Questions and Replies
12 February 2025 - NW18
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) Whether (a) he, (b) his deputy and/or (c) any other member of his staff has at any time directly and/or indirectly intervened, influenced and/or sought to influence any procurement matter vested under his department, including but not limited to actions that may reasonably extend beyond the established scope of his or their authority since 3 July 2024; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether (a) he, (b) his deputy and/or (c) any member of his staff ever authorised, facilitated and/or arranged any form of payment, financial compensation and/or other incentives to members of the media for the purpose of influencing editorial content, including publishing, writing and/or sharing stories that pertain to his department or its activities since 3 July 2024; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, will he furnish full details regarding the nature, circumstances and rationale of such interventions and/or payments? NW26E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1) (a) If your question is premised on an email which I sent, at the request of the Presidency, asking for a report from IDT as to why they failed to pay a contractor after 20 months despite repeated promises to do so, then no. This has been well ventilated and articulated by myself. In fact, I personally provided that email to the Star newspaper when they asked for it. They chose not to publish it because it didn’t suit their narrative and then gave it to a certain political party to use as “evidence”. It is telling that the Member and her party, ActionSA (“ASA”), quickly fell in line with the other political party to claim “corruption”. I hope that this is more a result of her party’s current coalition in Gauteng than it is a reflection on her and her party’s ability to critically analyse matters before them – or at the very least, establish the facts before posting slanderous comments online for the sake of views and impressions.
(b) I have been informed by the Deputy Minister’s Office that he has not engaged in any activities mentioned in your question.
(c) No.
(2) (a) No.
(b) I have been informed by the Deputy Minister’s Office that he has not engaged in any activities mentioned in your question.
(c) No.
The Honourable Member’s question is premised on a now-debunked, fake-news story peddled by Mr. JJ Tabane through an opinion piece published by the Times. The Times have subsequently issued an apology to me and withdrawn the piece.
Without a shred of evidence or supporting documents, the concerned Member and ASA repeated the lie.
The Member concerned and ASA joined a long list of dubious individuals, online bots and other interested parties, not to condemn corruption and maladministration, but to rather distract the public from the work I am doing to uncover it.
This was part of a well-funded and orchestrated campaign to smear my name. Instead of apologising to me for her participation in this fabricated story, she seeks to continue the lie through parliamentary questions. It is a shame that this is her and ASA’s focus. I would encourage her in future to rather obtain the facts and not rely on other political parties, online bots and fake WhatsApp messages as her sources of information in an attempt to make a name for herself and ASA.
I remain open to her and ASA’s apology for what they did.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE: 12 FEBRUARY 2025
11 February 2025 - NW25
Wessels, Mr W to ask the Minister of Correctional Services
(1) Whether blue lights are installed in the official vehicles of the (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1)(a) No blue lights were installed in the vehicles of the Minister of Correctional Services.
(1)(b) Yes, blue lights were installed in the vehicle of the Deputy Minister at a total cost of R35 594.80. This is in-line with Section 58(3) of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, these specialised lamps are permitted in vehicles operated by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who are appointed under the South African Police Act as VIP Protection Officers whilst executing their duties, which include the transportation of executives.
(2) No.
END.
08 January 2025 - NW2250
Booysen, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
Considering that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, otherwise referred to as the Zondo Commission, inter alia identified a grey area in the Republic’s regulatory framework on financial sector legislation, and noting that the Zondo commission condemned unchecked weaponisation of reputational risk and called on the National Treasury to introduce amendments to the relevant legislation, what progress has been made with regard to the specified issue since the Zondo Commission report was released more than two years ago?
Reply:
Whilst I acknowledge that the Zondo Commission made recommendations for the amendment of the country’s banking laws to prevent, amongst other things, the arbitrary closure of banking accounts, the Honourable Member would be aware that any recommendations or proposed changes to legislation still need to be thoroughly evaluated before any proposed draft changes to legislation are submitted to Cabinet and/or tabled in Parliament.
