After disbursing R12.9 million (€670 000) to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), South African National Parks (SANParks) and Sanlam are expanding their SMME support programme to Addo Elephant National Park.
The fund, now valued at R20 million (€1 million), provides interest-free, short-term working capital loans to help SMMEs fulfil contracts with SANParks.
Including SMMEs within a 50km radius of Addo Elephant National Park follows successful implementation at the Kruger and Garden Route national parks.
“Expanding the fund to Addo strengthens the local business network, ensuring suppliers can access financial support to grow, create jobs and contribute to sustainable economic development,” said Ray-Ann Sedres, Chief Transformation Officer at Sanlam.
The fund has enabled total annual interest savings of R1.5 million (€77 850) for beneficiaries and reinvested R5.8 million (€301 000) into business operations. Beneficiaries include 41% youth-owned and 28% women-owned businesses.
Skumsa Ntshanga, Head of Socio-Economic Transformation at SANParks, highlighted the programme’s alignment with SANParks Vision 2040. “This initiative ensures local businesses benefit from economic opportunities linked to our national parks. By reducing financial barriers, we help suppliers grow, support job creation and contribute to conservation efforts.”
The programme is administered by business development company I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR.
Success story: Sidomela Trading Enterprise
In January 2025, Sidomela Trading Enterprise secured a SANParks contract to refurbish three staff houses in Knysna.
Owner Cynthia Odwa Majova successfully applied for a zero-interest loan on the same day she received a purchase order. The funds were disbursed within minutes, allowing her to complete the project and create 13 jobs.
“This partnership has been a game changer for my business. I encourage other SMMEs to apply. When I need funding again, I will definitely use this programme,” said Majova.
