Department of Tourism Invites South African Tourist Guides to Apply for Mandarin Language Training Programme.The Department of Tourism hereby invites applications from registered tourist guides operating across the country, to apply for the Foreign Language Training Programme that the Department will be funding for the 2025/26 financial year. The main register of the training is to equip existing tourist guides with Mandarin language skills to enhance visitor experiences and better serve the needs of the Chinese market.
The Department will be implementing the Mandarin Language training at Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK1 and HSK2) for registered tourist guides. Upon completion of this phase and based on the outcomes of candidates’ official HSK1 and HSK2 exams, a further selection process will take place and candidates will be considered for admission into phase 2 of the programme which includes cultural immersion in China.
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION AND CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT
Registered tourist guides who are interested in participating in this programme will be required to submit a written motivation and enclose one page giving reasons why they should be selected to undergo training in Mandarin. Please ensure that your full name and surname, along with certified copies of your South African ID as well as valid tourist guide registration card are also included.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Registered tourist guides (freelance and/or employed) individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, including women and youth will be given preference.
- Existing freelance employed tourist guides with demonstrated interest in the Chinese market.
- Individuals seeking to market their business opportunities to tourists in the Chinese market.
- Freelance/employed tourist guides with at least 1 – 2 years’ experience (preferably with Chinese tourists).
- Must be computer literate (basic skills required) and must have access to own devices and internet connection for online training, should online training be implemented.
- Submission of an application accompanied by a clear one-page motivation and a concise selected candidate will be subjected to vetting processes and signing of a learner contract as a commitment to the training programme.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
All submissions must be sent via email to [email protected]. Details regarding logistical arrangements will be communicated to all successful candidates only. Please note that training is usually implemented continuously for a specific period and may include physical classroom sessions in Gauteng and/or online sessions. If you have not been contacted within three months after the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.
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CLOSING DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
