Maropeng guides shine at Gauteng tourism awards

By Miliswa Sitshwele

Proud Maropeng guides show off their tourism awards certificates

With less than 110 days to the FIFA World Cup™, tourist guides from across Gauteng convened at Gold Reef City to celebrate their work at the annual Gauteng Tourism Authority Tourist Guide Service Excellence Awards.

Maropeng’s tourist guides shone at the awards ceremony, scooping first, second and third positions in the on site category.

The Gauteng Tourism Authority Tourist Guide Service Excellence Awards were initiated last year to award excellence in the tourist guide industry. These awards coincide with the International Tourist Guide Awards, which were held in Limpopo last Sunday.

Maropeng’s guides were invited to enter by the Gauteng Tourism Authority. In order to qualify for the awards, guides had to have a minimum of two years’ experience as a guide, be South African citizens and be registered with the Gauteng Tourism Authority’s Guides Association.

Maropeng guide supervisor, Reuben Tsime, who came out tops in the On Site category, was very excited about winning. He walked away with R1000 and a certificate of recognition.

“I am so happy; I feel that my hard work, passion and dedication to my job have paid off,” he said after the ceremony.

In second place, Portia Mogamisi was also proud. “We have been rewarded for our hard work; winning this certificate may mean little for some people, but it means a lot to me.”

Maropeng Ramalepa came joint third, taking home R500 and a certificate of recognition.

He was also pleased with his accolade, as this was his first time entering the awards. “This means a lot to me. I am motivated to enter again next year and get first place,” he said.

Kelebogile Mangole, who came joint third with Maropeng, said winning has made her love her job even more. “I am so happy; I wasn’t expecting this. Today I fell in love with my job all over again.”

The guides were accompanied by operations manager, Zanomsa Zozi, who encouraged them to enter the awards.

“I am so happy for them; they have been rewarded for their hard work and dedication. These guides are self–starters, who have a huge potential to be great.

“I didn’t assist them much with the entries; they did everything themselves. I am so proud of them for that,” he added.

Maropeng’s CEO, Tony Rubin, was just as proud of the guides, “I am so happy to see that their hard work and motivation has paid off for them,” he said.

He added: “Maropeng’s biggest strength is its staff; they have a positive attitude. I am really excited for them.”

Marketing manager, Erica Saunders, also expressed her pride at the guides’ accomplishments. “This confirms what we already know: that they are good at looking after guests at Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves. Thank you, Gauteng Tourism, for recognising our guides.”