Questions and Replies
28 November 2024 - NW1460
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with regard to the visa backlog that has been cleared, he will furnish Ms L L van der Merwe with the relevant details of the (a) breakdown of the category of visas and (b) total number of visas in each category that were (i) cleared, (ii) approved and/or (iii) rejected; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a)&(b) A total of 137 703 were finalised on the Visa Adjudication System and the breakdown per category is in the table below. The table also provides details on the number total number of visas cleared, approved and rejected for each category:
|
ONLINE CATEGORIES |
Approved (b)(ii) |
Rejected (b)(iii) |
Grand Total (b)(i) |
|
Appeal |
739 |
1144 |
1883 |
|
Angola Exemption |
473 |
1 |
474 |
|
Lesotho/Zimbabwe Special Dispensation |
2160 |
3 |
2163 |
|
Permanent Residence |
10765 |
10059 |
20824 |
|
Rectification |
46 |
0 |
46 |
|
Temporary Residence |
75741 |
36467 |
112208 |
|
Transfer |
105 |
0 |
105 |
|
Grand Total |
90029 |
47674 |
137703 |
END.
28 November 2024 - NW1131
Dugmore, Mr C to ask the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) With regard to claims lodged by claimants in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, Act 22 of 1994, before the deadline of 1998 in each province, what total number of (a) claims were timeously lodged and (b) the specified claims were settled. (2) what total number of the settled claims were (a) settled via (i) financial compensation and/or (ii) returning the land to the relevant claimants and (b) not settled. (3) whether he will provide a comprehensive list of all the claims which have not yet been settled; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he will provide a short description of the cause of the delay in settling each of the specified claims; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (5) what is the proposed time frame to settle each outstanding claim? NW1380E
Reply:
(1)(a) Please refer to the table below.
|
Province |
Total Lodged |
|
Eastern Cape |
16,716 |
|
Free State |
2,682 |
|
Gauteng |
13,162 |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
16,394 |
|
Limpopo |
3,489 |
|
Mpumalanga |
3,400 |
|
North West |
3,902 |
|
Northern Cape |
3,852 |
|
Western Cape |
16,099 |
|
TOTAL |
79,696 |
(b) Please refer to Annexure A.
(2)(a)(i) 56 040
(ii) 8 314
(b) 5755
3. Yes. Please refer to Annexure B.
4. There are various challenges amongst others such as conflict amongst the beneficiaries, landowners challenging the validity of the claims and land invasions which caused the delays in the settlement of claims.
Due to the declining budget, the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights reduced its APP targets. Cognisant of the increased value of settlements and the declining budget, the Commission has aligned the settlement and finalisation targets with the allocated budget. There is need for increased budget and human resources capacity in order for the Commission to accelerate the fast-tracking of land claims.
5. Due to above mention reasons no specific time frame can be indicated as each claim has different challenges.
END
28 November 2024 - NW1762
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development
Given that in his reply to question 337 for oral reply on 23 October 2024 he indicated that fraudulent claims were lodged by some members of the community of Lower Zingcuka, which contributed to the delays in finalising the claim, what was the nature of the specified fraud; (2) whether he will furnish Mr N S Matiase with the (a) full audited list of beneficiaries before the seemingly fraudulent claims were made and (b) final list of the beneficiaries, excluding the seemingly fraudulent claimants; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Non-qualifying people were included as claimants in the original list.
2. (a) Please refer to Annexures A-E.
b) The office is currently in the process of conducting verification and homestead identification to confirm legitimate claimants.
28 November 2024 - NW586
Webster, Ms NL to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What is the (a) total number of staff employed and/ provided as Ministerial support in (i) her and (ii) the Deputy Minister`s private offices and (b)(i) job title, (ii) annual remuneration package and (iii) highest level of academic qualifications of each specified member of staff?
Reply:
The Minister (a)(i) for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has a total of 6 officials appointed in her private office provided by the Department as provided for in the Ministerial Handbook of 22 November 2022.
The Deputy Minister (a) (ii) for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has a total of 4 officials appointed in his private office provided for in the Ministerial Handbook of 22 November 2022.
The Table below answers the question (b) (i)(ii) and (iii) for the office of the Minister:
|
OFFICE OF THE MEMBER TO REGULATION 66 OF THE PSR, 2016 (Question (b) (i) |
ANNUAL REMUNARATION (Question (b) (ii) |
HIGHEST ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION (Question (b) (iii) |
|
1X Chief of Staff level 14 Mr KL Phasha |
R1436 022.00 (Total remuneration package |
Post Graduate in Management (NQF 8) |
|
1X Media Liaison Officer: Mr T. Machike |
R1216 824. 00 (Total remuneration package) |
BA Degree in Policy Studies |
|
1X Community Outreach Officer: SL 11 Ms L. Shikwari |
R849 702.00 (Total remuneration package) |
BA Political Science |
|
1X Assistant Appointment and Administrative Secretary: SL9 Ms M Mamabolo |
R608 329.32 (Total remuneration package) |
BA Health and Social Servies |
|
2X Household Aids Ms L. Kom (CPT) Ms R. Mokwena (JHB) |
R212 552.76 (Total remuneration package) |
Senior Certificate |
The table below answers the questions (b) (i)(ii) and (iii) for the office of the Deputy Minister:
|
OFFICE OF THE MEMBER TO REGULATION 66 OF THE PSR, 2016 (Question(b) (ii) |
ANNUAL REMUNERATION (Question (b) (ii) |
HIGHEST ACADEMIC QAULIFICATION (Question (b) (ii) |
|
1X Private and Appointment Secretary: Salary level 12 (Seconded from DOJCD) Ms N. Ntuli |
R849 702.00 (Total remuneration package) |
National Certificate in Information and Communication Technology |
|
1X Parliamentary and Cabinet Support (Salary level 11) Mr B. Williams |
R849 702.00 (Total remuneration package) |
LLB Degree |
|
1X Community Outreach Officer: SL11 Mr L. Gqili |
R849 702 .00 Total remuneration package |
LLB Degree |
|
1X Receptionist: SL 5 Ms L Skosana- Adendorf |
R296 491. 29 Total remuneration package |
Senior Certificate |
28 November 2024 - NW860
Letlape, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development
What progress has been made with regard to the issuing of title deeds in each province?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development commenced with the consultations on the policy change with the affected leases before changing the policy that allowed transfer of state land with no obligation to pay market related prices as per the National Treasury guidelines. All policy approvals were finalized in March 2024 and the project commenced immediately after the approval. To date 185 properties have been approved for transfer and they are at various stages of conveyancing of which 12 title deeds have been issued as indicated in the table below:
|
Province |
Property description |
Tittle Deed Number |
Transfer date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eastern Cape |
Remaining Extent of Portion 12 of farm No. 850, East London Registration Division |
T14503/2024 |
05/09/2024 |
|
Free State |
Remainder of the Farm Plaatjiesfontein No. 130, Bloemfontein RD. |
T7273/2024 |
22/08/2024 |
|
Free State |
Portion 1 of the Farm Slangheuvel No. 192, Heilbron RD |
T8739/2024 |
30/09/2024 |
|
Free State |
Remainder of the Farm Zandfontein No. 183, Lindley RD, Farm Landhoek No. 362, Lindley RD and Farm Zandlaagte No. 522, Lindley RD |
T8738/2024 |
30/09/2024 |
|
Mpumalanga |
Portion 8 of the Farm Wachteenbeetjeshoek No.327, Registration Division |
T7870/2024 |
15/08/2024 |
|
Mpumalanga |
portion 15 of the Farm Holvlei No. 52, Registration Division HS. |
T8305/2024 |
28/08/2024 |
|
Gauteng |
Ptn 63 of the Farm Yzervarkfontein 194 IR |
T17931/2024 |
05/04/2024 |
|
KwaZulu Natal |
Remainder of Portion 1, Remainder of Portion 2, Remainder of Portion 4 (of 2), Portion 8 (of 2), and Portion 9 (of 1) of the farm Alletta No. 4350 |
T24753/2024 |
05/09/2024 |
|
KwaZulu Natal |
Remainder of the Farm Up & Down No. 8701 |
T25142/2024 |
10/09/2024 |
|
Free State |
Ptn 1 Of Farm Sachsen Weimar 540, Heilbron |
T9142/2024 |
11/10/2024 |
|
Free State |
Ptn 1 Of Farm Excelsior 1797, Heilbron |
T9143/2024 |
11/10/2024 |
|
Free State |
Remaining Extent Farm Nantes 182, Zastron. |
T9140/2024 |
11/10/2024 |
28 November 2024 - NW1691
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(a) How regularly does the interview panel for late registration of birth applications meet to conduct interviews in the Cape Town Metropolitan district and (b) what total number of interviews are conducted on average per day when the panel meets?
Reply:
a) The Late Registration of Birth (LRB) process consists of the following categories: 1-6 years, 7-14 years and 15 years and above. Western Cape has six Districts of which three District Managers chair the LRB process ages 1-6 years and the Provincial Manager chairs the LRB categories 7–14 years and 15 years and above. On average interviews, are conducted at least three (3) days per week in the Cape Town Metropolitan district.
b) The total number of interviews that are conducted by screening committees is between 15 – 30 interviews, bearing in mind that two interviews must be conducted for the category 15 years and above, one with the applicant and one with the informant.
END.
28 November 2024 - NW1779
Daniels, Mr M V to ask the Minister of Correctional Services
What other measures, particularly relating to building more prisons, are in place to deal with overcrowding?
Reply:
The need to increase the national bed space capacity is receiving attention through the construction of new facilities, the upgrade of outmoded facilities, regaining of lost bed space, and the refurbishment of dilapidated facilities under the auspices of allocated funding from the National Treasury.
As depicted from the below table it can be noted that the bed space capacity was increased by 2 788 beds since September 2023 to July 2024.
|
Region |
Sept 2023 |
Dec 2023 |
March 2024 |
June 2024 |
July 2024 |
|
EC |
12 427 |
12 427 |
12 205 |
12 205 |
12 205 |
|
FS/NC |
18 462 |
18 462 |
18 219 |
18 219 |
18 219 |
|
GP |
23 247 |
23 247 |
23 419 |
23 419 |
23 419 |
|
KZN |
17 778 |
17 778 |
17 778 |
17 778 |
17 778 |
|
LMN |
14 789 |
14 789 |
15 941 |
16 661 |
17 813 |
|
WC |
17 855 |
17 855 |
17 912 |
17 912 |
17 912 |
|
TOTALS |
104 558 |
104 558 |
105 474 |
106 194 |
107 346 |
With an average overcrowding rate of approximately 46%, an urgent need exists to construct/regain a total of 50 000 bed spaces;
This requires the construction of 100 new Correctional Centres with a bed space capacity of 500 each, or alternatively 50 new Correctional Centres with a bed space of 1000 each.
According to the 2022/23 Property & Construction Africa Cost Guide, the Department will need an estimated capital allocation of R36 billion for the construction of new Correctional Centres;
- 1 000 inmate bed space Medium Correctional Centre: R 680 000 – R 725 000 per bed-space,
- 500 inmate bed space Medium Correctional Centre: R 725 000 – R 810 000 per bed-space,
- High / Maximum Security Correctional Centre: R 1 080 000 – R 1 400 000 per bed-space
The current fiscal environment is not accommodative of this requirement.
A total of 69 infrastructure projects are registered, which comprise of a combination of capital and maintenance projects. In terms of building more Correctional Centres to address overcrowding, the following projects are currently under construction:
Burgersdorp: The project for the construction of a 500-bed Correctional Centre at Burgersdorp was handed over to a contractor during April 2022, and it is expected to be finalised during 2026.
Parys: The construction contract was terminated during February 2023, due to poor performance of the contractor. The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) appointed a replacement contractor during December 2023. The site was handed over and the expected completion date is 2026.
END.
28 November 2024 - NW1530
Mdluli, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
With reference to applications to the International Trade Administration Commission, what total the number of applications (a) have been filed for trade and trade remedies pertaining to anti-dumping, safeguarding and countervailing since 1 January 2021, (b) were (i) processed and (ii) declined in the specified period and (c) are still under consideration since 2021?
Reply:
(a) ITAC has supplied Annex A, which summarises the trade remedy investigations undertaken by the Commission since 2021.
(b)(i) and (ii) Please see Annex A.
(c) ITAC also indicates that, because there is a statutory 18-month timeline for trade remedy investigations, it would not have any matters still under consideration from 2021.
.
-END-
28 November 2024 - NW1551
Kgobisa-Ngcaba, Ms K to ask the Minister of Correctional Services
Whether, with regard to each management area in the Republic, he will furnish Ms K Kgobisa‑Ngcaba with a list of all (a) educational programmes, (b)(i) long and (ii) short courses on skills development programmes, (c) rehabilitation programmes, (d) social integration programmes, (e) agricultural programmes and (f) community service programmes available to inmates, including the (i) total cost and (ii) percentage of the budget spent on each specified programme?
Reply:
|
Management Area |
(a) Educational prog |
(b)(i) Long skills dev prog |
(b)(ii) Short skills dev prog |
c) Rehab prog |
d) Social Reintegration prog |
e) agricultural Prog |
f) community service prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EASTERN CAPE REGION |
|||||||
|
Mthatha |
|
|
|
Spiritual care-
Psychological services-
Correctional Programmes
|
|
|
|
|
Kirkwood |
TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
Social work services-
Spiritual care-
Psychological services-
Correctional Programmes
|
|
|
|
|
Amathole |
|
|
|
Social work services-
Spiritual care-
Psychological services-
Correctional Programmes
|
|
|
|
|
St Albans |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12 Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East London |
Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SADA |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12 Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAUTENG REGION |
|||||||
|
Baviaanspoort |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12 TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kgosi Mampuru II |
Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leeuwkop |
TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Krugersdorp |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zonderwater |
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boksburg |
Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
Social work services:
Psychological services:
|
None |
|
None |
|
Modderbee |
Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Johannesburg |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
(no farm) |
|
|
FREE STATE AND NORTHERN CAPE (FS&NC) REGION |
|||||||
|
Colesburg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kimberley |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upington |
|
Building |
Garment making |
New beginnings Anger management Sexual offences Substance abuse Restorative Justice Behaviour modification Economic crimes (Fraud) Economic crimes (Theft) Murder and related offence Cross roads Robbery and related offences Pre-release |
None |
Plant Production (specifics of programme depend on season) |
None |
|
Bizzah Makhate |
TVET College Programmes:
|
Building, Welding |
Paving Health & Safety Crocheting |
New beginnings Anger management Sexual offences Substance abuse Restorative Justice Behaviour modification Economic crimes (Fraud) Economic crimes (Theft) Murder and related offence Cross roads Robbery and related offences Pre-release |
None |
Plant production |
None |
|
Goedemoed |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
Garment making Computer Vegetable production Garment making Crocheting and Knitting |
Welding, Cleaning course |
New beginnings Anger management Sexual offences Substance abuse Restorative Justice Behaviour modification Economic crimes (Fraud) Economic crimes (Theft) Murder and related offence Cross roads Robbery and related offences Pre-release |
None |
Plant Production (specifics of programme depend on season) Animal Production (specifics of programme depend on animals on farms) |
None |
|
Groenpunt |
|
|
Art Frame manufacturing |
New beginnings Anger management Sexual offences Substance abuse Restorative Justice Behaviour modification Economic crimes (Fraud) Economic crimes (Theft) Murder and related offence Cross roads Robbery and related offences Pre-release |
None |
• Plant Production (specifics of programme depend on season) Animal Production (specifics of programme depend on animals on farms) |
None |
|
Grootvlei |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
None |
|
Mangaung CC |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
|
|
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
KWAZULU-NATAL REGION |
|||||||
|
Durban |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Empangeni |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glencoe |
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kokstad |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ncome |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pietermaritzburg |
TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Waterval |
TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIMPOPO, MPUMALANGA AND NORTHWEST (LMN) REGION |
|||||||
|
Barberton |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12
TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bethal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Klerksdorp |
TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Polokwane |
|
Assistant,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rooigrond |
Grade 12 Part Time:
|
|
|
Psychological Programmes
|
|
|
|
|
Rustenburg |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12 Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thohoyandou |
Grade 12 Part Time:
Engineering Studies Higher Education and Training/ Tertiary studies |
|
|
|
|
Plant Production (specifics of programme depend on season)
|
|
|
Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12 Grade 12 Part Time: |
|
|
KCM renders Social Work Services as part of Structured Day Programme.
