CODE OF CONDUCT – Kruger Safari & Tourism Association (KSTA)

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct establishes the ethical, professional, and operational standards expected of all Members of the Association. All Members agree to uphold these standards as a condition of membership.

2. Professional Integrity

Members shall:

2.1 Conduct their businesses honestly, transparently, and lawfully.
2.2 Maintain all required registrations, permits, certifications, and insurance.
2.3 Provide accurate and truthful marketing, pricing, and service information.
2.4 Honour contractual commitments made to clients, partners, and fellow members.
2.5 Avoid conduct that may bring the Association into disrepute.

3. Ethical and Responsible Tourism

Members shall:

3.1 Promote environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
3.2 Respect wildlife conservation laws and best practices.
3.3 Support local communities and fair labour practices.
3.4 Avoid activities that exploit cultural heritage, wildlife, or vulnerable communities.
3.5 Encourage responsible guest behaviour in natural and cultural environments.

4. Fair Conduct Between Members

Members shall:

4.1 Treat fellow Members with respect and professionalism.
4.2 Refrain from making false, misleading, or defamatory statements about other Members.
4.3 Compete fairly and lawfully.
4.4 Not misuse the Association’s name, branding, or collective reputation for individual advantage.
4.5 Avoid unethical staff solicitation practices.

5. Competition Law Compliance

The Association shall not be used to:

• Fix prices or commission structures.
• Allocate markets, territories, or clients.
• Restrict competition between Members.
• Exchange commercially sensitive pricing or strategic information.

All Members must comply with the Competition Act of South Africa.

6. Confidentiality

Members shall:

6.1 Protect confidential information shared within the Association.
6.2 Not disclose strategic plans, marketing initiatives, client data, or partnership arrangements without authorisation.
6.3 Use shared information solely for legitimate Association purposes.

7. Conflict of Interest

Members must:

7.1 Declare any direct or indirect interest that may conflict with the interests of the Association.
7.2 Refrain from participating in decisions where such conflicts exist.
7.3 Act in good faith and in the best interests of the Association.

8. Public Representation and Media

Members shall:

8.1 Represent the Association accurately and only when authorised to do so.
8.2 Conduct themselves responsibly on social media and in public forums.
8.3 Avoid statements that may damage the reputation of the Association or its Members.

9. Breach of Code

9.1 Alleged breaches shall be reviewed by the Management Committee.

9.2 The Member shall be given written notice of the allegation and an opportunity to respond.

9.3 Sanctions may include:

• Written warning.
• Suspension of membership.
• Termination of membership in accordance with the Constitution.

10. Acknowledgement

All Members shall sign a written declaration confirming that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.