Question NW1393 to the Minister of Health
08 June 2016 - NW1393
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Health
Whether (a) his department and (b) all entities reporting to him are running development programmes for (i) small businesses and (ii) co-operatives; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (aa) what are the relevant details, (bb) what amount has been budgeted and (cc) how many jobs will be created through the specified development programmes in the 2016-17 financial year?
Reply:
(a) The National Department of Health does not have structured development programmes for (i) small businesses and (ii) co-operatives, however, as part of our Supply Chain Management approach the procurement of goods and services is executed in line with the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act No 05 of 2000 and its associated Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2011, with the purpose of enhancing the participation of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) and the small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the public sector procurement system. The basis of the current position within the department is informed by the legislative environment of public sector procurement which currently does not allow for “set asides” procurement approach.
(aa) This is not applicable to the department since no structured development programmes for (i) small businesses; and (ii) co-operatives exist within the department.
(bb) Whilst the department does not have an approved policy of dedicated spend on (i) small businesses; and (ii) co-operatives, the department budget for the procurement of goods and services for 2016-17 is R 1 453 613 000.00 of which 30% will be utilized for SMMEs' and Co-operatives where applicable.
(cc) This is not applicable to the department since no structured development programmes for (i) small businesses; and (ii) co-operatives exist within the department.
(b) None of the entities reporting to the Minister of Health are running development programs for (i) small businesses and (ii) co-operatives as this does not fall within the legal mandate as outlined in the entities enabling legislation.
END.