The South African National Parks (SANParks) in partnership with Sanlam has extended its interest-free loan programme to small businesses operating near the Table Mountain National Park.
This initiative is aimed at empowering SMMEs within a 50km radius of the park by easing access to finance and enabling them to deliver on SANParks contracts without the usual capital constraints.
The zero-interest loan programme, which was first piloted in the Kruger National Park and later extended to the Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Parks, has already disbursed over R19 million to 87 SMMEs.
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Sungulani Business Enterprise, the micro-enterprise in Mkhulu, was one of the first beneficiaries of the programme at the Kruger National Park. The company supplies stationery, computer consumables, cleaning equipment and chemicals to government departments, the private sector and the public at wholesale prices.
The business secured a SANParks contract worth R390,247 to supply hardware materials and received a zero-interest loan of R311,534,46.
Sungulani director Jerry Sibiya said the funding came at the right time.
“It’s opened doors I didn’t think were possible before. Sanlam’s quick turnaround was impressive, and the loan helped us fulfil the contract efficiently and on time. It made a huge difference, especially in terms of improving our cash flow,” said Sibiya.
He now employs five permanent staff members and continues to grow his business beyond its initial scope.
The funding has not only helped him deliver on his SANParks contract, but also enabled him to scale up operations and explore new opportunities.
“I’ve worked with SANParks for a long time and they have helped me gain the capacity to supply bigger companies and handle larger orders with confidence. I managed to expand into manufacturing and increase my production capacity, which has allowed me to sustain operations for longer periods without financial strain.”
With a dedicated fund valued at R20 million, the expansion into Table Mountain will mark another step in broadening economic participation in areas surrounding South Africa’s national parks.
According to Skumsa Ntshanga, the head of socio-economic transformation at SANParks, this expansion aimed to reinforce the company’s commitment to inclusive growth and local empowerment.
“This fund will enable businesses to build capacity, sustain employment and contribute to socio-economic development in their communities. It also supports our 2040 vision, which envisions a thriving balance between nature conservation and human well-being,” said Ntshanga.
Administered by the development organisation I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR (IAAE), the initiative has had a measurable impact. So far, 34% of the funded businesses are women-owned, while 37% are youth-owned.
An estimated 193 jobs have been retained – 69 permanent and 124 temporary – with R2.3 million saved in annualised interest and R9.4 million reinvested into business operations.
Sanlam chief transformation officer Thandeka Nkambule said the programme was part of the group’s wider commitment to social and economic development.
“In a country where unemployment remains high and access to affordable finance is a persistent barrier for small businesses, we see it as our responsibility to help level the playing field,” said Nkambule.
