Fair Trade in Tourism South Afrca (FTTSA) welcomes two new FTTSA-certified establishments - Djuma Game Reserve in Sabi Sands and Jan Harmsgat Country House in Swellendam.

Djuma (meaning "roar of the lion" in Shangaan) Game Reserve is situated in the northern section of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Djuma strives to show their guests the magic of Africa by leaving its natural beauty untouched while strengthening and showcasing its dynamic cultural complexity. Djuma has created a wonderful combination of warmth, luxury and wild African beauty that makes it unlike any place in the world.

Jan Harmsgat Country House is situated near Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa. Granted as a freehold farm in 1723 the present owners have restored its old charm in a manner that contributes to poverty alleviation in disadvantaged communities. It mostly employs staff from the families of local farm workers.

Judi Rebstein, co-owner of Jan Harmsgat, commented, "When we bought the farm we noticed that many women had only seasonal part time work. We employed local women to learn everything from producing jams to cooking, sewing and cleaning. Their lives changed from little or no education and living in poverty to become the backbone of our operation!" At Jan Harmsgat, much is done to improve the skills of the staff and to updgrade their general education. In addition, 90% of the produce is purchased from local suppliers and previously disdvantaged entrepeneurs are used for building maintenance, making staff uniforms, enternatinment at weddings and festive season celebrations.

Djuma is committed to its neighbouring communities through conservation and social programmes. Jurie Moolman, co-owner of Djuma says, "We have a contact and conservation philosophy as well as the historical motivation of apartheid to equalize everybody from landless to landlord." This commitment is evident in Djuma's many programmes that champion local socio-economic development, such as its support to Buffelshoek Education Trust in building two primary schools and a media training centre for disadvantaged communities.

Both Jan Harmsgat and Djuma demonstrate that fairness, ethical business practice and environmental respect form a sound basis for sustainable tourism. Jennifer Seif, FTTSA's Executive Director, salutes these newly certified establishments for their fair and just conditions in their tourism operations, marketing and development.