Notwithstanding the conclusions and recommendations of the Zondo Commission on any proposed amendments to financial sector legislation to address the perceived arbitrary closure of bank accounts, it is not immediately clear to me, in the absence of further research and analysis, that changes to the country’s banking laws are immediately needed.
The Honourable member should also note that a bank has the legal right to refuse to take on a customer, or terminate its services to a client, for many reasons, provided the reasons for such refusal or termination do not violate public policy or constitutional values. In exercising this right, it is important that financial institutions treat their customers fairly, while also supporting increased financial inclusion and market access. To help promote this, section 106 of the Financial Sector Regulation Act 9 of 2017 empowers the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) to issue conduct standards for financial institutions. In this respect, the FSCA issued Conduct Standard 3 of 2020 (Banks) which came into effect on 3 July 2020. This was the first step towards rolling out a comprehensive framework for the banking sector to ensure the fair treatment of financial customers.
In terms of the Conduct Standard, banks must:
- conduct their business in a manner that prioritises the fair treatment of their customers;
- adopt and implement processes and procedures relating to the withdrawal or termination of a financial product or financial service, including closure of a bank account;
- provide reasonable notice of the intention to withdraw or terminate a financial product or financial service, including closure of a bank account;
- provide reasons for the proposed withdrawal, termination or closure, unless the following circumstances prevail:
- the bank is compelled to do so by the law;
- the bank has reasonable suspicion that the financial product or financial service is being used for any illegal purpose; and
- the bank has made the necessary reports to the appropriate authority.
The Conduct Standard furthermore provides that contractual agreements between banks and financial customers must make provisions for circumstances in which the contractual agreement may be terminated or withdrawn by the bank. This implies that the closure, termination or withdrawal of a financial product or service will not be done unilaterally, but as part of enforcing contractual obligations and remediating breaches. The circumstances in which termination may occur must be disclosed to the customer in terms of the contract. The 2010 legal case between Bredenkamp and Others v Standard Bank of SA deals specifically with the issue of reputation as a reason to close an account, with the judgment concluding that when it comes to contractual matters, fairness applies to both contracting parties.
I will request National Treasury and the FSCA, working together with the Financial Intelligence Centre and the Prudential Authority, to engage banks and the Banking Association South Africa (BASA), to evaluate any potential improvements that may be needed to enhance the Conduct Standard and ensure that financial customers continue to be suitably protected. Any proposed improvements will further be supported by the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill, which will be submitted for Cabinet’s consideration in due course, once the drafting process has been concluded.
08 January 2025 - NW1977
Taaibosch, Mr G to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with reference to his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement where it became clear that South Africans are not usually easily allowed to own business or to buy property in other countries, while it is very easy for foreign nationals in the Republic to open a business or to buy property whilst paying the same taxes, the National Treasury has conducted a study to quantify the benefits of making it easy for people from other countries to buy a property and/or to own a business in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The National Treasury has not conducted a study to quantify the benefits of making it easy for people from other countries to buy a property and/or own a business in South Africa.
08 January 2025 - NW2248
Reddy, Mr VG to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether he has been informed of the case of a certain person (name and details furnished), who was dismissed in August 2020 via the Expeditious Disciplinary Process despite recommendations by commissioned officers indicating that the specified person committed no workplace offence; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
Reply:
(1) No, there were no details provided to the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding this matter, as the actions described are not part of the SAPS’ internal administration protocols.
(2) None, in accordance with the SAPS’ Discipline Regulations, 2016, specifically Regulation 13, which states “In the event that an employee has been found guilty and sanctioned, such employee may within the time period determined in the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council (SSSBC) Constitution and Rules refer the matter to the Council for resolution.”
(3) No, no locus standi has been received on the matter, as the SAPS’ internal remedies have been exhausted.
08 January 2025 - NW2235
Gana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What total number of phone calls were fielded by the 10111 Crime Stop Call Centre (a) in the 2023-24 financial year and (b) during the period 1 April to 31 October 2024;
Reply:
(1)(a) The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) 10111 Call Centres received 17 706 689 phone calls, during 2023/24.
