Tourist Guide and Event Support Training by Drum Beat Academy

Flag Day At Drum Beat

2012-01-26T03:29:00.000-08:00

Across the world people are celebrating today and here at Drum Beat it’s no different.

In Australia they are celebrating Australia Day, in Uganda it’s Liberation Day and in India they are celebrating Republic day.

Here at Drum Beat we are having fun with our own special day - Flag Day. Everyone needs a reason to celebrate, right?

The whole office joined in and represented a flag in some way or the other, we have just about everything from Ghana to Bangladesh.

Just to make this an educational experience we had a little test to see who knows their flags, turns out it’s a bit harder than expected and even the test creator couldn’t remember them all. But it is our great pleasure to announce that we have a clear winner! Congratulations Christa! We all had a good guess but you are most certainly the champion!

Can you guess where these flags are from?

If you want to learn more about our country then our Tourist Guide Course is the thing for you!

10 things no guide should be without

2011-08-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

1. Q-cards

2. A good map or GPS

3. Spare microphone

4. Torch

5. Multi tool

6. Cell phone (with air time) and charger

7. 1st aid kit

8. Own medication

9. Patience

10. Sense of humour

First Aid Across Borders

2011-06-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris asked us to come and present a First Aid course for their trail guides in Botswana.

What an experience!

We went across the border at Pontsdrift. We were pulled over the Limpopo River in a little steel cable cage. A first for us.

The class was presented on the bank of the river with the wonderful symphony of birds in the trees around us.

Everyone enjoyed the course especially the practical part. Even the little one’s participated and astonished us with the accuracy with which they mimicked the CPR procedures.

ROMANZ Anti-Poaching Concert

2011-05-11T03:58:00.000-07:00

SANPARKS Honorary Rangers (Pretoria Region) presents ROMANZ for their Anti-Poaching Campaign.

Place: Sorex Estate

Date: 14 May 2011

Time: 20:00

Price: R150.00

Contact Christa Viljoen 082 675 2258

Tickets also available at Computicket.

What Makes A Good Guide?

2011-04-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

As with everything in life a good guide is a matter of opinion and personal preference. There is some truth in the saying that you can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time. There is however a few guidelines that help dictate what a good guide should be:

A tour guide needs to advocate enjoyment. The main reason people go on holiday is to enjoy themselves and to relax, to see a new part of the country or world and to go back home enriched and well rested. Even though we travel for enjoyment learning something about the place you are visiting helps enforce that ‘holiday feeling’ we are all looking for.

A tour guide needs to be well organized. A lot of guides work for tour operators and thus think that they don’t have to be bothered with the small organizing details, this type of thinking can lead to catastrophe. A guide always need to ensure that he/she knows the route and the arrangements off by heart, having an alternative backup plan or two will ensure that your group is always well taken care of and that all possible scenarios are covered.

A tour guide needs relevant knowledge. This doesn’t just refer to the area they are guiding in but also about the people they are guiding. A guide needs to know what interests his group as well as any cultural/ethnic considerations that need to be addressed.

A tour guide needs to be well spoken and well dressed. A guide is the introduction to the area or country he/she is guiding in. A guide is essentially the representative of a brand and product. It is the guide’s duty to portray a polished well rounded image of his profession and his/her area of operation.

A tour guide needs to be a Jack-of-all-trades. A tour guide needs to know a little of everything, not just facts and figures. Sometimes a guide will need to be a nanny, first aider, counselor, handyman, chef, problem solver or even a cheerleader. You never know what a client will require from you, always try to assist as well as you can and always within reason.

There are many traits and guidelines to follow to be a good guide but only through trial and error will you be able to find the right formula for you.

Visit our Tourist Guide and Event Support website for more information about Tourist Guides and Tour Operators.

Easter Special

2011-04-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

Illegal Tourist Guides

2011-02-22T01:27:00.000-08:00

This media statement was released by the office of Alan Winde, Western Cape Tourism Minister:

Western Cape Tourism Minister, Alan Winde, joined inspectors from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to conduct an illegal Tourist Guide inspection.
This operation follows complaints from members of the public, tourists and registered Tourist Guides.

Winde said: "Currently, there is no effective policing system in place to identify illegal Tourist Guides. This has resulted in a large number of people operating as guides without the required training or authorisation. Illegal guides take work from legal guides, and in some instances, harm the industry by providing a shoddy service. Ahead of International Tourist Guide Day tomorrow (Monday, 21st of February), it is our duty to raise awareness about illegal guiding and put a stop to it."

In taking a proactive approach to combating it, the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism has appointed a team of dedicated inspectors to ensure that illegal guiding is curbed.

Between April 2010 and the end of January this year, 152 out of a total of 866 guides inspected were found to be operating illegally. There are currently 3,308 registered Tourist Guides in the Western Cape.

Illegal guides have been issued with warning letters ordering them to cease operating with immediate effect until they are registered.

As well as keeping a database of illegal guides, the inspectors monitor them closely to ensure that they do not continue working.

Institutions such as SANParks have come on board with this initiative by restricting tourist guide privileges to those that show valid registration cards.

Winde concluded: "This inspection was just one of many inspections that the Department conducts. In 2011/12, we will significantly ramp up our efforts to combat illegal guides. We will no longer tolerate a small group of people giving an entire industry, upon which the livelihood of many depends, a bad name".

