Key changes to TGCSA star grading criteria, application
01 April 2011
- The appointment of Awards Committee Members covering a broader range of skills necessary to adjudicate the awarding of Star Grades, such as architecture, hospitality, décor, travel and Universal Accessibility.
- The re-design of the Grading Plaque to be displayed by graded establishments.
- The TGCSA is taking back control of the Plaque, with a new design which reflects a serial number together with the clear message that states that “This Grading Plaque is the property of the TGCSA”, thus making it legal for the TGCSA to remove the plaque from those establishments who insist on displaying it although no longer graded.
- The new Consumer Protection Act which comes into effect in April 2011 further strengthens the TGCSA’s efforts in this regard.
- The purchase and installation of a new IT Back-Office to ensure a seamless Grading Process to be followed by Accredited Grading Assessors whenever they assess properties around the country.
- The introduction of an equitable grading fee structure.
- The TGCSA has introduced a grading fee structure that takes into consideration the rate charged by the establishment, the star grading applied for as well as the number of rooms. Previously, for example, a 9-room Guest House in Mthatha charging R600.00 pp was paying the exact same Grading Fee as a 9-room Guest House in central Port Elizabeth charging R2000.00 pp.
- The appointment of four Provincial Master Assessors.
- Based in Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Durban and Cape Town, these professionals service all nine provinces. They ensure the presence of the TGCSA within provinces and are accessible to resolve issues on the ground, thus improving service levels for both the establishments as well as the Accredited Grading Assessors.
- Under the new system, the total points that can be achieved are now 1000 versus the 460 previously. This demonstrates the many new areas that have been added for assessment and the rigorousness of the process.
- The Performance Management and Annual Review of all Accredited Grading Assessors using a Service Provider Agreement signed with the TGCSA.
- The Provincial Master Assessors play a key role in ensuring that the Service Provider relationship that the TGCSA has with all its Accredited Assessors is implemented to the benefit of all establishments and to improve quality standards across the country.
- Training for all Accredited Grading Assessors and all TGCSA Head Office Staff.
- The TGCSA is dramatically changing and improving both its internal processes as well as the actual Grading Criteria.
- Training for all is an absolute must.
- An annual refresher course on grading criteria and minimum requirements has been implemented.
- Phasing out of ‘Internal Assessors’.
- Some hotel groups have their employees trained on the TGCSA system and have them accredited as Grading Assessors.
- Consultation has commenced with these groups to phase this out as the TGCSA can no longer accept people who are players and referees at the same time.
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