(b) The 10111 Call Centres received 9 782 089 calls, for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 October 2024.
(2)(a) SAPS members stationed at 10111 Call Centres responded 6 602 592 calls, during 2023/24 and 4 205 600 calls, during the period 1 April 2024 to 31 October 2024.
(b) The 10111 Command Centres do not have a formal mechanism in place to monitor the number of hoax calls that are received. This requirement is, however, being addressed by the SAPS, within the context of the 10111 modernisation project that is currently being implemented, under the auspices of Operation Vulindlela.
(3) A total of 1 747 personnel are deployed at the SAPS’ 10111 Call Centres.
(4) All 10111 Call Centre personnel are permanently employed by the SAPS.
(5) No services are outsourced, all members are permanent SAPS employees.
08 January 2025 - NW2316
Baptie, Mr E to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
Considering that the Umtamvuna Water Treatment Works should provide water to 18 900 residents but is unable to do so while the affected communities go without water for days, and noting that the specified water treatment works require an upgrade to the electricity supply to enable increased abstraction, which Eskom commenced in 2019, but the project remains incomplete due to alleged threats of violence against Eskom contractors and sabotage to their infrastructure, what interventions have been taken by him and/or his department to ensure the completion of this project so that the residents of southern KwaZulu-Natal get the relief they have waited for?
Reply:
The project started and was executed by the Eastern Cape as the Zwelethu Substation which had the capacity in that province. The community stopped the project because they were not happy that water was to be supplied to another village when they did not have water. COGTA and the municipality got involved; however, there was no progress. On 18 December 2024), COGTA once again held a meeting with Ugu Municipality and Eskom’s planning team, to look at another technical solution, which would not be permanent. However, the team is deriving a permanent solution. This permanent solution remains to execute the project that was already underway but was stopped by the community. Eskom remains committed (both KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape) to executing the project. The community must grant permission.
It should be noted that the stoppage is unrelated to Eskom and the energising of the treatment plant, but rather to community dissatisfaction with the supply area for water treatment plant.
08 January 2025 - NW2273
Komane, Mr LM to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
a) How does he justify the decision by Eskom to impose the rigid deadline of 24 November 2024 for prepaid meter upgrades, knowing that it forces vulnerable citizens to endure dangerous and overcrowded queues and (b) what intervention measures has (i) he and (ii) his department taken in this regard?
Reply:
(a) Eskom started and communicated the KRN project with its customers in August 2023. The vast majority of its paying customers had already been converted to KRN2 by August 2024, as they were buying electricity
(i) With the known challenge of about 2 million Eskom customers having been zero buyers, it was anticipated that this group of customers would be reluctant to come forward for fear of being found out and in the hope that KRN2 rollover would not affect them. Eskom intensified messaging using social media, television, radio and direct messaging (SMSs) urging zero buyers to come forward and inviting them to present themselves at the Eskom hubs even after 24 November 2024.
(ii) The management of zero buyers continues to be one of the main focus areas.
08 January 2025 - NW2234
Gana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1) With reference to donations of equipment and/or services to the SA Police Service (SAPS), what (a) total number of donations were received by (i) specific police stations and/or (ii) mobile police stations, for the (aa) 2023/24 financial year and (bb) first six months of the 2024/25 financial year and (b) is the total monetary value of each type of donation;
Reply:
(1)(a) A total of 21 donations were received during the 2023/24 financial year for furniture and office equipment, machinery and equipment, maintenance and repairs of office buildings, domestic equipment and vehicles.
