Minutes of AGM 2026

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Opening ( Sam Wenger)
2. Confirmation of Quorum
3. Attendance and Apologies
4. Chairman's Report
5. Treasurer's Report and Annual Financial Statements
6. Membership Report
7. Report on Professional Body Registration Progress
8. Educationals and CPD Activities Report
9. Announcement of Online Voting Results
10. Confirmation of Board and EXCO Members
11. General Discussion and Member Input
12. Vote of Thanks
13. Closure

Minutes of Meeting 

1. Welcome by Sam Wenger
2. Confirmation of Quorum
   1. Quorum- Quorum is understood as being ten per cent (10%) of members at the date of the notice.
   2. 51  Full members. Thus, a quorum of more than 5 is present  

3. Attending	Apologies
   Sam Wenger	Piet Nel
   Johan Van Biljon	Fannie Terblanche
   Wiggie Ellenberger Pam Ellenberger	Ulrich Seelbach
   Willie Du Toit	Dries de Bruin
   Henry Zeiler
   Mammy Raselabe
   Willem Heckroodt online
   Anton Joubert online
   JJ Pieterse online
   Bogdan Pabian online

4. Chairman's Report
   
   CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2026

Dear Members, and Colleagues 

It is my privilege to present the Chairman's Report for the 2025/2026 year.

The past year has been one of continued growth, perseverance and achievement for the Institute of Professional Tourist Guides of Southern Africa (IPTGSA). Despite ongoing challenges facing the tourism industry globally and locally, tourist guides have once again demonstrated their resilience, professionalism and commitment to delivering world-class visitor experiences.

South Africa's tourism sector continues to recover and expand. International arrivals have shown positive growth, domestic tourism remains active, and our country's remarkable cultural, historical and natural heritage continues to attract visitors from around the world. Tourist guides remain at the forefront of this experience, serving as ambassadors for South Africa and helping visitors understand our diverse stories and landscapes.

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has also created uncertainty within the global tourism sector. Increased fuel prices, disruptions to international flight routes, and reduced traveller confidence have affected booking patterns worldwide, including South Africa. While some operators have experienced slower booking trends and increased travel costs, South Africa remains a safe, attractive and value-for-money destination. As an industry, we must continue to adapt to changing global conditions while promoting the unique experiences that our country offers visitors from around the world.

One of the most significant achievements during the year has been the continued progress towards registration as a recognised Professional Body with SAQA. This process has required considerable effort and commitment from the Board, EXCO and volunteers. We remain positive and confident that formal recognition is within reach. Professional Body status will represent a major milestone for tourist guiding in South Africa and will strengthen professional recognition, career pathways and Continuing Professional Development opportunities for guides.

During the year, IPTGSA continued to advocate for the professionalisation of tourist guiding and to represent the interests of guides nationally. As an organisation run by guides for guides, we remain committed to ensuring that the voice of the professional tourist guide is heard within the broader tourism industry.

Our educational programme continued to be one of the highlights of the year. We thank all members who participated in educational visits and professional development activities. Educationals such as the Sterkfontein and Maropeng visit, the Assegaai Submarine Museum educational, heritage site visits, online presentations and regional educational evenings provided valuable opportunities for learning, networking and sharing best practices. These activities continue to demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning within our profession.

Membership remains the foundation of our organisation. While we have made significant progress, our ability to grow and provide services depends on active and financially compliant members. I therefore encourage all members to ensure that their membership fees are paid promptly and that their contact details remain up to date. A strong membership base strengthens our credibility and our ability to represent guides effectively.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to every member who renewed their membership, attended educationals, contributed ideas, volunteered their time or supported the Institute during the year. Your participation ensures that IPTGSA remains relevant, effective and representative.

I also wish to thank the Board and EXCO members for their dedication and service. The work undertaken by volunteers behind the scenes often goes unnoticed, yet it is essential to the continued success of the organisation. Your commitment to advancing the profession is deeply appreciated.

A special congratulations is extended to those members elected and re-elected through the 2026 AGM voting process. We look forward to working together to build an even stronger and more professional future for tourist guiding.

This year also marked another successful implementation of online voting through electronic forms. The process enabled broader participation from members across South Africa and ensured a transparent and efficient election process.

Looking ahead, IPTGSA will continue focusing on:
• Finalisation of Professional Body registration with SAQA.
• Expansion of Continuing Professional Development opportunities.
• Increased member engagement and recruitment.
• Stronger partnerships with tourism stakeholders.
• Development of professional designations and career pathways.
• Advocacy for the interests of tourist guides nationally.

In closing, I would like to thank every IPTGSA member for your continued support and belief in our vision. Together we are building a stronger profession, enhancing standards and ensuring that tourist guides receive the recognition they deserve.

The future remains bright for tourist guiding in South Africa.

1. Treasurer's Report and Annual Financial Statements
2. Membership Report
   1. Application stage 7
   2. Being reviewed 7
   3. Deceased 2 
   4. Full members 51
   5. Pre Interview 9
   6. Resigned /Retired 7
3. Report on Professional Body Registration Progress
   1. One of the most significant achievements during the year has been the continued progress towards registration as a recognised Professional Body with SAQA. This process has required considerable effort and commitment from the Board, EXCO and volunteers. We remain positive and confident that formal recognition is within reach. SAQA site inspection was received in March 2026 and positve feedback was received 
4. Educationals and CPD Activities Report
   1. Engelenburg House Museum Educational
   2. Paarl Educational Tour
   3. IPTGSA Educational Evening with Robyn Binckes
   4. Paarl TRAVEL & TOURISM EXPO
   5. IPTGSA Educational Tour & Free State Uncovered Expo
   6. IPTGSA Educational Sunset Cruise
   7. Sterkfontein /Maropeng educational

5. Announcement of Online Voting Results

   

    

6. Confirmation of Board and EXCO Members
   1. Top 4 votes for Board 
      Lesiba Fothane 16 votes
      Willem Hecroodt 15 votes
      Henry Zeiler 13 Votes
      Willie du Toit 12 votes
   2. Votes for Exco Chairman
      Johan van Biljon 19 votes
      Sam Wenger 3 votes
      Piet Nel 1vote
      Willie du Toit 1 vote
   3. Votes for EXCO Member 
      All members who were nominated for the EXCO received votes, as reflected above. In recognition of the unique nature of the tourist guiding profession, in which many members are frequently away on tour, all nominated candidates will be included in the EXCO. This will ensure a broad representation of members from different regions and sectors of the industry, while strengthening the Institute's capacity to serve and support its membership effectively.
7. General Discussion and Member Input
8. Vote of Thanks
9. Closure