The Solidarity Fund sheds light on its mandate in relation to national health response

The press statement reads “The Solidarity Fund’s sole mandate is to support the national health response, contribute to humanitarian relief efforts and mobilise South Africans to drive a united response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The fund is independent of government and has a board which ensures that the funds donated by businesses, foundations, and ordinary citizens are used effectively and responsibly in the fight against Covid-19,” said the statement.

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“There have been reports linking the Solidarity Fund to several government funds and initiatives that deal with the funding of small businesses across different sectors.”

The statement further said it is not the fund’s mandate to assist small business and these funds and initiatives are not in any way related to the Solidarity Fund.

“It is important to note that while the Solidarity Fund works closely with National Treasury, government and business for South Africa, which is made up of Business Unity South Africa, the Black Business Council and various other business organisations to procure critical equipment and supplies, it is independent of both government and business.

“Lastly, we wish to emphasise that the Solidarity Fund is purely a vehicle for the disbursement of funding towards the Covid-19 health and humanitarian relief efforts and does not fund businesses directly.”