Media Enquiries:
Tammy Evans
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 4327
Fax: 021 483 3892

For information on how to become a legal tourist guide visit Drum Beat Academy's Tourism & Event Support website.

Awards At Drum Beat

2011-01-31T04:42:00.000-08:00

It’s award time in La-La Land and we wanted to have a part in all the glitz and glamour. Drum Beat had its own awards ceremony to celebrate all the wonderful qualities of its office staff and some of the quirks as well.

As Murphy would have it the owner of the award for the person who spends the most time out of office, was of course out of the office at the time of the ceremony but here is the list of awards as democratically voted by most of the staff:

Loch Ness Award…for least likely to be found.
Foot - In - Mouth Award…for always saying what comes to mind.
Dewey Decimal Award…for being well organised.
Cross The T's & Dot The I's Award…for making sure the little things get done.
P's & Q's Award…for having the best manners.
Pip-Squeak Award…for the quietest person in the office.
Spick & Span Award…for having the neatest work space.
Single File Award…for keeping everyone in line.
Eight Legged Freak Award…for knowing their way around the web.
Her Royal Highness Award…for needing plenty of attention.
The Daisy Chain Award…for constantly passing on information.
Lumber Jack Award…for killing the rain forests one page at a time.
Leprechaun Award…for being able to see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

To learn more about the serious work we do in Guiding, Hospitality and Events, please visit our Tourism and Event Support Website.

New Year

2011-01-13T04:06:00.000-08:00

2011 has kicked off with a bang and we are already hard at work and feeling like 2010 was a dream that flew by in a flash. Before we get stuck into this New Year we would like to congratulate the NTK Limpopo learners that finished their National Certificate in AgriTrade Processes. We hope that your future will be prosperous.

NTK Thohoyandou. Left to right: Grace Muronga; Tshililo Nedzingahe; Bruce Tshivase; Amos Tshisikule; Roshuma Mayhungu; Obed Tshiwandimoni; Godfrey Netshilindi; Patience Nevondo.

NTK Louis Trichardt. Left to right: Thomas Mabasa; Sophy Nevari; Chefrey Theka; Patricia Mudau; Tshamano Mariba; Joseph Madumi; Tshilidzi Mavhungu.

NTK Tzaneen. Left to right: Tawny Modika; Michael Ramothoala. Absent: Ishmael Matapa.

Read more about our Agriculture courses on our website or visit our Tourist Guide and Event Support Training website.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-13T23:53:00.000-08:00

We will be closed for the Holiday Season, from 14 December 2010 till
4 January 2011. Feel free to email us during this time (info@drumbeatacademy.co.za).
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kids Party Planning Course

2010-08-19T00:40:00.000-07:00

It’s party time next week at Drumbeat Academy in Pretoria! This course is for all the undercover fairies, spies and pirates out there.

Did you ever dreamed of being a fairy princess, a pirate, a fireman or even just dreamed about never-never land…. But now you are and adult and you have responsibilities and there is no place in life for fairytales… Wrong!!

There are places where fairytales can come alive and even bring some money to you. You can start your own children’s party company. Let me just tell you before you even start thinking about it…. It is not for the faint of heart! You have to be full of patients and LUVVVV… for other people’s children! The second biggest thing is that you cannot stand the whole time and talk to the kids… they don’t just wants to see your nostrils the whole time – get down, get to their level and connect with the kiddies where they are!

This is the type of company a mom with small kids can think off. You’ve got an instant customer base with all the friends of your kids and all the kids in the school where your child attends. As a Kids Party Business owner you'll experience the joy of a business that puts you in charge. You'll be able to choose your own hours and schedule your work around your family first.

Kiddie’s parties have become big business. With the rise in single parent and two working parent homes, this means that many parents don’t have the time to plan and coordinate these parties themselves. Specializing in pulling of fabulous children’s parties may be the perfect home business for an energetic, creative and organized person!

Join us on the kid’s party planning course next week! 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th (evening class) 28th (whole day) August 2010. Classes will run from 18:00 to 21:30 each night and the Saturday – 9:00 to 13:00.

We end this course with a Fairy Party at Drum Beat Academy and if you have a little girl - you are welcome to bring her to the party!

In this course we will deal with issues such as themes, how to build your own props, party programs, invitations, admin, and holiday programs and corporate kids parties.

This course is still on special: normally R5500.00 –

now only R3000.00

Payment plan available!

Please visit Drum Beat Academy's Tourist Guide and Event Support Training website for more information.

Event Management Information Evening

2010-08-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

Organise, manage and coordinate events such as:
Weddings
Product launches
Sport events
Corporate events
Music events
Conferences
Exhibitions,
Etc.

New exiting practical subjects and short courses:
Draping
Protocol and etiquette
Table layout
Centre pieces
Décor
Kids party planning

Now your active imagination, creative ideas, systematic thinking and enjoyment to interact with people can earn you a career, income (or additional income) or your own business.

You will enjoy theory classes at our campus in Groenkloof and the opportunity to complete activities, research and plan your first event during the 6 month programme.

This will qualify you to obtain the National Certificate in Tourism Event Support NQF Level 4.

Join us on 26 August 2010 at 19:00 for a free information evening.

Contact: Mart Van Der Walt
012 460 9585
mart@drumbeatacademy.co.za

Visit Drum Beat Academy's Tourist Guide and Event Support Training website for more information on our training programmes.

