COVID-19 Business Support Review

During this crisis what has been highlighted for most business owners is the access to resources and information available to assist with general, business and financial information. Whether you are a sole proprietor or registered business, no business owner can know it all and have the time to research the required information. We have all been bombarded with notifications, offers of assistance, some of which is applicable but most is not and having to navigate our way through in the quickest possible time without missing crucial information.
While we also don’t have all the answers, we are happy to share some of the research undertaken which may be of assistance to our Industry Partners and diving community.
The government initiatives, while great in theory are mired in sometimes difficult to understand documentation.
Access to the Tourism Relief Fund specifies that this only open to enterprises with a B-BBEE rating. This rating is easily achieved and all operators classed as EME’s (exempted micro enterprises) with a turnover >R10m p.a are eligible to submit a sworn affidavit confirming their turnover and enterprise shareholding. Enterprises with no B-BBEE shareholding and within the financial criteria will automatically be classified as LEVEL 4.
While we also don’t have all the answers, we are happy to share some of the research undertaken which may be of assistance to our Industry Partners and diving community.
The government initiatives, while great in theory are mired in sometimes difficult to understand documentation.
Access to the Tourism Relief Fund specifies that this only open to enterprises with a B-BBEE rating. This rating is easily achieved and all operators classed as EME’s (exempted micro enterprises) with a turnover >R10m p.a are eligible to submit a sworn affidavit confirming their turnover and enterprise shareholding. Enterprises with no B-BBEE shareholding and within the financial criteria will automatically be classified as LEVEL 4.
1. Tourism: Easy Guide for Amended Tourism B-BBEE
2. B-BBEE Registration
3. Department of Tourism Relief Fund
While the assistance is only open to operations with a BBEEE rating this should not prevent any company from applying. Refer to 1 & 2 above.
4. UIF claims via the TERS portal
Companies/organisations need to be registered with UIF and in good standing to access this benefit. Applications for assistance are based on a sliding scale between 38-60% of employee earnings. Benefits may be paid to the employer or directly to the employee. However, in the event of the company wishing to top-up the earnings, they will need the employee to confirm amounts received.
Claims via TERS need to be submitted before 30 April 2020.
Claims via TERS need to be submitted before 30 April 2020.
5. South African Future Trust (SAFT) Assistance
This financial assistance is offered to qualifying SMME’s in order to prevent their permanent employees losing their jobs. This is based on a 5-year interest free loan and is entered into between the employer and the FUND. This loan must be settled by 31 December 2025. Terms and conditions will be made available on successful application.
If approved, the fund will make weekly payments directly to the employee of R750 pw for 15 weeks. There is no limit to the number of permanent employees that can receive funding.
This fund is administered via all major banks and applications forms are available on their websites.
If approved, the fund will make weekly payments directly to the employee of R750 pw for 15 weeks. There is no limit to the number of permanent employees that can receive funding.
This fund is administered via all major banks and applications forms are available on their websites.
6. Sukuma Relief Programme
The programme provides a non-repayable grant of R25k to qualifying businesses. Business must be tax and regulatory compliant and registered with CIPC. The programme is currently closed due to over-subscription but may be opened again at a later date.
This programme is run under Business Partners and allows for a once-off R25k non-repayable grant as well as unsecured loans of between R250k-R1m structured over 5 years.
This programme is run under Business Partners and allows for a once-off R25k non-repayable grant as well as unsecured loans of between R250k-R1m structured over 5 years.
7. Disaster Management Tax Relief Benefits for SMME’s
Turnover <R50m, SARS registered and tax compliant.
This is assistance provided for the deferral of PAYE liability, delay in provisional tax payment. Information is available on the SARS website.
This is assistance provided for the deferral of PAYE liability, delay in provisional tax payment. Information is available on the SARS website.
8. National Small Business Chamber
This is a good platform with hands on tips and webinars. They offering incentives to join their organisation.
9. COBRA War Room
This organisation provides assistance to distressed businesses. In order to sustain South African businesses through the Covid-19 crisis they provide free services to help receive co-ordinated bank, government and stakeholder support. They have extensive legal, accounting, technology and business turnaround experience.
10. The new relief initiatives announced by President Ramaphosa on 21 April have yet to be finalised and published. We can look forward to further assistance which will be updated as it is made available.
Mention should be made that all banking institutions have also put measures of assistance in place. This assistance can be accessed by contacting your bankers and requesting guidance for access to their facilities.
Most applications for assistance will require that one’s tax affairs are in good order. This should however not preclude the decision to apply for assistance.
Please note that no organisation or any link provided here is specifically endorsed by DAN SA and we take no responsibility for any information provided by these links
Most applications for assistance will require that one’s tax affairs are in good order. This should however not preclude the decision to apply for assistance.
Please note that no organisation or any link provided here is specifically endorsed by DAN SA and we take no responsibility for any information provided by these links
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March