The South African tourist guiding industry is controlled by the Tourism Act (Act no. 72 of 1993 + the Tourism Amendment Bill 2001) and states that no person who has not been registered as a tourist guide shall, for reward, act as a tourist guide. The regulations promulgated in terms of the above-mentioned act stipulate that tourist guides can be registered in three categories: Culture Guides, Nature Guides and Adventure Guides.
The Act furthermore stipulates that tourist guides must renew registration every two years and that prospective tourist guides should complete a prescribed training course at an accredited training institution approved by CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & SportSector Education & Training Authority).
In order to register as a tourist guide, candidates must successfully complete a Level 1 First Aid course.