Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System

16 Apr 2008

Visitors to Cape Town can expect to be greeted on arrival by youth dressed in yellow bibs and red caps, only too eager to help them get to their destinations safely, writes Bathandwa Mbola.

The Tjommies (Afrikaans slang meaning friend) Ambassador Project has turned eight unemployed people into visitor guides helping tourists to the city to carry out their holidays with little hassle and advice on attractions.

Through this project, the City of Cape Town can ensure tourist safety while providing the unemployed youth with the opportunity to access employment opportunities in different segments of the tourism industry.

The project is the brainchild of non-profit organisation Men on the Side of the Road in partnership with the City of Cape Town Tourism.

Tjommies Shift Manager, Anton Peterson told BuaNews on Tuesday that the concept was developed in December last year as part of developing visitor services in the city ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

'They are trained to assist tourists and are provided with maps, guides and season specific information.

"Training on the city's heritage and tourist attractions and how to present themselves to tourists is also given. "

Visitors from other African countries as well as Europe; Croatia and Germany are already making use of the Tjommie's services, boasted Mr Peterson, adding that there were plans to employ 100 Tjommies by 2009, of this 15 have started training on Monday.

The 28-year-old Nosipo Damane from Gugulethu, who was recruited as a Tjommie in December 2007, described herself as lucky to be part of the group.

'In my job I meet different people everyday. It is even better to help visitors from outside South Africa because then I have to be at my best as am not only representing Cape Town, but South Africa as my country,' she told BuaNews.

However, tourists are sometimes sceptical about the Tjommies and are a little apprehensive when approached.

"Sometimes visitors become defensive. Maybe they think I am a beggar or criminal but I was trained on how to deal with different situations and all in all I enjoy every minute.'

The City of Town has contributed about R250 000 towards training the Tjommies, who receive a basic salary and can receive tips.

"The tourism industry welcomed the implementation of the project and we want to build on its performance leading up to hosting the world cup," Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development and Tourism, Simon Grindrod said.

Nationally, the world cup is expected to create 80 000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The city has shown a positive growth in occupancies over the festive season, according to a snap accommodation survey conducted by the Cape Town Tourism Department.

"The 2007/2008 festive season has been a bumper season, as predicted by the tourism industry," said the department.

Further to this, Cape Town reported no serious visitor safety incidents at any of the main tourist attractions during December.

"We believe that the collaborative approach between all stakeholders, citizens and visitors contributed significantly to improving visitor safety," Mr Grindrod said.

Aside from the Tjommies Project, these also include the Festive Season Visitor Welcome and Safety Campaign and the Safety Awareness Campaign.

Source: BuaNews