iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has launched its rural enterprises program to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs within uMkhanyakude District. The first of phase of the program was marked by a series of information sessions where members of the communities neighboring iSimangaliso were invited to attend presentation of this program designed to assist new and existing businesses. The rural enterprise program was initiated in 2008 to empower local businesses and entrepreneurs within the tourism conservation space. To date the program has evolved and has assisted 430 enterprises with business skills development, capacity building, and grant financing. The current management of iSimangaliso under leadership of Mr. Sibusiso Bukhosini the CEO has seen a need to expand this program given the challenges facing communities within uMkhanyakude, namely high unemployment, poverty, joblessness, and inequality.

The aim of the program 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 in a post-covid19 world where revenue from tourism is at its lowest or completely dried up. Income generating activities go a long way in supporting families.

As much as iSimangaliso wishes to assist every community member with employment, or give every business an opportunity within the park, this is impossible. A program of this nature goes a long way in capacitating businesses to grow and be enabled to seek opportunities elsewhere. This program has no age restriction for participants. We are looking for people who have the appetite for risk taking, passionate about starting or managing a business, and they must be willing to commit themselves to training for over a period of 18 months.