Truth be told when you sit down and think about it there is no one thing that defines Truly South African. Everybody has his/her own view of what characterises being South African. Whether it originated in South Africa or if it was incorporated into our culture through the decades, it really doesn’t matter. All these elements bind our different cultures together to build the Rainbow Nation that flows through the veins of our little piece of Africa.
I did a pole in the office to find out what it is exactly that we think is Truly South African. This is what I found:
Cedric (ATS): Pap & Wors
Christa (Hospitality): Maroelas & Amaroela
Danie (AgriSkills): Knysna Loerie (Tauraco corythaix)
Daphne (Reception): OppiKoppi Music Festival
Ester (Admin): Lekker
Hannetjie (AgriSkills): Drakensberg Mountains
Hermann (ATS): Boeremeisies
John (Conservation): Bakgat
Lizette (MD DBA/ATS): Bobotie, Geelrys & Raisins
Ockert (Owner DBA): African Drums
Paal (Sport): Friendliness of the People
Rina (Finance): Braaivleis, Music, Brandy & Rugby
Vance (Guiding): Vellies
Winnie (AgriSkills): Humanity
Other things that came to light includes: Fynbos, Mampoer, Baobab Tree, Table Mountain, Bushveld Sunrise, the fact that any song can be turned into a Sokkie Treffer, Traffic Light Entrepreneurs (a.k.a. Street Sellers), Potjiekos, the shrill Sonbesie (Cicada) sound of summer, Biltong, Droëwors, Castle, Mrs. Balls, Taxis, Koeksisters, Melktert, Sheba, Vuvuzela, and that’s just to name a few. What is Truly South African to you?
The Witness' view on Proudly South African (video).
Visit our website: Tourist Guide and Event Support Training
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Snake Identification & Dangerous Snake Handling Courses
These very practical and brilliantly informative courses were developed over 16 years of intense study and practical research on the characteristics and behaviors of all our South African snake species, with special emphasis on Venomous snake species.
By attending this course I will share my life’s knowledge and experience with you on how to approach, identify (module1: Snake ID course) and safely capture, remove and release (module 2: Dangerous snake handling course) any South African snake.
This course is not only a benefit to game rangers which often have to remove snakes out of their guestrooms but it will be a benefit to any person working in the tourism industry, fieldworkers, fireman, doctors and even interested housewives that want to know more about the reptiles living in their area.
Module 1: Snake Identification course:
The Snake ID course starts 08h00 – 13h30
By attending this course I will share my life’s knowledge and experience with you on how to approach, identify (module1: Snake ID course) and safely capture, remove and release (module 2: Dangerous snake handling course) any South African snake.
This course is not only a benefit to game rangers which often have to remove snakes out of their guestrooms but it will be a benefit to any person working in the tourism industry, fieldworkers, fireman, doctors and even interested housewives that want to know more about the reptiles living in their area.
Module 1: Snake Identification course:
The Snake ID course starts 08h00 – 13h30
This course covers:
- Identification of all the SA snake families
- Personalities of each species
- Symptoms of snakebite
- First aid treatment
Cost for the course is R 500.00 per person.
Certificates will be available within two weeks after completion of the course.
Module 2: Dangerous Snake handling course:
The Dangerous Snake Handling course starts that same day 14h00 – 18h00
This course consists of:
- Equipment confidence
- Proper handling techniques
- Practical handling by each learner under my supervision
- Verbal Questions & Answers during handling session
Cost for the course is R 500.00 per person.
Certificates will be available within two weeks after completion of the course.
(Note: both courses are non credit bearing.)
Venue:
We have two training venues available:
The first option will be Drum Beat Academy’s main campus on the corner of George Storrar & Van Wouw Street, Groenkloof (Pta).
The second option will be a satellite campus at number 124, Fifth Avenue, Gerhardsville, Centurion (Pta).
Maps to both venues are available on request.
Courses offered to companies etc. at their own training facilities for a minimum group size of 10 learners or more. The company will have to provide for their own catering (tea breaks & lunch) and supply the necessary presentation equipment (e.g. overhead projector) in the event of training at their own premises.
Enquiries: Hencke Marais
Telephone: 083 650 3481
Fax no: 086 618 8209
EMAIL: henckemarais@gmail.com
Please go to Drum Beat Academy's website to learn more about Tourist Guide and Event Support training.