Religious & Pastoral Care:
|
|
|
|
|
Witbank |
Grade 12 Part Time: TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WESTERN CAPE |
|||||||
|
Brandvlei |
Full time: Grade 10 – 12 Grade 12 Part Time:
Engineering Studies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Breede River |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Voorberg |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Overberg |
TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Drakenstein |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Pollsmoor |
TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Allandale |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Goodwood |
|
|
|
None |
|||
|
Southern Cape |
|
|
None |
|
None |
||
|
West Coast |
TVET College Programmes:
|
|
|
|
|||
28 November 2024 - NW1596
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture
Given that the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) emphasises the importance of aligning support infrastructure with SA Good Agricultural Practices (SA-GAP) certification to help farmers meet market quality standards, (a) in what ways can infrastructure support, such as for storage and transport, be better aligned with SA-GAP certification requirements to ensure that farmers meet quality standards, (b) what role can public-private partnerships play in the expansion and (c) how can such infrastructure investments drive better market positioning for smallholder farmers?
Reply:
a) The changes in the marketing structure for fresh produce and the growing consumer demand for fresh produce that is safe and of good quality, means there is a need to focus on the implementation of good practices in fresh produce supply chains. The Department of Agriculture (DOA), in collaboration with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), offers certification on South African Good Agricultural Practices (SA GAP) for smallholder producers. The SA-GAP also plays an integral part in ensuring that marketing infrastructure facilities (in the form of pack-houses) conform to SA-GAP requirements. The SA-GAP plays a pivotal role in providing guiding principles for the proper washing, sorting, grading, treatment and packaging of fresh produce. Furthermore, both the department and PPECB in collaboration with the provinces focus on the design of fresh produce pack-houses that conform to SA-GAP guidelines. The SA-GAP standards for pack-house/cold storage specifications focus on the following:
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – food processed/packaged is of safe and consistent quality.
- Location and structure – away from environmentally polluted and industrial areas.
- Drainage system – floor design must have slopes and there must be channels to ensure proper drainage/ the cleaning procedure must detail the removal of excess water.
- Sanitary facilities – must not open directly onto produce handling areas unless the door is self-closing.
- Hand washing facilities – must be available at the entrances. Lights inside the pack house must be covered (for glass breakage control). Storage facility for cleaning chemicals must be well-lit and retain spillage.
- Openings including vents and drains - must be covered to prevent pests, birds etc.
- Pack line equipment/machinery surfaces (sizers, conveyors, drop boards, grading tables and wash tanks – Free from flaking plaster/paint and metal shards, to ensure clean-ability and avoid injury to the product.
- Cold storage – All lights in the cold storage facilities covered with protective covers and all other glass protected to prevent contamination in case of breakage. Cold rooms seal perfectly with no gaps and no visible damage. Plastic strip curtains are maintained in good condition, kept clean and mounted so that the tips are not touching the floor.
- Pesticide Stores – Pesticide stores must be dedicated to the storage of chemicals such as plant protection products, animal remedies, biocides, etc. All pesticide stores must be designed and constructed to facilitate control of access and to prevent unauthorized access e.g. by passers-by, customers, children etc. Pesticide stores can be adjacent to buildings, be attached to other buildings or comprise compartments within buildings but must either have separate entrances or separate exits to the open air.
- Temperature-Controlled Transportation – the use of refrigerated vehicles assists with maintaining the cold chain for temperature-sensitive produce, aligning with SA-GAP’s focus on reducing spoilage and maintaining freshness during transit.
- Reduce Transport Time – optimized routes and logistics plans reduce time from farm to market, supporting SA-GAP’s aim to deliver high-quality produce efficiently.
- Vehicle Hygiene – ensure that vehicles used for transporting produce are regularly cleaned and sanitized, as SA-GAP certification requires transportation that maintains hygiene and prevents cross-contamination.
b) Public and private partners can ensure that there are investments to support infrastructure, compliance to SA-GAP and training of farmers. Currently, the department is implementing the Blended Finance Programme in collaboration with development finance institutions and some commercial banks. The programme entails the provision of access to grants, and low-interest loans for farmers to invest in SA-GAP-compliant storage, transportation, and other infrastructure such as nets, to ensure excellent quality produce. There is a scope to incentivize upgrades by offering incentives for farmers and transport providers who make infrastructure upgrades specifically for SA-GAP certification such as temperature controls or pest-proofing.
c) nInfrastructure investment can reduce post-harvest losses, enhance product safety, and build trust with consumers and buyers. Supporting farmers in these areas also enables them to maintain certification and access better market opportunities, improving the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector. Reduction in post-harvest losses will further enhance supply-chain efficiencies through targeted investments in rural infrastructure, and post-harvest and agro-processing technologies, thus contributing to improved food availability and enhanced product quality.
28 November 2024 - NW671
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development
What number of hectares of land will his department release in the next three financial years for all programmes of his department?
Reply:
During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of 2020, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government was going to release about 700 000 hectares of agricultural state land available for land redistribution purposes. A total of 659 602 hectares has since been released and allocated for different purposes and the project was completed in 2021.
28 November 2024 - NW1759
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Whether he will furnish Ms M P Kobe with the (a)(i) names of all the companies from which PetroSA has procured diesel in the past two years and (ii) reasons for the selection of the specified companies and (b)(i) price per litre that Eskom paid to PetroSA for diesel purchases in the past two years and (ii) manner in which the retail diesel prices at the pump compare for the same period; if not, why not; if so, (2) what (a) are the reasons that Eskom, as a state-owned entity procuring diesel in bulk, is reportedly paying a higher price per litre than the retail price accessible to the public and (b) entities and/or individuals have financially benefited from the procurement and sales practices of PetroSA; (3) what (a) are the reasons that a series of Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, requests by concerned parties such as amaBhungane and Open Secrets have been flat out ignored and (b) measures are in place to ensure that PetroSA and other state-owned entities uphold the principles of transparency, competitiveness and cost-effectiveness in line with the Batho Pele principles and national procurement guidelines?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) The names of companies from which PetroSA procured diesel over the past two years can be provided in a confidential response, ensuring adherence to confidentiality and procurement regulations.
(ii) Diesel suppliers were selected based on competitive procurement processes, alignment with PetroSA’s trading policies, ability to meet logistical and delivery timelines, and other compliance and transformation criteria. PetroSA maintains a Trading Database that includes all suppliers, which is regularly updated as PetroSA engages with suppliers. This database supports informed decision-making and ensures alignment with procurement strategies and transformation goals.
In addition, the Trading Department is required to ensure that suppliers are financially stable and capable of sourcing the required cargoes. This is critical to mitigating the risk of non-delivery, ensuring that PetroSA meets its obligations to customers without disruptions. This focus on supplier stability is essential for maintaining operational reliability and customer satisfaction.
(b) (i) The price Eskom pays for diesel supplied by PetroSA is based on the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) mechanism, as outlined in the contractual terms. However, spot cargo purchases prompted by urgent demands have occasionally resulted in pricing variances from the BFP. Details of these transactions can be disclosed under parliamentary privileges or confidential settings.
(ii) PetroSA’s pricing to Eskom reflects wholesale market structures and may differ from retail pump prices due to factors such as volume commitments, logistical costs, and market volatility. For example, in November and December 2022, spot cargo purchases may lead to pricing misalignments due to advance forecast requests that may vary.
The contract between Eskom and PetroSA is based on an emergency supply arrangement, which requires PetroSA to maintain stock to cater to Eskom’s immediate needs. However, emergency demands often necessitate spot purchases when stock levels are depleted. Spot purchases are typically made at higher prices due to market volatility and short lead times.
To address this, PetroSA has been proactively engaging with Eskom as part of ensuring efficient and effective planning through a 3-month forecast from Eskom, enabling the company to secure products at favourable prices and terms, reducing the financial impact of spot purchasing.
2 (a) Eskom’s higher prices in some instances are attributed to the need for immediate supply (spot purchases) and constant changes to demand resulting in sourcing in the spot market to accommodate the immediate requirements and limits the ability to secure favourable pricing. A 3-month forecast by PetroSA is aimed at mitigating such risks and achieving cost-effective procurement.
(b) PetroSA has no information or knowledge of any financial benefit arising from its procurement and sales practices beyond the supplier-buyer relationship established with its suppliers. All engagements are conducted in line with contractual terms and operational requirements.
3 (a) PetroSA has received numerous PAIA requests from various parties which are currently under consideration to provide a response. The responses to the PAIA questions are currently under consideration through a process undertaken by the Information Regulator to ensure compliance and transparency.
(b) PetroSA is committed to upholding transparency, competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness through strengthened procurement policies, regular internal audits and legislated external audits, and public reporting mechanisms. These measures have been put in place to ensure alignment to Batho Pele principles and national procurement guidelines. As a State-Owned Company we have ensured that our supplier-buyer relationship framework and trading practices, are guided by proper governance structures, compliance framework, and operational integrity. This ensures that the company remains transparent and accountable in all transactions undertaken to fulfil its mandate.
28 November 2024 - NW1277
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development
What percentage of land in the Western Cape is owned by foreign (a) nationals and/or (b) companies; (2) what is the breakdown of the nationalities of land owned by foreigners in the Western Cape; (3) how does his department intend to prevent inflation of property prices due to the unfair advantage of foreign buyers, considering the favourable exchange rate and high demand for property in the Western Cape; (4) what measures are taken or will be taken to ensure that foreign ownership does not exceed 12 000 hectares, as proposed in the Regulation of Agricultural Land Holdings Bill?
Reply:
1. The Department has no information on the percentage of land owned by foreign nationals or corporate entities in the Western Cape since the Deeds Registries Act, 1937 (Act No. 47 of 1937) does not provide for the capturing of the nationality of registered owners of property who are not South African citizens.
(a),(b) Falls away.
2. Falls away.
3. The Department has no means of controlling privately owned properties’ prices as it has no authority to get involved in individual sale transactions.
4. The Department will be introducing the Land Acquisition and Redistribution Bill which seeks to limit ownership of land by foreign nationals, not only in the Western Cape but throughout the Republic.
28 November 2024 - NW1499
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Question Whether there are positions of trade attachés vacant in our foreign missions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) total number of the foreign missions have not filled the vacant positions, (b) processes have been initiated to fill the specified positions so that the organogram becomes a true representation of the departmental structure and (c) for how long have the positions been vacant?
Reply:
The number of vacant Foreign Economic Representative (FER) posts are 30, with 4 officials currently deployed at the Geneva WTO Mission.
Key FER positions have been vacant since November 2023. The department is reviewing the approach to the FERs and the footprint of markets where they will be deployed.
-END-
28 November 2024 - NW1690
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) What are the reasons that parents with children born in the Eastern Cape are advised by the officials of his department in the Western Cape to go back to the Eastern Cape to register the birth of their children; (2) whether this is a policy of his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
(1) All offices in Western Cape have been instructed to accept any applications irrespective of where the applicant was born. All offices in Western Cape will be informed that if and when this practice comes to light, corrective action will be taken accordingly.
(2) This is not the policy of the Department of Home Affairs.
END.
28 November 2024 - NW1638
Chance, Mr T to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1) Whether he had been informed that the agreement of the Price Preference System (PPS) will be withdrawn when export duties on scrap steel commences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he intends to reach an agreement with the Minister of Finance on whether export duties or the PPS will be withdrawn; if not, why not; if so, on what date; (3) whether he will outline the different purposes (a)(i) export duties and (ii) the PPS serve in the scrap steel value chain and (b) of the Government’s commitment to boosting exports and fast-tracking job creation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2019E
Reply:
(1) The Preference Price System (PPS) is undergoing a public process of review conducted by ITAC in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. Since 2021, the PPS and export tax have been working in tandem to boost domestic steel and foundry development by lowering the cost of key raw material – scrap metal. This review process should present Government with evidence on the performance of the systems and a view of what needs to be done through this intervention to realise the industrial development objectives of value addition, export and employment growth in the manufacturing sector.
Government will present the findings of the review once completed as well as the future policy pathway.
(2) The decision on what to do with PPS and export tax on scrap metal is undergoing rigorous evaluation within Government. It must be understood that any decision in this regard cannot be taken without due process and an assessment of impacts across industry. At this stage, consultations are conducted with all affected parties in the ecosystem to get their inputs and views. This matter is receiving priority attention in Government with the aim to finalise it in the shortest time possible in order to provide long term policy certainty for the Steel and Metal Fabrication as well as related value chains.
(3) a) The Preference Pricing System (PPS) for scrap metal is a government policy framework designed to regulate the export of scrap metal and prioritise local industries access to this resource at favourable prices. This is in line with South Africa's broader industrialisation strategy to sustain the domestic steel industry, which has faced significant challenges due to global competition, high production costs, and fluctuating demand. By ensuring local industries have access to affordable scrap metal, the PPS helps maintain production capacity, retain jobs, and support downstream manufacturing.
The Preference Pricing System PPS was introduced in 2013 and is implemented by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC). It has gone through number of review cycles including according to the following timeline:
- 10 May 2013- PPS introduced
- 24 May 2019- PPS extended for 8 months until 31 March 2020 to allow for export tax to be introduced
- 31 March 2020- extended until December 2020
- 23 November 2020- Extended for 7 months until 31 July 2021
- 28 July 2021- Extended for 2 years until 31 July 2023
- 26 June 2023- Extended for 5 years until 31 July 2027
The export tax on scrap metal was introduced in 2021 a levy on the export of certain types of scrap metals. This tax is part of South Africa’s effort to curb the export of valuable raw materials and ensure that local manufacturers have affordable access to scrap metal for production, particularly in the steel and foundry sectors. It was introduced to augment the Preference Pricing System (PPS). The export tax complements the PPS by creating an additional financial incentive for scrap to remain within South Africa.
b) By increasing the cost of exporting scrap, the policy (PPS and Export Tax) encourages local processing and supports South Africa’s downstream steel, foundry, and manufacturing industries. This is a global phenomenon as scrap demand has been greater than supply for the past two decades. Over 30 countries (including EU, China, India and Brazil) across the world have introduced export controls on scrap metal in order to secure raw materials supply for the development of their own manufacturing sectors. By supporting local industries, the export tax and PPS aims to protect jobs and promote economic growth within South Africa’s steel and metal processing sectors through value addition and the export of value-added products.