(1)(i)(aa)(b)(2)(a)(b) The details of the specific police stations in the 2023/24 financial year, the total monetary value of each type of donation and which organisations and/or individuals donated to the South African Police Service (SAPS), are reflected in the table below:
PAS Classification |
(1)(a)(i) Station |
(1)(b) Amount |
(2)(a)(b) Donation Received |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Riversdale |
R6 262,00 |
Business Against Crime Western Cape |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Redelinghuys |
R9 628,74 |
Business Against Crime Western Cape |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Muizenberg |
R9 628,74 |
Business Against Crime Western Cape |
5 x Bar Stools |
Furniture and office equipment |
Sinoville |
R2 500,00 |
Sinoville Nissan |
Hydraulic Spreader and Accessories |
Furniture and office equipment |
JHB Central |
R321 395,00 |
USA Embassy |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Lwandle |
R12 227,73 |
Business Against Crime Western Cape |
Blankets |
Furniture and office equipment |
Western Cape Provincial Office |
R75 000,00 |
Chinese Community of Cape Town |
Burglar Gate |
Machinery and Equipment |
Pacaltsdorp |
R11 200,00 |
Mr Theo Jacobs |
2x Falcon FH25 Handheld Night Vision |
Machinery and Equipment |
Dullstroom |
R160 470,54 |
Trans African Concessions |
Bar Fridge |
Domestic Equipment |
Grootvlei |
R1 200,00 |
Mr Maree |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Embalenhle |
R15 000,00 |
Vukanini Taxi Association |
Cellebrite UFED Device |
Machinery and Equipment |
Commercial Crime Investigation |
R466 000,00 |
British High Commission |
Painting of building |
Maintenance and Repairs of Office Building |
Langebaan |
R368 000,00 |
Indawa |
Diesel Generator, W Heeled, 5.KVA, Electric Start |
Domestic Equipment |
Pinetown |
R35 000,00 |
Pro Hydraulics |
|
Domestic Equipment |
Richard Bay |
R6 072,00 |
One Stop Water |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Durban Central |
R19 050,00 |
Cross-roads International |
Sign, Welcome, Police Logo |
Machinery and Equipment |
Struisbaai |
R4 946,66 |
Community of Struisbaai |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Kwanoqaba Detective Service |
R272 800,00 |
Western Cape Government Department of Health |
Office Chairs |
Furniture and office equipment |
Booysens |
R1 500,00 |
Gold Reef City Casino Hotels and Entertainment |
3 x Hybrid Trolley Inverters |
Machinery and equipment |
Sinoville |
R36 000,00 |
Oakley Group |
10 x Truck, Utility, Toyota Hilux Dc 2.4 Gd-6 |
Vehicle |
Ogies |
R648 084,00 |
Ceriti Power Community Trust |
Vosman |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Vosman |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Phola |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Morgenzon Transvaal |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Kriel |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Kriel |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Witbank |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Witbank |
R648 084,00 |
|||
Bethal |
R606 322,41 |
|||
TOTAL - R8 272 959,82 |
(1)(ii) No donations were received for mobile police stations.
(1)(ii)(bb) A total of 13 donations were received during the first six months of the 2024/25 financial year for furniture and office equipment, machinery and equipment, maintenance and repairs of office buildings, domestic equipment and vehicles.
(1)(ii)(bb)(b)(2)(a)(b) The details of the specific police stations in the first six months of the 2024/25 financial year, the total monetary value of each type of donation and which organisations and/or individuals donated to the SAPS, are reflected in the table below:
Description |
PAS Classification |
(1) (a) (i) Station |
(1) (b) Amount |
(2)(a)(b) Donations Received |
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Linden |
R4 000,00 |
Linden Community Policing Forum |
2 x Occasional Chairs |
Furniture and office equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R12 000,00 |
Bay Décor |
1 x Fridge, 1 x Fan, 1 x Heater |
Domestic equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R3 360,00 |
Meterkamps |
Paint |
Building Construction material |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R7 084,80 |
Dulux |
1 x Rug |
Furniture and office equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R5 000,00 |
Nolans |
1 x Bean Bag |
Furniture and office equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R3 200,00 |
Bobbincraft |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R32 862,40 |
Studio Designs |
Install plug 4 x points and install 2 x ceiling light points |
Building construction material |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R6 200,00 |
Robberg Electrical |
Installation of existing TV, Supply TV Bracket |
Building construction material |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R1 000,00 |
Plett Auto |
2 x Ceiling lights, 2 x Hanging pendants |
Domestic equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R3 771,00 |
Glow Lighting |
2 x Blinds |
Domestic equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R4 500,00 |
Curtain Magic |
4 x Posters, 4 x Frames, 1 x Toy Chest, 1 x Side Table |
Furniture and office equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R2 900,00 |
Johanna Botha |
2 x Office chairs, 2 x Scatter pillows |
Furniture and office equipment |
Plettenberg Bay Victim Empowerment Room |
R2 500,00 |
Tanya Engelbrecht |
TOTAL - R88 378.20 |
(1)(ii) No donations were received for mobile police stations.
