Artists, athletes COVID-19 relief fund capped at R20k - Mthethwa

Artists, athletes COVID-19 relief fund capped at R20k - Mthethwa

The Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture says his department is doing everything to fast track relief to applicants.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa
Image courtesy: GCIS

During a briefing on Monday, Nathi Mthethwa gave details on the department's R150 million relief fund to assist artists, athletes, technical personnel and other professionals in these sectors.


But he says there's a cap on the amount of money an applicant can receive.


"We said that the ceiling is going to be R20 000, so it means if you feel that you've lost R4 million, we won't have that R4 million. We will have this cake to slice for many people."


"It does not mean that if you had asked for R5 000 or R10 000 you will get R20 000, so you will get what you've had asked as long as it doesn't go beyond the ceiling."


Mthethwa says his department has received some 4 000 applications from artists for funding from the department's relief fund.

 

He says over 200 have been approved, more than 600 rejected - while another 200 have been sent back due to missing information.


The minister says he's also been in talks with football bosses about resuming the sport in the country.


He says while he's looking to the Premier Soccer League and the South African Football Association for advice - there's no indication yet when players can take to the pitch again.


"So they must counsel me, both of them. It would be advisable that this government we get one voice from them."


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