Black and White Elegance

2010-07-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

Colors can sometimes make for the simplest, yet most striking statements at a wedding. A classical black and white wedding theme is still a very popular choice among couples. Simple, yet sophisticated, this theme is fairly simple to plan.

With a Black and White wedding theme – Simplicity is the way to go. Keep your wedding attire as elegant and plain as possible – Ruffles and Frills don’t go with this theme! The bridal dress should be white with accents of black and if you wish to then you can get your bridesmaids to wear black.

Keep in mind, a single flower can often make more of an elegant statement than an overflowing bouquet, especially with a black and white wedding theme.
However, if you would like to waver a bit from the strictly black and white wedding scheme, consider adding the slightest hints of one other color as contrast, such as bright red, bright pink, emerald green or a hint of gold.

Don't go overboard though... add just a hint here and there. For example, white roses with the tips tinted red and nestled in a black vase sitting on a table covered in a white tablecloth. Use black napkins secured with white napkin rings and a hint of some other color. These are simple accents that you could try which won't overpower the black and white theme.

Some things to remember about our courses: Our courses are both Theory and Practical – Elect Training Academy work in Association with Drum Beat Academy. Our courses are also endorsed and sometimes presented by the International Hotel School of South Africa.

Information Sessions:

• Our next information session in Pretoria is on 10 August 2010 @ Drum Beat Academy in Groenkloof – Time: 19:00. We will be finished @ 20:00
• Our next information session in Cape Town is on 31 July 2010 @ The Lord Charles Hotel – Somerset West – Time: 10:00
• Our next information session in Durban is on 22 July @ The Westville Hotel in Westville – Durban – Time: 19:00. We will be finished @ 20:00

Please let us know if you want to attend the session then we can send you more info.

Our next courses:

Foundational Draping in Durban: 23 & 24 July 2010 – Westville Hotel
Foundational Draping in Cape Town: 13 & 14 August 2010 – Somerset West
Foundational Draping in Pretoria: 20 & 21 August 2010 – Drum beat academy

Advance Draping in Pretoria: 28 & 29 July (evening classes) 30 & 31 July 2010 (full day)

Foundational Décor in Pretoria: 11 & 12 & 14 August OR 12 & 14 August 2010

Kids Party Planning: 23 – 28 August 2010 (Day or evening classes)

Events Management: Pretoria

We have an ongoing intake policy with the events management course in Pretoria – you can join us any Saturday.

Events Management: Cape Town

We start on the 4th of September with our new Events Management course.

Hope to see you at our info meetings!

Visit Drum Beat Academy's Tourist Guide and Event Support Training website for more information.

Bird Watching/Identification

2010-06-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

Do you want to learn more about bird watching?

Would you like to easily identify birds in your area?

Come join us for a day and learn more about bird watching and how to identify them. A basic theoretical introduction will be done as well as an outdoor practical at Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary.

Date: 17 July 2010
Time: 08:30 – 16:30
Venue: Drum Beat Academy, 7 Van Wouw Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria
Price: R295

Bring along:
Field guide of own choice
Binoculars
Basic stationary (pen, paper)
Own lunch

Programme:
Bird watching
Bird identification
Overview of South African birds
Practical at Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary

About the facilitator:
The course will be presented by Annémarie Viljoen Van Der Walt, she studied BSc Ed majoring in Zoology and Botany, and started her career as Environmental Educator at the Pretoria Zoo. She presented Bird Identification programmes for eight years amongst other environmental education programmes and still maintains an interest in bird watching, environmental observation, guiding and developing environmental education elements.

Limited space available. Bookings essential. Payment needs to be made to secure booking. Non-refundable. All interested parties will be notified of the next available date.

Please contact Ester for bookings on (012) 460 9585 or admin@drumbeatacademy.co.za

Visit our website for information about Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.

Fountains Circle

2010-06-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

The Fountains Circle 2010 Flag Ship Beautification Project is a Metropolitan Landmark and Gateway which has been developed successfully to landmark quality enhancing a sense of place, character, legibility and Capital City status. This development radically altered the character and image of the entrance to the City as envisaged. The whole design forms a spiral radiating outwards beyond the traffic circle itself symbolizing the 2010 FIFA World Cup that's being hosted in South Africa (Tshwane) and radiating outwards beyond Africa's boundaries to rest of the world. The main feature consisting of a spherical steel space frame/ ball cladded with broken panels depicting the people of Tshwane is being swung into infinity by the force which originates at the Fountain/South Africa. This ball is 'followed' and shot up in the air by spikes consisting of 'I'- beams in juxtaposing carefully placed. The spikes increase in height as it lifts off with the sphere symbolising the kick-off of a soccer ball.

Information & photos from Tshwane Municipality

Visit our website for information on Drum Beat’s Tourist Guide and Event Support courses.

Go Bafana Bafana!

2010-06-11T00:39:00.000-07:00

2010 is here! Let us all get into the Ayobaness of the moment and learn a little SA soccer lingo.

Bafana: Nickname of the South African national team, meaning ‘boys’ in Nguni. Often appearing as Bafana Bafana.

Makaraba: South African fan helmets, artfully created from miners’ hard hats.

Vuvuzela: Plastic horn producing an energetically loud noise, it is the sound of South African Football.

Mzansi: A popular Xhosa word amongst the youth and townships for South Africa.

Ayoba: An expression of joy. Ayoba means cool, nice, sweet, etc.

Eish: An expression of surprise or resignation.

Howzit: A term meaning: How are you?

Lekker: An Afrikaans word meaning delicious.

