​Thembisa Shologu
Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has concluded its phase one of Relief Fund distribution to all qualifying applicants as per the Gauteng Audit Services (GAS) approved list.
Phase 1 of the Gauteng Relief Fund saw a low number of applicants and this necessitated roadshows by MEC Mbali Hlophe to all regions as a way of raising awareness about the Relief Fund to communities. 
Gauteng Audit Services (GAS) previously rejected some applications due to missing documentation, the department has accordingly notified, contacted and advised applicants to submit urgently.
"These will be integrated into the second phase of applications. To this end, the deadline for the second phase of applications was on Friday, 30  October 2020 and the adjudication committee together with Gauteng Audit Services (GAS) will be sitting to go through the thousands of applications received and advise on the list of qualifying beneficiaries to be paid in the second phase," said department's spokesperson, Nomazwe Ntlokwana.
"There has been some frustration expressed by some artists, related to the speed at which the process is unfolding. Whilst noting these, the department remains committed to ensuring the aid is distributed accordingly as required by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and good governance.
"These remain public funds and every cent must be accounted for, hence processes are put in place to ensure accountability in the form of the adjudication panel, appeals panel and GAS as the overall overseer," said Ntlokwana.