As part of the department's intervention during COVID-19, the department invited the creative industry to submit Digital solutions proposals, which were then subsequently funded. This is outside the straightforward Relief support. Some of the digital solutions beneficiaries were also reflected in the list of the COVID-19, 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave beneficiaries. This is because payments were made in tranches. This is the final consolidated list of beneficiaries of all Digital Solutions beneficiaries.
PDF: Covid-19 1st Wave Relief Fund Digital Solutions Projects Beneficiaries
PDF: Covid-19 3rd Wave Relief Fund Beneficiaries list for Individuals and Organisations
In South Africa, the government and various organizations implemented a series of relief funds and digital solutions projects to support individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is an overview of the initiatives for each wave of the pandemic:
1st Wave Relief Fund:
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: A special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 per month was provided to unemployed individuals who were not receiving any other form of social grant or UIF payment.
- Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme (TERS): The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provided temporary relief to workers who lost income due to the pandemic.
- Food Parcel Distribution: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and various non-governmental organizations distributed food parcels to vulnerable households.
- Health Infrastructure: Increased funding for healthcare infrastructure, including the procurement of PPE, ventilators, and the establishment of quarantine facilities.
2nd Wave Relief Fund:
- Extended SRD Grant: The SRD grant was extended to continue providing support to those in need.
- Business Support: The government provided financial support to small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) through various programs, including the Debt Relief Finance Scheme and the Business Growth/Resilience Facility.
- Vaccine Rollout Support: Funding and logistical support for the national vaccination campaign, including the procurement and distribution of vaccines.
- Education Support: Initiatives to support remote learning, including the provision of digital devices and data for students and teachers.
3rd Wave Relief Fund:
- Mental Health Support: Increased focus on mental health services, including hotlines and online counseling services to support individuals affected by the prolonged pandemic.
- Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP): Initiatives aimed at long-term economic recovery, including infrastructure development projects, job creation programs, and support for digital transformation.
- Sector-Specific Support: Targeted support for sectors heavily impacted by the pandemic, such as tourism and hospitality, through grants and financial assistance.
- Community Resilience: Investments in community health programs and infrastructure to build resilience against future pandemics.
Digital Solutions Projects:
- COVID-19 Alert SA App: A mobile application launched by the Department of Health to assist with contact tracing and alerting users of potential exposure to COVID-19.
- Vaccine Management System (EVDS): An electronic system developed to manage the registration and scheduling of COVID-19 vaccinations.
- e-Government Services: Expansion of e-government services to allow online applications for relief funds, UIF claims, and other government services.
- Remote Learning Initiatives: Deployment of digital learning platforms and resources to support remote education for students during school closures.
- Digital Business Transformation: Programs to help businesses transition to digital operations, including support for e-commerce, digital marketing, and online payment systems.
These initiatives were crucial in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on South African society and economy, while also fostering digital transformation across various sectors.
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