Accident Angels. There when you need them the most.

By
David Batzofin
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3459
"Cherish times like these. They are very special and the opportunity for guides to compete for themselves does not come around very often. Make this a week to remember and one that you can look back on in years to come as a very special time where knowledge was shared and bonds were formed. Just be you." Mike Karantonis, Co-Owner at Africa Direct and founder of Safari Guide of the Year.

Accident Angels

Public hospitals in our country have been a popular topic for years, and not for the right reasons. With this said, there are almost 800 accidents daily on our roads and CEO Trevor Case realised that if you are in an accident, going to a private hospital is your best chance of survival. Only seventeen% of South Africans are covered by medical aid leaving the rest of the population vulnerable should an accident occur. Accident Angels was created to give people who cannot afford medical aid control in an uncontrollable situation.

This is the first year that you are involved in SGOTY. Why have you chosen to align your brand with this event?

We are so excited to be part of the Safari Guide of the Year 2021.

I think during the pandemic, more than ever, we realised that supporting everything local is important, also that our country is in a state of economic shock and safaris are a big drawcard for travellers/foreigners. Aligning with SGOTY is our way of supporting guides to be their best and attract much-needed capital in our country. Giving tourists an experience that will keep them coming back for years to come is the outcome we are working towards.

 

What will you be sponsoring?

We’re sponsoring a R30k cash prize.

 Any words of encouragement for the contestants?

Focus on valuable storytelling skills and make sure your knowledge is better than your opponents! Personality and creating a great atmosphere goes a long way. Good luck and always stay passionate about what you do.

 

  • Provide educational opportunities to promote the conservation and rehabilitation of the cultural and natural heritage of southern Africa.
  • To maintain and serve a professional association of highly-trained tourist guides, tour operators and hospitality institutes.
  • To promote a culture of professional guiding based on a strong ethical, well-informed, safety-conscious approach that provides the visitor to southern Africa with a pleasant and memorable experience.
  • To fully commit to the development and implementation of the national qualifications, promoting the development of all tourist guides including historically disadvantaged individuals, as a part of the South African transformation process.
  • To promote the development of guides through the use of training programmes that conform to high standards of learner development.
  • To promote the highest standards of guide assessment by appointing fully qualified and experienced assessors.

 

 

 

 

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