Minutes of Committee Meeting
Date: 22 April 2025
Time: 10:00–12:00
Venue: W17 Firehouse Offices
Chair: Johan van Biljon
Attendees:
Johan van Biljon
Sam Wenger
Willem Heckroodt
Willie du Toit
Henry Zeiler
Online: JJ Pieterse, Lesiba Fothane
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Apologies: Mammy, Anton ,Tefo, PietÂ
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Agenda
SAQA Professional Body Feedback
Indaba 2025
Membership
WFTGA
Educationals
1. SAQA Professional Body Application Feedback
Johan opened the meeting, welcomed attendees, and thanked Willie for providing snacks. He acknowledged everyone’s time and contributions to the Institute.
He provided an update on the SAQA application. Despite limited willingness from FGASA and Adventure Guides to engage in formal consultations, IPTGSA had engaged both parties individually. It was noted that SA AIA only recently announced, in their April newsletter, their intent to register as a Professional Body with SAQA – a significant development for the sector.
FGASA has also indicated they will cease training activities by June 2026, which may limit their future involvement in the sector.
Following this, Johan and Sam attended SAQA’s online training session on 14 March 2025. As a result, they revised all supporting documentation. A formal request for the necessary application templates was submitted to SAQA on 14 April 2025. IPTGSA is now awaiting a response. A full list of actions is recorded in internal documents.
2. Indaba 2025
Johan confirmed that IPTGSA will participate in Indaba 2025, sharing Stand ICC 002 under the association's banner from 13–15 May 2025.
Sam will be overseas during this period and unable to attend. Johan, Lesiba Fothane, and Buti Bacela (IPTGSA member) will represent the Institute. Willem Heckroodt kindly volunteered to join the team.
JJ was thanked for arranging complimentary accommodation for attendees. Johan will coordinate the printing of additional business cards for Lesiba and Willem. Final travel arrangements will be communicated in due course.
3. Membership
Johan reported that there are currently 63 members on the list, but only 24 have paid their subscription fees. The list will be maintained as-is for the purposes of the SAQA application.
Sam noted that a new French guide has applied for membership but still has outstanding documentation. It was agreed that a stronger membership drive is necessary and will likely be more successful following formal recognition from SAQA.
4. WFTGA Membership
It was unanimously agreed to postpone the WFTGA membership application until the outcome of the SAQA application is known.
5. Educationals
Sam reiterated the importance of organising more educational activities. A pamphlet detailing offerings at the Kloofendal site was shared. It was agreed that such third-party educational offerings will be actively promoted through IPTGSA’s channels.
Meeting closed: 12:00