Second funding wave for sports and arts sectors

ATHLETES AND artists who didn’t benefit from the first round of COVID-19 funding can re-apply.

Artists and athletes have a second chance to benefit from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) coronavirus (COVID-19) relief fund.

The second wave of funding is only available for those who have not yet benefitted.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa says R77 million has been set aside to assist sports and arts role-players. Of this, R11.5 million has been set aside for a partnership with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD).

“If the entire amount is to be paid specifically towards beneficiaries and no other costs are considered, the allocation will cover 11 666 athletes and artists,” he says.

The second funding wave will pay out a maximum once-off amount of R6 600 per person.

In the sports sector, eligible applicants include athletes, coaches, technical support personnel and freelance fitness instructors or practitioners.

Applicants must make an income solely from participating in sports competitions, events and fitness activities, or be freelancers. Applications must be submitted to the applicant’s national sporting federation, except for fitness instructors or practitioners who must submit on the department’s website.

Federations and sport entities will sign applications off and send all recommended applications to the department for further processing, the Minister says.

Registered businesses and their employees, those who have other sources of income or benefitted from the first funding wave, and athletes on fixed-term contracts do not qualify.

In the arts sector, the fund covers performance and celebrations, music, festivals and events, books and publishing and heritage practitioners. Other arts sector participants will be covered through a partnership with the DSBD, the Minister says.

“A joint allocation of R23 million has been set aside to respond to a plea from the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa, for the craft, design and visual arts sectors,” he says.

Practitioners whose sole income is made from artsrelated activities qualify.

Those who depend on gigs, freelancers and independent contractors also qualify.

Only one application is allowed for those in the arts sector.