-END-
28 November 2024 - NW1602
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Given that the Manufacturing Indaba brings together various stakeholders each year, how does his department intend to engage with the stakeholders to ensure that the localisation framework is effectively implemented and addresses the needs of the manufacturing sector?
Reply:
The aim of the Manufacturing Indaba is to bring together business owners, industry leaders, government officials, capital providers and professional experts to explore opportunities and grow their manufacturing operations. the dtic has always collaborated and participated at the Manufacturing Indaba, where it has presented on industrialisation, localisation and the role of industrial finance to incentivise manufacturing entrepreneurs and businesspersons.
Localisation is at the heart of the Government’s strategy to build local industrial capacity for the domestic economy and export markets; and to create sustainable jobs for South Africa. Incentivising manufacturing entrepreneurs and industrialists is also one of the key priority areas to generate a positive economic and social impact for South Africa’s economic development.
These events assist to facilitate business connections and helps manufacturers in order to collaborate, innovate and grow their enterprises. the dtic group (i.e. the Department and its entities) participate and showcase its service offerings on investments, national standards and localisation opportunities at the indaba and exhibition arena. Collaboration by both the public and private stakeholders in the manufacturing sector is essential for strengthening partnerships, innovation and economic growth for South Africa.
-END-
28 November 2024 - NW1486
Mathys, Ms L to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What are the (a) reasons that the option for amending the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 46 of 2013, is being considered and (b) are the details of the (i) discussions between his department and other relevant stakeholders, including other government departments, regarding the possibility of Starlink providing satellite internet services in the Republic and (ii) other optional service providers that offer services that are similar to those provided by Starlink?
Reply:
a) The year 2024 marked twenty-one years (21) since the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, 2003 (Act No. 53 of 2003) was promulgated. Government acknowledges that efforts to transform our economy using B-BBEE as one of the instruments has resulted in more black South Africans and women meaningfully participating in the economy as owners and workers. However, even after 21 years, South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries globally, with many still marginalised from the economy. As a result, the Government is strengthening B-BBEE implementation, compliance and enforcement of transformation.
b) The relevant department that will be able to provide information about the Starlink matter is the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. the dtic will provide its view on the matter once consulted about the details by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
-END-
28 November 2024 - NW1469
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1) Given that his department plays a vital role in facilitating trade and ensuring market access for South African businesses, which are essential for driving economic growth and creating jobs, what strategies is his department pursuing to simplify trade processes and reduce red tape for South African businesses looking to export their products internationally; (2) how does his department intend to negotiate better trade agreements that will protect local industries, while expanding market access for South African products? NW1779E
Reply:
(1) In order to simplify trade processes and provide market access for South African exporters, the department funds the participation of exporters in international exhibitions and missions to profile their products and services through the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme. The department also undertakes capacity building and export training initiatives to expand the country’s exporter base, including through the Global Exporter Passport Programme (GEPP), which trains companies to be export ready. Additionally, the department provides matching grants for Export Councils, established by groups of companies to improve communication and co-operation within different industrial sectors to enter international markets. The department is assessing improvements in these measures, as current initiatives to support export-led growth are inadequate.
Government to government engagements: South Africa, through the dtic or DIRCO, has a number of intergovernmental platforms that provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and/or opportunities for exporters. In this regard, prior to engagement in an intergovernmental platform with a foreign country, the dtic request inputs from export councils, industry associations and provinces, to ensure that issues of interest to our exporters are prioritised and attended to. This ensures that a lot of unnecessary barriers that affect and increase costs for SA companies to export their products are either reduced or eliminated.
(2) Legally binding trade agreements are reciprocal in nature. This implies that while preferential market access into another market is obtained, this is in exchange for preferential access into the home market. Therefore, the exchange of tariff concessions must be carefully calibrated to maximise export opportunities but also protect SA’s sectors that are sensitive for industrial development and employment. The pursuit is to obtain market access for products that are of export interest to South Africa, in which South Africa has production/manufacturing capacity, and can sell competitively into the partner’s market. This, however, has to be pursued while protecting South Africa’s sensitive sectors, particularly job rich sectors, in order not to expose them to threatening levels of tariff liberalization.
An important aspect of trade agreements is the development of trade rules. These should create a level playing field but also maintain policy space to implement national development policy.
The government obtains a mandate from Cabinet when a new trade agreement is being planned. This is informed by consultations with the constituencies in NEDLAC, and also continuous consultations with industries and stakeholders throughout the negotiating process.
It should be noted that SA is a member of Southern African Customs Union (SACU). SACU members are compelled to negotiate trade agreements as a bloc, by virtue of it being a customs union and therefore maintains a common external tariff vis-à-vis non-SACU members.
-END-
28 November 2024 - NW1552
Kgobisa-Ngcaba, Ms K to ask the Minister of Correctional Services
With regard to each management area in the Republic, what percentage of sentenced offenders serving more than 24 months (a) are currently and (b) have previously been enrolled in (i) accredited educational programmes, (ii)(aa) long and (bb) short courses in skills development programmes, (iii) rehabilitation programmes, (iv) social integration programmes, (v) agricultural programmes and (vi) community service programmes?
Reply:
a) The details of offenders currently enrolled in programmes as per the Western Cape Region are as follows:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(a)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|
|
Psych |
Social |
|||||||||
|
Western Cape Region |
Allandale |
1082 |
101 (9,33%) |
17 (1,57%) |
368 (34,01%) |
229 (21,16%) |
528 (48,80%) |
15.06% |
81 (7,49%) |
5.55% |
|
Brandvlei |
1461 |
224 (15,33%) |
86 (5,89%) |
306 (20,94%) |
506 (34,63%) |
918 (62,83%) |
4.11% |
88 (6,02%) |
0 |
|
|
Breederiver |
1122 |
88(7,84%) |
0 (0%) |
200 (17,83%) |
734 (65,42%) |
662 (59%) |
13.01% |
78 (6,95%) |
7.49% |
|
|
Drakenstein |
1605 |
175 (10,90%) |
185 (11,53%) |
52 (3,24%) |
476 (29,66%) |
855 (53,27%) |
9.16% |
172 (10,72%) |
11.65% |
|
|
Goodwood |
446 |
0 (0%) |
53 (11,88%) |
114 (25,56%) |
413 (92,6%) |
262 (58,74%) |
28.92% |
0 (0%) |
52.69% |
|
|
Overberg |
1641 |
137 (8,35%) |
19 (1,16%) |
136 (8,29%) |
478 (29,13%) |
712 (43,39%) |
7.19% |
113 (6,89%) |
5% |
|
|
Pollsmoor |
976 |
0 (0%) |
49 (5,02%) |
30 (3,07%) |
1233 (126,33%) |
1111 (113,83%) |
37.09% |
43 (4,41%) |
36.37% |
|
|
Southern Cape |
1257 |
172 (13,68%) |
67 (5,33%) |
74 (5,89%) |
622 (49,48%) |
828 (65,87%) |
20.13% |
92 (7,32%) |
20.21% |
|
|
Voorberg |
1082 |
125 (11,55%) |
30 (2,77%) |
136 (12,75%) |
439 (40,57%) |
993 (91,77%) |
23.84% |
181 (16,73%) |
11.46% |
|
|
West Coast |
1461 |
44 93,01%) |
55 (3,76%) |
22 (1,15%) |
176 (12,05%) |
388 (26,56%) |
6.37% |
22 (1,51%) |
2.67% |
|
|
Regional total |
12133 |
1066 (8,79%) |
561 (4,62%) |
1438 (11,85%) |
5306 (43,73%) |
7257 (59,81%) |
870 (7,17%) |
|||
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(b)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|
|
Psych |
Social |
|||||||||
|
Western Cape Region |
Allandale |
950 |
112 (11,79%) |
63 (6,63%) |
175 (18,42%) |
801 (84,32%) |
939 (98,84%) |
60.53% |
75 (7,98%) |
12.74% |
|
Brandvlei |
1570 |
204 (12,99%) |
603(38,41%) |
541 (34,46%) |
1122 (71,46%) |
1443 (91,91%) |
16.24% |
89 (5,67%) |
0 |
|
|
Breederiver |
967 |
96 (9,93%) |
59 (6,10%) |
202 (20,89%) |
1283 (132,68%) |
1295 (133,92%) |
47.48% |
53 (5,48%) |
17.89% |
|
|
Drakenstein |
1708 |
223 (13,06%) |
789 (46,19%) |
201 (11,77%) |
648 (37,94%) |
1160 (67,92%) |
19.20% |
172 (10,07%) |
19.79% |
|
|
Goodwood |
487 |
0(0%) |
66 (13,55%) |
131 (26,90%) |
895 (183,78%) |
669 (137,37%) |
55.85% |
0 (0%) |
66.94% |
|
|
Overberg |
1604 |
183 (11,41%) |
147 (9,16%) |
98 (6,11%) |
746 (46,51%) |
1361 (84,85%) |
19.70% |
116 (7,23%) |
7.36% |
|
|
Pollsmoor |
994 |
0 (0%) |
159 (16%) |
167 (16,80%) |
3257 (372,67%) |
2234 (224,75%) |
98.49% |
31 (3,12%) |
49.90% |
|
|
Southern Cape |
1285 |
171 (13,31%) |
285 (22,18%) |
33 (2,57%) |
1381 (107,47%) |
1520 (118,29% |
57.04% |
89 (6,93%) |
27.16% |
|
|
Voorberg |
2088 |
117 (5,6%) |
220 (10,54%) |
154 (7,38%) |
856 (41%) |
1788 (85,63%) |
30.94% |
173 (8,29%) |
14.61% |
|
|
West Coast |
518 |
23 (4,4%) |
244 (47,1%) |
97 (18,73%) |
641 (123,75%) |
800 (15,44%) |
64.48% |
13 (2,51%) |
15.64% |
|
|
Regional total |
12171 |
1129 (9,28%) |
2635 (21,65%) |
1799 (14,78%) |
11630 (95,56%) |
13209 (108,53%) |
811 (6,66%) |
|||
a) The details of offenders currently enrolled in programmes as per the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) region are as follows:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(a)(i) Accredited Educational |
(ii) Long Skills Dev Prog |
c) Short Skills Dev Prog |
iii) Rehab Prog |
iv) Social Reintegration Prog |
v) Agricultural Prog |
vi) Community service Prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LMN |
Barberton |
2839 |
374/2839 (13.17%) |
185/2839 (6.51%) |
271/2839 (9.54%) |
1418/2839 (49.94%) |
2.39% |
152/2839 (5.35%) |
7.57% |
|
Bethal |
2604 |
210/2604 (8.06%) |
120/2604 (4.60%) |
143/2604 (5.49%) |
1361/2604 (52.26%) |
2.57% |
128/2604 (4.91%) |
7.83% |
|
|
Klerksdorp |
965 |
110/965 (11.39%) |
72/965 (7.46%) |
208/965 (21.55%) |
588/965 (60.93%) |
18.13% |
102/965 (10.56%) |
71.91% |
|
|
Kutama Sintumule |
3024 |
0/3024 (0.00%) |
0/3024 (0.00%) |
0/3024 (0.00%) |
0/3024 (0.00%) |
0.00% |
0/3024 (0.00%) |
0.00% |
|
|
Polokwane |
1026 |
98/1026 (9.55%) |
136/1026 (13.25%) |
133/1026 (12.96%) |
530/1026 (51.65%) |
2.26% |
36/1026 (3.50%) |
50.19% |
|
|
Rooigrond |
1408 |
214/1408 (15.19%) |
48/1408 (3.40%) |
145/1408 (10.29%) |
751/1408 (53.33%) |
4.54% |
94/1408 (6.67%) |
17.47% |
|
|
Rustenburg |
241 |
107/241 (44.39%) |
103/241 (42.73%) |
92/241 (38.17%) |
780/241 (323.55%) |
39.41% |
167/241 (69.29%) |
95.02% |
|
|
Thohoyandou |
862 |
62/862 (7.19%) |
37/862 (4.29%) |
40/862 (4.64%) |
536/862 (62.18%) |
10.20% |
76/862 (8.81%) |
79.81% |
|
|
Witbank |
1284 |
33/1284 (2.57%) |
29/1284 (2.25%) |
65/1284 (5.06%) |
7671284 (59.73%) |
2.88% |
66/1284 (5.14%) |
24.84% |
|
|
Total |
14253 |
1208/14253 (8.47%) |
730/14253 (5.12%) |
730/14253 (5.12%) |
6731/14253 (47.22%) |
283/14253 (1.98%) |
|||
b) The details of offenders previously enrolled in programmes are as follows Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN):
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(b)(i) Accredited Educational |
(ii) Long Skills Dev Prog |
c) Short Skills Dev Prog |
iii) Rehab Prog |
iv) Social Reintegration Prog |
v) Agricultural Prog |
vi) Community Service Prog |
|
LMN |
Barberton |
3012 |
396/3012 (13.14%) |
720/3012 (23.90%) |
456/3012 (15.13%) |
2788/3012 (92.56%) |
4.81% |
153/3012 (5.07%) |
25.26% |
|
Bethal |
2711 |
182/2711 (6.71%) |
413/2711 (15.23%) |
200/2711 (7.37%) |
2747/2711 (101.32%) |
4.35% |
94/2711 (3.46%) |
12.72% |
|
|
Klerksdorp |
1023 |
110/1023 (10.75%) |
221/1023 (21.60%) |
295/1023 (28.83%) |
985/1023 (96.28%) |
35.87% |
70/1023 (6.84%) |
13.58% |
|
|
Kutama Sintumule |
3024 |
809/3024 (26.75%) |
1188/3024 (39.28%) |
0/3024 (0%) |
992/3024 (32.80%) |
0.00% |
0/3024 (0.00%) |
0.00% |
|
|
Polokwane |
919 |
84/919 (9.14%) |
479/919 (52.12%) |
318/919 (34.60%) |
1058/919 (115.12%) |
11.53% |
33/919 (3.59%) |
142.43% |
|
|
Rooigrond |
1797 |
267/1797 (14.85%) |
207/1797 (11.51%) |
232/1797 (12.91%) |
1622/1797 (90.26%) |
7.73% |
88/1797 (4.89%) |
25.59% |
|
|
Rustenburg |
255 |
193/255 (75.68%) |
259/255 (101.56%) |
369/255 (144.70%) |
1575/255 (617.64%) |
58.03% |
127/255 (%49.80) |
184.31% |
|
|
Thohoyandou |
964 |
59/964 (6.12%) |
116/964 (12.03%) |
78/964 (8.09%) |
977/964 (101.34%) |
19.73% |
51/964 (5.29%) |
142.21% |
|
|
Witbank |
1556 |
32/1556 (2.05%) |
203/1556 (13.04%) |
142/1556 (9.12%) |
1519/1556 (97.62%) |
6.10% |
48/1556 (3.08%) |
28.08% |
|
|
Total |
15261 |
2132/15261 (13.97%) |
3337/15261 (21.86%) |
2090/15261 (13.69%) |
14265/15261 (93.47%) |
664/15261 (4.35%) |
|||
a) The details of offenders currently enrolled in programmes as per the Free State and Northern Cape (FS&NC) region are as follows:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(a)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|
FSNC |
Bizzah Makhate |
1853 |
100% (15/15) |
100% (26/26) |
100% (301/301) |
1088/1853=58,72 |
10.84% |
201/184 = 109,23% |
57.64% |
|
Colesberg |
335 |
100% (2/2) |
100% (10/10) |
100% (273/273) |
181/335= 54.03 |
11.04% |
37/29 = 127,59% |
69.25% |