Laduma: A popular cheer at South African soccer matches when a goal has been scored. It’s a Zulu word meaning ‘he thunders’.

Yebo: A word meaning Yes in Zulu.

Sharp: Often doubled up for effect, sharp-sharp. Used as a greeting, farewell, agreement or to express enthusiasm.

Bru: Slang term for brother that’s often used.

Get into the spirit and explore our country as a tourist guide and share this beautiful land with the world. For more information about Drum Beat's Tourist Guide and Event Support courses please visit our website.

Wedding Trends

2010-06-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hi there all students

Good news… We’ve decided to send out a newsletter once or twice a month. In the news letter we will keep you up to date with new courses, new ideas, new trends etc in the wedding and events industry. We go to leaders in the wedding and events industry and get some good advice and tips for you… We listen to you in the courses and bring back the good advice to you! I also want to encourage you to take part in our blog where we can answer each others letter and questions. It is at times difficult for me to answer each one of you personally when you have questions – but if we can help each other and build our relationships in the wedding industry. Why not?

Most of the experts in wedding invitations, wedding décor agree on one thing – White and black will still be strong in 2011 but … look at the mood board… Dark purples, Gun Metal silvers, Black… Dark poetry will be one of the main trend setters. We’ve already started preparing décor for some of the wine farms in the Dark Poetry colours.

Interesting… keep watching our newsletters. Pls also note that our new course dates has been released.

Please note that this is our FINAL course dates for this year and we will only add another course in another region if we have 8 or more students that would like to do the course. Good news! We got a contract with the International Hotel School – they are going to present our courses in the near future. Then we will have a campus in Sandton, Durban, CPT and Pretoria.

Advance draping: After many request we decided to combine our draping level 2,3,4,5 into one course over 3 days. We are going to teach you some principles of Arch and Gazebo Draping, Room dressing, Ceiling Draping and Marquee Draping.

It is not a full course on i.e. Room Dressing but you would know the basics of it. If you need to specialize in Room Dressing then we would advise you to do the full 2 day course on Room Dressing. The cost for this course is R4500.00

Durban: On request
Cape Town: 31 July/ 3& 4& 5 & 7 August (2 Saturdays & 3 evenings)
Pretoria: 28 & 29 August (evenings) 30 & 31 August (full days)

Table setting & Centre pieces & Etiquette & Protocol:
Pretoria: 4 September 2010 / 25 September 2010
Cape Town: 22 & 23 & 24 June 2010 / 25 September & 16 October 2010

Foundational décor:
Cape Town: to be confirmed
Pretoria: 11 & 12 & 14 August 2010 (2 evenings & 1 Saturday)

Advance décor:
Cape Town: to be confirmed
Pretoria: 14, 15, 16, 18 September (3 evening and 1 Saturday)

Kids party planning:
Cape Town: 14 & 17 & 18 & 19 & 21 August (3 evening, 2 Saturday)
Pretoria: 24 – 26 & 28 August (3 evenings and 1 Saturday)

The Part time National Qualification in Tourism: Events Support starts this weekend in Pretoria. However – we can take students in at any time. If they start a few weeks later than the other students – then they will have to do the modules they’ve missed in the next intake. Our full time course is starting on the 14th June for 4 months. Remember, this course includes all the practical courses of Elect.

Visit Drum Beat Academy's Tourist Guide and Event Support Training website for more information.

Events Regards and remember – We don’t work, we play… come and join us!

Event Management Certificate

2010-05-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

Elect Training Academy, in association with Drum Beat Academy, presents a SETA-Accredited certificate course that will allow you to establish your own Event Management business.

The subjects of this course include:
Event elements
Safety and security
Special events – sport, wedding, expo’s, etc.
Venue
Décor
Marketing
Entertainment
Basic Financials
Many more theory subjects

What makes this course different from all other even management courses is the practical training that we provide, which include:
Foundational draping
Advance draping
Foundational décor
Advance décor which will include subjects like centre pieces, themes, making of props, etc.
Etiquette
Children’s party course

Entrance requirements:
Read, write and comprehend English
Basic creativity skills

Durations:
3 Months

Assessment will include a group project where each group will be required to organize and execute (with assistance) a charity event.

Award:
SETA Accredited Drum Beat Academy Certificate
Elect Acknowledgement

For more information please visit Drum Beat Academy's Tourist Guide and Event Support Training website.

South African National Anthem

2010-03-02T02:32:00.000-08:00

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo
Yizwa imithandazo yethu
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho
O se boloke, O se boloke
Setjhaba sa heso
Setjhaba sa South Afrika

South Afrika !

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes
waar die kranse antwoord gee.

Sounds the call to come together
and united we shall stand.
Let us live and strive for freedom
in South Africa our land.

TRANSLATION OF THE ANTHEM

Lord Bless Africa
May her glory be lifted high
Hear our petitions
Lord bless us. Us your children

Lord we ask You to protect our nation
Intervene and end all conflicts
Protect us, protect us
Protect our nation
Protect South Africa

South Africa!

Ringing out from our blue heavens,
from our deep seas breaking round,
Over everlasting mountains
where the echoing crags resound.

Sounds the call to come together
and united we shall stand.
Let us live and strive for freedom

From SA Languages

For those of you that struggle to pronounce the Anthem correctly, one innovative blogger has the solution:

Follow the link to Brand South Africa Blog for the whole document, it’s definitely worth your time.

