By Azwidohwi Mamphiswana
SMMEs in the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape will now benefit from an interest-free loan scheme in a partnership between Sanlam and South African National Parks (SANParks).
Following its success in the Kruger National Park and Garden Route National Park, the initiative aims to provide critical working capital to local businesses, enabling them to serve the tourism industry better and contribute to sustainable economic development in the region.
The loan fund, which has now grown to R20 million, targets SMMEs within a 50km radius of the park, helping them meet the needs of SANParks’ eco-tourism infrastructure and services.
Many small businesses struggle with access to affordable finance despite the sector contributing approximately 40% to South Africa’s GDP.
Sanlam chief financial officer Ray-Ann Sedres highlighted the programme’s potential impact.
“South African National Parks are a vital contributor to the country’s economy, driving eco-tourism, job creation and biodiversity conservation. By expanding the fund into Addo, we are strengthening the local small business network, ensuring that more SANParks suppliers can access the financial support they need to grow, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable economic development.”
The zero-interest loans will help businesses take on and complete projects without the burden of high borrowing costs. SANParks and Sanlam’s collaboration aims to empower small businesses supplying services to national parks, including hospitality, retail and tour services.
SANParks socio-economic transformation head Skumsa Ntshanga noted that expanding the programme to another one of its parks would cement the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity for local suppliers.
“The fund allows them to grow their businesses, contribute meaningfully to the socio-economy of their communities and help ensure the smooth operation of our parks.
“This aligns with our Vision 2040 of a harmonious co-existence between people and nature, where they both prosper,” said Ntshanga.
The programme also has a significant social impact.
To date, R12.9 million has been disbursed to 61 MSMEs in Kruger and Garden Route parks, preserving 153 jobs – 39 permanent and 114 temporary. This highlights the programme’s role in strengthening employment in local economies.
Focus has been placed on supporting women and youth entrepreneurs.
Of the funded MSMEs, 28% are women-owned and 41% are youth-owned. This aligns with Sanlam’s broader goal of empowering marginalised groups within South Africa’s business landscape.
“This initiative deeply aligns with our North Star: to empower all Africans to be financially secure and prosperous,” Sedres added.
“We cannot achieve this without giving our micro and small business sector the support it needs to thrive. It’s our privilege to play a part in unlocking this potential – particularly for our youth and women-owned businesses, given the inequalities within our society.”
An early beneficiary of the programme, Sidomela Trading Enterprise, which is owned by Cynthia Odwa Majova in Plettenberg Bay, received a loan to refurbish staff houses at the Garden Route park.
The R119,615 loan allowed her business to take on a R351,495 project, creating 13 new jobs.
“I am very happy with this Sanlam-SANParks partnership. It has helped my business and I encourage other SMMEs to apply. When a need arises, I will definitely apply for this fund again,” Majova said.
