesburg. At the presentation of their certificates at International Tourist Guide Day celebrations, the guides were praised for exceeding expectations, with all 20 of them passing their level-one course after just 10 weeks.
Five of the guides scored 93% on the final test, and top achiever Anelisa Zigana scored 100%. “I am able to basically communicate and read some characters with understanding,” said Zigana proudly of her new skill.
“Don’t hesitate, have fun with the language and grab the opportunity,” said Zigana as she offered advice to tour guides who may be offered the opportunity in the future.
