Dept. Sport, Arts & Culture launches the 3rd phase of Covid-19 Relief Funding

The Sport, Arts and Culture sector was hoping that the 2020 festive season would present a much-needed opportunity to start working, earning and rebuilding. However, an aggressive second wave of Covid-19 infections that emerged at the start of December prevented this from happening, as gatherings and social engagements were soon prohibited or discouraged.

In response to this, the Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Nathi Mthethwa, launched the 3rd phase of the COVID-19 Relief Funding on 05 February 2021. In his media statement, the total value of funding was not revealed, although it was noted that successful applicants “may” receive no less than R10 000 once off and subject to availability.

The closing date for applications is 22 February, and no late applications will be considered. For details on the application criteria and process, as well as access to the online application form, click here. 

If you have any enquiries on the 3rd phase of the COVID-19 Relief Funding, you can contact the Department through the following channels:

Toll free Number: 0800 724 278 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30-16:00)
Email: covid19fund-enquiries@dsac.gov.za
WhatsApp: 0663807492

The Department has previously rolled out a first and second phase of Covid-19 Relief Funding. The first phase saw over R80 million distributed to nearly 5 000 successful applicants, while the second phase (as of 14 December) saw a further R2 million paid out to an undisclosed number of applicants.

Additionally, 3 658 practitioners from the sector received nearly R3 million through the Solidarity Fund, and DSAC’s partnership with the Department of Small Business Development has paid out over R5 million with an estimated R13 million to still be disbursed by the end of March 2021. This brings the total funding to the setcor to roughly R103 million.

This brings the total funding to the setcor to roughly R103 million.

Minister Mthethwa’s statement also mentions the planned rollout of an Artist Wellness Programme to help those in the sector to deal with the emotional and psychological challenges of the pandemic, while also providing practical tools to assist with personal or business financial management, legal support and lifestyle management.

To access the full media statement, click here.