Mthethwa gives update on COVID-19 Relief Fund

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, has assured organisations representing artists that the department will meet with them to forge a way forward, on financially assisting those in the sector who have been negatively affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Mthethwa says a large number of COVID-19 Relief Fund applicants have not qualified to receive funding as they didn’t meet the criteria.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the livelihood of those in the sporting and cultural sectors

Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, Mthethwa says a relief fund of R150 million is available for artists and athletes.

“We do have national organisations who we will meet with the aim of getting them on board to help us to reach out to the artists. In the end, we are not going to be happy as government that money has not been spent when we know there has been an outcry out there and desperation out there.”

Flawed System

When the Relief Fund was set up there were concerns that some artists would be left out. Some in the creative and cultural sector might miss out on the funds simply because they don’t have internet access.

This is the opinion of those who have applied and said the process is flawed.

In the video below artists discuss how the national lockdown is affecting them