Johannesburg – This afternoon, the NAC hosted its weekly Industry Briefing with updates on the progress made in respect to the disbursement of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) funds and how funds are distributed. This follows the previous briefing session, which was held on the 16^th of April 2021.

The NAC received an allocation of R300 million, of which R285 million was to be distributed for PESP funding. As of today, the following milestones have been achieved:

1. The NAC announced that a total of 1 331 applicants, that were approved for the PESP grant;
2. To date, a total of R181 177 191 has been paid to 1 136 beneficiaries, which is a combination of 70% of the grant value (the first tranche) or the full grant for the beneficiaries;
3. Funds disbursed to date of R181 177 191 means the NAC has now disbursed 91% of the first tranche (70%) of the total grant value (R285 million) in accordance with the PESP agreement between the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture (DSAC) and the NAC;
4. The remaining balance of the first tranche now due for payment is approximately R18 300 000. This comprises 192 applicants, including those GNLs which were recently sent, and is made up of 46 contracts still to be sent to beneficiaries on receipt of the revised required information, 48 contracts sent but not yet received back from beneficiaries, and 98 returned contracts that are in process for payment.
5. The final balance of R85 500 000, which is made up of the second tranche/final payments will be paid in various intervals following receipt of required reporting.
6. By the close of business today, a further R 10 413 175.20 will be processed for payment. This will bring the total number of paid beneficiaries to 1 175, approximating to R191 590 366.20.
7. The anticipated number of job opportunities created by contracts returned now stands at over 20 000.

All beneficiaries who received GNLs last week were required to return their documentation by today, Friday, 23^rd of April 2021. We can confirm that 86 beneficiaries successfully uploaded these documents and have received or await their contracts. The remaining 33 beneficiaries who have not submitted their documents could, unfortunately, stand to forfeit their grants.

Many beneficiaries who have received their first tranche payments are ready to submit their interim reports. Reporting is now open on the GMS portal for all beneficiaries who have received payment. Beneficiaries are required to submit their report around the timelines stated in their contractual agreements. All projects need to be completed by 31^st May 2021.

With regards to the artists currently occupying the entity’s offices, the matter is with the Office of the Sherriff, as ordered by the court.

This Council remains fully committed to successfully completing the PESP process to ensure that the PESP funds reach all beneficiaries so they can retain and create the much-needed work opportunities in our industry.

ENDS…

For Media Enquiries: Council Spokesperson, Clr. Tshepo Mashiane – 072 037 3358