Go to Drum Beat Academy's website to learn how you can help promote our country with our Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.

Freedom Park

2010-02-17T22:24:00.001-08:00

Freedom Park is one of the 11 Presidential Legacy Projects, and is the product of the many processes engaged in by Government since 1994 to create and foster a new national consciousness of the common legacy that binds the people of South Africa. It is situated on a 52-hectare site on Salvokop in Pretoria from which visitors have an amazing panoramic view of the city.

We recently had the pleasure of assessing two of their well informed site guides, Jacob and Bophelo, and found them open, friendly, knowledgeable and very well suited to the task at hand. Congratulations gentlemen, may your future be bright.

Visit Freedom Park's website for more information.

Please visit Drum Beat Academy's website for more details about our Tour Guide, Site Guide and Event Support Training.

That Holiday Feeling

2009-12-13T23:27:00.000-08:00

We celebrated another successful year with family, friends and colleagues, ending the year on a high note as that holiday feeling creeps up on us once again.

Have a very Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Drum Beat will be closed from 15 December 2009 to 4 January 2010.

Congratulations

2009-12-09T02:23:00.000-08:00

We are indeed proud to announce that Michael van Niekerk, Drum Beat’s Affiliate for the Western Cape, has been re-elected to serve a further four year term on the international Board of Directors of NAUI Worldwide.

The acronym NAUI stands for National Association of Underwater Instructors

Michael is in fact the first and still the only South African ever elected to the Board of Directors of any international diver training agency.

Formed in California in1959, with its current headquarters in Tampa, Florida, NAUI Worldwide is the most respected and the largest non-profit diver certifying organization in the world, whose members offer a full range of training programs from Skin Diver through Instructor Course Director, with dozens of specialty courses including Nitrox and Technical diving. Tens of thousands of NAUI member instructors, dive businesses, resorts, and service centres are located in countries throughout the world.

It is interesting to note that all US astronauts (who train at the Johnson Space Centre in Texas), are required to undergo scuba training as an introduction to ‘weightlessness’. For this purpose, NASA, the agency responsible for the United States space program selected NAUI as their agency of choice. The result is that every astronaut is NAUI certified.

We are indeed proud to be associated, even indirectly, with an organization of this stature.

Congratulations, Michael.

For further information on NAUI in Southern Africa visit www.nauisa.org

The Ranch Hotel and Lion Kingdom

2009-10-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

We had the wonderful pleasure of facilitating a First Aid Level 1 training course at The Ranch Hotel & Lion Kingdom just outside of Polokwane in Limpopo Province. The Ranch is situated in a malaria free grasslands area and boasts a wonderful lion and wildlife park.

Something we all forget to do...

Go to Drum Beat Academy's Tour Guide and Event Support Training website for more information on our First Aid Training (Level 1, 2 & 3) and Basic Fire Awareness Training courses.

Guvon Academy Open Day At Glenburn Lodge, Mulderdrift

2009-10-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

Join us and Drum Beat Academy to find out more about our unique learning institution that offers a nurturing transition from Level 2 to a diploma.

Date: 10 October 2009
Time: 09:00 – 13:00

Courses Offered:

National Diploma in Service Management

National Certificate Food and Beverage Service/Management

National Certificate Professional Cookery

National Certificate Accommodation Service

National Certificate Hospitality Reception

National Certificate Event Support/Management

Tourism and Conservation:

National Certificate in Tourism Guiding

National Certificate Conservation Guardianship

Course will include practical Workplace Experience at one of our 3 or 5 star Lodges/Hotels. After Completion, GUVON will assist you with Employment.

Book your FREE tour and refreshments for the 10th of October now!!!
Different Tours include:
Food and Beverage Service/Kitchen and Morning Tea
Nature Walk (Please wear Tekkies and Jeans)
Events: Weddings and Conferences Facilities and Services
Reception and House Keeping
Information regarding Study and Career Choices will also be available

For more information on the Open Day, please call:

Training: 011 668 1628/00 or SMS your name for Tour to:

082 950 2999 / 071 421 2271 / 073 845 1839
Email: training@glenburn.co.za

Cullinan Diamond Mine

2009-09-29T02:59:00.000-07:00

It was reported that a huge white diamond (507 carats rough) was discovered at Cullinan Diamond Mine on 24 September 2009. It is speculated that it might be a Type I diamond and amongst the top 20 largest high quality rough diamonds ever found worldwide. More details on the diamond will be released as soon as the diamond has undergone appropriate analysis.

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is situated in Cullinan, 40 km east of Pretoria. It was established in 1902 and became world renowned in 1905 when the Cullinan Diamond (3,106.75 carats rough) was discovered. Other significant diamonds from the mine include the Golden Jubilee (755 carats rough) and the Centenary (599 carats rough). Cullinan Diamond Mine is also the only significant source of blue diamonds in the world. De Beers sold its historic Cullinan Diamond Mine in 2007 to a consortium led by Petra Diamonds.

Cullinan Diamond Mine

507 Carats (rough) diamond

For more information about the mine and the diamonds visit their site.

For more information on the courses we off please visit Drum Beat Academy’s Tourism and Event Support website.

Tour Operator Workshop

2009-09-17T00:38:00.000-07:00

What is the difference between a Tourist Guide and a Tour Operator? A Tour Operator is a person / company that make all the arrangements regarding transport, accommodation, tour packages, etc. Basically the Tour Operator is the person that sits in the office and makes all the preparations. A Tourist Guide is the person that guides visitors, for a fee, interpreting cultural and natural heritage and is effectively in charge of the group for the duration of the tour. The Tourist Guide has no part in the organising component of the tour.

