The department has received about 700 relief fund applications from various districts across the province. This for us really indicates the need from our athletes, artists and crafters to receive this relief grant.
Since the closure of submission of applications two weeks ago, our data capturers have been counting and collating applications adding them to our database.
I can safely report that the adjudication panel will soon start their work of choosing beneficiaries. I know the frustration of our creatives and athletes who have been without any source of income for the past four months are going through, kodwa ndifuna ukubabongoza abantu bakuthi ukuba babenomonde, sivumele eligqiza linoxanduva lokujongana nalomsebenzi ukuba lenze umsebenzi walo.
The panel comprises of individuals with knowledge of the sector, experience on issues of governance and fund disbursement and therefore I have no doubt that they will do everything in their power to make sure that candidates who should benefit from this grant, benefit.
I have, however asked that the process be handled with the much needed urgency and I have been assured that the process will be concluded by the 14th of August. We will then make the announcement of successful beneficiaries.
The department put aside 15 million rand to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the Sporting and creative sector.
Applications were initially opened online but upon realising that the majority of our people were struggling to upload documents online, and some did not have access to the internet as they live in the deep rural parts of the province. We then distributed hardcopy application forms in all our districts.
Our officials were on site to assist all those who would have had problems completing the application forms.
The grant will focus on those who will be able to prove that the pandemic prevented them from making money they would ordinarily make during this time under normal circumstances.
For media queries, contact:
SPOKESPERSON TO THE MEC
Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe
Cell: 063 384 9120
OR
MANAGER COMMUNICATION
Mr Andile Nduna
Cell: 071 411 4820
Email: Andile.Nduna@ecsrac.gov.za
Issued by
DSRAC Communications
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