iSimangaliso has good relationship with 12 Traditional Councils from uMkhanyakude District Municipality. uMkhanyakude is known as the poverty node over years, iSimangaliso therefore has seen a need to expand community upliftment programmes given the challenges faced by communities living in and adjacent to the park tackling the issues of high unemployment, poverty alleviation and inequality. Rural enterprise programme has been launched to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs within uMkhanyakude District. To date the programme has evolved and assisted 430 enterprises with business skills development, capacity building and grant financing. There are over 7 active alien plants remover contractors that were appointed from the local communities with each contractor employing not less than 12 employees as beneficiaries. It is believed that education is the key to success, a ladder has been laid for 200 Groen Sebenza Interns and 130 environmental monitors who are currently on the ground.
