The SA National Parks {Sanparks) says it has identified local enterprise development and procurement as ways to increase economic opportunities for communities around national parks.
Sanparks spokesperson JP Louw said the aim is to build a pipeline of local businesses able to participate in these opportunities.
In Swellendam, 38 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) attended a SANParks workshop to learn how to meet compliance requirements and position themselves for procurement opportunities, but entrepreneurs say they still need practical support to turn that knowledge into business.
Alice Mfundisi, founder of Ilitha Tours & Travel, a tourism business preparing to launch, said understanding compliance requirements and procurement processes has been a challenge.
Her business aims to offer curated tourism experiences centred on heritage, culture, architecture, wine and natural beauty, connecting visitors with local communities.
Mfundisi said the workshop clarified the requirements and helped her understand which steps to take to prepare for future procurement opportunities.
Bontebok National Park partnered with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) to host the workshop, which focused on helping local businesses meet compliance requirements and understand how to supply goods and services to public institutions.
Representatives from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and National Treasury provided guidance on business compliance and procurement processes.
Mfundisi said the sessions helped her understand the importance of registering on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), which businesses use to position themselves for government procurement opportunities.
The next step is to apply what they have learnt, complete outstanding compliance requirements and prepare to respond when suitable procurement opportunities arise.
The workshop leads to contracts will depend on businesses being able to access opportunities and compete successfully, alongside continued support that helps turn compliance knowledge into commercial results.
For small businesses, getting their paperwork in order does not guarantee a government contract.
Valencia Moores, the owner of VJM Enterprise said she gained a better understanding of the process and how to position her business for future opportunities.
She said further guidance would help businesses access upcoming opportunities, prepare competitive bids and maintain compliance.
This highlights a challenge for enterprise development programmes: businesses need not only information about procurement, but also practical assistance to apply that knowledge when opportunities become available.
For small businesses, understanding these administrative requirements is an important step towards becoming eligible to compete for public-sector contracts. However, registration alone does not guarantee that a business will secure work.
