South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the launch of a significant community public-private partnership (CPPP) between Boulders Destination Retail and the Kalk Bay Development Community Trust in Cape Town last month.
The partnership has been forged in the wake of the successful implementation of the SANParks 2019-2024 Strategic Plan for Commercialisation, where the CPPP programme focuses on the revitalisation of the rural economies of southern Africa through targeted investment facilitation within SANParks through its concessions.
"CPPP provides a unique opportunity to private entrepreneurs, government and local communities to collaborate in achieving key policy objectives of tourism and the resultant benefits like job creation, generation of revenue and socio-economic development. Therefore, the focus should be on the designing of such partnerships in a manner that is commercially attractive, fair and sustainable, satisfying the requirements of local communities and the industry," said Hilda Mthimunye, SANParks Acting Head of Department, Socio-Economic Transformation.
Moreover, the initiative is underpinned by a cause-related marketing strategy, aimed at raising awareness and funds for the endangered African Penguin species, while simultaneously fostering community partnerships and reaping their associated benefits.
"As part of this collaboration, the Boulders Penguin Sanctuary retail facility has created employment opportunities for ten individuals from local communities surrounding the Table Mountain National Park. The Boulders Sanctuary, a cherished haven for African Penguins, receives an impressive average of 35 000 monthly visitors. The retail facility, a vital component of the CPP partnership, manages an average of 9 200 transactions per month. These statistics underscore the significant opportunities for local supplier and enterprise development that this partnership brings to the region," said Annemi van Jaarsveld, General Manager, Business Development Unit.
“This partnership exemplifies the positive impact that strategic collaborations can have on both conservation and community development. We look forward to celebrating the ongoing success and growth of this visionary venture,” SANParks said in a press release.
