Time is running out for registered tour guides to apply for the online foreign language training programme that the Department of Tourism will be funding for the 2026/27 financial year.
“The department will be implementing Mandarin language training at Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK1) for registered tourist guides. The main objective of the training is to capacitate existing tourist guides in the Mandarin language to enhance visitor experiences and to better serve the needs of the Chinese market,” the department said.
This as applications for training close on 19 June 2026.
Registered tourist guides that are interested in participating in this programme will be required to submit a written motivation not exceeding 1 page giving reasons why they should be selected to undergo training in Mandarin.
Applicants must ensure that their full name and surname along with copies of their South African ID as well as valid tourist guide registration card are included in their applications.
All submissions must be sent via email to TGtraining@tourism.gov.za .
Application and selection process:
• Those applying for the opportunity must be South African citizens or permanent residents.
• Existing freelance employed or unemployed tourist guides with valid tourist guide registrations in place.
• Individuals seeking market access and business opportunities in the Chinese market.
• Freelancer/employed tourist guides with at least 1 - 2 years’ experience *preferably with Chinese/foreign tourists.
• Tourist guides with effective communication abilities.
• Must be computer literate *basic skills required and must have access to own devices and internet connection for online training.
• Submission of an application accompanied by a clear one-page motivation and a concise CV.
• Selected candidates will be subjected to vetting processes and signing of a learner contract as a commitment to the training programme.
• Priority sectors identified by government will be given preference during the selection process.
The department added that online training will be implemented continuously for a period of 4-5 weeks (Monday-Friday) adding that candidates need to be in possession of a laptop/PC with internet connectivity.
“The department will reimburse learners for data costs associated with the training. These will be subject to a learner agreement that successful learners will be expected to sign. If you have not been contacted within three months after the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful,” it said.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation in February, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that government is “determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow” the tourism sector.
The President also encouraged citizens to “embrace the burgeoning tourism industry”.
“[The] Department of Tourism offers fully funded Mandarin language training for registered freelance and employed tourism guides to enable them to better support tourists from the growing Chinese market,” he said at the time.
In the Department of Tourism Budget Vote last month, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said tourism sustained 954,000 direct jobs in the economy in 2024, meaning tourism now supports 1 in every 18 jobs in South Africa and for every 13 international tourists who arrive, one job is supported.
READ | Tourism sustains jobs, drives international arrivals
-SAnews.gov.za
