Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698136311537.pdf (South Africa)
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES QUESTION NO: 662-2020 FOR WRITTEN REPLY INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.

31-2020 DATE OF PUBLICATION 9 OCTOBER 2020: “Mr G Michalakis (Free State: DA) to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: (1).
Whether, with reference to his reply to Question 510 on 14 September 2020, the limited funds that are available in his departmental aid and the continued restriction of 50 persons per theatre (details furnished) for live performances make it possible for the sector to sustain itself under the circumstances; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2).
what actions is his department taking to ensure that theatres that (a) cannot pay operational costs and (b) do not receive government funding are sustained during the lockdown?

W734E REPLY: 1.

The level 1 Disaster Management Act amended Regulations have lifted the 50 person restriction and now allows for 50% capacity for various premises including theatres as part of addressing economic recovery and to sustain itself under the circumstances while saving lives.
Further, given the recent requests from the theatre fraternity regarding the 1.5m social distance versus the limit of 250 people for indoors.

The Department will waiver the 1,5m social distance protocol requirement to a “one seat” apart distance to assist venues to be able to cover the 50% capacity subject to a cap of 250 people and adherence to all safety protocols as outlined in the Directions.

2.

(a).

The Department is due to open for the employment stimulus package as was announced by the President.
The call to the cultural and creative sector that will include theatres will be done through the DSAC’s agency – the National Arts Council (NAC).

The stimulus package will not only address the employment for approximately five months, but will also allow for job retention for all the companies, that will apply for and qualify for such support.

2.(b).
2.(b).

The combination of the alert level 1, allowance of 50% capacity and the opportunity to apply for the employment stimulus package job retention intervention is a commitment to assist towards the sustenance of the theatres and the cultural and creative sector at large during the lockdown period.