Tourism Amendment Bill: discussion

Meeting report

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
16 February 2000
DISCUSSION OF THE TWO TOURISM AMENDMENT BILLS

Documents handed out:
Tourism Amendment Bill [B50-99]
Tourism Amendment Bill [B3-2000]

SUMMARY
Tourism Amendment Bill [3-2000]
The committee began their informal discussions of the Tourism Amendment Bill [B 3-2000] which seeks to change the South African Tourism Board (SATOUR). The members wondered whether or not the Minister had to consult with anyone before appointing new members to the Board. This discussion was cut short with the information that it was not the committee's duty to change this provision. Rather they are to look at dealing with the size of SATOUR and the other implications of the Bill. The NNP disagreed with this decision. They argued that since the section regarding the Minister is part of the new Section 1 of the Bill, it was their duty to discuss it. The Chairperson disagreed but noted the NNP's concern.

Also, some members felt that it was not enough to advertise for nominations in the Government Gazette. They felt that the Government Gazette does not reach enough people and they should try to advertise through other means, such as community newspapers and radio stations. Considering the cost implications of this alternative, some members felt that it would be equally effective for the Minister to take suggestions for nominations from the Portfolio Committee or other MECs. Despite this concern, the committee was informed that they do not have the power to change this provision. However, their suggestions and concerns can be noted and given to the Minister.

Tourism Amendment Bill [B50-99]
The document entitled "The Implications of establishing Standards for Tourist Guiding and Linking these to the Registration of Tourist Guides" was looked at, which was written by the Hospitality Industries Training Board. It explained how training for guides will be different after the new Bill [B 50-99] is passed.

The committee raised a few main concerns that they have been addressing throughout the discussion of B 50-99. Firstly, they did not see how a new training programme was going to lower the costs and increase the availability of courses. The Department answered that hopefully the training business would become more competitive and therefore the cost would become more accessible. In addition, the Department thought that with more trained trainers it would be likely that they will want to go to areas where there is a market and that will naturally spread them across the country making the courses more accessible.

The committee brought up the point about guides who rely on indigenous and traditional knowledge rather than knowledge learnt in schools. They want to ensure that these people will not loose their jobs. The Department told the committee that there is a National Qualifications Framework which has a scientific way of measuring knowledge that does not require classroom knowledge. A system like this could be disvised for the tourism industry.

Before adjourning, the committee agreed to begin their formal discussion of B3-2000 at their next meeting on Tuesday, 21 February. In addition, they will look more closely at the new training manual. Finally, they will begin their informal discussion of B 50-99.