Durban – Entertainment labour groups are providing information on relief funds available for struggling freelancers in the entertainment industry.
This followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on the steps the national government is undertaking to provide financial relief to struggling citizens of South Africa.
The South African Guild of Editors (SAGE) and the South Africa Guild of Actors (SAGA) have been posting links on social media where people who belong to the entertainment industry can apply for financial relief, as well as information on additional funding.
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) as well as the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is providing financial relief to entertainment companies or individuals who have had to cancel productions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The DSAC has made R150 million available for the relief while the NFVF has made R5m available.
SAGA teamed up with the Theatre Benevolent Fund (TBF) to provide a food fund for struggling and freelance actors within the industry. They are also providing food stamps for actors to redeem.
Broadcasters have also set aside an amount to aid their productions. MultiChoice and M-Net have allocated R80m towards those who are involved with their productions. SABC, e.tv and Netflix have not disclosed any amounts.
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