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Importance of Registering as a Tour Guide
An article appeared in the Beeld on 26 March 2009 about a field guide and the organisation that employed him. Both were found guilty on charges of culpable homicide after the death of an America tourist in 2005.
Summary of the article:
According to the state prosecutor this is the first case of its kind in South Africa where both the field guide and the organisation was found guilty on charges of culpable homicide after the death of a tourist. They were also found guilty on breaching the Tourism Act.
The incident happened on 10 November 2005 at the Nungubane Lodge Nature Reserve. Three tourists accompanied the field guide on a nature walk; they came within 37m of an irritated elephant cow. When the elephant charged the field guide didn’t use his .375 Holland rifle to fire at the animal, instead he held it above his head and yelled. When the elephant started stamping its feet on the ground the field guide ran away without instructing the tourists to do the same which resulted in the death of one of the tourists.
The field guide was fined R10 000 or 6 years jail time, suspended for 5 years for the culpable homicide charge. He was fined a further R5 000 or 6 moths jail time, suspended for 5 years for breach of the Tourism Act.
The organization was fined R100 000 for the culpable homicide charge, suspended for 5 years. They were further fined R10 000, suspended for 5 years for employing an unregistered guide according to the Tourism Act. (Click here for the full article).
This incident proves the importance of being a qualified and registered tour guide.
Please follow these links to read more about:
The Tourism Second Amendment Act No 70 of 2000
Regulations in Respect of Tour Guides
Or go to our website for more information about our registered qualifications on Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.
Summary of the article:
According to the state prosecutor this is the first case of its kind in South Africa where both the field guide and the organisation was found guilty on charges of culpable homicide after the death of a tourist. They were also found guilty on breaching the Tourism Act.
The incident happened on 10 November 2005 at the Nungubane Lodge Nature Reserve. Three tourists accompanied the field guide on a nature walk; they came within 37m of an irritated elephant cow. When the elephant charged the field guide didn’t use his .375 Holland rifle to fire at the animal, instead he held it above his head and yelled. When the elephant started stamping its feet on the ground the field guide ran away without instructing the tourists to do the same which resulted in the death of one of the tourists.
The field guide was fined R10 000 or 6 years jail time, suspended for 5 years for the culpable homicide charge. He was fined a further R5 000 or 6 moths jail time, suspended for 5 years for breach of the Tourism Act.
The organization was fined R100 000 for the culpable homicide charge, suspended for 5 years. They were further fined R10 000, suspended for 5 years for employing an unregistered guide according to the Tourism Act. (Click here for the full article).
This incident proves the importance of being a qualified and registered tour guide.
Please follow these links to read more about:
The Tourism Second Amendment Act No 70 of 2000
Regulations in Respect of Tour Guides
Or go to our website for more information about our registered qualifications on Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Nature Guide Training
Drum Beat Academy is offering a new and exciting Nature Guide Training Course. It consists of theoretical training (done in Pretoria) as well as practical bush experience at Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.
The theory is a one month full time course done at Drum Beat Academy in Pretoria and covers all the outcomes of the National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding NQF Level 4 and includes the Nature Elective. This will enable the learners to gain theoretical knowledge before they leave for their unforgettable practical bushveld experience.
The practical is a 3 week bush experience in the Greater Kruger National Park. All food, accommodation and equipment for the 3 weeks are included in the price (learners have to get to Balule at their own expense). Learners will also get a chance to explore the surrounding area by visiting wildlife, ecotourism and natural research projects and all they have to offer. Learners will assist with the meals in the kitchen (so bring your recipes). Accommodation is in A-frame houses with 3 to a house.
We are limited to 6 per camp and course so learners will get personal attention and coaching.
Theoretical and Practical Course Modules:
Ecology & Interpretation of Natural Phenomena
Geology & Soils
Guiding Practices
Astronomy
Basic Botany
- Grasses
- Trees
Basic Zoology
- Animals
- Birds
- Insects
Big 5
Climatology
Tracking
Level 1 First Aid
Certificate in Rifle Handling
Assistance with all legal requirements
The facilitators are fully qualified and very experienced in Nature Training and have considerable knowledge of the veld (particularly the bushveld) with plenty of guiding experience and know-how.
Drum Beat Academy has Full Accreditation with THETA
(Accr No: 613/P/000035/2004).
When completed you will be qualified with the National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding NQF Level 4 and you will be able to guide legally, when you have registered, as a Driver Guide or Trails Ranger in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the North West Province.
