Solidarity Fund spells out its mandate in relation to national health response
There have been reports linking it to a number of government funds and initiatives that deal with the funding of small businesses across different sectors, that contributed to the widespread confusion.
MBOMBELA – Since the introduction of the Solidarity Fund during lockdown, many South Africans have been unsure about the organisation and what purpose it serves as the country took up the fight against the Covid-19 coronavirus.
In a bid to provide more clarity, the Solidarity Fund has released a statement to provide a succinct explanation of the role it plays.
The 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.
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“The fund is independent of government and has a board that ensures that the funds donated by businesses, foundations, and ordinary citizens are used effectively and responsibly in the fight against Covid-19.”
According to the statement, there have been reports linking it to a number of government funds and initiatives that deal with the funding of small businesses across different sectors. This misconception has led to a misunderstanding of exactly what the fund’s mandate entails.
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The statement continued, “It is not the fund’s mandate to assist small business and those 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.“
