Small Business Development explains relief for SMMEs hit by Covid-19 fallout
Small businesses struggling in the wake of Covid-19 can apply for government assistance as of 24 March.
Refilwe Moloto finds out the details from Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Small Business Development Sarah Mokwebo.
She says on Thursday last week, the minister released a statement explaining what the government has planned for SMMEs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are two forms of government intervention she explains.
One is the Debt Relief Fund and the second is the Reliance or Business Growth Fund.
The Debt Relief Fund will provide relief for all SMMEs whether funded by the State or not, she says.
All SMMEs will be given a payment holiday and have their loans restructured...but need to show a link between Covid-19 and loss of income.
Sarah Mokwebo, Chief of Staff - Ministry of Small Business Development
How much will be paid out?
At this stage, I cannot confirm or give a firm amount as there are still engagements in place with the minister and president and business representatives.
Sarah Mokwebo, Chief of Staff - Ministry of Small Business Development
She says they are coming up with amounts for various sized categories and maximum amounts for each SMME.
It will go on a case-by-case basis and prioritise those who need it more.
Sarah Mokwebo, Chief of Staff - Ministry of Small Business Development
She says they are also looking at industries such as tourism which is going to be hardest hit.
Listen to the interview below:

Source : https://previews.123rf.com/images/trgowanlock/trgowanlock1511/trgowanlock151100159/47994797-a-closed-sign-hanging-in-the-glass-doorway-of-a-shop-in-the-uk.jpg
More from Covid-19 coronavirus explained

Do what we demand, or no vaccines for you - Johnson & Johnson calls the shots
"In the middle of a pandemic - is this not a form of extortion, if you’re holding lives to ransom?" asks Refilwe Moloto.
Read More
Prof Glenda Gray explains why 'rare blood clots' required pause to J&J rollout
On Tuesday evening Health Minister Mkhize announced a temporarily suspension of J&J vaccines due to 6 cases of blood clots in USA
Read More
Companies benefitting from Covid-19 TERS to be audited
Bruce Whitfield interviews Ruth Maforimbo of People Advisory Services at EY Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.
Read More
Should you keep working from home after the pandemic?
Will doing so affect you negatively in the long term? Bruce Whitfield interviews Linda Trim, Director at Giant Leap.
Read More
'Western Cape to start vaccinating over-60s in May'
"There’s been no significant sign of cluster events emanating from the Easter weekend," says W Cape Head of Health Keith Cloete.
Read More
'World could be $9 trillion richer by 2025, if Covid-19 vaccinations are swift'
Vaccinating entire populations against Covid-19 will more than pay for itself, according to the IMF.
Read More
Rich countries vaccinate low-risk population while Africa waits and dies – MSF
"The Economist projects that most Africans will only receive full vaccinations by the end of 2023," warns Doctors Without Borders.
Read More
Covid-19 vaccinations: 'Private sector is raring to go!'
Sibanye-Stillwater has set aside R200 million to vaccinate its entire workforce and their families, says Helena Wasserman.
Read More
Lockdown traffic trends: Less congestion as work rhythms change - research
Vehicle tracking specialist Tracker commissioned research into how the lockdown impacted vehicle movement during the lockdown.
Read More
'Drinking is how we celebrate and mourn. It’s who we are'
"We’re all sitting in suspense," says Adrie Vermeulen (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence).
Read More