Sanlam–SANParks SMME Fund expands to Mountain Zebra National Park

Local small businesses near Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) outside Nxuba (formerly Cradock) in the Eastern Cape are set to benefit from a major economic boost. The Sanlam Group and South African National Parks (SANParks) have extended their SMME Support Programme to the park, marking the ninth national park to join the initiative.

The partnership between Sanlam and SANParks aims to empower small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) by offering short-term, interest-free loans on approved purchase orders. This financial support allows local suppliers within a 100 km radius of the park to complete their contracts without facing the burden of upfront capital costs or interest-bearing debt.

Launched with an initial R20 million investment, the programme promotes inclusive growth and local empowerment by addressing one of the biggest challenges for small businesses: access to affordable finance.

“By extending the programme to MZNP, which is now the ninth park we’re reaching, we’re reinforcing our commitment to inclusive growth and local empowerment,” said Skumsa Ntshanga, Head of Socio-Economic Transformation at SANParks. “This fund helps business owners build capacity, sustain jobs, and contribute to socio-economic development in their communities.”

The initiative also supports SANParks’ Vision 2040, which strives to create harmony between environmental conservation and community well-being. It is implemented by I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR (IAAE), focusing on SANParks-approved suppliers within the defined radius. In exceptional cases, businesses located further away may also qualify.

Impressive milestones

As of 30 September 2025, the programme has disbursed R28.4 million across the nine national parks, with 34% of supported businesses being women-owned and 35% youth-owned. It has helped retain 251 jobs, 127 permanent and 124 temporary, and saved SMMEs approximately R2.4 million in interest, while reinvesting R15.9 million into business operations.

A success story from Addo Elephant National Park

Among the programme’s beneficiaries is Ambitious People Holdings, a microenterprise based in Kirkwood, 33 km from Addo Elephant National Park. The company, led by Babalwa Masoka, received a zero-interest loan of R460,800 to fulfil a diesel supply order worth R800,100 earlier this year.

“We thank the SANParks–Sanlam Procurement Fund because it really made our lives easier,” said Masoka. “We were able to deliver without worrying about where to get the funds or paying high interest rates. We know we have a trusted funder backing us up.”

Empowering communities through partnerships

Sanlam’s Chief Transformation Officer, Thandeka Nkambule, said the initiative demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to social and economic progress.

“This initiative reflects Sanlam’s commitment to empowering generations of Africans to live with confidence,” she said. “In a country where access to affordable financing remains a barrier for small businesses, especially in underserved communities, we see it as our responsibility to help level the playing field.”

With Mountain Zebra National Park now joining the initiative, the Sanlam–SANParks SMME Fund continues to play a vital role in unlocking the potential of small enterprises, driving job creation, and promoting inclusive, sustainable development in communities surrounding South Africa’s national parks.