Date: 14 May 2025

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IFGA responds to FGASA’s legal action announcement: Clarity, unity, and the future of guiding

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The International Field Guide Association (IFGA) has taken note of the recent statement released by the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), announcing legal action against IFGA and Bushwise (Pty) Ltd. 

While we are disappointed by the tone and intent of this public communication, we welcome the opportunity to provide clarity on IFGA’s purpose and the principles we stand for.

Clarifying IFGA’s role

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IFGA is not an accrediting body, nor does it seek to replace any existing qualifications or curricula. Instead, IFGA builds upon the legal foundation that all qualified guides already hold—specifically the CATHSSETA-accredited Nature Site Guide NQF Level 2 or Level 4 qualifications. Our focus is not on duplicating educational processes, but on offering an inclusive, skills-based assessment system that recognises and elevates practical guiding excellence, professionalism, and guest engagement.

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Our assessment process is independent and open to all qualified guides, regardless of which training provider or association they come from. Whether a guide qualified through FGASA, another provider, or a private institution, they are welcome to undertake the IFGA assessment. This is what inclusivity and industry support should look like.

A missed opportunity for collaboration

 

It is deeply concerning that FGASA has chosen to take legal action without any prior engagement or effort to understand how IFGA operates or what it seeks to achieve. Not once has FGASA approached IFGA to discuss or review the assessment model or intent behind our platform. This approach does not reflect the professionalism or ethical leadership that our industry needs, especially in a time where innovation and collaboration should be encouraged, not suppressed.

Dividing the industry hurts the guides we aim to support
 

The guiding industry is evolving. Guest expectations, conservation needs, and professional standards are constantly shifting. IFGA was created by experienced industry professionals to help recognise and promote excellence, not to compete with existing organisations. Our mission has always been to work alongside the broader guiding community, not to divide it.

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By choosing litigation over dialogue, FGASA is sending a disheartening message to aspiring and professional guides who simply want to grow, be recognised for their abilities, and contribute meaningfully to tourism, conservation, and education. We believe such actions undermine, not protect, the industry.

Our commitment remains
 

IFGA will continue to operate with transparency, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the professional development of guides. We invite all stakeholders—training providers, employers, lodges, and associations – to engage with us constructively, with the shared goal of strengthening the guiding profession in Africa.

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Let us focus on empowering the very individuals who make this industry thrive: the guides who dedicate their lives to connecting people with nature.

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For any queries, please contact info@ifga.pro. 

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IFGA Council

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