Salaries and conditions

For people with limited experience of the job market in SA, it's hard to know what to reasonably expect re wages and conditions. A reserve I worked on seemed to think it was ok to feed off duty Rangers with 'donkey and pap' type catering. Not acceptable in my opinion, though otherwise it was a great place with brilliant staff. So what are the parameters?

In my 7 years being in the industry i have seen and been to a few lodges. I my opinion happy staff means happy guests end of story. I mean this in all aspects from living conditions (staff quarters) to the meals given. I also have experienced where lodges have charged "guest" prices for using the land lines and "guest" prices for hosting drinks. Not acceptable!!!!!!

I agree, with both of you. How ever it has to be remembered that your package comes inclusive of your board and lodgeing as well as uniform, laundry service and eventually the cash componant amongst others. Balance this with the type of work you do, your national, comparitive skill level and the industry your in, and it is not the type of proffetion you are likely to retire from. Lodges should aim at providing comfortable living conditions, with cleaning staff and laundry service. In my opinion 1 person, 1 room and at least a bath, toilet and basin to share between a maximum of 2 people. A menu that is balanaced and includes the hours guides and trackers work. Enough good quality uniform which should include, at least, a discounted rate for good quality, leather walking shoes. Lodges should also realise that guides and trackers need time for themselves in their accomodation, and this should be included in their daily schedule. In my opinion at least 1-2 hours during the day and their hours should end no later than 10h00 at night. Thus, without increasing an already strained wage bill, lodges can through the development and maintenance they do anyway as well as a little empathy, which is often preached and not practiced, retain valued staff longer, attract valuable staff and create an environment very pleasing to life your lifestyle choice in.

Agreed!

I agree with the points of Robert; Gary and Stefan and would like to add this. It is difficult to say what exactly should be expected from a lodge/employer as each establishment has the right to provide as much within reason as they see fit. Having said that, their are definately some basics that should be adequately provided. The nature of our industry requires that we spend a large portion, approximately 70% and upwards of our annual time within the work enviroment. It thus stands to reason that we want to be as comfortable as possible in all aspects of our work. In my opinion it is the guides responsibility and right to gather as much infomation as possible with regards to salaries and working conditions, during both the pre-interview research phase as well as during the interview itself. You don't have to do a 'clinical test', but take the time to prepare yourself before you accept a position. This will save both yourself and the prospective employer time and dissapointment. Not all establishments are the same and guides need to bear this in mind. It is also the responsibility of the guide to bring matters of concern through the correct channels to the attention of relevent parties. New (Introductory Guides) should also bear in mind that they may have to accept certain conditions/duties, once again within reason until they have climbed higher on the 'Hirachary' ladder. This is the norm within any industry. Each individual has to make a choice and strike a balance between what is accepable to them or not.