|
|
Goedemoed |
1014 |
n/a |
100% (68/68) |
100% (173/173) |
468/1014 = 46,15 |
14.49% |
147/171 = 85,96% |
14% |
|
|
Groenpunt |
2865 |
100% (93/93) |
100% (101/101) |
100% (67/67) |
1491/2865 = 52.04 |
5.86% |
168/180 = 93,33% |
6.81% |
|
|
Grootvlei |
1051 |
100% (21/21) |
100% (29/29) |
100% (286/286) |
492/1051 = 46.81 |
11.22% |
118/150 = 78,67% |
27.97% |
|
|
Kimberley |
2592 |
100% (82/82) |
100% (240/240) |
100% (407/407) |
1407/2592= 54.28 |
4.39% |
114/134 = 85,07% |
5.86% |
|
|
Upington |
745 |
n/a |
100% (21/21) |
100% (69/69) |
407/745 = 54.63 |
8.45% |
63/55 = 114,55% |
29.26% |
|
|
Mangaung |
2885 |
n/a |
99,64% (280/281) |
n/a |
1356/2885 = 47% |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
|
Total |
13340 |
2% |
6% |
12% |
7% |
b) The details of offenders previously enrolled in programmes Free State and Northern Cape (FS&NC) region are as follows:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(b)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FSNC |
Bizzah Makhate |
1780 |
100% (127/127) |
100% (88/88) |
100% (393/393) |
123,48% (2198/1780) |
8.26% |
225/181 = 124,30% |
137.53% |
|
Colesberg |
323 |
100% (15/15) |
100% (25/25) |
100% (912/912) |
107,12% (346/323) |
24.15% |
28/29 = 96,55% |
129.72% |
|
|
Goedemoed |
937 |
n/a |
100% (236/236) |
100% (328/328) |
102,88% (964/937) |
1046% |
133/210 = 63,33% |
30.84% |
|
|
Groenpunt |
2873 |
100% (503/503) |
99,73% (375/376) |
100% (151/151) |
86,11% (2474/2873) |
3.69% |
187/296 = 63,18% |
15.73% |
|
|
Grootvlei |
948 |
100% (85/85) |
100% (55/55) |
99,84% (616/617) |
91,35% (866/948) |
14.45% |
97/150 = 64,67% |
49.68 |
|
|
Kimberley |
2459 |
99,67 (414/415) |
98,19% (435/443) |
99,84% (637/638) |
81,35% (2197/2459) |
4.72% |
102/135 = 75,55% |
14.48% |
|
|
Upington |
702 |
n/a |
100% (92/92) |
100% (226/226) |
108,97% (765/702) |
12.54% |
69/55 = 125,45% |
52.28% |
|
|
Mangaung |
2918 |
n/a |
99, 35% (1062/1069) |
n/a |
86,60% (2527/2918) |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
|
Total |
12940 |
1144 |
2 368 |
3 264 |
1 056 |
a) The details of offenders currently enrolled in programmes as per Eastern Cape Region are as follows:
|
EC |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(a)(i) Accredited educational |
(ii) Long skills dev prog |
c)Short skills dev programmes |
iii) Rehabilitation programmes |
iv) Social Reintegration programmes |
v) Agricultural Programmes |
vi) Community service programmes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EC |
Amathole |
1312 |
GET: 84/1312 = 6.40% HET 2/1312= 0.15% |
89/1312= 6.78% |
109/1312 = 8.30% |
Correctional Programmes: 112/1312 = 9.30% Social work- 639/1312 = 48.70% Spiritual care- 1455/1312 = 110% Psychologist- 373/1312 = 28.43% |
38.72% |
112/1312 = 8.53% |
16.33% |
|
East London |
2617 |
GET: =113/2617=0.43% HET = 27/2617=1.03% FET 50/2617=1.91% TVET = 26/2617=0.99% |
90/2617=3.43% |
9/2617 =0.34% |
Correctional Programs: 210/2617=8.02% Social Work Services =1158/2617 = 44.24% Spiritual Care =364/2617=13.90% Psychological services= 109/2617=4.16% |
19.09% |
31/2617 = 1.18% |
5.70% |
|
|
EC |
Kirkwood |
855 |
GET =37/855=4.31%% |
126/855=14.73% |
18/855=2.10% |
Correctional Programs = 76/855=8.88%
Social work programs = 527/855=61.63% Spiritual programs =148/855= 17.302% Psychological programs =44/855=5.14% |
24.79% |
71/855=8.30% |
10.37% |
|
EC |
Mthatha |
2209 |
GET= 132 /2209 =5.97% UNISA = 05/2209 = 0.22% Oxbridge Academy = 01 / 2209 = 0.045% Chartamm Business College = 01/2209 = 0.045% |
111 /2209=5.02% |
None |
Correctional programs = 196/2209=8.87%
Social work programs = 173/2209=7.83% Spiritual programs = 368/2209=16.65% Psychological programs =57/2209=2.58% |
4.43% |
147 / 2209= 6.65% |
0.98% |
|
EC |
Sada |
1918 |
GET= 131/1918 = 6.83% FET = 87/1918=4.53% UNISA = 02/1918 = 0.10% MANCOSA = 01/ 1918 = 0.52% |
39/1918=2.03% |
03/1918=0.15% |
Correctional programs = 163/1918= 8.50%
Social work programs = 1339/1918= 69.81% Spiritual programs = 349/ 1918=18.19% |
23.04% |
206/1918= 10.70% |
0.74% |
|
St Albans |
4190 |
GET =136/4190=3.24% FET = 22/4190 = 0.52% TVET = 58/4190=1.38% UNISA=3/4190=071% Amended=48 / 4190 = 1.14% |
729/4190=17.39% |
187/4190=4.46% |
Correctional programs = 245/4190=5.85%
Social work programs = 1822/4190=43.48% Spiritual programs = 652/4190= 15.56% Psychological programs =190/4190=4.53% |
17.14% |
102/4190 = 2.43% |
4.26% |
b) The details of offenders previously enrolled in programmes are as follows Eastern Cape Region:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(b)(i) Accredited educational |
(ii) Long skills dev prog |
c)Short skills dev prog |
iii) Rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) Agricultural Prog |
vi) Community service prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EC |
Amathole |
1323 |
GET: 96/ 1323= 7.23% |
409/1323 = 30.91% |
222/1323 = 16.78% |
Correctional prog -1304/1323 = 98.56% DEV. & CARE: Social work Centres= 1145/1323 = 86.55% Social Work Comm Corr = 819/1232= 61.90% Spiritual care- 2636/ 1323 = 199.24% Psychologist- 471/1323 = 35.60% |
8.77% |
93/1323 = 7.02% |
16.33% |
|
EC |
East London |
2634 |
GET: =181/ 2634= 6.87% HET = 22/ 2634 =0.84% FET =31/2634= 1.18% TVET = 33/2634=1.25% |
244/ 2634=9.26% |
100/2634 =3.8% |
Correctional programs:2471/2634 =93.81% Social Work Centres :1952/ 2634= 74.10% Spiritual Care =4039/ 2634 =153.34% Psychological services= 794/ 2634 =30.14% |
33.56% |
27/ 2634 = 1.02% |
5.70% |
|
EC |
Kirkwood |
858 |
GET: 70/ 858 = 8.16% |
528 /858 = 61.53 % |
287/ 858 =33.45% |
Correctional programs = 909 /858=105.94%
Social work centres: 928 / 858 =108.16 % Spiritual programs: =1796 / 858 = 209.32% Psychological programs =412 / 858 =48.02 % |
38.81% |
143/ 858=16.66% |
10.37% |
|
EC |
Mthatha |
2256 |
GET= 97/2256= 4.3% UNISA = 3 / 2256 = 0.13% |
200/2256= =8.86% |
51/2256= 2.26% |
Correctional programs: 2151/2256= 95.35%
Social work Centres: 2097/ 2256 = 92.95% Spiritual Care: 4574/2256 =202.75% Psychological programs =521/2256=23.09% |
48.63% |
247/2256 = 0.95% |
0.98% |
|
EC |
Sada |
2019 |
GET= 121/2019=5.99% FET = 85/2019 =4.21% UNISA = 02/2019=0.1% MANCOSA = 01/2019= 0.05% |
166/2019=8.22% |
24/2019= 1.19% |
Correctional programs = 2016/2019= 99.85%
Social work centres = 2467/2019=122.20% Spiritual programs = 4841/ 2019 =239.77% |
45.17% |
191/ 2019= 9.46% |
0.74% |
|
EC |
St Albans |
3991 |
GET =126/ 3991 =3.16% FET = 17/ 3991 =0.42% TVET = 270/3991 = 6.76% UNISA=1/ 3991= 0.03% Amended=108/3991= 2.71% |
631/3991= =15.81% |
190/3991=4.76% |
Correctional programs = 3544/ 3991= 88.80%
Social work centres: 3122 / 3991 =78.23 % Spiritual programs: 3401/3991= 85.22% Psychological programs: 1778/3991 =44.55% |
34.60% |
49/ 3991= 1.22% |
4.26% |
a) The details of offenders currently enrolled in programmes as per Gauteng Region are as follows:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(a)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GP |
Boksburg |
2402 |
AET L1-L4 = 82 TVET (Business and Engineering Studies) = 74 ASC (GRADE 12) = 28 |
Welding = 37 Garment Making = 22 Electrical = 18 Motor Mechanic = 04 Cabinet Making = 36 Hygiene and Cleaning = 54 Computer Basic = 11 Total = 182 |
Safety and Induction = 14 |
Social work services = 145 Psychological services=128 Spiritual care services = 417 Total = 760 |
6.12%% |
Soil preparation. Cultivation Pest control harvesting 24 offenders involved 24 |
0 |
|
Johannesburg |
2821 |
AET= 141 FET=52 HET=101 |
64 |
91 |
-Spiritual care services: 5771 -Social work Services: 612 -Psychological services:907 -Correctional Programmes: 1453 |
6.35% |
N/A |
8.4% |
|
|
MODDERBEE |
1869 |
GET Q1= 131 Q2= 124 Q3= 103 GRADE12 Q1=31 Q2=31 Q3=19 TVET Q1= 29/29 @ 100% Q2= 24/24 @ 100% |
QI= 83 @ 100% Q2= 125 @ 100% |
Q1= 26/26 @ 100% Q2= 50/50 @ 10% |
Social work= 790 Psychological services 544/6201 @ 8.77% Spiritual Care= 3420 Correctional programs Q1= 621/1932 @32.14 Q2- 1036/ 1869 @ 55.43% |
3.58% |
None |
9.42% |
|
|
Krugersdorp |
785 |
Pre AET to AET Level 4: 64 |
30 |
483 |
-Spiritual Care Services: 2203 -Social Work Services: 589 -Psychological Services: 550 |
59.87% |
N/A |
0 |
|
|
BAVIAANSPOORT |
1389 |
18% (248) |
32% (442) |
7% (104) |
92% Corr 671 Spiritual – 92 SW- 284 Psych- 225 |
12.52% |
66 |
5.33% |
|
|
Kgosi Mampuru II |
1552 |
AET = 95 TVET= 118 Senior Certificate = 29 Higher Education & Training = 69 TOTAL = 311 |
121 |
190 |
-Psychological Service= 2617 -Spiritual care= 535 -Social Work Services= 484 TOTAL= 3636 |
24.09% |
41 |
0.82% |
|
|
Leeuwkop |
2900 |
Boston College (350) |
463 12.06% |
10 |
Psychological services; 1024 offenders for the 2024/0205 financial years. This will be: 1024/2913 = 34,15 % Social Work Services: 2024/2025: 513 = 13% Spiritual Care Services: 2024/2025: 1253 = 43% |
35.90% |
Agric: 51.18% Workshop: 71.43% |
2.72% |
|
|
Zonderwater |
2361 |
9.02% The percentage is calculated against the unlock total of 2172 |
19.47% The percentage is calculated against the unlock total of 996 |
6.0% the percentage is calculated against the unlock of 996 |
Social work services: 43.16% against the unlock of 2361 Psychological services: 21.41% against the unlock of 2172 |
n/a |
8.93% against the unlock of 996 |
n/a |
|
|
Total |
16079 |
8% |
3% |
5% |
10% |
b) The details of offenders previously enrolled in programmes are as follows:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(b)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GP |
Boksburg |
2402 |
AET L1-L4 = 81 TVET (Business and Engineering Studies) = 61 ASC (GRADE 12) = 43 |
Welding = 36 Electrical = 18 Motor Mechanic = 01 Computer Basic = 05 Total =60 |
Safety and Induction = 14 Total =14 |
Social work services = 1571 Psychological services= 1797 Spiritual care services = 4261 Total = 7629 |
38.13% |
23 Total = 23 |
15.11% |
|
Johannesburg |
3120 |
AET= 196 FET=61 HET=96 |
48 |
50 |
-Spiritual Care Services:6601 -Social Work Services: 957 -Psychological Services:1183 - Correctional Programmes: 3270 |
6.12% |
N/A |
12.79% |
|
|
Modderbee |
1037/1869 |
GET Q1= 119/119 Q2= 108/108 Q3= 93/93 Q4=89/89 Year to date= 103/103 GRADE12 Q1=44 Q2=35 Q3=31 Q4=31 Year to date=36 TVET Q1= 28/28 Q2= 27/27 Q3= 21/21 Q4= 33/33 Year to date=109 |
Q1=79/80 Q2=57/59 Q3=73/73 Q4= 89/89 Year to date= 308 |
Q1= 24/24 Q2= 40/40 Q3= 65/65 Q4= 89/89 Year to date= 89/89 |
Social work= 889 Psychological services 872/5710 @ 15.27% Spiritual care= 6014 Correctional programs Q1= 818/1894 @ 43.19% Q2= 1606/1867 @ 86.02% Q3= 2351/1862 @126.26% Q4= 3095/1886 @164.10% |
5.57%% |
2.03% |
||
|
Krugersdorp |
786 |
Pre AET to AET Level 4: 81 |
141 |
410 |
-Spiritual Care Services: 3429 -Social Work Services: 1171 -Psychological Services: 893 |
117.05% |
N/A |
0 |
|
|
BAVIAANSPOORT |
1406 |
17% (241) |
62% (876) |
18% (266) |
328% Corr 1302 Spiritual – 2200 SW- 474 Psych- 629 |
29.37% |
69 |
9.39% |
|
|
Kgosi Mampuru II |
3545 |
Adult Education and Training= 89 TVET= 152 National Certificate= 33 Higher Education= 51 TOTAL= 325 |
128 |
304 |
-Psychological Services= 5176 -Spiritual care= 2 999 -Social Work Services= 862 TOTAL= 9 037 |
4.18% |
25 |
0.44% |
|
|
Leeuwkop |
2900 |
Boston College |
340 |
5 |
Psychological services: 2023/2024 financial years is 2418. This will be 2418/2964 = 81.58 % Social Work Services 2023/2024 1042 = 25.85 Spiritual Care Services 2023/2024: 1870 = 62% |
38.85% |
Agric: 66.05% Workshop: 67.05% |
4.45% |
|
|
Zonderwater |
2311 |
9.35% The percentage is calculated against the unlock total of 2127 |
78.75% The percentage is calculated against the unlock total of 880 |
15% per month the percentage is calculated against the unlock of 880 |
Social work services: 81.57% against the unlock of 2311 Psychological services: NONE |
n/a |
8.52% against the unlock of 880 |
n/a |
|
|
Total |
15198 |
10% |
7% |
85% |
0% |
1% |
0% |
a) The details of offenders currently enrolled in programmes as per KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Region are as follows:
|
Region |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(a)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
Durban |
4895/5810 = 83% |
592/4895 = 1.2% |
203/5810 = 3% |
1384/5180 = 27% |
2318/4895 = 47% |
3.47% |
59/4895 = 1.2% |
1.35% |
|
Empangeni |
2097/2288 = 92% |
266/2097 = 12% |
44/2097 = 2% |
75/2097= 3% |
1020/2097= 48% |
3.39% |
241/2097= 11% |
8.94% |
|
|
Glencoe |
1200/1322 = 91% |
205/1200 = 17% |
62/1200 = 5% |
197/1200 = 16% |
686/1200 = 57% |
5.92% |
312/1200 = 26% |
21.58& |
|
|
Kokstad |
626/1446 = 2.29% |
224/626 = 37% |
5/626 = 1% |
242/626 = 38% |
349/626 = 55% |
8.15% |
154/626 = 24% |
18.84% |
|
|
Ncome |
1657/1737 = 95% |
197/1657 = 11% |
14/1657 = 1% |
269/1657 = 16% |
825/1657 = 50% |
3.56% |
776/1657 = 47% |
5.0% |
|
|
Pietermaritzburg |
2820/3187 = 88% |
266/2820 = 9% |
93/2820 = 3% |
77/2820= 3% |
1326/2820 = 47% |
3.97% |
682/2820 = 24% |
8.3% |
|
|
Waterval |
1788/1948 = 92% |
183/1788 = 10% |
53/1788 = 3% |
319/1788 = 18% |
782/1788 = 44% |
2.01% |
1413/1788 = 79% |
3.36% |
|
|
TOTAL |
15083/17738 = 85% |
1933/15083 =12% |
469/15083 = 3% |
2563/15083 = 17% |
7306/15083 = 48% |
3637/15083 = 24% |
- The details of offenders previously enrolled in programmes are as follows KZN:
|
Region: KZN |
Management Area |
Number of offenders serving 24 months and more |
(b)(i) accredited educational |
(ii) long skills dev prog |
c) short skills dev prog |
iii) rehab prog |
iv) Social Reintegration prog |
v) agricultural Prog |
vi) community service prog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Durban |
4416/4679 = 94% |
607/4416 = 14% |
295/4416 = 7% |
996/4416 = 23% |
4416/4416 = 100% |
3.47% |
114/4416 = 3% |
1.35% |
|
|
Empangeni |
1987/2052 =97% |
220/1987 = 11% |
66/ 1987 = 3% |
131/ 1987 = 7% |
1987//1987 = 100% |
3.39% |
556/1987 = 28% |
8.94% |
|
|
Glencoe |
1405/1098 = 128% |
183/1405 = 13% |
169/1405 = 12% |
346/1405 = 25% |
1405/1405 = 100% |
5.92% |
569/1405 = 40% |
21.58& |
|
|
Kokstad |
691/601 = 115% |
267/691 = 37% |
33/691= 5% |
228/691 = 33% |
691/691= 100% |
8.15% |
252/691 = 36% |
18.84% |
|
|
Ncome |
1539/1674 = 92% |
228/1539 = 15% |
22/1539 = 1% |
374/1539 = 24% |
1539/1539 = 100% |
3.56% |
1234/1539 = 80% |
5.0% |
|
|
Pietermaritzburg |
3110/2765 = 112% |
255/3110 = 8% |
228/3110 = 7% |
446/3110 = 14% |
3110/3110 = 100% |
3.97% |
1028/3110 = 33% |
8.3% |
|
|
Waterval |
1423/1713 = 83% |
193/1423 = 14% |
198/1423 = 14% |
203/1423 = 14% |
1423/1423 = 100% |
2.01% |
2833/1423 = 199% |
3.36% |
|
|
TOTAL |
14571/14582 = 100% |
1953/14571 = 13% |
1323/14571 = 9% |
2724/14571 = 19% |
14571/14571 = 100% |
6586/14571 = 45% |
END.
