Angelica — ‘focus on the results’

Angelica Munoz-Cordoba, chairperson of Cape Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) and founder and owner of Ates Africa, has a motto: ‘Do not focus on where you come from, focus on the results of what we can accomplish by working together.’

Angelica said: At CTGA, we believe that tourist guides are part of the engine that drives tourism.

CTGA is a registered NPO and an association for freelance registered guides. The Cape Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) can trace its roots back to the mid 1970s, when a group of persons undertaking guided tours decided to form an association. Today, it remains an association for accredited tour guides run by tour guides.

Tourist Guides are valuable ambassadors and crucial to the success of tourism in the Western Cape and South Africa. The association’s goal is to promote professionalism in the industry. The success of the CTGA’s role lies in the ongoing and active participation in all platforms with our stakeholders in the tourism industry and to promote the Western Cape, as well as the whole of South Africa, in a positive light and as a premier destination.

Angelica’s career began at a law firm in South America. “I studied law and after I completed my studies, I emigrated to South Africa in 2009. The initial idea was to pursue a career in this profession, but South Africa and South America are not comparable in this field — thus I had to either redo my studies or find an alternate way of providing for myself. As I am a people’s person, I decided to venture into tourism. I then studied tourism management and after that I realised that tourism was for me.”

Angelica then completed a course to become a qualified tour guide and worked for a tourism company. “Other than running actual tours, I did a lot of ‘office work’ — and soon decided to go out on my own.”

“I joined the Cape Tourist Guides association in 2015 and found out how helpful the guide community is. I learnt so much about what the association stands for and wanted to give more to the guide community. I was nominated onto the committee, and served for a couple of years, before being elected chairperson. This is my second year in this position.”

When asked what has made her the leader she is today, Angelica said: “Dedication, determination and the ability to adapt on a day-to-day basis, are some of the tools. There have been challenges, but also rewards, on a personal and professional level.”

In terms of work/life balance, she said: “Sport is the escape from my long workdays. Also, being in nature balances my life.”

“Apart from having to prove myself as a woman and a foreigner; as a tour guide, I share the vision and passion for growth in our industry.”

Angelica said: “The biggest challenge the future women leaders will have to face is maintaining a healthy environment so that work is compatible with family life.”

Her advice to the women aspiring to become leaders is: “Commitment and understanding are key, as we all come from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions. Respect and patience before all.”

“Reconciling family and work life, has always been a challenge for women. Especially for women in positions that require travelling for several days. This is a big problem for women who don’t have support.”

“Even though I have a very supporting husband, I’ve had to learnt to be strong and resilient, especially when things don’t go according to plan.”

Jane Goodall is a women Angelica admires. “I admire Jane Goodall, because she is a woman that fought for the rights of those who could not speak their suffering, someone that inspired the world by her actions, not her words or promises, someone who believes in people working with her, and not for her, as she said: “Being present with people and inspiring them to think with us builds passion, passion builds knowledge, and together they inspire dedicated action. It is easy to be prescriptive and tell people what to do.”

Looking ahead, Angelica said: “I am positive about the future. I believe in equality and mutual respect. South Africa is committed to growing tourism to the country. We have a beautiful destination, and the tour guides will benefit from this growth.”

In conclusion, Angelica said: “As guides, we are ambassadors and the first face welcoming the tourist. Our association stands for professionalism.”

She added: “Our association aims to provide professional training, educational sessions and workshops to upskill tour guides in various areas. One of our focus areas will also be wellness. Next year, we will continue to focus on working with guides, and for the guides, and, as the rainbow nation that we are, we will do so in collaboration with the many stakeholders of the industry.”