Deadline extended for second COVID-19 relief fund for SA creatives

In a statement, South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa said applicants had challenges submitting applications and therefore "deemed fit to further extend the submission of relief applications process to Friday 11 September 2020."

"The department is once more making that call to all prospective relief applicants to take note of the window period and urgently submit their applications for processing and also call upon those who are still to finalise the status of their applications to take advantage of the extension and urgently submit," he said.

How and when to apply?

Via WhatsApp

Creatives can apply via WhatsApp by sending a 'hi' to 087 153 1027. They should follow the simple instructions to apply in English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Pedi, Venda or Tsonga.

The application deadline is 11 September (midnight).

Online

Creatives and athletes should apply here and here respectively.

The application deadline is 11 September (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 that you only submit one application per person. Multiple or duplicate applications on one or both platforms may result in disqualification.

Funding guidelines

• All applications should be completed online or via WhatsApp.
• Provide honest and accurate information. If you misrepresent information, your application will be disqualified.
• It is compulsory to complete all relevant sections of the application.
• Ensure that all the required supporting documents are included in your application. If you do not provide all the information required by the DSAC, your application will not be successful. State where information is not applicable to your application, by writing ‘N/A’ in the appropriate section on the application.
• In addition to the application and supporting documents, the DSAC may require further information from you. You will be contacted if further information is required.
• Your online application must be completed before the closing date of 11 September at 11.59pm. If your application is completed by the closing date, an acknowledgement will be sent. Late applications will not be considered.
• You will be sent notification to inform you of the outcome of the council’s decision if your application is successful.
• A relief fund/grant of R6 600 will be considered, covering the period September to November 2020.
• Provide proof that you are an arts, culture and heritage practitioner.
• Provide proof of income in the arts, culture and heritage sector in the past 12 months covering any period starting from March 2019 and ending in February 2020. (This is requested to prove that you have received an income from arts, culture and heritage activities in the period March 2019 to February 2020).
• A certified copy of a South African identity document/smart card (do not submit a passport). Should not be older than three months by the closing date.
• Provide proof of tax compliance and/or exemption.
• Incomplete forms shall result in immediate disqualification.

Required documents before applying:

• Certified copy of ID document (must be valid for at least three months from August 2020).
• Tax Compliance Status or Tax Exemption Certificate here.
• Proof of income in the arts, culture and heritage sector in the period February 2019 to March 2020.

This can include one or all of the following:

• Employment agreement and/or contract.
• Evidence or portfolio of work.
• CV or profile.
• Brief description of the work you did as an arts, culture and heritage practitioner.
• Letter of reference from arts organisations, artists and/or community leaders (including their full address and contact details) validating your work in this area (not older than 18 months). The documents submitted must be dated and signed, and listed as references in Section 2 of the application form.

Exclusions

The following people are not eligible for funding in this round:

• Visual artists and crafters.
• Audio-visual practitioners.
• Drivers, caterers and any support services.
• Practitioners who received DSAC relief funding in the first wave of relief funding. This includes relief received from provincial structures.

Inclusions

Only the following people may apply in this call:

Creative industries practitioners who are:

• Performing artists.
• Heritage practitioners.
• Technicians.
• Sound engineers.
• Roadies and other support workers in the live performance industry who have been affected by the shutdown of venues, festival and other events in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

This extends to:

• Staff.
• Contractors.
• Administrators and individuals that contribute to the cultural industries ecology.

View the original call here.