Small business suppliers to Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) outside Nxuba (formerly Cradock) in the Eastern Cape will now have access to interest-free loans on issued purchase orders following the expansion of the Sanlam and SANParks SMME Support Programme.
The initiative aims to improve inclusivity and broaden economic participation by offering business support and funds to suppliers within a 100 km radius of the park’s boundary.
The programme has already been successfully implemented in the Kruger, Garden Route, Addo Elephant, Table Mountain, West Coast, Golden Gate, Marekele and Mapungubwe national parks.
With an initial investment of R20 million (US$1.1 million), the fund provides short-term, interest-free purchase order loans enabling SMMEs to fulfil contracts without upfront capital constraints. This helps ease financial pressure and allows small businesses to deliver effectively.
“By extending the programme to MZNP, which is now the ninth park we’re reaching, we’re reinforcing our commitment to inclusive growth and local empowerment,” said Skumsa Ntshanga, Head of Socio-Economic Transformation at SANParks. “The fund enables small business owners to build capacity, sustain employment and contribute to socio-economic development in their communities.”
As of September 30 this year, the programme has:
- Disbursed R28.4 million (US$1.6 million) across onboarded national parks
- Supported 34% women-owned and 35% youth-owned businesses
- Retained 251 jobs (127 permanent and 124 temporary)
- Saved R2.4 million (US$137 976) in annualised interest
- Reinvested R15.9 million (US$914 091) into SMME operations
