SANParks to embark on Kruger National Park economic transformation roadshows

SANParks will embark on a series of economic transformation roadshows from Monday November 22 to the following Monday November 29.

These roadshows are aimed at small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) from communities surrounding the Kruger National Park (KNP). The roadshows will communicate available business opportunities within KNP as well as provide advice on how to access those opportunities through the SANParks supply chain management.

“Despite being hit hard by the impact of Covid-19, the KNP has a responsibility to try and provide economic opportunities for businesses based in communities surrounding the park.

“As a public entity, SANParks must follow strict procurement requirements. One of the ways of opening up access is to provide up-to-date and relevant information to businesses and communities to explain what SANParks can and can’t do,” explained the KNP managing executive, Gareth Coleman.

“We are trying to be more open and transparent about opportunities within the park and explain future plans. We also want to hear from small businesses how we may be able to better serve them into the future. This is only the first small step that the park is taking in this journey.”

This roadshow, which is a first for the KNP, also serves as a prelude to the KNP economic summit that will be held before June 2022.

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Business owners who meet the requirements to attend the roadshows will be sourced through the respective Park Forums, People & Parks structures as well as district municipalities located along the KNP.

Target SMMEs must adhere to the following criteria:
• The business must be located within a 200km radius of the Kruger National Park.
• The business must have been in operation for at least three years.
• The owner must be active in the business on a full-time basis.
• They must provide an outline of the business they are in so it can be matched against KNP opportunities.

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The roadshows will include about 480 participants from three district municipalities, Vhembe (Musina, Thulamela and Collins Chabane local municipalities), Mopani (Greater Tzaneen, Ba-Phalaborwa and Maruleng local municipalities) and Ehlanzeni (Bushbuckridge, Thaba Chweu, City of Mbombela and Nkomazi local municipalities).

The dates and venues are as follows: