Friday, August 28, 2020

Encounters Documentary Festival Closing weekend - more tickets for films you missed!












BANKSY MOST WANTED – Fundraising screening Sat 29 Aug – screens until Sunday 9am


We are pleased to announce that we secured more tickets for Banksy – for a R100,00 donation and a POP to pr@encounters.co.za you will receive the link and password to this film. 

Our bank info can be found here  

If your Bank sends us a POP we do not get your contact info! You must email us.


INFLUENCE - Remember that on Sunday 30th, there is also a fundraising screening for this title – a terrifyingly relevant account of weaponized communication centering on the infamous Lord Tim Bell and his associates at Bell Pottinger. All info here  


FOR SAMA – we have secured more tickets for this Oscar nominated, multi-award winning film – do not miss it!


BELLINGCAT: Truth in a Post Truth World – more tickets available and extended run.  If you enjoyed INFLUENCE, do not miss this film! 


Awards night – Sunday 30th August at 8pm

2 Juries have reached their conclusions – on Sunday night the awards ceremony will take place and two awards will be made as follows:

Ladima will present the Adiaha Award for Best Documentary Film by an African woman at this year’s 22nd Encounters South African International Documentary Festival.

Prize: $2,000 towards their next production and an invitation to attend the Dortmund Cologne International Women’s Film Festival 2021 in Germany, where their film will be screened.

Encounters & Gauteng Film Commission will present the Award for Best African/South African Feature Film.

Prize: R10,000 cash 

The winners will be invited online to accept the awards and the event will be live streamed via our Facebook and YouTube channels. A reminder also that If you missed any industry events or live Q&As – these can also be found here: https://www.facebook.com/EncountersDocFest/ or the Encounters YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/encountersdocfest

Thank you for supporting the Festival and we hope you have enjoyed the films! 

We are relying on donations this year to ensure the Festival’s post-production sustainability – please remember to donate if you are able – all info can be found here  


Best wishes

ENCOUNTERS FESTIVAL TEAM

Thursday, August 27, 2020

GARDEN ROUTE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (GRIFF) UNVEILS ITS FILM LINE-UP



The 2020 Garden Route International Film Festival ‘GRIFF’, today unveiled its feature film, documentary and short film lineup. Continuing its tradition of showcasing emerging talent and celebrating new work from established local and international film-makers, the 2020 edition of the Festival hosts 90 films across multiple genres. The films range from traditional dramas, crime, comedy and thrillers to political and socially-conscious films from many diverse storytellers across a host of different countries.

Taking the challenges of Covid19 into account, this year the Garden Route International Film Festival will run a Virtual Online Festival from the 21st of September to the 11th of October. GRIFF is also bringing the Drive-In Back! The Drive-In portion of the festival will travel throughout the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa across nine towns between the 25th of September and the 11th of October.

“We are encouraged and inspired by the range and diversity of the films submitted to our Festival this year by such visionary storytellers. And we are excited by the opportunity that both the online platform and the drive-in experience will give our audiences this year. Utilizing our secure virtual platform, we will showcase our local and international talent to a national and global market of viewers even more so than in previous years’, said Patrick Walton, Festival Director.

The festival programme includes films and documentaries from a wide range of African countries and from 15 international countries spanning Europe, Australasia and the Americas. For many films it is their South African premiere having never been screened in this country before.

Festival Tickets for the Garden Route International Film Festival:
All drive-in film festival tickets will go on sale on 24 August 2020 and all online tickets and passes to the festival will go on sale towards the end of August via Webtickets.

Please visit our website: www.gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com for all ticket sales information.

About the Garden Route International Film Festival Partners:
GRIFF is pleased to announce its primary 2020 Partners: National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), WESGRO, Garden Route Film Commission, Media Film Services, Fitch & Leeds and Value Film Fleet.

Press Contacts:
For more information, press packs or images for individual films, please contact us on marketing@gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com




Monday, August 24, 2020

NOTICE OF THE 2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN SCREEN FEDERATION (SASFED)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN SCREEN FEDERATION (SASFED) OF THE 14TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE MEMBERS AND OBSERVERS OF SASFED, REGISTRATION NUMBER: 052-633 NPO WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM MEETING ID: 897 8737 0446  CLICK HERE TO JOIN ON MONDAY, 31 AUGUST 2020 AT 16:00 AM SAST1

 

EVENT:          SASFED AGM

 

VENUE:          Join Zoom Meeting:

Meeting ID: 897 8737 0446 

Passcode: 696871

 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89787370446?pwd=MzBTRUMyeHUyRlZXMldMUGl6UGhsQT09

 

DATE:             Monday 31st August 2020

 

TIME:             16:00

 

ATTENDANCE AND VOTING

 

Attending

The General Assembly shall consist of all the Members, Associates, Affiliates and Observers of SASFED in good standing.

