By Ray-Ann Sedres,
Head: Sanlam Foundation
South Africa’s economy is buoyed by two dynamic forces: the innovative spirit of small businesses and the thriving tourism sector. Township entrepreneurs – running spaza shops, hawker stalls, and other SMMEs – are the lifeblood of local economies, injecting R900 billion into the economy. Yet, many struggle to access capital due to high-interest loans and rigid lending criteria. Meanwhile, eco-tourism linked to South Africa’s national parks generates significant revenue and supports regions often overlooked by investors.
The Sanlam SANParks SMME Support Programme is helping to bridge this gap. A bold collaboration between the Sanlam Group and South African National Parks (SANParks), this initiative empowers township entrepreneurs while amplifying the economic impact of conservation. By unlocking funding and providing business support, it drives inclusive, sustainable growth – because when small businesses thrive and our national parks flourish, South Africa wins.
A Pioneering Solution for Township Entrepreneurs
South Africa needs alternative funding sources to unlock the potential of township-based SMMEs. Interest-free loans have emerged as a successful solution to bridge the financing gap. Managed by I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR, the Sanlam SANParks SMME Support Programme offers short-term, zero-interest loans to businesses that supply goods and services to national parks. Initially launched in Kruger National Park and the Garden Route Parks, the initiative has expanded to Addo Elephant National Park, benefiting businesses within a 50 km radius.
National parks like Addo are economic lifelines – but many township businesses are excluded from eco-tourism opportunities due to costly finance. This R20 million programme bridges this gap, removing the burden of high-interest debt and enabling local entrepreneurs to secure contracts. By prioritising township suppliers, it keeps value in the community – fueling inclusive growth, conservation, and resilience. The partnership between Sanlam, with its expertise in financial risk management, and SANParks, with its platform and demand for services, highlights the power of public-private collaboration.
Making a Tangible Impact on the Ground
The programme has distributed R13.7 million to 68 SMMEs across Kruger and the Garden Route parks, retaining 160 jobs. This includes 46 permanent and 114 temporary jobs, as well as R1.6 million in interest savings. These savings have been reinvested into operations, generating R7.5 million and amplifying businesses’ growth potential. Notably, 32% of the funded businesses are women-owned, and 38% are youth-owned, addressing societal inequalities. One inspiring story is that of Cynthia Odwa Majova, owner of Sidomela Trading Enterprise in Plettenberg Bay. In January 2025, she received a SANParks purchase order to refurbish staff houses at Garden Route National Park. On the same day, she secured a zero-interest loan of R119,615.17, enabling her to complete the project and create 13 jobs in her community.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Sanlam’s mission is to empower all Africans to be financially confident and prosperous. We encourage other corporates to join us in unlocking local business potential and building a more equitable South Africa.
Originally published in the 2025 ESD Handbook
