SANParks, NYDA Empower Disabled Entrepreneurs

A new partnership between South African National Parks (SANParks) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to support young entrepreneurs with disabilities.

The programme addresses long-standing barriers faced by People with Disabilities (PWDs), including stigma, limited access to opportunities, and a lack of business management skills. These obstacles have often excluded them from meaningful participation in South Africa’s economy, despite constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity.

Through tailored training, participants are being equipped with the knowledge and tools to establish, manage, and expand their businesses. The initiative also connects them to markets, suppliers, and networks, creating lasting opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship.

In a major milestone, financial support worth R880 000 has been allocated to 32 participants, giving them the resources to grow or launch their enterprises. Officials said this investment would not only uplift individuals but also strengthen communities through job creation and economic inclusion.

The project is aligned with South Africa’s broader transformation agenda, which places skills development at the heart of building a more inclusive and resilient economy. By investing in the potential of marginalised groups, SANParks and NYDA say they are helping to dismantle systemic barriers and open pathways for lasting change.