 

Identification

The voting rights shall be exercised by a duly authorised representative of the Member, subject to the Member giving written notice of such authorisation to the Executive Officer prior to the AGM.

 

Voting

Voting at the AGM shall take place by show of hands or by secret ballot in the chat room. Voting on any matter may be by secret ballot if at least one third of the voting delegates demand it.

 

or as determined by the General Assembly (Clause 11.8.5 of the SASFED Constitution “The AGM shall determine its own procedures in accordance with democratic principles”).

 

Each Member shall have one vote. A Member that has failed to pay its financial contribution after such contribution has become due is not eligible to cast any votes (Clause 11.5 of SASFED Constitution “Only members whose fees are fully paid up will be entitled to vote”).

 

PURPOSE OF MEETING

 

The purpose of the meeting is:

(a)        to confirm the minutes of the previous AGM

(b)   to adopt the audited financial statements of SASFED for the financial year ended 28 February 2020, incorporating the Chairperson’s report and the Auditor’s report;

(c)        to consider and, if approved, to adopt, with or without amendment, the resolutions set out below; and

(d)        to consider any matters raised by the Members, provided such requests are received in writing not less than 7 (seven) Business Days in advance of the meeting and have the support of the SASFED Council or such notice is waived by a simple majority of those present in person if SASFED so decides, except in matters relating to financial contributions or amendments of the Constitution of SASFED.

 

QUORUM AND DECISIONS

 

Quorum

 

Quorum for any Annual General Meeting or special meeting of the General Assembly shall be 80% (eighty percent) of the full members of SASFED that are represented, in person with a voting mandate (Clauses 11.8.6 and 11.6)

 

Decisions

 

SASFED Constitution:

 

11.     ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

11.8.1 Voting Delegates, who are members of the affiliate members of SASFED, with speaking and mandated voting rights

11.8.2  Non-voting Delegates, who are bona fide members of the affiliate members of SASFED who shall have speaking rights but not voting rights.

11.8.4 Invited guests, without voting rights but with or without speaking rights as may be determined by Council.”

 

12.4   DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

      12.1     To determine the policies, programmes and constitution of SASFED.

      12.2     To receive, discuss and adopt the reports of the office bearers, including that of the Chairperson and Treasurer, and any other reports as determined by Council.

      12.3     To exercise the right and power to review, ratify, alter or rescind any decision taken by any of the structures, representatives and officials of SASFED.

      12.4     To elect or appoint any commission or committee and assign specific tasks and duties to such commission or committee.

      12.5     Deal with any other business laid before it by the Council and a simple majority of the AGM that so approves.”

Decisions at the Annual General Meeting shall require a simple majority of eligible votes cast, except for amendments of the Constitution and other specific matters identified in the Constitution of SASFED, which shall require a majority of two-thirds of eligible votes cast.

 

RESOLUTIONS


Ordinary Resolutions:

 

At the virtual Annual General Meeting to be held on 31st August 2020, the SASFED Council will be seeking two resolutions (Ordinary Resolutions 1 and 2) by the Members to facilitate the holding of the Annual General Meeting under these extraordinary Covid-19 circumstances:

 

Ordinary Resolution 1 – Holding a Virtual AGM

The Council is hereby requesting the Members entitled to vote at this AGM to authorise the holding of this AGM virtually.

 

“Resolved that the SASFED Annual General Meeting may take place virtually if circumstances so demand it”

 

Ordinary Resolution 2 – Waiver/The Circulation of the AGM Notice

Clause 11.2 of SASFED Constitution “Members must be informed of the Annual General Meeting and its agenda at least 21 (twenty-one) days in advance”.

 

Members will note that the AGM Notice was circulated to members in a period less than that provided for in the SASFED Constitution. The Council is hereby requesting the Members entitled to vote at this AGM to waive the required notice period.

 

“Resolved that all the members present agree to waive the notice period required for the AGM”.

 

Ordinary Resolution 3 – Adoption of minutes of the previous meeting

It must be noted that the minutes of the previous AGM were approved at the Council meeting held on the 25th October 2019. These minutes are being presented for noting as they have already been approved by the Council as a true reflection of the proceedings.