Drum Beat’s Tour Operator Workshop has been designed for Tour Guides, Entrepreneurs and Existing Tour Operators to gain knowledge and information on the industry. During this five day course the following will be covered:

* Legal Implications (driver’s license, P.D.P, R.T.P, C.O.F, pax liability)
* Marketing in the Tourism Industry
* Technical Management (services, tyres, fuel, oil)
* Itinerary (Designing a Guided Experience)
* Infrastructure (office, staff)
* Product Knowledge (accommodation, STO & Rack rates, single supplement)
* Administration (reservations, confirmations, vouchers, payments, cancellations, filing)
* Guides (qualifications, personality & appearance, tour preparations file, payment, loyalty, registration)

This workshop will help you make the best of your business, helping you grow through marketing, building a great reputation through well thought out and executed tours, using only the best guides to fit your company image and making sure that you comply with all the legal implications.

For more information on this workshop visit Drum Beat Academy’s Tourist Guide and Event Support website.

Registering as a Tourist Guide

2009-08-31T00:49:00.000-07:00

Once you have completed your Accredited Tourist Guide training course, you are required to register with your local Tourism Authority. They will require the following:

1. Complete the Application Form
2. Sign the Code of Conduct & Ethics
3. Submit a copy of your Qualification Certificate (Theta / Training Provider)
4. Submit a valid First Aid Level 1 Certificate
5. Certified copy of your ID
6. 4 recent colour ID photos (head & shoulders)
7. Pay registration fee of R240 VAT incl.
8. If you are Non South African also submit a copy of a Valid Work Permit

Contact details for Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA)

No.1 Central Place, Corner of Henry Nxumalo and Jeppe Streets
Newtown
Johannesburg

Tel: + 27 11 639-1600
Fax: + 27 11 639-1700
Registration Fax: + 27 11 832-2628

All Tourist Guides are legally required to register with DEAT.

Visit our website for more information on our Tourist Guide, Hospitality and Event Support Qualifications.

Proud to Present

2009-08-14T01:18:00.000-07:00

Drum Beat is always proud of each and every learner that passes through our doors, even if we have to temporarily make their doors ours. Now with any further ado we are proud to present...

Gerald Bakamela who is nearing the end of the Professional Cookery Learnership at Africa Sky Hotel. Good luck with the last few remaining weeks!

Gerald takes his job very seriously

Nauticus Place is a charming Restaurant and Cafe in Brenton-on-Sea, host to a Professional Cookery and Food & Beverage Learnership. Below are the participating learners striking a dashing pose.

Fun in the sun

FNB Middelburg and surrounding region recently sent some of their staff on a training course and it would seem that they breed them happy in Mpumalanga. These first aiders will save your life with a smile!

Service with a smile

From the Ground Up

2009-06-30T00:54:00.000-07:00

For the past year AgriSkills has been running a project at Phake Thabeng where we are training the local people to produce vegetables organically. The project is funded by Missio-Austria with funds from the Austrian Development Authority. We got off to a good start with the infrastructure and put up the fence, drilled the borehole, built the reservoir for the water and set up the pump. However when it came to Eskom laying on the power we had to 'wait', so there was a significant delay in getting the vegetables planted. We purchased a generator for the interim but because of the heavy rains in the region we could not get into the project as the soil is very good quality black turf. We are proud to say that after so many delays the project is growing to new heights. Winnie, our associate, is running the project, while Greg, the facilitator, does the training and assists with the infrastructure.

AgriSkills falls under the Drum Beat Group umbrella.

Please visit our website for more information on Drum Beat Academy's Tourist Guide and Event Support Training courses.

Do you comply with OHS?

2009-06-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

According to the Amended Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 & 181 of 1993 all companies with 5 or more employees must abide by these regulations.

To know if you comply, ask yourself the following questions:*

Does your company have written documentation explaining the evacuation as well as emergency procedures?
Does your company have adequate fire equipment?
Is the necessary signage indication fire and evacuation routes in place?
Are there adequate trained First Aiders (Level 1,2 & 3)?
Are there adequate Fire Marshalls responsible for the evacuation of the building?
Are there schematic designs mounted to the walls (emergency exits, fire equipment, hoses, smoke detectors, sprinklers, first aid boxes and assembly points)?
Are there adequate Regulation First Aid Kits?
Is there an alarm system in place to alarm employees in case of an emergency?
Have you done evacuation drills with scenarios and written up reports?

If you answered NO to any of these questions, your company is liable and these aspects need to be addressed URGENTLY.

The following need to be in place:*

An emergency and evacuation plan
Adequate fire extinguishers and fire hoses
Necessary signage
Trained first aiders
Trained fire marshalls
Schematic designs on walls
First aid kits
Alarm system
Evacuation drill with scenario training

(*Uni-Excellens)

Go to Drum Beat Academy's Tour Guide and Event Support Training website for more information on our First Aid Training (Level 1, 2 & 3) and Basic Fire Awareness Training courses.

The Brag File

2009-05-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better in business than having a satisfied customer. Be it one that has just completed their training or those still a little wet behind the ears that are equipping themselves for their future career path.

Most often people say that bragging is only for the selfish but in business if you don't do it yourself, who will?

