Kruger Shalati’s collaboration with SRS Laundry Services, a local business near Hazyview, Mpumalanga, showcases how established tourism companies can benefit their communities by partnering with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“We’re proud to celebrate Tourism Month and the contributions of women-led SMEs to economic growth and community development. Kruger Shalati remains committed to supporting local businesses and encourages others to join in this collective effort to foster sustainable growth in the tourism sector,” says Gavin Ferreira, Concession General Manager of Kruger Shalati.
SRS Laundry Services, located near the Paul Kruger Gate, provides laundry services to lodges in the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Angel Dlamini, General Manager of SRS, attributes the company’s growth to Kruger Shalati’s patronage. “The lodges’ support for our women-led laundry services drives economic and social development in the region. A significant portion of our revenue comes from Kruger Shalati. We handle all their laundry needs, from guest linens and towels to uniforms and tablecloths,” she says.
She mentions that the partnership has significantly impacted the lives of many families and their communities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, SRS employed 17 women. Though the company had to shut down temporarily during the pandemic, SRS has since reopened and now employs 12 women, most of whom are single mothers.
“These women can now provide for their families, send their kids to school, and build homes,” she says.
Tourism is a crucial driver of social and economic progress in Mpumalanga, especially in rural areas. A 2023 white paper by the IFC, UNDP, and SANParks highlighted tourism’s vital role in empowering women and creating jobs in the Greater Kruger region.
In the foreword, Oscar Mthimkhulu, head of Kruger National Park (where Kruger Shalati is located), urges businesses to prioritise sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community well-being. “Working together is essential for creating significant, long-lasting change,” Mthimkhulu writes.
As of April 2024, South Africa had the highest unemployment rate among G20 countries, at 33.5%. The impact of unemployment extends beyond financial hardship to mental health challenges, strained relationships, reduced access to education, and limited healthcare. In response to these challenges, Kruger Shalati is taking proactive steps to address unemployment in the local community.
“Our partnership with SRS Laundry benefits everyone,” says Ferreira. “We provide high-quality service to our guests while supporting local women and their families.”
According to the UN Global Report on Women in Tourism, women make up 54% of the global tourism workforce, highlighting the industry’s role in promoting women’s economic participation and reducing gender gaps in employment and income. The report also shows that economically empowered women are more likely to invest in their children’s education. This is evident in the partnership between Kruger Shalati and SRS Laundry Services. By securing stable employment, female employees can afford their children’s school fees, uniforms, and educational materials, leading to better outcomes for the next generation.
“I’ve provided skills, training, and knowledge to women from the community. They have grown so much and are now experts in their field,” Dlamini explains. The impact is evident in the lives of her employees – some could send their children to universities, and others have completed courses in first aid, health and safety, and even snake handling.
Dlamini herself has benefited from this economic growth. “My daughter is studying psychology thanks to the money I’ve earned from this business,” she shares. Dlamini has also invested in her education. “When I started this business in 2018, I only had a high school diploma. Since then, I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in tourism and hospitality, and I’m now working on a postgraduate diploma in business management.
“When businesses support women, they uplift entire communities.,” she concludes.