 

“Resolved that the Council notes that the minutes of the annual general meeting (AGM) of the 13th General Assembly held on 5th September 2019 in South Africa were approved as a true reflection of the proceedings and are being presented for noting.”

 

Ordinary Resolution 4 – Adoption of financial statements

“Resolved that the financial statements of SASFED for the year ended 28 February 2020 and the reports of the Council and the external accounting firm are hereby noted and adopted.”

 

Ordinary Resolution 5 – Re-appointment of Accounting Firm

The SASFED Council has expressed satisfaction with the services rendered by Bemont and Company Accountants, Bookkeepers & Tax Consultants, an accounting firm based in the Republic of South Africa.

 

“Resolved that, on the recommendation of the SASFED Council, the firm Bemont and Company Accountants, Bookkeepers & Tax Consultants be re-appointed as an independent registered accounting firm of the Federation (noting that Mr. Francois Rivall and is the individual lead accountant of that firm who will undertake to finalise SASFED’s financial statements) until the next AGM of the Federation.”

 

Ordinary Resolution 6 – The Establishment of a Council Charter and Code of Conduct

The SASFED Council is hereby requesting the Members entitled to vote at this AGM to authorize the establishment of a Council Charter and a Code of Conduct, which Council Charter and Code of Conduct shall be approved by Council and reviews as and when required.


The purpose of the Council Charter is to set out the key values and principles of the Council of SASFED, providing an overview of:

§    the role and responsibilities of the Council of directors; and

§    the way that it executes its duties and decision-making;

§  powers of the Council and Council committees; separation of roles between the Council and Management; and

§    to ensure the application and practice of the principles of good corporate governance in all dealings by, in respect and on behalf of SASFED.

§    Provisions relating to the succession and evaluation of the Council.

The Constitution has development of policies as one of the responsibilities of the Council and the meeting is hereby requested that the members authorise the establishment of a Council Charter.


Resolved that the SASFED Council has the power and authority to establish, prepare and approve a Council Charter and a Code of Conduct for the Members of the SASFED Council.


Special Resolution:

Special Resolution 1 – Amendments to the SASFED Constitution


Clause 23.3 of SASFED Constitution:

 

The provisions of this Constitution may be amended only by the decision of at least two-thirds of the members present at a quorate meeting of SASFED.”

 

Resolved that the SASFED Constitution be revised and that the Council prepares, approves and reviews all governance documents (i.e. the SASFED Constitution, Charter and Code of Conduct) to ensure that they remain relevant and that where such governance documents are in conflict with the constitution, the SASFED Constitution will take precedence.


OTHER BUSINESS

To transact such other business as may be transacted at an annual general meeting.

 

By order of the Council.

Ms. Unathi Malunga

Executive Officer

24 August 2020

Friday, August 21, 2020

GENDER EQUALITY ON LAUNCH OF COMMITMENT FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA

21 Aug 2020

This Women’s Month, UN Women South Africa and the GIZ – Partnerships for Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls programme (PfP) call on the media and entertainment industry to commit to actively fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality by signing the ‘Statement of Commitment for Gender Equality in South African Media’. 

“As we grapple as a society to address the scourge of GBV and unequal gender dynamics, a key sector that is often overlooked is the media and creative industry. These industries hold the power to influence how we view ourselves and society at large” says Anne Githuku Shongwe, UN Women Representative for UN Women's South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO).  

The voluntary statement motivates South African news and entertainment media organisations and practitioners to reflect and take on the roles and responsibilities that come with the influence they hold. It is meant to guide the way for signatories to become a positive force in this country’s struggle with gender inequality and GBV.  
 
In partnership with industry, civil society, government and regulatory bodies the Step It Up for Gender Equality in South African Media project formulated the ‘Statement of Commitment for Gender Equality in the South African Media’, including commitments around the themes: “Gender Sensitive Reporting”, “Un-Stereotyping Entertainment and Storytelling” and “Creating a Safe and Equal Space ‘Behind the Scenes’”. 
 
‘The time for increased commitment and action is now, this statement is a bold and practical response to the crisis we face in South Africa. We invite media and creative industries to scale up their focus on women’s rights and gender equality issues through high-quality coverage and editorial decisions, complemented by gender-sensitive corporate practices’ says Ms. Githuku Shongwe.  
 
