MDT Administrator changes (18
March 2010)MDT Administrator changes (18
March 2010)The long term Administrator of the MDT, Andrew Friedemann has handed over the reins to Fran Hunziker as of the 19th March 2010.
The contact details of the MDT remain the same. admin@samdt.co.za and fax 086 517 5047. A new postal address will be advertised as soon as it is available.
Andrew will be moving to the UK to follow new training avenues and new adventures which includes the completion of his navigation training book: "Navigation Anyplace Wild". Details of this new generation workbook can be seen at www.navigationskills.comThe book should be ready for distribution by April 2010, and the first chapter downloaded and pre-orders can be made from the website.
MDT Forum (18
September 2009)In order to improve communication between members of the mountain community in SA, the MDT has trying out a forum programme (similar to Face book) so that we can all take part in relevant discussions, share our favourite pictures and generally keep in touch.
You will need to register (free) with the forum at: http://sa-mdt.ning.com/ or just click this link: http://sa-mdt.ning.com/main/authorization/signUp ? to go straight to the sign up page
Please invite anyone else you know who would be interested
The MDT is trying to recover old information relating to certificates issued in its early days. To this effect please could anyone who has an old MDT certificate numbered 1 to 96 or even possibly an un numbered certificate, fax it through to 086 540 3430, or post a copy to P.O.Box 662, Gillitts, 3603.
The MDT is not represented in a large number of areas in SA, and there are potential Service Providers (SP’s) who are finding it difficult to complete the requirements required due to distance from other SP’s or lack of need for the higher level instructor status due to limited scope needs. (for example they only do abseiling) The purpose of this program will be to get these potential Service Provider’s on board and up to speed.
The development process of new Service Providers will run for the next four years, and re evaluation undertaken there after.
“Limited Scope Instructors” will be given SP status in terms of this development program to offer the MDT awards. This means that we will have Service Providers who only offer a limited range of courses, for example only offering Abseil Supervisor courses.
[ Application as an MDT Limited Service Provider ] [ Service Provider Code of Conduct ] [ Instructor Development Program ]
In the new year the MDT will be transforming a number of its training programmes to come more in line with international precedent. These changes were approved during the last National Management Committee meeting held on October. As part of the changes that are going to occur we require that the technical aspects of the changes be approved by our Technical Committee, and in order to ensure openness and transparency we are inviting members of the stakeholders group to join the TechComm if they feel they would be able to provide technical input into the work of the MDT.
To join TechComm simply send a blank email to techcomm-subscribe@samdt.co.za
We suspect that work will begin in mid January on the changes to our training programmes. Some of these changes include the re development of the MDT’s 2 pathways of training (Rock Climbing & Mountain Walking) into a more user friendly 6 pathways. (Abseiling, Mountain Walking, Sport Climbing, Traditional Climbing, Kloofing, Ice Climbing) This will also expand our ability to offer an additional 2 UIAA recognised training programmes.
The MDT has new email addresses as we were experiencing too many problems with the old domain. The new addresses are:
Main Address : info@samdt.co.za
Administration: admin@samdt.co.za
Ombudsman: ombudsman@samdt.co.za
Website: www.samdt.co.za
Download the document in PDF format (2118 Kb)
The MDT wishes to thank the sponsors of the 2007 Instructor Development program for their support in making this project the success it was. The sponsors were: National Braiding Industries for donations of static rope www.nbisa.com ; Rock Frog Resoles for resole vouchers www.resoles.za.net & a donation of cash from the now closed South African Mountain Guides Association. Thank you all for your assistance.
Please note that many award holders has expired certificates and need to contact an assessor for re assessment. See HERE for details if your certificate has expired.
Please note that the MDT has a new Fax number - 086 517 5047
In the absence of any other professional body to provide an easy means to check on the validity of Professional Mountain Based Guides, the MDT has initiated a process by which professional guides who comply fully with the applicable laws of SA to be listed on the MDT website, so that prospective employers and clients can verify the guides qualifications and legitimate claims. The find out how to be listed as a professional guide click here. To see a list of professional guides click here.
If you recently did an assessment but have not received a certificate, have you returned the quality assurance form that was posted to you? Without these forms the Administrator may not issue certification. If you did not receive a form, please contact the Administrator at admin@samdt.co.za for a replacement of the lost one.
Gremlins have got into the latest print run of the Out There Adventure Guide on page 64. The magazine says, "In 2000 the South African Mountaineering Development & Training Trust (MDT) developed and established the National Qualifications Framework. Mountain Guiding qualifications are developed by and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)"
What should have been printed was, "In 2000 the South African Mountaineering Development & Training Trusts established qualifications/awards were used to develop the mountaineering guiding standards for the National Qualifications Framework, which are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority"
The MDT did not develop the National Qualifications Framework, and only took part in the development of the Mountain guiding standards.
The MDT has a number of certificates pending issue but we do not have current contact details for the candidates. Please look at this list and if you are listed contact the Administrator at admin@samdt.co.za so we can arrange to issue your certification. CLICK HERE
The Mountain Club of South Africa - Magaliesberg section has kindly given permission to the MDT to publish in PDF format the South African Mountain Leadership Guide which was first released in the 1980's. This book although no longer in print, is still a valuable training aid for all mountaineers, and it is through this project that the MDT and MCSA hope to promote safe use of our mountains. Read all about it and download it free HERE
There is a lot of confusion within the various industries regarding how 'industry' qualifications relate to or differ from South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) qualifications. Read all about it HERE
The MDT at the recent UIAA International Training Standards meeting held at Sustenpass in Switzerland, was granted approval of its Advance Mountain Walking Leader & Rock Climbing Leader awards programmes. This means that the two awards and the training programmes have been assessed as meeting the international standards for rock climbing and mountain walking.
Although direct use between the federations members countries is not immediately accessible due to terrain differences and local legal restrictions, this does show member countries that our standards are equal to the rest of the world, and allows for significant recognition for candidates wishing to apply fro recognition on other federation countries. For further information visit the UIAA website at http://www.uiaa.ch/index.aspx
Click Here to download a JPG copy of the UIAA approval letter. (118kb)
The revised syllabus for the MDT mountain walking awards is available. This version has been modified to satisfy requests that came in over the last year. These being: 1) It should be in A4 format. Other formats will become available. 2) Be progressive showing how one leads from BML onto AML. 3) Meets the requirements of the UIAA Model Standards for mountain walking leaders.
Click Here to download a PDF copy of this syllabus. (102kb)
Are you about to undergo training or assessment? Have you had all your queries answered? Down load a copy of the Candidates Handbook and study it before you undergo training or assessment. The handbook will give you all you need to know about your progress to a MDT Award and let you know exactly what to expect. This handbook is required reading for all candidates. The book is available in WORD and PDF format.
A number of candidates have complained that they are not listed on the official registrations lists on this website, or have never received certificates for assessment done. If this applies to you, please contact the Administrator as soon as possible. We do know about and have resolved a number of these cases, but do not have current correct contact details for you.
The MDT has drawn up a draft Policy on group leadership in mountainous terrain and is asking stakeholders to comment on its suitability. This has come about in the interests of safety of group members being lead by leaders who may or may not hold formal qualifications. It is also intended to advise official Government agencies when applying the terms of the 2nd Tourism Amendment act of 2000.
After many months of discussion, the MDT has introduced a new Top-Rope Supervisor award to its certifiable levels. This award was identified to meet the wall climbing and outdoor education centre needs.
The MDT is undertaking a process to update the contact details of all its registered members. Please will all candidates fill in an update form and return it to the Administrator
