News

South African National Parks (SANParks) and SANLAM Group have expanded the SMME Support Programme into the Arid Region, extending interest-free purchase order funding to small business suppliers operating in and around Meerkat and Mokala National Parks, as well as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape.

This marks the programme’s first reach into remote arid communities, building on its success across several national parks to date, and broadening economic participation beyond traditional tourism hubs.

Through a R20 million revolving fund, SANParks-approved SMMEs within a 100 km radius of participating parks can access short-term, zero-interest loans against issued purchase orders. Implemented by I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR (IAAE), the programme has, on average, disbursed close to R36 million, approved and funded 172 applications, supported mainly women- and youth-owned enterprises, retained over 297 jobs, saved approximately R2.4 million in annualised interest costs, and reinvested close to R16 million directly back into small business operations.

Launch events in the Arid Region will take place at Meerkat National Park on 03 February 2026 in Carnarvon, Mokala National Park on 04 February 2026 in Kimberley, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on 05 February 2026 in Rietfontein. The remaining Arid Parks, namely Namaqua, Richtersveld, and Augrabies Falls National Parks, are scheduled for rollout in March, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to inclusive economic growth in remote and under-resourced communities.

Due to the remoteness of the parks in the Arid Region, a 350 km radius will apply to SMMEs operating within participating parks in this region, instead of the standard 100 km used elsewhere. All eligible SMMEs are invited to attend the workshops at Meerkat National Park, Mokala National Park, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to learn more about the Fund and the business opportunities available within participating parks.