Question NW1226 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
05 December 2019 - NW1226
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With regard to the deployment of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) under Operation Prosper for the period 18 July 2019 to 16 September 2019, (a) what amount of the approved budget of R23 million was spent in this period, (b) from which cost centre within the SANDF budget was the funding of the deployment sourced, (c) how was the average cost of R8 712,12 per person for each month determined and (d) what are the details and justification of the spending for each cost item; (2) whether the whole budget was spent; if not, (a) why was (i) it spent only on the confirmed deployed strength of 421 persons versus the approved strength of 1 320 persons and (ii) the remainder of the R23 million not utilised for the deployment of more companies and (b) what will happen with the unspent amount; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) An amount of Rm35, 963, 32 has already been spent against the projected Rm23.
(1)(b) Funding is done through reprioritisation within the departmental budget.
(1)(c) The allowance consists of Standby (R80.75), Danger (R15.58) and
Deprivation Allowances (R326.35) to the amount R12, 680.40. These allowance are taxable and therefore the members qualify for R8 084, 59 after tax depending on the member’s taxable income.
(1)(d) The allowances (Rm 14,5) are based on the number of deployed members multiplied by amounts stated in (1)(c). Of the Rm35,963, 32 , Rm4.5 will be paid for the purchase of showers and ablution facilities by the end of November and Rm4, 665,820, will be paid to the South African Air Force. Rm2,322,500 is for Fuel Oil and Lubricants (FOL) and Rm 9,975 for rations.
(2) The whole budget was spent as explained in (1)(a).