Please visit our website (by clicking the link) for more information about course dates and costing for the Drum Beat Academy Nature Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.
The theory is a one month full time course done at Drum Beat Academy in Pretoria and covers all the outcomes of the National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding NQF Level 4 and includes the Nature Elective. This will enable the learners to gain theoretical knowledge before they leave for their unforgettable practical bushveld experience.
The practical is a 3 week bush experience in the Greater Kruger National Park. All food, accommodation and equipment for the 3 weeks are included in the price (learners have to get to Balule at their own expense). Learners will also get a chance to explore the surrounding area by visiting wildlife, ecotourism and natural research projects and all they have to offer. Learners will assist with the meals in the kitchen (so bring your recipes). Accommodation is in A-frame houses with 3 to a house.
We are limited to 6 per camp and course so learners will get personal attention and coaching.
Theoretical and Practical Course Modules:
Ecology & Interpretation of Natural Phenomena
Geology & Soils
Guiding Practices
Astronomy
Basic Botany
- Grasses
- Trees
Basic Zoology
- Animals
- Birds
- Insects
Big 5
Climatology
Tracking
Level 1 First Aid
Certificate in Rifle Handling
Assistance with all legal requirements
The facilitators are fully qualified and very experienced in Nature Training and have considerable knowledge of the veld (particularly the bushveld) with plenty of guiding experience and know-how.
Drum Beat Academy has Full Accreditation with THETA
(Accr No: 613/P/000035/2004).
When completed you will be qualified with the National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding NQF Level 4 and you will be able to guide legally, when you have registered, as a Driver Guide or Trails Ranger in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the North West Province.
Please visit our website (by clicking the link) for more information about course dates and costing for the Drum Beat Academy Nature Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A New Age Dawns
Hi All
We are proud to announce that Drum Beat has its own Blog! You can check up on the latest news, events, developments and some generally interesting information. A new entry will be posted every 2 weeks, it might be more frequent depending on the amount of information we have to share. You are more than welcome to share your views and comment on any post or send it along to friends, family and colleagues and in so doing help us build an informative network throughout the tourism sector.
Robert Kerrigan said “the way of the world is meeting people through other people” and this is a proficient art in the tourism sector. How could it be anything else? A Tourist Guide does make his/her living by talking to strangers from the four corners of the world. According to Johan Arndt “informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed, and spread.” What better sector to help build and market the brand of South Africa? Who better to help develop our widely diverse tourism industry? Together we can truly make a difference no matter how small or trivial it may seem, besides even the mighty baobab that fills the skies of the north started from an insignificant seed.
Help us build a future and while we’re at it we might as well make it fun. Send us interesting stories you come across, add as much detail as possible regarding origin, people involved, etc. You can even send us your photos from your latest trip, just remember to add a caption telling us who it’s from, where it was taken, description of the photo, etc. We would love to hear from you.
Send it to: admin@drumbeatacademy.co.za (Ester),
subject: something for your Blog.
Have a wonderful day!
Drum Beat
We are proud to announce that Drum Beat has its own Blog! You can check up on the latest news, events, developments and some generally interesting information. A new entry will be posted every 2 weeks, it might be more frequent depending on the amount of information we have to share. You are more than welcome to share your views and comment on any post or send it along to friends, family and colleagues and in so doing help us build an informative network throughout the tourism sector.
Robert Kerrigan said “the way of the world is meeting people through other people” and this is a proficient art in the tourism sector. How could it be anything else? A Tourist Guide does make his/her living by talking to strangers from the four corners of the world. According to Johan Arndt “informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed, and spread.” What better sector to help build and market the brand of South Africa? Who better to help develop our widely diverse tourism industry? Together we can truly make a difference no matter how small or trivial it may seem, besides even the mighty baobab that fills the skies of the north started from an insignificant seed.
Help us build a future and while we’re at it we might as well make it fun. Send us interesting stories you come across, add as much detail as possible regarding origin, people involved, etc. You can even send us your photos from your latest trip, just remember to add a caption telling us who it’s from, where it was taken, description of the photo, etc. We would love to hear from you.
Send it to: admin@drumbeatacademy.co.za (Ester),
subject: something for your Blog.
For more about us, please check out our website - Tourist Guide and event support Training
Have a wonderful day!
Drum Beat
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