SANParks–Sanlam SMME fund expands to Arid Region parks
SANParks and Sanlam have expanded their SMME Support Programme into South Africa’s Arid Region, extending interest-free purchase order funding to small suppliers operating in and around Meerkat and Mokala national parks and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape. It is the programme’s first reach into remote arid communities and aims to broaden economic participation beyond traditional tourism hubs.
Backed by a R20 million revolving fund and implemented by I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR (IAAE), the scheme offers short-term, zero-interest loans against issued purchase orders for SANParks-approved SMMEs – within 350 km of participating parks in the Arid Region, compared with the standard 100 km elsewhere. To date the programme has disbursed close to R36 million, funded 172 applications, supported mainly women- and youth-owned enterprises, retained more than 297 jobs, saved approximately R2.4 million in annualised interest and reinvested nearly R16 million into small businesses. Launch events are scheduled at Meerkat National Park on 3 February 2026 in Carnarvon, Mokala National Park on 4 February in Kimberley, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on 5 February in Rietfontein, with Namaqua, Richtersveld and Augrabies Falls national parks set for rollout in March.
Source: SANParks