28 November 2024 - NW1679
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Question Whether the Republic has any trade relations in the agricultural sector with Russia; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) in which agricultural products and (b) what is the value of the trade on an annual basis?
Reply:
Yes, South Africa exports agricultural products to Russia. SA and Russia also have a Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Agriculture, signed on 26 July 2018. The main objectives of the MOU are:
- To encourage regular exchange of information in Research and Development in Agriculture between the two countries.
- Work together in Agricultural Products marketing in each other`s markets.
- Encourage investment in agricultural projects in each other’s economies
(a) South Africa’s agricultural trade with Russia
South Africa`s exports to Russia are dominated by agricultural exports, accounting for over 80% to South Africa’s total exports to Russia. In 2023 the value of SA agricultural exports to Russia amounted to R4 545 491 000.
The following are the main products:
- Citrus fruit exports accounted for 53% of overall exports and a 59% share of agricultural exports. Exports grew by 18% in 2023.
- Exports of apples, pears and quinces accounted for 13% to overall exports and a 15% share of agricultural exports. Exports declined by 32% in 2023.
- Other nuts, fresh and dried exports accounted for 7% to overall exports and an 8% share of agricultural exports. Exports increased by 59% in 2023.
- Jams and fruit jellies accounted for 4% of overall exports and a 4% share of agricultural exports. Exports declined by 80% in 2023.
- Grapes fresh or dried exports accounted for 3% of overall exports and a 4% share of agricultural exports. Exports increased by 36% in 2023.
- Other products, holding a lower share, are listed in the table below.
(b) The value of agricultural exports to Russia reflect in the table below.
Table: SA agricultural Exports to Russia, 2023
|
Customs code |
Description |
% Share in Total SA Exports to Russia (R’000; 2023) |
% Share in SA Agricultural Exports to Russia (R’000; 2023) |
|
|
Total: all products from SA to Russia |
5 218 519 |
|||
|
Total SA agricultural exports to Russia |
4 545 491 |
|||
|
0805 |
Citrus fruit, fresh or dried |
2 695 924 |
52 |
59 |
|
0808 |
Apples, pears and quinces, fresh |
687 238 |
13 |
15 |
|
0802 |
Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled (excl. coconuts, Brazil nuts and ... |
346 974 |
7 |
8 |
|
2007 |
Jams, fruit jellies, marmalades, fruit or nut purée and fruit or nut pastes, obtained by cooking, ... |
197 752 |
4 |
4 |
|
0806 |
Grapes, fresh or dried |
174 491 |
3 |
4 |
|
0804 |
Dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes and mangosteens, fresh or dried |
112 746 |
2 |
2 |
|
0809 |
Apricots, cherries, peaches incl. nectarines, plums and sloes, fresh |
110 405 |
2 |
2 |
|
2204 |
Wine of fresh grapes, incl. fortified wines; grape must, partly fermented and of an actual ... |
67 939 |
1 |
1 |
|
2009 |
Fruit juices, incl. grape must, and vegetable juices, unfermented, not containing added spirit, ... |
62 815 |
1 |
1 |
|
2008 |
Fruits, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved, whether or not containing ... |
58 188 |
1 |
1 |
|
0810 |
Fresh strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, back, white or red currants, gooseberries and ... |
7 981 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
|
1212 |
Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or ... |
5 382 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
0603 |
Cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh, ... |
4 811 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
0511 |
Animal products n.e.s.; dead animals of all types, unfit for human consumption |
4 755 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
2001 |
Vegetables, fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved by vinegar ... |
2 544 |
0.05 |
0.1 |
|
1005 |
Maize or corn |
1 843 |
0.04 |
0.04 |
|
0709 |
Other vegetables, fresh or chilled (excl. potatoes, tomatoes, alliaceous vegetables, edible ... |
1 419 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
|
2308 |
Acorns, horse-chestnuts, marc and other vegetable materials and vegetable waste, vegetable ... |
424 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
|
1806 |
Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa |
405 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
|
1704 |
Sugar confectionery not containing cocoa, incl. white chocolate |
405 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
|
0813 |
Dried apricots, prunes, apples, peaches, pears, papaws "papayas", tamarinds and other edible ... |
387 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
|
0714 |
Roots and tubers of manioc, arrowroot, salep, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes and similar |
332 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
|
0803 |
Bananas, incl. plantains, fresh or dried |
276 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
|
2203 |
Beer made from malt |
55 |
0.001 |
0.001 |
Data source: ITC TradeMap; author`s calculations. https://www.trademap.org/ , accessed on 4 November 2024.
In 2023, South Africa imported wheat to the value of R1 740 084 000 from Russia. This represented 18% of South Africa’s total imports from Russia. It represented 17% of South Africa’s total wheat imports from the world, and made Russia the 3rd largest supplier of SA imports of wheat.
-END-
28 November 2024 - NW1291
Ngobeni, Ms LM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a) is the total number of enforcement operations conducted in each province against illegal immigrants from 1 January 2024 to date compared to annual performance targets in the past 10 years and (b) are the consequence management strategies that are implemented when targets are not met?
Reply:
a) The target for law enforcement operations was only included in the Department’s APPs from the 2017/18 financial year. From 2017/18 until 2021/22, only the Head Office component was included in the APPs. Provinces were only included in the target from 2022/23.
The table below provides number of operations from 2017/18 until 2021/22 as obtained from Annual Reports.
|
FY |
Operations Performance |
Breakdown per province |
|
2017/18 |
219 |
Head Office only |
|
2018/19 |
221 |
Head Office only |
|
2019/20 |
222 |
Head Office only |
|
2020/21 |
288 |
Head Office only |
|
2021/22 |
294 |
Head Office only |
The table below presents the enforcement operations conducted in each province for the periods 2022/23, 2023/24 and the current financial year 2024/25 from 01 April 2024 to 30 September 2024.
|
PROVINCE |
Operations conducted 01/04/2022 to 30/03/2023 (2022/23) |
Operations conducted 01/04/2023 to 30/03/2024 (2023/24) |
Operations conducted 01/04/2024 to 31/09/2024 (2024/25) |
|
Eastern Cape |
26 |
122 |
60 |
|
Free State |
12 |
158 |
164 |
|
Gauteng |
69 |
100 |
110 |
|
KwaZulu Natal |
26 |
59 |
48 |
|
Limpopo |
70 |
141 |
116 |
|
Mpumalanga |
124 |
147 |
128 |
|
Northern Cape |
106 |
215 |
123 |
|
North West |
97 |
140 |
117 |
|
Western Cape |
83 |
128 |
135 |
|
Head Office |
499 |
351 |
178 |
|
TOTAL |
1112 |
1561 |
1179 |
As can be seen from above, from 2017/18 until 2021/22 financial years, only the Head Office component was included in the various APPs, therefore the lower numbers as compared to financial years 2022/23, 2023/24 and the current financial year.
b) Yes, there are requirements for managers to account and provide intervention plans when targets are not met.
END.
27 November 2024 - NW2033
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
On what date will a reply to question 1532 published on 25 October 2024 be received?
Reply:
The said question has been responded to and submitted for tabling, on 11 November 2024.
27 November 2024 - NW2114
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, in view of the Eskom Municipal Debt Relief Programme that is championed by the National Treasury, and considering that municipal debt to water boards and Eskom is a significant financial challenge which is severely impacting the financial viability of service providers, leading to cash-flow constraints that can limit operations, maintenance and expanding service delivery, with a growing population, what (a) is the updated total outstanding debt that municipalities owe to water boards and Eskom, and (b) measures is the National Treasury implementing in ensuring debts are settled for effective service delivery?
Reply:
a) Municipalities as of 30 September 2024, owe bulk suppliers R118.7 billion in arrears (excluding the September 2024 current account). Of the R90 billion owed Eskom –
- R74 billion is owed collectively by the 71 municipalities on the debt relief programme – R58.5 billion of this constitutes municipal relief debt. There was therefore a R15.5 billion increase in debt owed by municipal debt relief participants since 31 March 2023. Most of this is the increase relating to the top 14 Eskom defaulters.
- R16.06 billion of the R90 billion owed to Eskom, are owed by municipalities that are not on debt relief. R13.03 billion of this are owed by metropolitan cities.
b) The National Treasury developed early warning systems which assists municipalities to identify the extent of their financial problems where they exist, parallel to several other support initiatives to strengthen and enforce transparency, improve fiscal discipline and promote the better use of municipal revenue. These include initiatives focused on improving the adoption of realistically funded and credible budgets, integration and management of the revenue value chain, providing technical support to build municipal financial management capacity through the Municipal Finance Improvement Programme (MFIP) in cross-cutting areas of revenue related and other policies, tariffs, completeness of the revenue base, development of budget funding plans, the resolution of municipal financial problems through the development of financial recovery plans, the introduction of a Standard Chart of Accounts for municipalities (mSCOA) and processes to deal timeously with financial misconduct and consequence management.
National and Provincial Treasuries also engage municipalities annually through budget and benchmark engagements where the tabled budget is subjected to a rigorous assessment prior to adoption by the municipal council. There are also mid-year performance assessments which provide an opportunity to assess the financial and service delivery performance of the municipality against the adopted budget and effect the necessary adjustments. The National Treasury also enforces compliance in terms of s18 of the Municipal Finance Management Act by ensuring that any municipality that adopts an unfunded budget must develop a credible funding plan which seeks to gradually improve the financial position of the municipality and achieve a funded budget status. The implementation of these funding plans is monitored on a quarterly basis by the Treasuries.
In terms of the existing intergovernmental legislation, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs resolve and mediate issues between organs of state, including non-payment of bulk suppliers. Once this IGR process has been exhausted, the National Treasury, on request, may mediate in disputes of a financial nature as per the MFMA. NT in cases of persistent financial management breaches, can invoke section 216(2) of the Constitution to withhold a municipality’s Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) and conditional grant transfers.
Where the situation amounts to a serious and persistent financial problems, it is the Provincial Executive that must institute the appropriate mode of intervention. Failing, only then may the national government intervene.
27 November 2024 - NW1959
Reddy, Mr VG to ask the Deputy President
With reference to his role of leading government’s rapid response interventions for service delivery challenges, and noting that the lack of service delivery continues in many communities, such as the persistent water shortages in the Nelson Mandela Bay, eThekwini metropolitan municipality and the dilapidated road infrastructure in provinces such as Limpopo and the Eastern Cape (details furnished), what are the full details of (a) concrete, verifiable evidence of specific interventions he has personally led to address the specified crises, (b) the precise outcomes of his efforts and (c) mechanisms in place to monitor the success and sustainability of the interventions to ensure they do not result in mere temporary fixes or political grandstanding, but rather deliver long-term, measurable improvements in service delivery?
Reply:
During this year, I have conducted numerous inspections and oversight visits, including the Giyani Water Services Project, the Emfuleni Intervention, eThekwini Metropolitian Municipality projects and in Knysna Municipality.
