Reminder On The Use Of Drones In The Kruger National Park
South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to remind the public that flying of unmanned aerial vehicles which are commonly known as drones is ...
SANParks Empowers Local Entrepreneurs Through SMME Information Workshop In Tsitsikamma
South African National Parks (SANParks) hosted a successful SMME Information Session Workshop on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, at the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, attracting over 80 local entrepreneurs and small business owners from communities surrounding the Park.
This session forms part of SANParks’ broader commitment to empowering Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through meaningful engagement, information sharing, and capacity building. It is also rooted in the rollout of Vision 2040, which encompasses the establishment of Mega Living Landscapes (MLL). The Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park is intended to be part of the Greater Addo Mega Living Landscape.
The workshop focused on unpacking procurement opportunities within the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, assisting local businesses in better understanding SANParks’ supply chain requirements and how to access forthcoming tenders and projects.
As part of the day’s programme, participating SMMEs received practical training on tendering and costing presented by SSA Investments (Pty) Ltd, while the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) delivered an informative session outlining their business development and financial support services available to emerging enterprises.
The workshop also raised awareness and encouraged participation in the SANParks SANLAM Fund, a facility designed to assist qualifying SMMEs in bridging financial gaps when bidding for and executing SANParks contracts. The fund provides a zero-interest loan to finance purchase orders received from SANParks.
This initiative aligns with the new SANParks vision statement – a future where people and nature thrive in sustainable mega living landscapes. By enabling SMMEs to engage in the Park’s economic ecosystem, SANParks supports inclusive growth, local empowerment, and contributes to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Through these platforms, we strive to cultivate stronger partnerships with neighbouring communities, provide access to real business opportunities, and assist local entrepreneurs in evolving into sustainable suppliers.
The session also featured discussions and networking opportunities, where local businesses shared their challenges, sought clarity on processes, and explored ways to collaborate with SANParks. The success of the event reaffirms SANParks’ commitment to local economic development and the creation of shared value for the communities surrounding national parks.