Cause Development Agency, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and Visit Stellenbosch, has launched an innovative, sector-led tourist guide training programme designed to address a shortage of competent, work-ready guides in Stellenbosch’s rapidly expanding visitor economy.

Part-sponsored by Kleine Zalze Wines, the DEDAT Stellenbosch Tourist Guide Training Project began in January 2026 and will train 17 new culture and adventure tourist guides through a model that prioritises real-world competence, employability and direct integration into the tourism sector.

The initiative was developed after Visit Stellenbosch identified a growing constraint: while demand for guided experiences is increasing, there are not enough competent guides to meet it. Cause Development Agency, as Visit Stellenbosch’s regenerative tourism partner, was tasked with designing a solution that moves beyond conventional classroom-based training.

“This programme is about producing competent, confident and engaging guides who are work-ready on graduation,” says Nicolette Booyens, Managing Director of Cause Development Agency. “Sector-led training and structured Work Integrated Learning are central to achieving that.”

The programme forms part of the broader Stellenbosch Regenerative Tourism drive, developed and led by Booyens through Cause Development Agency. The approach aligns skills development, economic inclusion and sector growth, ensuring that tourism expansion translates into local employment and enterprise opportunity.

Visit Stellenbosch Experience Director Raino Bolz notes that the need extends beyond numbers. “The challenge was not only a shortage of guides, but ensuring they are immediately employable and able to deliver quality experiences.”

Visit Stellenbosch CEO Annemie Liebenberg adds: “We look forward to welcoming a new generation of skilled tourism guides who will contribute meaningfully to the professional growth of the sector and to Stellenbosch’s world-class visitor offering.”

Partners include DEDAT, Visit Stellenbosch, Cause Development Agency, Kleine Zalze Wines, Bergzicht Training and Development, Livingston Academy, SA Outdoor Academy. Work-Integrated Learning partners include Adventure Shop, Cape Adventure Brands, Stellenbosch on Foot, Bites and Sites, Scoot Tours, Boschendal Wine Farm, Pniel Cultural and Adventure Hiking Tours, Casa Cerveza, Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House, and Winelands Guide.