Kruger National Park was hard hit by the pandemic, normally one of the most visited parks in Africa. According to Business Insider, the national park is surrounded by almost two million people who rely on it for employment, 75% of which are the youth. In an effort to boost surrounding small businesses, the park is looking to procure services from local businesses to boost job creation.
Forming part of the Rural Economic Revival programme, the park will also call on small businesses within construction, building infrastructure, IT, supply and other businesses relevant to the park.
Ika Phaahla, spokesperson for SANParks commented that land is something they don’t have and ‘we have restrictions on what we can do in the park.’
This creates opportunities for nearby businesses to earn income through their outdoor activities which the national park cannot offer tourists.
‘For instance, we can’t put in a zip-line in the park. If they have land on which they can do that, we can develop that product together and assist them where we can,’ Said Phaahla
In the coming weeks, the Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park Gareth Coleman will embark on a roadshow to interact with stakeholders. The team will then provide information on the requirements needed for the small businesses to qualify.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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