Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) small business suppliers will now have access to interest free loans due to the expansion of the Sanlam Group and South African National Parks (SANParks) SMME Support Programme. The SMME support programme aims to improve inclusivity and broaden economic participation by offering business support and funds to suppliers within a 50KM radius of Table Mountain National Park which stretches 70km from Signal Hill and Table Mountain in the north, to Cape Point in the south. The expansion follows the programme’s successful implementation in Kruger National Park, Garden Route National Park, and more recently Addo Elephant National Park.
The initiative, valued at R20 million, provides short-term, interest-free purchase order loans, allowing SMMEs to fulfil their contracts without upfront capital constraints. The aim is to ease financial pressure and enable these businesses to deliver on contracts effectively. This support is especially significant in a country where SMMEs contribute significantly to the economy, accounting for roughly 40% to GDP yet often struggle with access to affordable finance.
“By extending the programme to Table Mountain National Park, we’re reinforcing our commitment to inclusive growth and local empowerment,” said Skumsa Ntshanga, Head of Socio-Economic Transformation at SANParks. “The fund enables small businesses to build capacity, sustain employment, and contribute to socio-economic development in their communities. It also supports our Vision 2040, which envisions a thriving balance between nature conservation and human well-being.”
The programme is implemented by I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR (IAAE) and focuses on SANParks-approved SMMEs operating within a 50 km radius of the park. In exceptional cases, suppliers located further afield may also be considered. The zero-interest model helps ease cash flow constraints, enabling these enterprises to accept and complete projects without the added burden of interest-bearing debt.
Thandeka Nkambule, Chief Transformation Officer at Sanlam, emphasized the broader goal: “This initiative reflects Sanlam’s commitment to empowering generations of Africans to live with confidence. In a country where unemployment remains high and access to affordable financing is a persistent barrier for small businesses, especially in underserved communities, we see it as our responsibility to help level the playing field.
By extending the zero-interest loan programme to Table Mountain National Park, we’re not just providing funding, we’re unlocking potential. These businesses are key drivers of job creation and local development, and with the right support, they can thrive and uplift entire communities.”
Programme Milestones to Date:
- R19.1 million disbursed across 87 approved MSMEs in Kruger and Garden Route National Parks.
- 34% of funded businesses are women-owned; 37% are youth-owned.
- 193 jobs retained (69 permanent and 124 temporary).
- R2.3 million saved in annualised interest.
- R9.4 million reinvested into MSME operations.
A Success Story from Kruger National Park
One of the first beneficiaries of the programme was Sungulani Business Enterprise, an Exempt Micro Enterprise (EME) located in Mkhuhlu, 41 km from Skukuza in Kruger National Park. On 28 March 2024, the company received a purchase order to supply hardware materials worth R390,247, supported by a zero-interest loan of R311,534.46 from the fund.
“The funding came at a critical time,” said Mr. Jerry Sibiya, Director of Sungulani, which employs nine permanent staff. “Sanlam’s turnaround time was impressive, and the loan helped us fulfil the contract quickly and efficiently. It made all the difference.”
The expansion into Table Mountain National Park represents another milestone in the journey to empower local businesses, sustain jobs, and support conservation goals through meaningful economic inclusion.
