Question NW654 to the Minister of Trade and Industry
25 May 2020 - NW654
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
Whether, as a participant on the board of the Solidarity Fund, he can provide details as to whether distributions from the fund or procurement by the fund are subject to Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment policies and legislation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the rationale for this? NW856E
Reply:
The Solidarity Fund was created on 23 March 2020 to respond to the COVID-19 crisis in South Africa. It is a platform for the general public, civil society and the public and private sector to contribute to the consolidated effort to fund various initiatives.
Ms Gloria Serobe is the Chairperson, Mr Adrian Enthoven serves as the Deputy Chairperson and Ms Nomkhita Nqweni is the interim CEO.
The Fund works closely with government and business, but it is independent of both of them. It is responsible for and controls the funds donated and is accountable for them, with Old Mutual administering the funds on a pro bono basis.
Full governance documentation can be found on the website of the fund at https://www.solidarityfund.co.za/Solidarity_Fund_Governance_Overview_V20200419.1.pdf.
Contributions to the Fund are utilised for four purposes, namely to
- Prevent the spread of the infection by supporting campaigns and communication measures to flatten the curve
- Detect and understand the magnitude of the disease through the supply of testing kits and research
- Care for those in hospital or medical care by ensuring a supply of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and
- Support those whose lives have been disrupted by the pandemic through the support of feeding and shelter programmes across the country.
The Honourable Member is encouraged to direct the question of the policies of the Fund to its Chief Executive Officer or to the Chairperson of the Fund.
-END-