Joan Moeketsi, Component Manager SA for the PfP programme says “As GIZ, we are committed to preventing GBV through various initiatives. This launch intends to bring South African media stakeholders together to play a more conscious role in preventing the scourge of GBV and discrimination built upon unhealthy gender stereotypes”.  
 
The statement will be officially launched with a virtual Women’s Month event on the 26th of August. The event will include influential media personalities, SANEF’s Executive Director Dr Kate Skinner, Healthe News CEO Portia Kobue and an opening address by the Commission for Gender Equality’s Chairperson Ms. Tamara Mathebula.   
 
For more information about ‘The Statement of Commitment for Gender Equality in South African Media’ visit: partnershipsforprevention.org or contact Luxolo Matomela on luxolo.matomela@giz.de (link sends e-mail) 

 

Issued by: 

Commission for Gender Equality

ENCOUNTERS INDUSTRY EVENTS PRESS RELEASE


ALL INDUSTRY EVENTS WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED ON ENCOUNTERS FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE CHANNELS.

 

See the daily schedule below or online at https://encounters.co.za/industry-events/

Encounters Talks

Encounters Talks offer high quality industry discussions presented in partnership with Documentary Filmmakers Association, Wesgro, Swiss Films, DOK.fest Munich, Electric South, UCT Centre for Film and Media Studies, University of the Western Cape Centre for Humanities Research and FNB.

This year’s programme focuses on critical and urgent issues facing the documentary industry. From navigating the landscape during Covid19, online platforms, alternative distribution strategies, effecting social change through the genre and deep-diving conversations about the craft.

We introduce you to our expert speakers, leaders in the field, who will offer insights, including awards-winning producers, film influencers, VR artists, festival programmers, funders, government stakeholders and filmmakers.

We welcome; Mathieu Béjot, Director of Strategy & Development (Sunny Side of the Doc); Charlotte Cook, Co-Creator and Executive Producer (Field of Vision), Brian Newman, Founder (Sub-Genre), Thandi Davids, Executive Producer and Head of Development (StoryScope); Stéphane Riethauser, (MADAME), Sharon Ryba-Kahn (DISPLACED), Monica Rorvik, Head of Film and Media Promotion (Wesgro) and Caitlin Robinson, Creative Producer and Entertainment Strategist (Scatter & Electric South).

Thursday, August 20, 2020

COVID-19: SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE RELIEF FUND - 2ND WAVE ONLINE APPLICATION

 


HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY:

Via WhatsApp

Send a WhatsApp and say ‘Hi’ to 087 153-1027.

Follow the simple instructions to apply in English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Tshivenda or Xitsonga.

Apply between 19 August and 2 September 2020.

No applications will be accepted after midnight on 2 September 2020.

Via Online

Simply logon the links below:

Apply now and note that the closing date for all applications will be the 31st of August 2020 @ Midnight. 

Note: Once you have selected the platform on which you want to apply, please continue on this platform for the duration of your application and ensure you only submit ONE application per person. Multiple or duplicate applications on one or both platforms may result in disqualification.

No applications will be accepted after midnight on 31 August 2020.


Tuesday, August 18, 2020

MINISTER NATHI MTHETHWA ON THE CLOSE-OUT OF 1ST WAVE OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUND AND THE STATE OF READINESS FOR THE ROLL-OUT OF THE 2ND WAVE OF RELIEF FUNDING

 

17 Aug 2020

Programme Director, Ms Masechaba Khumalo
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Nocawe Mafu,
The Director General of the Department, Mr. Vusumuzi Mkhize.
Members of the Media,
Creatives, athletes and practitioners in the sector,
Fellow South Africans,

It has been exactly two weeks since our last engagement on the 3rd of August 2020, where we assured the nation that we will provide continuous updates on our relief plans for the sector. Since then, we have been working tirelessly to conclude all processes relating to the 1st Wave of the COVID-19 Relief Fund and to streamline our 2nd Wave of the relief funding process.

Last night, the President announced that we are moving to Level 2 Lockdown. Therefore, it is important to note that we still need to remain vigilant in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Hence, we must continue to wear our masks at all times in public spaces, continue observing proper hygiene protocol; including washing of hands, and sanitation. The new announcement under Level 2 still prohibits the sector from having no spectators at sporting events and cultural activities, including the hosting international events. In relation to concerts, entertainment events and cinemas, only 50 people are permitted. The same restrictions will apply to gyms, sports grounds and public swimming pools.