On Tuesday, 05 November 2024, we had an Extended Joint Service Delivery and Water Task Meeting with Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Premiers of Provinces, where we agreed on the need to ensure the speed of execution in the delivery of services. Together, we agreed that we will be on the ground working with municipalities, in the context of District Development Model.
When delivering the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, the Minister of Finance announced that 50 of the 257 municipalities in the country have active financial recovery plans. The Minister also highlighted that three municipalities are under national intervention and these are Mangaung, Enoch Mgijima and Lekwa.
To this end, I have had meetings with both the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Hon Hlabisa and the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon Majodina to discuss how best we can ensure strengthened support to Municipalities, through the implementation of the District Development Model.
Ministers have since announced measures to address related challenges in various municipalities.
On 6 September 2024, together with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, I carried out an oversight visit at the Giyani Water Project in Limpopo. The R5.5 billion project consists of the construction of a bulk raw water pipeline from Nandoni Dam north of Giyani to Nsami Dam in Giyani, as well as the refurbishment and upgrading of the municipal water treatment works in Giyani.
This project also includes the construction of 325 km of bulk pipelines to supply water from the Giyani Water Treatment Works to villages in Giyani. It further includes reticulation of water by Mopani District Municipality to 55 villages around Giyani, of which the first phase comprises of 24 villages. To date, reticulation to 11 of these 24 villages has been completed and these 11 villages are now receiving water in their yards.
With regard to Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality, I conducted an inspection of the City’s water and sanitation infrastructure on 12 April 2024. We inspected the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works, where the contractor is fast tracking repairs. This work will mitigate sewer overflows to the Umngeni River and central beaches. This was followed by an inspection of one of the two newly constructed reservoirs in Adams in the south of Durban. The visit was part of the work of the Presidential eThekwini Intervention Task Team which was established to resolve water challenges in the City.
In this regard, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and Umgeni-uThukela Water Board are playing an important role in assisting the City to address its water supply and sanitation challenges, including the construction of the R28 billion uMkhomazi Water Project on the upper uMkhomazi River by the TCTA, the construction of the Ngwadini Dam and new water treatment plant on the Lower uMkhomazi River by the Water Board, and the management of the City’s ten largest water treatment works by the Water Board.
In the Knysna Local Municipality, we oversaw the implemention of an investigation into the poor service delviery, as well as the development of action plans involving the various sector departments. During all of these visits, I was able to convene high level delegations, consisting of mayors, premiers and all relevant ministers, to facilitate collaboration and prioritisation of service delivery projects.
Lastly, with regard to Nelson Madela Bay, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation has launched the completion of the first phase of a R1 billion project to reduce non-revenue water in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. With the support of the department, the municipality secured funding for the project through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure in National Treasury and the funding is managed by the department through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant.
As of October 2024, the water crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay has been gradually improving, with the municipality’s supply dams full, including the Algoa system dam levels which are currently at 75%. However, the region is still prone to drought and water scarcity.
As we continue with our outreach programmes, we will continue to monitor service delivery and infrastructure challenges in all municipalities within the country to ensure that our interventions strategies are succeeding.
27 November 2024 - NO662
Maneli, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What steps has she taken both in terms of policy and practical interventions to ensure that semi-skilled jobs, not listed as critical skills, are ring-fenced to enable the employment of South Africans?
Reply:
The Department has developed a National Labour Migration Policy that has four key intervention areas. The third key intervention has to do with Management of Labour Migration to South Africa. The policy proposes a series of measures that include, review and introduction of new Bilateral Labour Agreements with neighbouring countries on the levels and number of middle and low skilled workers that will be allowed for employment in both countries reciprocally, the introduction of quotas that will limit the number of foreign nationals that an employer can employ in a sector or category.
An Employment Services Amended Bill has also been developed to give effect to the NLMP. Both the policy and the Bill have been subjected to the Public consultation process, the NEDLAC negotiations process. The Amended versions have also been subjected to the final Presidency Social Economic Impact Analysis System and the State Law Advisors Certification process and are now in their final stages of receiving approvals before public release and referral to Parliament.
At the moment, the Department supports the Department of Home Affairs under the Immigration Act 2002, Regulations, in processing applications for Foreign Corporate Work Visa applications.
In areas where the Department is able to confirm availability of middle and low levs skilled workers from its Employment Services System and those of Private Employment Agencies registered with the Department, a Negative recommendation is forwarded to Home Affairs for consideration before they make a final decision on the application.
27 November 2024 - NW2118
Bateman, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the National Treasury will initiate an impartial investigation into the allegations linking a certain person (name and details furnished) to VBS bank in view of the allegations concerning a bribe to the person to withdraw a circular warning municipalities that deposits at mutual banks were not allowed to slow down the collapse of the corrupt bank despite the circular not being withdrawn; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
All matters related to the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank are being handled by the Prudential Authority and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, together with the law enforcement authorities. As such National Treasury is not conducting any independent investigations related to any matters related to the VBS Mutual Bank. National Treasury undertakes to fully co-operate with the financial sector regulators and the law enforcement authorities on any investigations that could be in progress or that may be initiated.
27 November 2024 - NW2120
Burke, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Finance
On what number of occasions in the past five years has the actual public sector wage increase exceeded the amount tabled in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement or the National Budget?
Reply:
Over the past five years wage increases were as follows compared to the budgeted amounts:
In 2019/20, the average increases were on a sliding scale based on Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 01 of 2018 multi-year wage agreement and departments were instructed to budget for it as part of the budget process.
In 2020/21, the wage increase for public service employees was zero per cent due to the fiscal consolidations that were implemented in the 2020 and 2021 MTEFs.
In 2021/22, the wage increase for public service employees was 1.5 per cent which was budgeted for plus the once-off cash gratuity (equivalent to 4.5 per cent) that was introduced for the first time. The cash gratuity was funded during the 2021 MTBPS at a cost of R20.5 billion.
In 2022/23, the cash gratuity that was introduced in 2021/22 was budgeted to continue due to a clause that was in the 2022 wage agreement which stated that it could only lapse once a new agreement has been reached. The outcome of the wage negotiation process resulted in both labour and the employer not reaching any agreement for 2022/23. As a result, government unilaterally implemented its last wage offer that was tabled before the PSCBC which entailed the continuation of the cash gratuity plus an additional 3 per cent. The cash gratuity amount of R20.5 billion was budgeted for in the main budget fiscal framework and the 3 per cent which amounted to R14.6 billion with carry-through costs during the 2022 MTBPS. Departments were fully funded for the increase.
In 2023/24, government and labour reached an agreement for the conversion of the cash gratuity that was first introduced in 2021/22 into the baseline plus an additional 3.3 per cent. The total costs of this agreement amounted to R37.4 billion for that financial year with carry-through costs. Funding for this increase was not provided for in the main budget fiscal framework as government at the time had agreed with labour during the public service labour summit not to announce in the budget any provision for wage increases before the conclusion of the bargaining processes. However, after signing the agreement the country started facing various macroeconomic challenges that negatively impacted the fiscal framework including the financing instruments. This made the work of trying to accommodate such additional spending within the fiscal framework very challenging. As a result, funding was provided for labour-intensive departments during the 2023 MTBPS.
In 2024/25, the wage increases were aligned to projected CPI at the time of main budget and departments were instructed to budget for it as part of the 2024 MTEF budget process.
Table below show the average cost of living adjustment for public service employees relative to consumer price index over the past five years
27 November 2024 - NO702
Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
What measures has his department taken to rehabilitate tailing dumps in mines in the Vaal Reefs?
Reply:
The tailings dumps in the Vaal Reefs in the main predate the promulgation of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). Prior to the promulgation of the MPRDA, rehabilitation was not legislated and as such the law cannot be implemented retrospectively on these dumps. Post MPRDA promulgation all rehabilitation is done through this Act and as such mining right holders are obliged to rehabilitate the dumps. The historic dumps will require a different approach which will include tracing mine owners and as a last resort including them under facilities that are ownerless, which will require rehabilitation by the State. An opportunity has arisen lately, where some companies are wanting to re-work the dumps with a view of extracting gold using latest technology as well as other minerals. This could an opportunity for better rehabilitation of those historical dumps in compliance with the latest standards. A company like Pan African Resources is re-working old dumps and in the process making the area safer as they have to comply with both MPRDA and NEMA requirements.
27 November 2024 - NW2103
Lekganyane, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Finance
What measures is the National Treasury considering to (a) reduce the cost of living and (b) support poor and middle-strata households?
Reply:
a) South Africa experienced high inflation over the past few years, mainly due to global shocks, contributing to sharp increases in international food and energy
prices and consequently elevated domestic inflation. However, inflation peaked at 7.8 per cent in July 2022, progressively receding to 2.8 per cent in October 2024. In response, the government has taken a number of steps to provide relief to help households experiencing the rising cost of living; for instance.
- The 2023 Budget stated that the government had decided to extend the diesel fuel levy refund period to manufacturers of foodstuffs for two years,
effective from 1 April 2023 to 13 March 2025. This was coupled with the announcement that the general fuel levy would not be increased in the
2023/24 financial year. Lower fuel levy has contributed significantly to lower input costs, alleviating broader price levels. Moreover, transport costs
constitute a significant part of the inflation basket of the lower and middle strata, with the intervention yielding disproportionate direct benefits to these
households.
- Government’s commitment to structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela is not limited to unlocking growth potential for South Africa, but
also to reduce the cost of investment and consumption through the removal of red tape and broader reduction of costs of doing business.
- A Nedlac Cost of Living Rapid Response Task Team, which the National Treasury is part of, has been established to build an understanding of the
issues driving the cost of living and attempt to secure immediate or short term changes from the government to address high food prices and food
insecurity of poor and vulnerable people.
b) In addition to the above interventions, the SRD grant, which was introduced in 2020 to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended multiple times to support vulnerable households. Its current provision is scheduled to conclude in March 2025.
27 November 2024 - NW1539
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). Whether, with reference to his reply to question 293 on 8 October 2024, the Deputy Minister attended the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris; if not, what is the position in this regard; if not, why not; if so, (2). whether the total estimated budget of R1 805 335.74 that he approved for officials travelling to the Olympics includes (a) his, (b) the Deputy Minister’s and (c) the 8 officials’ costs of travel; if not, (i) what was the reason that, for transparency reasons, the cost did not include the cost of the Deputy Minister as part of his delegation and (ii) by what date will he be able to disclose the exact cost breakdown of the amount provided; if so, what is the actual breakdown of the total cost; (3). whether, in view of the current austerity measures, he will take steps to prevent overlapping and duplication of work of such nature in the near future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the Deputy Minister attended the closing ceremony for the Olympic Games.
2. The Department and I answered the questions that were asked of us. I take exception to the aspersion you are implying that I was not transparent in my answers. My travel cost and the cost of the eight officials who travelled to Paris was answered. Most Departmental officials were in Paris to manage the Ekhaya Gardens project, and their travel was independent of the ministry’s and they would have travelled whether any Minister or Deputy Minister travelled. If you wished to know what the Deputy Minister’s travel cost, at a different time in a trip that did not include me, then that is the question you should have asked, instead of now questioning my “transparency”, as though answering questions one is not even asked could be taken as evidence of supposed “transparency”. The Deputy Minister’s travel was, I repeat, not undertaken with me and occurred at a separate time entirely.
Since you are now asking what the Deputy Minister and her delegation’s travel costs amounted to, with a deadline for when that will be provided to you, I have requested the Department to provide this information. This should be finalised by Tuesday, 19 November 2024, after which it will be sent to you.
3. As pointed out above, the Deputy Minister and I were not travelling at the same time during the Olympics. I am currently in the process of interrogating travel spending for all trips to ensure that the Department is getting good value for its money, that delegations are kept to minimum sizes and that travel costs, including for ground transport, are also kept to the minimum.
27 November 2024 - NW1625
Klopper, Mr DD to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What was the (a) total number of backlog cases in the (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2020-21, (iii) 2021-22, (iv) 2022-23 and (v) 2023-24 financial years and (b) nature of the cases of backlog in the specified period and (c) number of backlog cases that were finalised in the same period?
Reply:
(a) Total number of backlog cases
(i) 2019-20 – 55757
(ii) 2020-21 – 51616
(iii) 2021-22 – 42109
(iv) 2022-23 – 47494
(v) 2023-24 – 53187
(b) nature of the cases of backlog in the specified period
|
Top 10 charges on backlog cases - 19/20 |
|
|
Charges |
Grand Total |
|
Rape – act of penetration with a person without his or her consent (Sec 3 of Act 32 of 2007) |
5420 |
|
Murder |
5414 |
|
Assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm |
5362 |
|
Theft |
3650 |
|
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances |
3592 |
|
Possession or Use of Drugs |
3218 |
|
Fraud |
1867 |
|
Rape - sexual intercourse with a female without her consent (Common Law) |
1800 |
|
Assault |
1686 |
|
Attempted Murder |
1654 |
|
Top 10 charges on backlog cases - 20/21 |
|
|
Charges |
Grand Total |
|
Assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm |
6289 |
|
Rape – act of penetration with a person without his or her consent (Sec 3 of Act 32 of 2007) |
5380 |
|
Murder |
4823 |
|
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances |
3311 |
|
Theft |
3170 |
|
Assault |
2072 |
|
Fraud |
1806 |
|
Housebreaking with the Intent to Steal and Theft |
1644 |
|
Attempted Murder |
1471 |
|
Top 10 charges on backlog cases - 21/22 |
|
|
Charges |
Grand Total |
|
Rape - act of penetration with a person without his or her consent (Sec 3 of Act 32 of 2007) |
5379 |
|
Assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm |
4765 |
|
Murder |
4750 |
|
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances |
2788 |
|
Theft |
2316 |
|
Assault |
1603 |
|
Fraud |
1440 |
|
Attempted Murder |
1264 |
|
Housebreaking with the Intent to Steal and Theft |
1128 |
|
Malicious Injury to Property |
1008 |
|
Top 10 charges on backlog cases - 22/23 |
|
|
Charges |
Grand Total |
|
Assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm |
6079 |
|
Rape - act of penetration with a person without his or her consent (Sec 3 of Act 32 of 2007) |
5688 |
|
Murder |
4994 |
|
Theft |
2916 |
|
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances |
2714 |
|
Assault |
2138 |
|
Fraud |
1465 |
|
Attempted Murder |
1414 |
|
Housebreaking with the Intent to Steal and Theft |
1235 |
|
Malicious Injury to Property |
1232 |
|
Top 10 charges on backlog cases - 23/24 |
|
|
Charges |
Grand Total |
|
Assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm |
7304 |
|
Rape - act of penetration with a person without his or her consent (Sec 3 of Act 32 of 2007) |
6006 |
|
Murder |
5181 |
|
Theft |
3333 |
|
Assault |
2912 |
|
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances |
2772 |
|
Attempted Murder |
1639 |
|
Fraud |
1462 |
|
Malicious Injury to Property |
1351 |
|
Possession or Use of Drugs |
1234 |
(c) number of backlog cases that were finalised
(i) 2019-20 – 4642
(ii) 2020-21 – 2910
(iii) 2021-22 – 3141
(iv) 2022-23 – 7750
(v) 2023-24 – 1722
27 November 2024 - NW1731
Nqola, Mr X to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:
With the construction and refurbishment of court buildings (details furnished), (a) what measures were implemented to ensure that those who need to access justice will be able to do so in a speedy and efficient manner, instead of bearing a huge financial burden due to travelling extended distances and (b) how are the specified measures communicated to the relevant persons?