Celesté Belelie and Ronell Burger are two star learners from the Professional Cookery Learnership currently running in Oudtshoorn. This photo was taken in the restaurant at African Sky Hotel while they served breakfast.

The next two learners are both from KwaZulu-Natal and did their training through one of Drum Beat's associates, Chris Lake.

On the left is Martinus Nel, showing off his Drum Beat Certificate, who to date is Chris Lake's most senior (oldest) tour guide candidate. Martinus, 73, is a very keen and enthusiastic guide and a mine of information about the Weenen District.

On the right is Allison Lettinga a go ahead farmer's wife from the district of Ixopo. She has worked out a unique tour programme of the Southern Drakensberg including some interesting birding and San/Bushmen Rock Art sites.

This group from Potgietersrus recently passed their First Aid Level 1 training course with flying colours! Their inquisitive minds were keen to learn and helped them apply their theoretical knowledge and practical exercise exactly where it counted during the assessments.

Congratulations and good luck!

For more information on Drum Beat Academy's Tourist Guide and Event Support Training and other courses please visit our website.

Conference and Workshop Venue Hire

2009-05-15T02:50:00.000-07:00

Our facilities are available for hire to individuals, organisations and groups for conferences, workshops, meetings, lectures and training.

We have two superb spacious and functional conference rooms available that can easily handle up to 15 people.

The following options are available:

Option A (R160.00 per person)
Arrival: Coffee, Tea and Rusks
Midmorning: Coffee, Tea and Biscuits
Lunch: Light Lunch
Afternoon: Coffee, Tea and Biscuits

Option B (R190.00 per person)
Arrival: Coffee, Tea and Muffins/Scones
Midmorning: Coffee, Tea and Snacks (Sandwiches)
Lunch: One Meat, Starch, One Vegetable and Salad
Afternoon: Coffee, Tea and Biscuits

Option C (R220.00 per person)
Arrival: Coffee, Tea and Muffins/Scones
Midmorning: Coffee, Tea and Snacks (Sandwiches)
Lunch: Two Meat, Starch, Two Vegetables, Salad and Dessert
Afternoon: Coffee, Tea and Biscuits

All options include: Water, sweets and cordial on tables, pen and writing pad, safe and secure parking.

Please go to our website for information on Tourist Guide and Event Support Training and our Venue Hire.

100 % South African

2009-04-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

Truth be told when you sit down and think about it there is no one thing that defines Truly South African. Everybody has his/her own view of what characterises being South African. Whether it originated in South Africa or if it was incorporated into our culture through the decades, it really doesn’t matter. All these elements bind our different cultures together to build the Rainbow Nation that flows through the veins of our little piece of Africa.

I did a pole in the office to find out what it is exactly that we think is Truly South African. This is what I found:

Cedric (ATS): Pap & Wors

Christa (Hospitality): Maroelas & Amaroela

Danie (AgriSkills): Knysna Loerie (Tauraco corythaix)

Daphne (Reception): OppiKoppi Music Festival

Ester (Admin): Lekker

Hannetjie (AgriSkills): Drakensberg Mountains

Hermann (ATS): Boeremeisies

John (Conservation): Bakgat

Lizette (MD DBA/ATS): Bobotie, Geelrys & Raisins

Ockert (Owner DBA): African Drums

Paal (Sport): Friendliness of the People

Rina (Finance): Braaivleis, Music, Brandy & Rugby

Vance (Guiding): Vellies

Winnie (AgriSkills): Humanity

Other things that came to light includes: Fynbos, Mampoer, Baobab Tree, Table Mountain, Bushveld Sunrise, the fact that any song can be turned into a Sokkie Treffer, Traffic Light Entrepreneurs (a.k.a. Street Sellers), Potjiekos, the shrill Sonbesie (Cicada) sound of summer, Biltong, Droëwors, Castle, Mrs. Balls, Taxis, Koeksisters, Melktert, Sheba, Vuvuzela, and that’s just to name a few. What is Truly South African to you?

The Witness' view on Proudly South African (video).

Visit our website: Tourist Guide and Event Support Training

Snake Identification & Dangerous Snake Handling Courses

2009-04-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

These very practical and brilliantly informative courses were developed over 16 years of intense study and practical research on the characteristics and behaviors of all our South African snake species, with special emphasis on Venomous snake species.

By attending this course I will share my life’s knowledge and experience with you on how to approach, identify (module1: Snake ID course) and safely capture, remove and release (module 2: Dangerous snake handling course) any South African snake.

This course is not only a benefit to game rangers which often have to remove snakes out of their guestrooms but it will be a benefit to any person working in the tourism industry, fieldworkers, fireman, doctors and even interested housewives that want to know more about the reptiles living in their area.

Module 1: Snake Identification course:

The Snake ID course starts 08h00 – 13h30

This course covers:

Identification of all the SA snake families
Personalities of each species
Symptoms of snakebite
First aid treatment

Cost for the course is R 500.00 per person.
Certificates will be available within two weeks after completion of the course.

Module 2: Dangerous Snake handling course:

The Dangerous Snake Handling course starts that same day 14h00 – 18h00
This course consists of:

Equipment confidence
Proper handling techniques
Practical handling by each learner under my supervision
Verbal Questions & Answers during handling session

Cost for the course is R 500.00 per person.
Certificates will be available within two weeks after completion of the course.

(Note: both courses are non credit bearing.)

