The Sunlam Group and South African National Parks (SanParks) today officially expanded the Sunlam Sunparks SMME Support Program to Ajue Lephant National Park (AENP). After successful implementations at Kruger National Park and Garden Route Park, the fund is expanding to support Sunparks small business suppliers within the AENP 50km radius.
Currently valued at R20 million, the fund offers short-term, interest-free working capital loans, helping micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) serve Sun Park. This is especially important in countries where SMMES donates around 40% of all GDP, but many have struggled to access affordable finance.
Sunlam's Chief Change Officer, Rayan Sedres, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. “South African national parks are key contributors to the country's economy, promoting ecotourism, job creation and biodiversity conservation. By expanding the fund to ADDO, we will be able to create a network of local small and medium-sized enterprises. We are strengthening and ensuring that more SanParks suppliers have access to the financial support they need to grow, create jobs and contribute to sustainable economic development.”
I've implemented by Entrepreneurs (IAAE) this program prioritizes Sunparks-approved SMME suppliers within 50km of the national park and has the flexibility of special cases approved by Sunparks. Zero-interested loans help these businesses undertake and complete the project without burdening high borrowing costs.
Skumsa Ntshanga, director of socioeconomic change at SanParks, emphasizes the importance of providing economic support to local SMMEs to ensure equal access to opportunities. “By expanding this program into one of our biggest parks, we solidify our commitment to inclusiveness from our local suppliers. The fund is a way for suppliers to grow their business and to help the community social economy. It contributes meaningfully to the uplift and enables the park to ensure smooth operation. This coincides with our vision of harmonious coexistence between people and nature, and they both have both It will flourish.”
Results of previous programs
R12.9 million paid for 61 approved MSME (micro, small business) applications crosses Kruger National Park and Garden Route Park (Tsitsikamma, Wilderness, Knysna). 28% of funded MSMEs are owned by women, and 41% are owned by young people. 153 employment consisting of 39 permanent positions and 114 temporary positions. R1.5 million saved on gross interest annually from MSMES. R5.8million has reinvested in MSME operations.
“This initiative is deeply in line with our North Star to ensure that all Africans can thrive financially safely and prosper,” adds Sedles. “We cannot achieve this without giving the micro and small business sectors the support we need to thrive. Given the inequality within our society, we can especially benefit from businesses owned by young people and women. , it is our privilege to help unlock this possibility.”
Success story from the garden route
One of the early beneficiaries of the program is Sidomela Trading Enterprise, a construction business owned by Cynthia Odwa Majova of Plettenberg Bay.
In January 2025, Sidomela Trading received a SanParks purchase order to renovate three staff houses in the Knysna section of Garden Route National Park. On the same day, Majova successfully applied for a zero-in test loan for R119 615.17. This financial support allowed her business to undertake the R351 495 project, creating 13 jobs in the process.
Looking back on her experiences, Majova said: It really helped my business, so I would recommend other SMMEs apply. If there is a need arise, I will definitely apply to this fund again. ”
“We are excited to support SMMES in overcoming challenges, including entry barriers by providing funding opportunities. The fund is easy to apply and easy for national park suppliers,” said Ntshanga. You can access it. We hope that as many local suppliers as possible will take advantage of this valuable opportunity.”
The expansion to Addo Elephant National Park illustrates another step to empowering small businesses, creating jobs and ensuring local suppliers can flourish while supporting South Africa's conservation efforts.
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