Nomazulu Moyo
DURBAN, South Africa – The South African National Parks (SANParks) on Wednesday celebrated its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone at the Africa Tourism Indaba.
The event, themed “Celebrating 30 Years of Sustainable Eco-Tourism and Business Growth Through Partnerships,” showcased SANParks’ journey to becoming a globally recognised conservation leader.
The panel discussion, led by JP Louw, SANPARKS Head of Communications and Spokesperson, reflected on the organization’s strategic response to the 1997 Cabinet directive.
This response materialized as the SANParks Commercialisation Strategy in 2000, aiming to partner with the private sector to enhance service delivery and reduce reliance on state funding, all while safeguarding biodiversity.
Pam Yako, the chairperson of SANPARKS board highlighted the crucial role of tourism revenue in protecting biodiversity and its contribution to making tourism destinations thrive.
SANParks has embraced this by increasing its public-private partnership (PPP) transactions to 63, encompassing a variety of projects that enrich visitor experiences and contribute to economic growth.
The strategy has introduced 647 new luxury guest beds and improved service efficiencies, leading to a substantial increase in tourism revenue—R1.927 billion over 24 years, with a notable 46.26% rise in the last financial year. It has also spurred socio-economic benefits, creating over 2 000 permanent jobs and investing in community businesses and skills development.
MORE FROM AFRICA NEWS 24
Women’s caucus advocates financial inclusion
Furthermore, SANParks has committed to diversity and inclusion by setting BBBEE scorecard targets in its PPP contracts, promoting ownership among historically disadvantaged groups.
A highlight of the event was the joint venture announcement for the management of Skukuza Safari Lodge and Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre in Kruger National Park, symbolising the successful collaboration between Karibu Lodge, owned by Ms Nyeleti Mushwana, and Tourvest.
This story is not just about SANParks’ achievements but also about the power of partnerships and responsible tourism in preserving our planet’s natural heritage for future generations.
