(a). What are the processes for administering the fund?
Department administration:
The department administers the R10 million allocated to BASA for three years through a Memorandum of Agreement. R3 million was distributed in 2020/21, R5 million in 2021/22 and R2 million in 2022/23 with each amount distributed in tranches quarterly following submission of the progress report to the department. This administration is coupled with meetings with BASA and monitoring the process by the Project Manager.
As a requirement, BASA submits a detailed annual report with expenditure to the departments regarding the debut fund programme.
BASA’s administration:
Key to note: Participants receive 70% of their grants at the beginning. They are required to participate in the activities of the next phase and to submit a report on the first tranche. Once this has been reviewed, they then receive the 30% balance. Report includes the narrative as well as the expenditure component.
(b) Who adjudicates the applications:
Participants’ applications and submissions are evaluated by an external adjudication panel. Below is a list of the diverse individuals who have assisted with applications and the submissions of tasks.
Name |
Languages |
Brief Profile |
Tshepiso Shikwambane |
Xitsonga, IsiZulu, English |
Actor, director, voiceover artist. Director and co-founder of Phandicraft Active Drama |
Aifheli Makhwanya |
Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, English |
Independent researcher and consultant for the cultural and creative industries. Managing Director of Dzanda Consulting & Events |
Onthatile Ditshego |
Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, English, Afrikaans, Siswati |
Programme Manager at the Trevor Noah Foundation |
David April |
Setswana, Sepedi, Afrikaans, English |
Director, teacher, choreographer, and lobbyist |
Dimakatso Motholo |
Sesotho, Setswana IsiZulu |
Stage manager, performing artist, researcher, administrator, and project manager |
(c) What is the criteria for qualifying for the fund?
Target Audience:
Applicants submit WhatsApp videos of who they are and why they want to join the Programme.
Adjudicators first check against the key requirements as per the above, including whether:
Access to funding within the programme:
For participants to make it to the next phase(s) of the Debut Programme and to receive funding they are required to complete all required tasks/activities in the relevant phase and then to submit a formal application for their business ideas or ventures, using the knowledge gained during the Workshops.
Criteria:
NB: Participants are required to meet the deadline in time for the adjudication.