FIRST WAVE COVID-19 RELIEF FUND (STATUS)

To date, the Department has spent a total of R65.7 million which catered for various categories, such as the digital applications, the living legends, relief for athletes in the sector as well as relief for our arts and culture practitioners.

 

CHALLENGES EXPERINCED AND LESSONS LEARNT FROM 1ST WAVE OF RELIEF

The first wave was not without its challenges. Due to the lockdown, many applicants were unable to fulfil the requirements of the criteria set on the open call. The following are some of the challenges experienced while implementing the 1st Wave:

  • Non-compliance of applications due to failure to submit the required documentation, such as bank statements, tax certificates, proof of cancelled events and other gigs.
  • Lack of access to ICT centres, as most of them were not operating during the lock-down period.
  • Lack of readiness by the Department’s IT system also posed major challenges. Most applications were large in size and the system did not cater for such applications.
  • Data capturing and adjudication was an extremely labour intensive and timeconsuming process; as practitioners had to submit multiple attachments for only one application, while others submitted duplicate applications.
  • Issues of language, access and urgency for applicants, including geographic issues of urban, peri-urban and rural access were highlighted as challenges by the sector.
  • In some cases, applicants demonstrated opportunistic and potentially fraudulent behaviour.
  • Delays in processing of payments due to verification of banking details and other compliance documents.

ROLL-OUT OF THE 2ND WAVE RELIEF FUND
The Department will be rolling-out two processes to implement the sector relief. The first process will include the relief for athletes and all technical personnel in the sport sector. While the second process will focus on arts and culture sector relief.

Sport Relief

It is important to note that on the sport side, the same process used in the first wave will apply. Applicants who are eligible to apply will include athletes, coaches, technical support personnel and freelance fitness instructors or practitioners. These are applicants who rely solely on income generated from participating in sport competitions, events and in fitness activities, who operate as freelancers. Only applicants who are South African citizens as per Home Affairs official definition will qualify for relief. Applications for this category of people should be submitted to the applicant’s respective National Federation.

Only applications from fitness instructors / practitioners must be submitted to a portal on the Department’s website. When submitting to Federations and sport entities, the Federations and sport entities will provide the first line of assurance. These entities will sign-off with a recommendation and send all recommended applications to the Department for further processing.

Exclusions for Sport

  • Registered businesses and employees who work in such businesses may not qualify for this relief. They are encouraged to explore other relief interventions available within government, particularly the Department of Employment and Labour.
  • Sport personnel with other sources of income and those who are employed or on a fixed term contract do not qualify for relief. Athletes on fixed-term contracts: These athletes are catered for in terms of contracts entered into with either the federations or clubs.
  • Sport personnel who benefited from the first wave of relief or from any of the provincial relief funds do not qualify. It is critical to note that any provision of false information will be treated as fraud and dealt with through the appropriate criminal justice system.

Compliance Documents for Sport:

All applications must be accompanied by the following:

  • Certified copy of South African Identity Document; date of certification should not be older than 3 months. Passport or Drivers Licence are not allowed.
  • Valid proof of bank account.
  • Detailed bank statements showing income earned from sport competitions, events, activities and fitness instruction services from March 2019 to February 2020.
  • If you are an athlete, coach or technical support personnel, a signed and dated letter from your federation or organisation confirming your activities is required.
  • If you are a fitness instructor / practitioner, a letter (signed and dated) from an institution or organisation you provided fitness instructor / practitioner services for, confirming your work.
  • The maximum amount of relief available per applicant is set at R6 600.
  • The Department and any of its agencies reserves the right to conduct verification, due diligence and request additional information prior to providing the relief.
  • The Department does not endorse the charging of fees for assistance in completing the application.

Note that a list of all sport beneficiaries who benefited during the first wave will be posted on the various Department platforms and also be given to Federations and sports entities to guard against any form of double dipping.

 

Arts, Culture and Heritage Relief

The relief will be available to individuals in the arts, culture and heritage sector/cultural and creative industries. The categories to be provided with relief will apply only to:

  • Performance and celebrations
  • Music
  • Festivals and events
  • Books and publishing
  • Heritage practitioners

Other practitioners will be covered through the partnership with the Department of Small Business and Development (DSBD). A joint allocation of R 23 million has been set aside by both Departments to respond to a plea from the Cultural& Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) for the craft, design and visual arts sectors towards relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exclusions for Arts, Culture and Heritage Relief

  • Applicants who do not rely solely on the income earned from participating in arts, culture and heritage activities.
  • Arts, culture and heritage practitioners on fixed-term contracts may not apply.
  • Companies/NPIs/NGOs, group applications (choirs, bands, etc.). These will be catered for on the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
  • Applicants who benefitted in the first cycle of the DSAC Relief Fund or its provincial counterparts or any other government relief funding do not qualify.
  • Support sectors such as catering, transport and accommodation will not be catered for.


