The Rural Enterprise Programme was initiated in 2008 to empower local businesses
and entrepreneurs within the tourism conservation space. To date the programme
has evolved and has assisted 430 enterprises with business skills development,
capacity building, and grant funding. In March 2023 all the 35 participants were
inducted to the programme, outlining the benefits of the programme. Training
sessions were held both at Sodwana area and St Lucia to accommodate all
participants.
iSimangaliso has seen a need to expand this programme given the challenges facing
communities within uMkhanyakude, namely high unemployment of 42%, poverty,
joblessness, and inequality. In the next financial year (2023/24) the programme aims
to select 100 SMME’s that will benefit from this programme. The number of
participating SMME’s are selected based on the availability of funding.
The aim of the programme is to support small businesses with skills and finance so
that they can contribute to job creation. Skills development and entrepreneurship is
key for the local communities. As much as iSimangaliso wishes to assist every
community member with employment, or give every business an opportunity to work
within the park, this is impossible. A programme of this nature assist in capacitating
businesses to grow and be enabled to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The ongoing contributions by iSimangaliso towards job creation and poverty alleviation
has made this Entity to be regarded as one of the critical role players in this poverty
stricken district. iSimangaliso’s mission is to protect, preserve and present its World
Heritage values for current and future generations while benefiting communities living
in and adjacent to the Park by facilitating optimal tourism and related development.