Venue:

We have two training venues available:
The first option will be Drum Beat Academy’s main campus on the corner of George Storrar & Van Wouw Street, Groenkloof (Pta).
The second option will be a satellite campus at number 124, Fifth Avenue, Gerhardsville, Centurion (Pta).
Maps to both venues are available on request.

Courses offered to companies etc. at their own training facilities for a minimum group size of 10 learners or more. The company will have to provide for their own catering (tea breaks & lunch) and supply the necessary presentation equipment (e.g. overhead projector) in the event of training at their own premises.

Enquiries: Hencke Marais
Telephone: 083 650 3481
Fax no: 086 618 8209
EMAIL: henckemarais@gmail.com

Please go to Drum Beat Academy's website to learn more about Tourist Guide and Event Support training.

The Importance of Registering as a Tour Guide

2009-03-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

An article appeared in the Beeld on 26 March 2009 about a field guide and the organisation that employed him. Both were found guilty on charges of culpable homicide after the death of an America tourist in 2005.

Summary of the article:

According to the state prosecutor this is the first case of its kind in South Africa where both the field guide and the organisation was found guilty on charges of culpable homicide after the death of a tourist. They were also found guilty on breaching the Tourism Act.

The incident happened on 10 November 2005 at the Nungubane Lodge Nature Reserve. Three tourists accompanied the field guide on a nature walk; they came within 37m of an irritated elephant cow. When the elephant charged the field guide didn’t use his .375 Holland rifle to fire at the animal, instead he held it above his head and yelled. When the elephant started stamping its feet on the ground the field guide ran away without instructing the tourists to do the same which resulted in the death of one of the tourists.

The field guide was fined R10 000 or 6 years jail time, suspended for 5 years for the culpable homicide charge. He was fined a further R5 000 or 6 moths jail time, suspended for 5 years for breach of the Tourism Act.

The organization was fined R100 000 for the culpable homicide charge, suspended for 5 years. They were further fined R10 000, suspended for 5 years for employing an unregistered guide according to the Tourism Act. (Click here for the full article).

This incident proves the importance of being a qualified and registered tour guide.

Please follow these links to read more about:

The Tourism Second Amendment Act No 70 of 2000

Regulations in Respect of Tour Guides

Or go to our website for more information about our registered qualifications on Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.

Nature Guide Training

2009-03-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Drum Beat Academy is offering a new and exciting Nature Guide Training Course. It consists of theoretical training (done in Pretoria) as well as practical bush experience at Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.

The theory is a one month full time course done at Drum Beat Academy in Pretoria and covers all the outcomes of the National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding NQF Level 4 and includes the Nature Elective. This will enable the learners to gain theoretical knowledge before they leave for their unforgettable practical bushveld experience.

The practical is a 3 week bush experience in the Greater Kruger National Park. All food, accommodation and equipment for the 3 weeks are included in the price (learners have to get to Balule at their own expense). Learners will also get a chance to explore the surrounding area by visiting wildlife, ecotourism and natural research projects and all they have to offer. Learners will assist with the meals in the kitchen (so bring your recipes). Accommodation is in A-frame houses with 3 to a house.

We are limited to 6 per camp and course so learners will get personal attention and coaching.

Theoretical and Practical Course Modules:

Ecology & Interpretation of Natural Phenomena
Geology & Soils
Guiding Practices
Astronomy
Basic Botany
- Grasses
- Trees
Basic Zoology
- Animals
- Birds
- Insects
Big 5
Climatology
Tracking
Level 1 First Aid
Certificate in Rifle Handling
Assistance with all legal requirements

The facilitators are fully qualified and very experienced in Nature Training and have considerable knowledge of the veld (particularly the bushveld) with plenty of guiding experience and know-how.

Drum Beat Academy has Full Accreditation with THETA
(Accr No: 613/P/000035/2004).

When completed you will be qualified with the National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding NQF Level 4 and you will be able to guide legally, when you have registered, as a Driver Guide or Trails Ranger in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the North West Province.

Please visit our website (by clicking the link) for more information about course dates and costing for the Drum Beat Academy Nature Tourist Guide and Event Support Training.

A New Age Dawns

2009-03-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

Hi All

We are proud to announce that Drum Beat has its own Blog! You can check up on the latest news, events, developments and some generally interesting information. A new entry will be posted every 2 weeks, it might be more frequent depending on the amount of information we have to share. You are more than welcome to share your views and comment on any post or send it along to friends, family and colleagues and in so doing help us build an informative network throughout the tourism sector.

Robert Kerrigan said “the way of the world is meeting people through other people” and this is a proficient art in the tourism sector. How could it be anything else? A Tourist Guide does make his/her living by talking to strangers from the four corners of the world. According to Johan Arndt “informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed, and spread.” What better sector to help build and market the brand of South Africa? Who better to help develop our widely diverse tourism industry? Together we can truly make a difference no matter how small or trivial it may seem, besides even the mighty baobab that fills the skies of the north started from an insignificant seed.

Help us build a future and while we’re at it we might as well make it fun. Send us interesting stories you come across, add as much detail as possible regarding origin, people involved, etc. You can even send us your photos from your latest trip, just remember to add a caption telling us who it’s from, where it was taken, description of the photo, etc. We would love to hear from you.
Send it to: admin@drumbeatacademy.co.za (Ester),
subject: something for your Blog.

For more about us, please check out our website - Tourist Guide and event support Training

Have a wonderful day!

Drum Beat