Reply:
The department follows the following process for temporary relocation of court services during construction, additional accommodation, refurbishment, repair, and renovation projects at court facilities.
When such projects are to be implemented at court facilities, a comprehensive temporary relocation or decanting plan is meticulously drafted in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and all relevant stakeholders. The decanting location is typically situated within the premises of the existing facilities. This process is designed to ensure continuity of services and minimize disruption to court users. The execution of this relocation process follows a structured outline.
- Assessment and planning phase - Where needs assessments, capacity analysis, stakeholder and community engagement and budgeting are undertaken.
- Preparation phase – Setting up the mobile unit, developing service continuity protocols and communication plans.
- Transition and relocation phase – User transfer and scheduling, equipment transfer, public servant relocation and orientation and conducting safety and compliance checks.
- Operation phase – Monitoring and quality control, regular feedback collection and communication with the main facility being renovated.
- Return transition phase – notifications of return to main facility and decommissioning the mobile units.
This detailed process is carefully planned and coordinated to ensure that judicial services remain uninterrupted and that users experience minimal disruption throughout the renovation or construction period. The Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service delivery while simultaneously improving our facilities.
a) An example of this process explained above is being followed with the Pretoria Magistrates Court where services continue to be provided whilst the court is undergoing renovations. Further reference can be made of the Galeshewe Magistrate Court building, the Department implemented a series of measures to maintain uninterrupted access to justice for the community. Initially, gazebos were erected outside the court building, enabling magistrates to proceed with scheduled cases despite challenging weather conditions. This approach demonstrated our commitment to minimizing disruptions to court proceedings.
Concurrently, alternative arrangements were made to accommodate essential services. The district court, one criminal court, and one family court were temporarily relocated to the Witdam Police Station, situated 2.5 kilometres from Galeshewe. This interim solution ensured continued access to critical legal services during the closure period.
As of February 2024, all court services previously housed at the Galeshewe Magistrate Court were transferred to the Kimberley Magistrate Court, located 6.5 kilometres from the Galeshewe Magistrate Court. It is important to note that this relocation does not affect the court's jurisdiction, as the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development had previously expanded the local limits to encompass the Galeshewe Sub-District.
Recognizing the potential transportation challenges this move may present, the Department implemented a support system. Members of the public who face difficulties in reaching the Kimberley Magistrate Court are being assisted with transportation using the Department's fleet. To ensure widespread awareness of these changes, the Department has taken proactive steps to inform the community. Notices have been strategically placed throughout the Galeshewe area, a comprehensive media statement has been disseminated across the community, publication in the local newspapers were posted and announcements made through the local radio station. These communication efforts aim to keep residents fully informed about the changes and provide clear guidance on accessing court services during the temporary closure.
END
27 November 2024 - NW2183
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Deputy President
Whether a certain senior official in his office (details furnished) was cleared of the serious allegations levelled against him before returning to the office as a senior official in another role; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps were followed to clear him of the allegations?
Reply:
After a thorough investigation, the independent investigator, herein referred to as an initiator, concluded that there was no sufficient evidence to sustain the allegations of misconduct against the Senior Official.
As a result, according to the initiator, no disciplinary action could be taken against the Senior Official in terms of section 16B (1) (b) of the Public Service Act 1994, as amended, read with Chapter 7 of the SMS Handbook and the delegations of powers.
The aggrieved employee was informed of the outcome of the grievance, and she was advised of her right to appeal the decision with the Public Service Commission for a recommendation, or to declare a dispute with the GPSSBC/CCMA.
The Department can also confirm that the employee was offered counselling through an independent service provider which she declined.
27 November 2024 - NW2125
Hadebe, Mr N to ask the Minister of Finance
In light of the fact that the Minister of Basic Education, Ms S Gwarube, has requested a meeting with him, alongside Education Members of the Executive Council from various provinces, what were the outcomes of the discussions, particularly with regard to (a) securing additional funding to offset immediate staff shortages and (b) longer term funding solutions to shield basic education from ongoing budget constraints?
Reply:
(a)(b) The two Ministers have not yet met to discuss any request for additional funding for the sector.
27 November 2024 - NW1833
Mthethwa, Mr E to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 272 on 8 October 2024, that he spent more than R800 000 of public money for the trip he made to the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, and notwithstanding the current investigations against him and his promise that when he commenced his role as Minister he will cut executive excesses and even donate his salary to worthy causes, he found the specified expenditure of R800 000 of public money on one person to be justified; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how is the expenditure justifiable?
Reply:
I am aware that travel and accommodation costs were higher than normal during the week ahead of the opening of the Olympics, when I was in Paris. Additionally, the South African rand is very weak against major international currencies, including the Euro. The expenditure in question was not spent on only myself, however, and included the cost of my support staff.
I share the concern of what is spent on ground transport, in particular, through the appointed travel agency of the Department and have subsequently turned down the usage of such service through this agency, when it has been possible to do so.
It is important to note that I embarked on the trip to Paris shortly after becoming the Minister, having had no experience of the Department’s policies and processes previously.
We are currently reviewing all the policies, practices and decisions of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s International Relations unit, which functions under a Chief Director, to determine which reforms may be required to safeguard the Department and the Ministry against any such expenditure questions in future.
To illustrate my point, when I was recently on an official trip in the UAE, we hired a vehicle to drive ourselves around for about R2000 a day, after being shown that the cost of ground transport was estimated to again be very high.
This was all done in pursuit of saving money, and during my recent trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, my delegation and I used Ubers.
27 November 2024 - NW1665
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Finance
(a) In the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2024, what has (i) been done with the Public Office Bearers Pension Fund surplus money and (ii) the money been used on?
Reply:
The employer surplus balance as of 31 March 2024 was R1.167 billion, invested in the Public Investment Corporation portfolio. Since the revised benefits structure was implemented in 2016, the excess employer contribution has remained on the fund’s balance sheet and has not been used for any other purpose. The amount is under the management of the fund, as the National Treasury has not exercised its rights as principal employer to utilize the surplus contributions. However, the employer surplus balance is ring-fenced in the fund’s Employer Surplus Account, regulated by the fund’s rules and Section 15E of the Pension Funds Act (PFA), and must not be confused with new surplus as contemplated in section 15C of the Pension Funds Act.
The Public Office Bearers Pension Fund has in its possession a legal opinion from Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Incorporated, dated 5 March 2024. The legal opinion clearly confirms that, “excess assets in the accounts do not amount to surplus as contemplated in the PFA. In such an instance it is not necessary to consider the apportionment of future surplus or the permissible uses for surplus.” The excess amount rightfully belongs to the National Treasury.
Accordingly, as Minister of Finance, I intend to submit a formal request to the fund by December 2024 for arrangements on how to best utitlise the employer surplus funds through the National Revenue Fund and within the confines of the PFA.
27 November 2024 - NW1574
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
(1) What (a) total number of (i) cases were investigated by the Special Investigating Unit in the past five financial years; and (2) what (a) total number of cases are outstanding and (b) are the reasons that each the case is outstanding?
Reply:
We have interpreted the question of the Honorable member to mean the number of investigations that led to successful litigation, as the question refers to cases. The response is as follows:
(1) (a) (i) Over the period of five years, the SIU investigated and finalized 100 proclamations.
(ii) The number of investigated cases which led to a successful litigation are 78 cases and they comprise the following:
- Number of cases issued, finalized, and quantified in the Special Tribunal (ST) is 26.
- 30 finalised cases in favour of the SIU but await the quantification of amounts to be recovered. Total number of finalised cases at ST is 56.
- Number of cases issued, finalized, and quantified in the High Courts is 14.
- 8 finalised cases in favour of the SIU but await the quantification of amounts to be recovered.
- Total number of finalised cases in the High Courts is 22.
(b) the amount was recovered.
|
Performance Measure |
TOTAL |
|
The actual value of cash and/or assets recovered |
4, 962, 239, 875 (billion) |
|
The value of potential losses prevented |
11, 613, 820, 449 (billion) |
|
Grand TOTAL |
16, 576, 060, 324 (billion) |
(2) (a) Total number of outstanding civil litigation cases, in both the Special Tribunal and the High Courts, is 225 comprising of the following:
- 171 cases at the Special Tribunal. and
- 54 cases in the High Courts.
b) The following are the status and reasons for delays in finalising the 225 cases:
|
ITEM NO |
CATERGORY |
SPECIAL TRIBUNAL NUMBER |
HIGH COURT NUMBER |
|
1 |
Finalised, where appeal pending |
8 |
6 |
|
2 |
Unopposed |
30 |
0 |
|
3 |
Case management for exchange of papers and date of hearing (trial) |
127 |
48 |
|
4 |
Pending judgements |
6 |
0 |
|
Total |
171 |
54 |
|
27 November 2024 - NW2119
Bateman, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to (a) the increase in the ratio of citizens to public servants as stated in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), leading to heightened pressure on civil servants and services with the Republic’s average spending on public sector salaries being well above that of many countries (details furnished) and (b) the possibility of the current public service wage agreement being higher than expected poses a key risk to the government’s financial projections, what steps is the National Treasury taking to ensure that the public wage increase can be afforded?
Reply:
The Minister of Finance, as an active member of the Committee of Ministers and the Executive Consultative Council (which includes provinces) which are forums responsible for state mandating processes, will continue to advise on the financial implications and the required trade-offs before any offer could be tabled before the public service coordinating bargaining council (PSCBC). The strategy is to ensure that the government can reach a wage agreement that could be afforded within the Main Budget Fiscal Framework without adding significant pressures to the system. The National Treasury will also be implementing necessary measures to ensure the affordability of public service wage increases while maintaining fiscal sustainability as well as recognizing the need for a balanced trade-off between public service salaries and employment growth. National Treasury is confident that the current employer proposals tabled before the PSCBC will not break the current fiscal framework projections, but it is cognizance of the fact that the wage negotiations are still ongoing and would not want to pre-empt the outcomes of those discussions. The government is committed to finalizing the current round of wage negotiations before tabling of the 2025 February Main Budget, and the details around the funding of the wage increases will be announced at that time
27 November 2024 - NW1979
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Finance
Following his presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Finance after the Medium‑Term Budget Policy Statement, in which he indicated that the implementation of the plans he tabled will likely be to tackle poverty and unemployment that currently sits at 42%, what (a) are the short‑ to medium-term job creation (i) plans and (ii) targets that the Government has set and (b) key industries will lead the specified job creation strategy?
Reply:
a) Through a suite of employment initiatives, the South African government continues to prioritize job creation and support for vulnerable groups. Key short- to medium-term interventions are Public Employment Programmes (PEPs), which provide limited-duration work, skills training, and work experience. Key programs include:
- The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Community Works Programme (CWP) which have created more than 500,000 job opportunities in the current financial year.
- The Presidential Employment Initiative, which has created over 1.7 million jobs since its 2020 inception. An amount of R7.4 billion has been set aside for the Initiative in 2024/25 through a combination of reprioritisation, provisional allocations and funding from the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Labour Activation Programme.
- As of 30 June 2024, projects contracted through the Jobs Fund had contributed R14.6 billion in matched funding to job creation off the back of R7.3 billion in grant funding disbursed to date (i.e., for every Rand government has contributed, project partners have contributed approximately R2.01). The Fund has created over 320,000 jobs and internships, most of which are filled by women and young people. The Fund has also trained over 320,000 work-seekers and entrepreneurs, thereby assisting them in improving their employment and business outcomes.
- Importantly, the National Treasury and the Presidency, working with other state institutions, have initiated a comprehensive review of PEPs and broader Active Labour Market Policies and the social support system to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. The first phase of this review will be completed by March 2025.
b) Over the longer-term, to tackle unemployment, the government is committed to accelerating economic growth that fosters job creation and improves livelihoods. As indicated in the 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, government’s efforts will be anchored by a four-pillar growth strategy focused on a stable macroeconomic framework, reforms to boost competitiveness, improving state capability to deliver essential services, and delivering quality infrastructure that itself will work to stimulate job demand.
In addition, work is underway through the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) through a Labour Law Reform Task Team that is considering and enacting amendments to key pieces of labour market legislation. This seeks to address several structural challenges in the labour market while balancing the needs of employers and employees. The reforms seek to, amongst others:
- Simplify the regulatory burden on businesses, including of dismissal procedures.
- Extend collective bargaining rights and protections to non-standard workers, such as those in temporary or part-time employment.
- Improve the efficiency of dispute resolution mechanisms between employer and employee.
27 November 2024 - NW1381
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What total number of court hours do magistrates’ courts work in each day in each region?
Reply:
The tables below depict the total number of court hours magistrates’ courts work in each day in each region.
