The FF Plus will request the Mpumalanga MEC for Tourism, Pat Ngomane, not to allow race to be used as a criterion for the allocation of funds to tourism and hospitality businesses in Mpumalanga that apply for aid from the Tourism Relief Fund.
The Department has earmarked R10 million for this purpose.
It has come to the FF Plus's attention that the details of applicants' Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) certificates must be filled in on the application forms, although it was not mentioned as a requirement in the official advertisement.
The FF Plus will request Ngomane not to use BEE as a criterion for financial aid to tourism and hospitality businesses, to follow a transparent allocation process and to assist as many businesses in the industry as possible. It will stimulate job creation and economic growth in the province.
All races are represented in the tourism industry and Covid-19 makes no distinction when it comes to those who fall victim. Thus, the province's Department for Economic Development and Tourism should also not discriminate against applicants based on race.
In an official question last year, the FF Plus asked the MEC for statistics on the number of BEE and non-BEE business that received financial aid. The party still has not received a response.
A request has now also been sent to the Speaker of the Legislature, Busisiwe Shiba, to add to the order paper an urgent debate on the economic interest and importance of Mpumalanga's tourism and hospitality industry, regardless of race.
On the 11th of March, the FF Plus will pose a direct question on the matter to the Premier, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, in the Legislature as well.
The tourism and hospitality industry makes a significant contribution to Mpumalanga's economic prosperity and it is in everyone's interest for the industry to make it through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Contact details: 084 652 9164 / 076 678 2830
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