Who will be eligible for this relief?

  • Practitioners who rely solely on income generated from participating in sports, arts, culture and heritage activities, as mentioned.
  • Practitioners who are dependent on gigs, who are freelancers and independent contractors.
  • Applicants must provide proof of having earned income through arts, culture and heritage activities (providecontracts/invoices/bank statements/municipal trading permits) in the 12 months period ending on February 2020.
  • Practitioners will need to prove their applicability in the sector through provision of their profiles/portfolio of work/ academic achievements in the sector and/ or reference from other prominent practitioners who have been in the field for 10 years or more.

 

2ND WAVE APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Only one application form should be submitted by applicants either via WhatsApp or through the website; as submitting two applications will lead to disqualification.
  • All first wave beneficiaries Identity Numbers are going to be loaded on Both Systems as the system has been made in such a manner that should any of the first wave beneficiaries take a chance and submit an application, the system will then reject it.
  • A list of those who are recommended to be paid and not yet processed will also be loaded onto the system so that upon their submissions both BASA and NAC Systems will reject them.
  • Departmental communication and information platforms will also publish the names of all first wave recipients, serving as a reminder to those who initially benefited to not take a chance and submit.
  • All applicants upon submitting their applications via WhatsApp on 087 153 1027, will get an SMS acknowledging their applications.
  • Should applicants seek clarity and information on their application status, they can call 0800 724 278 at no cost. This measure was introduced to further strengthen our communication with all sector applicants.
  • Language practitioners who can converse in more than three languages will be utilised and will be equipped with all required information.

 

THE SOLIDARITY FUND (STATUS)

The Solidarity Fund has made available 10 000 food or cash vouchers of R700 to the department amounting to R 7 million. The Department, working with sector organisations and the provinces to develop a list of practitioners who will benefit from these vouchers. Each province will receive 1 000 vouchers which can either be redeemed as cash or for food.
Beneficiaries will be identified as follows: 50% urban and 50% rural areas. The vouchers will be made available to the athletes, artists, freelancers, sport and arts legends. Those that are receiving social grants and UIF will be excluded from benefiting.

Our database will be screened through the Department of Social Development to ensure that beneficiaries are not recipients of SASSA grant.

Criteria:

  • Between the ages of 36 and 59.
  • Active and ex-professional athletes / Arts practitioners who are unemployed and have no alternative source/s of income.
  • Ex-professional athletes / Arts practitioners should have been active for at least a period of 3 years.
  • The criteria also covers, technical staff such as coaches, referees, sound engineers.

 

Voucher Receipt Process:

In terms of the payment process, a list of beneficiaries will be submitted to the Solidarity Fund who will verify the eligibility of beneficiaries through the SASSA system. An SMS will then be sent to potential beneficiaries acknowledging receipt of the application. Once verified, the information will be sent to Standard Bank to process the payment, which can be redeemed at the ATM or their agents being Spar, Checkers, et al. The Department will then be notified and once the process is finalised, the information will be deleted from their system as per the POPI Act 2000.


BUDGET AVAILABILITY

A total of R77 million is set aside for Relief. Of which R11.5 million has been ringfenced for contribution towards the partnership with the Department of Small Business Development. If the entire amount is to be paid specifically towards beneficiaries and no other costs are considered, the allocation will cover a total of 11 666 practitioners (athletes and artists) based on the following estimates:
The relief will be paid as a once-off payment of R6600, instead of three staggered payments. This decision was made after consulting with implementing agencies, the NAC and BASA. The approach cut on a lot of administrative processes and time consumption.


ROLE OF THE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

The sector organisations will play a role in raising awareness within the sector, enabling access to information because they have an advantage of reaching remote and disadvantaged areas. The organisations will assist members with the application process and explore measures to prevent duplication and double dipping.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to officially announce that the 2nd Wave of COVID-19 Relief Funding for the Sector is officially open as of the 18th of August 2020.

The closing date for all applications will be the 31st of August 2020.

To apply, simply log onto our official websites information on the criteria and requirements.

Our websites are www.dac.gov.za and www.srsa.gov.za .

I thank you.