1 DISTRICT COURT MAGISTRATES COURT HOURS
|
Admin Cluster |
Criminal |
Civil |
Family |
Hrs p/magistrate p/day |
|
EC A |
2:07 |
0:30 |
1:11 |
3:48 |
|
EC B |
2:40 |
0:22 |
1:39 |
4:41 |
|
FS A |
1:00 |
0:11 |
0:33 |
1:44 |
|
FS B |
1:38 |
0:12 |
0:41 |
2:31 |
|
GP 5 |
0:20 |
0:18 |
0:28 |
1:06 |
|
GP 5A |
6:28 |
2:55 |
5:56 |
15:19 |
|
KZN A |
2:20 |
0:45 |
1:29 |
4:34 |
|
KZN B |
1:48 |
0:25 |
0:58 |
3:11 |
|
LP |
2:15 |
0:28 |
1:39 |
4:22 |
|
MP |
1:51 |
0:27 |
1:10 |
3:28 |
|
NC |
1:38 |
0:12 |
1:01 |
2:51 |
|
NW |
1:33 |
0:32 |
1:31 |
3:36 |
|
WC A |
1:50 |
0:31 |
1:05 |
3:26 |
|
WC B |
2:30 |
0:28 |
1:21 |
4:19 |
|
Grand Total |
1:53 |
0:32 |
1:19 |
3:44 |
2. REGIONAL MAGISTRATES COURT HOURS
Table - Criminal Court Performance Overview
|
Region |
Court Days |
New Cases |
Number of Trials Enrolled |
Number Of Trials Finalised |
s 77 & 78 |
Withdrawals |
SOR |
Warrants of arrest |
Actual Court Hours |
Average Court Hours |
Clearance Rate |
Enrolled Trials per day |
Finalised Trials per day |
Throughput in hours per case |
|
EC |
10627 |
6926 |
29623 |
3888 |
59 |
1298 |
844 |
737 |
33230:11 |
03:07 |
99% |
2.79 |
0.37 |
08:25 |
|
FS |
4795 |
3275 |
12180 |
1555 |
24 |
804 |
432 |
449 |
13557:12 |
02:49 |
100% |
2.54 |
0.33 |
08:35 |
|
GP |
16346 |
9684 |
36075 |
4100 |
126 |
3882 |
1335 |
1057 |
49804:25 |
03:02 |
108% |
2.21 |
0.26 |
11:47 |
|
KZN |
13393 |
6751 |
23644 |
3121 |
85 |
1363 |
550 |
469 |
41350:09 |
03:05 |
83% |
1.77 |
0.24 |
12:53 |
|
LP |
4985 |
3177 |
13679 |
1142 |
27 |
691 |
124 |
235 |
14953:03 |
02:59 |
70% |
2.74 |
0.23 |
12:47 |
|
MP |
3021 |
3480 |
14279 |
1082 |
22 |
614 |
420 |
333 |
10200:15 |
03:22 |
71% |
4.73 |
0.37 |
09:14 |
|
NC |
2898 |
955 |
6427 |
864 |
17 |
437 |
205 |
140 |
9215:49 |
03:10 |
174% |
2.22 |
0.30 |
10:27 |
|
NW |
4059 |
1481 |
8285 |
792 |
43 |
534 |
283 |
274 |
10576:29 |
02:36 |
130% |
2.04 |
0.21 |
12:39 |
|
WC |
7581 |
5691 |
19869 |
2769 |
21 |
1894 |
825 |
743 |
24882:34 |
03:16 |
110% |
2.62 |
0.37 |
08:55 |
|
Total |
67705 |
41420 |
164061 |
19313 |
424 |
11517 |
5018 |
4437 |
207770:08 |
03:04 |
98% |
2.42 |
0.29 |
10:31 |
Table - Civil Trials Overview
|
Region |
Court Days |
Applications Enrolled |
Applications Finalized |
Trials Enrolled |
Trials Finalized |
Actual Court Hours |
Average Court Hours |
% Applications finalised |
%Trials Finalised |
Applications finalised per day |
Trials finalised per day |
|
EC |
1380 |
1907 |
1308 |
4979 |
3338 |
2914:35 |
02:06 |
69% |
67% |
0.95 |
2.42 |
|
FS |
709 |
1112 |
643 |
3305 |
2262 |
922:02 |
01:18 |
58% |
68% |
0.91 |
3.19 |
|
GP |
3948 |
6453 |
3740 |
11191 |
7178 |
7665:03 |
01:56 |
58% |
64% |
0.95 |
1.82 |
|
KZN |
2351 |
6588 |
3181 |
9763 |
5736 |
5568:53 |
02:22 |
48% |
59% |
1.35 |
2.44 |
|
LP |
1677 |
2301 |
1318 |
5055 |
2492 |
3363:45 |
2:00 |
57% |
49% |
0.79 |
1.49 |
|
MP |
1174 |
2114 |
1207 |
5602 |
2434 |
2626:19 |
02:14 |
57% |
43% |
1.03 |
2.07 |
|
NC |
317 |
161 |
104 |
802 |
609 |
363:50 |
01:08 |
65% |
76% |
0.33 |
1.92 |
|
NW |
1070 |
1476 |
761 |
3413 |
2124 |
1734:40 |
01:37 |
52% |
62% |
0.71 |
1.99 |
|
WC |
1313 |
4146 |
2169 |
5372 |
3444 |
2873:33 |
02:11 |
52% |
64% |
1.65 |
2.62 |
|
Total |
13939 |
26258 |
14431 |
49482 |
29617 |
28032:40 |
02:00 |
55% |
60% |
1.04 |
2.12 |
27 November 2024 - NW2115
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the placement of the Republic on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in 2023, which significantly impacted the Republic’s standing and considering the delays that the National Treasury is expecting in resolving areas of concern identified by the FATF, what accelerated steps is National Treasury implementing to address identified deficiencies in our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks, given the importance of this matter?
Reply:
As outlined in the media statement following the 25 October 2024 FATF Plenary meeting, South Africa was deemed to have addressed or largely addressed 16 action items, and is now left with 6 action items for the last reporting cycle, which ends in February 2025. Three of these action items relate to demonstrating a sustained increase in the investigation and prosecution of complex money laundering, terror financing and unlicensed cross-border money or value transfer services (MVTS). The other three relate to the timely access of beneficial ownership information in respect of companies and trusts, and the imposition of remedial action and dissuasive sanctions by designated AML/CFT supervisors.
Government remains committed to meet the original deadline for exiting the grey list in February but acknowledges that this depends largely on addressing the remaining deficiencies timeously, which may require an additional round of assessments.
The Interdepartmental Committee on Anti-Money Laundering (IDC-AML/CFT) remains the principal coordination mechanism to ensure all deficiencies are addressed. National Treasury chairs the IDC-AML/CFT which was mandated by Cabinet to lead the government’s effort towards fully and speedily addressing all the deficiencies in the country’s AML/CFT system. Cabinet and the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster have overseen the implementation of the Action Plan (since the country’s greylisting in February 2023), via the IDC-AML/CFT. The IDC-AML/CFT includes a wide range of government departments and agencies, such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Investigating Unit, the State Security Agency, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the South African Reserve Bank, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and the South African Revenue Service. The National Treasury regularly updates Cabinet on the progress made by the IDC-AML/CFT and government departments and agencies against the action items in the Action Plan.
For further information, I refer the Honourable Member to the regular media releases issued by the National Treasury, including the last one issued on 25 October 2024 (link attached below), all available on its website www.treasury.gov.za. I also refer the Honourable Member to the many parliamentary questions over the last two years responding to FATF and grey listing questions for example PQ 516 [no3759e], 3967 [NW4935E], 2641 [NW3157E], 2642 [NW3158E], 21602 [NW1730E], 3967 [NW4935E], 3547 [NW4717E], 1602 [NW1730E], 3547 [NW4717E] and 1289 [NW1393E]
The media statement, Action Plan and South Africa’s 3rd Enhanced Follow-up Report with technical compliance re-ratings report, can be accessed at the following links:
Media Statement
Action Plan:
https://www.treasury.gov.za/comm_media/press/2024/2024102501%20Annexure%20FATF.pdf)
FATF 3rd follow up report:
27 November 2024 - NW1474
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether any progress has been made with the launch of the Republic’s Sovereign Wealth Fund; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total amount has been allocated towards the specified fund, (b) are the sources of the fund and (c) will the fund finance?
Reply:
The National Treasury provided an outline of the implications of establishing a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) in a document published in December 2021 (Discussion Document - Oil and Gas Tax Regime). The issues highlighted in that document are still relevant today.
Conceptually, the SWF would be a state-owned company that would accumulate resources for capital investment through a dedicated revenue instrument and would then invest these in different asset classes. From a fiscal policy perspective, it would be an extra-budgetary account or institution, which we would list and whose surplus or deficit position would form part of the consolidated fiscal framework.
(a) At the moment, the main budget balance is negative with no resource slack to capitalise a SWF (that is, the net position of all public entities and social security funds is in deficit).
(b) & (c) South Africa’s prevailing structural current account and budget deficits mean that the macroeconomic conditions that would support the formation of a sovereign wealth fund are not in place. Countries with SWFs broadly maintain surpluses in their current accounts and budget balances. This has not been a consistent feature of South Africa, which has instead seen consecutive current account and fiscal deficits, with this trend expected to continue over the medium-term.
Further, the public revenues or royalties derived from mineral resources have historically not been reliable nor consistent in South Africa. The 2024 Budget Review noted that the windfall tax gains from high commodity prices over the previous two years have come to a halt. Provisional corporate tax receipts from the mining sector for the first 10 months of 2023/24 were nearly R40 billion lower - more than 50 per cent lower - than the same period in 2022/23.
Importantly, the National Treasury has illustrated how funding for service delivery remains under pressure in the context of the current fiscal constraints, and that additional resources are required to improve the recruitment of key personnel such as police, teachers, and to increase investment in the maintenance of basic service infrastructure.
In light of these realities, the most appropriate policy path is to use resources – including higher-than-expected revenues should they arise – to reduce the debt burden while improving the delivery of existing services that achieve development objectives, while actively pursuing policies that remove impediments to economic growth, such as in respect of energy security, water supply, and transport and logistics.
27 November 2024 - NW2034
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
On what date will a reply to question 1539 published on 25 October 2024 be received?
Reply:
The said question has been responded to and submitted for tabling on 12 November 2024
26 November 2024 - NW1836
Mhlongo, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health
In light of the tragic deaths of children across the Republic linked to the consumption of products bought from local spaza shops, (a) what specific intergovernmental interventions does his department intend to initiate to assist municipalities in their efforts to address compliance issues related to spaza shops and (b) how does he envisage that such interventions will ensure the safety of food sold to vulnerable communities, particularly children?
Reply:
a) Through engagement with other Ministers (Minister of Police and Minister of Small Business Development), and to ensure a multisectoral approach in responding to the food safety issues, the National Joints Operation and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), was activated and a multisectoral intervention plan has been developed, which will be implemented in the next 24 months. Key stakeholders in the plan include various departments and the roles and responsibilities of each department has clearly been outlined in the plan, with emphasis on their roles as it relates to informal food traders, from legislation enforcement to their support roles. Joint Operations have been activated in all provinces, and all relevant departments participate.
b) The interventions are focusing on law enforcement to firstly ensure that spaza shop traders are operating within the ambit of all relevant legislation in the country. This will ensure that firstly, no business operates without the necessary permits/registrations. Secondly, only premises that have been certified by Environmental Health Practitioners as compliant to food safety legislation can trade in foodstuffs. The joint operations will also provide capacacity to enable law enforcement in non-compliant premises, which will include closure of such, where deemed necessary.
As part of the interventions, awareness is being raised in communities about food safety, their rights and what to expect from their local food premises. We believe that because we are unable to be everywhere at all times, communities that are informed and empowered play a critical role in food safety issues by educating and protecting children.
END.
26 November 2024 - NW1827
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
Following the release of the inquest judgement into the death of over 144 mentally ill patients at Life Esidimeni, what steps has he undertaken to ensure that such occurrence never happen again in the Republic?
Reply:
The Minister of Health requested the Health Ombud to investigate the Life Esidimeni tragedy. The report and recommendations by the Health Ombud provided details that assisted in getting to the root cause of the tragedy and informed the corrective response. The framework for licensing community based mental health facilities was reviewed and strengthened in compliance to the recommendation of the Health Ombud. In this regard, the National Health Council approved the Regulations for Licensing Community Mental Health Day Care and Residential Care Facilities for People With Mental Illness and or Severe or Profound Intellectual Disability. These Regulations strengthen the process of licensing community based mental health organisations by enforcing a set of minimum requirements to ensure quality care, treatment and rehabilitation services that comply to basic human rights principles. They promote the provision of services by skilled staff in therapeutic, humane and safe environments.
END.
26 November 2024 - NW2040
Linde, Ms E to ask the Minister of Tourism
What (a) measures has her department put in place to promote awareness about ecotourism, (b) strategies has her department employed to (i) implement ecotourism plans and (ii) ensure that ecotourism benefits surrounding communities and (c) monitoring mechanisms does her department have in place to ensure that the Republic becomes eco-tourist friendly?
Reply:
(a) What (a) measures has her department put in place to promote awareness about eco-tourism
The Department promotes responsible tourism awareness focusing on themes which include resource efficiency (water, energy & waste mangement), community-based tourism development and universal accessibility in the sector.
Tourism Climate Change Communication Strategy (TCCCS) is in place to guide communication-related aspects of awareness, education and training for climate change mitigation and adaptation within the sector.
(b) what strategies has her department employed to
(i) implement ecotourism plans and (ii) ensure that ecotourism benefits surrounding communities
The following strategies/plans under implementation support Ecotourism and/or benefit
communities:-
- National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016-2026.
- The Operational Guidelines for Community Based Tourism in South Africa (OGCBT).
- Framework for Community Participation in Tourism (FCPT).
- Infrastructure development and maintenance.
- Tourism Resource Efficiency Programme.
- Green Tourism Incentive Programme.s
- Climate Change Tourism Adaptation Project (TAP).
- Tourism destination marketing.
c) What monitoring mechanisms does her department have in place to ensure that the Republic becomes eco-tourist friendly?
The National Tourism Sector Stakeholder Forum (NTSF) provides for a sector wide monitoring platform for implementation of the NTSS and its supporting strategies and/or plans.
26 November 2024 - NW1909
Hadebe, Mr N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1) Whether, given that the festive season brings significant movement across the Republic, with many persons travelling to visit family and friends while others will be hosting loved ones, her department, alongside its provincial counterparts, has devised urgent measures to assist areas with an increased water demand; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether there are any planned major maintenance projects to festive season; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Constitution assigns the responsibility of ensuring access to water and sanitation services to municipalities, amongst others. The role of the national and provincial spheres of government is to support monitor and regulate local government. The Department of Water and Sanitation regulates the provision of water and sanitation services and in terms of this role, sets the norms and standards for municipal water and sanitation services in terms of the National Water Act and the Water Services Act.
Water Services Authorities (WSAs) in areas that are tourist destinations should put measures in place to ensure that sufficient water is available during peak demands (festive holidays). In addition, WSAs should also promote water conservation by communities because water is a scarce resource.
2. Maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure is planned by different WSAs and Water Service Providers in accordance with their own plans depending on where and when this maintenance is required. DWS encourages proper communication of such plans with communities so that they are informed of possible water supply disruptions that may occur as a result of maintenance projects.
The major maintenance project in which the DWS in involved is the maintenance of the Lesotho Highland Water Tunnel. The South African government and Kingdom of Lesotho are implementing this major maintenance project which involves the closure of the tunnel for a period of six months, from 01 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. Comprehensive and technical operational plans have been put in place to minimise the disruption of water supply in all the affected municipalities within Gauteng and the Free State.
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26 November 2024 - NW1942
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education
How does she intend to minimise costs in (a) transport, (b) procurement and (c) other operational expenses related to school infrastructure?
Reply:
While the provisioning of public school infrastructure is a provincial responsibility, as per section 12 of the South African Schools Act, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), is committed to ensuring cost-efficiency in the delivery of education services, including infrastructure-related projects.
To this end, the DBE has developed a 10-point strategy to support PEDs to improve their planning and delivery of school infrastructure while minimising costs. This strategy includes the following workstreams:
- Updated data on school infrastructure to ensure accurate planning and resource allocation.
- Simplified asset management plans for more efficient infrastructure management.
- Simplified Infrastructure Programme Management Plans to streamline processes.
- Standardised concept designs, specifications, processes and contracts to enhance cost efficiency.
- Development and rollout of framework contracts to facilitate better procurement practices.
- Local subcontracting to promote community involvement and reduce costs.
- Gateway reviews of project planning and implementation to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness at every stage.
- Monitoring over the entire project life cycle for better oversight and accountability.
- Restricting defaulting service providers to prevent project delays and cost overruns.
- Cost-reimbursable contracts with target prices to incentivise cost savings.
Furthermore, a collaborative set of workstreams between DBE and PEDs has been established to focus on professional excellence, capacity building and school maintenance to strengthen planning and delivery mechanisms for school infrastructure.
26 November 2024 - NW1937
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Given that the Vryburg waste-water treatment plant, funded by her department in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, has been delayed for more than five years now, (a) what are the reasons for the delay, (b) what steps have been taken in terms of consequence management to deal with culprits as identified in the commissioned forensic report, (c) what plans have been put in place to unblock the project, (d) at what stage of completion is the project and (e) what amount (i) was initially allocated to the project, (ii) has been spent thus far and (iii) is still needed to complete the project?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation did not provide funding for the Vryburg waste-water treatment plant through its grants (i.e. the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant or the Water Services Infrastructure Grant). The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, a Water Service Authority in Vryburg, is implementing the project and has indicated that the project is funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), administered by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
COGTA is overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the Vryburg wastewater treatment plant project and would be in a better position to furnish the details of the project.
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