Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers, special delegates and hon members of this Council, the Free State legislature has approved the proposed amendments which define both provincial and national registrars, as required by section 21(1) of Act 72 of 1993, as amended by section 1 of Act 105 of 1996. The province approves the registration of tourist guides nationally after competence for registration has been effected. The Bill recognises the awarding of certificates after a person's knowledge has been adequately assessed.
Even before the NP came into power in 1948, we had racial and sexist imbalances, which are now compensated for in this Bill, and potential is provided for growth and development for these individuals in terms of the objectives of the said Bill. The codes of conduct and ethics required for the efficiency of tourist guides will apply to all related to the task, as they seek to inform, guide and protect tourists in terms of accepted standards.
The tourist guide is also protected by the Bill, just as much as the tourist, should the Bill be contravened, be it by the tourist guide or the tourist. The tourist guide is free to seek an adviser's assistance when complaints are lodged against him or her or even when against the tourist.
We commend the Minister for tabling guidelines on how complaints need to be lodged and given attendance. The same goes for the reviews of appeals and disputes. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to secure a smooth execution of the tasks assigned to the mutual benefit of the tourist, the tourist guide and the stakeholders. This seeks to reduce the need for summary dismissals and seeks to retain cordial working relationships to enhance the tourist industry. It is recommended that women of all age groups be especially encouraged to be recruited to ensure that women can obtain equal opportunity of employment, operation and promotion, just as we seek to provide the ethnic balances displayed in our demographics.
We propose that special encouragement be given to intercity and interprovince ventures, and also to our neighbouring independent countries, rather than always looking overseas.
The Free State, therefore, recommends and approves this Bill as presented to hon members by the Minister. ``Haak, Vrystaat!'' [Go, Free State!] [Applause.]