​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe on Monday afternoon held virtual meeting with artists to iron out issues around the disbursement of the COVID-19 Relief Fund.
MEC Hlophe called an urgent meeting following an audio clip that was circulating raising grievances and concerns over implementation of the relief fund which was followed by an email from the regional, South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF) and other organizations in the sector.
This comes as the MEC is on a weeklong drive throughout the province encouraging individuals within the sport, arts, culture and recreation sector to apply for the second phase of the relief fund.
In the discussion, key grievances raised by artists include the outstanding payments to successful applicants for the first phase of the relief funds and the list of organizations and individuals awarded.
In response, Hlophe explained the process undertaken and further highlighted the fact that the department had to comply with government regulations in the disbursement of funds including verification of the award process by auditors.
It was then decided to iron out issues on the first phase of the relief funds; that the department will work closely with the structures in the arts sector on matters of mutual interest. The art sector will in turn assist the department with mobilization of artists to attend the roadshows. The department will distribute payments to qualifying beneficiaries of the first phase upon finalization of all processes.
A follow up meeting will be held with the department before the end of October to discuss the grants in aid and online applications
The second phase is earmarked for individuals running programmes within the sector of sport, arts, culture and creative industries, also targeting those at local and community levels.
"I am happy about the outcome of our meeting, it brought to the fore the urgency within which the matters in this sector should be addressed.
"Working with stakeholders in the sector, we will simplify the process, enable and facilitate wider reach and access without in anyway or whatsoever flouting government regulations," said MEC Hlophe she concluded.