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The Department of Tourism has opened applications for its Foreign Language Training Programme, offering South African tourist guides the chance to learn Mandarin in the 2025/26 financial year.
The initiative aims to equip local guides with Mandarin skills to better serve the growing Chinese tourism market.
The training, which will be conducted at Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) levels 1 and 2, targets registered tourist guides from across the country.
According to the department, the programme will not only improve communication between guides and Chinese visitors but also expand market access and business opportunities for participants.
“Tourist guides play a critical role in enhancing visitor experiences. By learning Mandarin, they will be better positioned to engage with Chinese tourists and contribute to strengthening South Africa’s tourism offering,” the department said.
The training will be rolled out in two phases. In the first phase, candidates will undergo Mandarin language training and sit for official HSK exams. Those who pass will move on to phase two, which includes cultural immersion in China.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to South African citizens who are registered tourist guides—either freelance or employed. Preference will be given to individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as women and youth.
Applicants must have at least one to two years of guiding experience, preferably with foreign tourists, and possess effective communication skills.
Basic computer literacy and access to digital devices are also required, as some of the training may be conducted online. Applicants must submit a one-page motivation letter explaining why they should be selected, along with a concise CV, a copy of their ID, and a valid tourist guide registration card.
Application and Selection Process
Applications should be emailed to TGtraining@tourism.gov.za by 12 September 2025. Selected candidates will undergo vetting and must sign a learner contract to confirm their commitment to the programme.
The Department of Tourism has indicated that training sessions will be conducted continuously over a specific period, either in Gauteng or online.
Only successful candidates will be contacted, and applicants who do not receive a response within three months of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
This initiative forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to strengthen cultural and economic ties with China, one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
By equipping guides with Mandarin language skills, the department hopes to position South Africa as a more welcoming and competitive destination for Chinese visitors.