(1)(b) Monetary value of each type of donation:
PAS Classification |
Total |
Furniture and Office Equipment |
R807 454, 61 |
Machinery and Equipment |
R678 617,20 |
Domestic Equipment |
R53 903,00 |
Building Construction Material |
R14 284,80 |
Vehicles |
R6 439 078.41 |
Maintenance and repairs of office building |
R 368 000,00 |
Financial year 2023/24 and first six months of financial year 2024/25 |
R8 361 338,02 |
(3) No private security companies have donated equipment and/or services to SAPS in the time periods indicated.
(3)(a) None.
(3)(b) None.
08 January 2025 - NW1710
James, Ms DE to ask the Minister of Police
(1) With reference to the distressing state of the KwaThema Police Station, which, among other things, lacks critical resources to the extent that 18 detectives share one computer, has one vehicle to service the region and no functional holding cells, (a) what are the relevant details of all previous departmental commitments made to improve the conditions at the specified police station and (b) which of these interventions (i) have been fully implemented and (ii) remain outstanding;
Reply:
(1)(a) The Kwa Thema Police Station is resourced in terms of vehicles and information technology (IT) equipment, however, as is the case with the overwhelming majority of business units in the South African Police Service (SAPS), it is not resourced to ideal levels, due to prevailing financial constraints.
The replacement of outdated IT equipment, for the Gauteng Province, has been earmarked for the 2025/26 financial year. The police stations and units and the operational policing capability in the province will, however, be prioritised to strengthen the SAPS’ frontline policing capability.
The Kwa Thema Police Station building is a nominal lease facility owned by the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The SAPS requested alternative accommodation for the Kwa Thema Police Station in 2010. Procurement or leasing of government buildings is mandated to the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI). The owners of the building have already been requested to execute planned maintenance.
To address the accommodation challenges brought about by the facility's condition, the SAPS undertook a project in 2019 to place additional accommodation in park homes.
Various possible options are being explored by the NDPWI which include e.g. land swap, possible donation by municipality and the securing of alternative accommodation. A request to transfer the police station to the National Government was submitted to the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality. This option will enable the DPWI and SAPS to effect repairs to the Station.
The number of vehicles at the police station, in relation to the number of personnel at the Detective Service capability, is within the accepted norms.
(1)(b)(i) No IT equipment was replaced at the police station, due to current budget constraints. No new vehicles were allocated to the police station, due to the current vehicle strength at the station conforming to departmental norms.
(1)(b)(ii) The replacement of outdated IT equipment has been rescheduled for the 2025/26 financial year. All outstanding matters pertaining to the non-functional holding cells at the Station remains to mandate of the lessor (City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality).
(2)(a) The Kwa Thema Police Station is a non-devolved (leased property), therefore, refurbishment remains the responsibility of the lessor. The SAPS accepts responsibility for day-to-day maintenance e.g. replacement of broken glass, leaking plumbing etc.
(2)(b) The SAPS has approached the NDPWI to secure approval from the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, to confirm the intention to donate the building to the National Government.
(2)(c) The SAPS has approached the NDPWI, requesting that alternative accommodation be identified and procured, by the NDPWI.
(3)(a)(i) The Kwa Thema Police Station is currently staffed at 89.51%. No IT equipment was allocated to the police station in the current financial year. The police station currently has 100% of its granted vehicle allocation.
(3)(a)((ii)(aa) The cells at the police station are non-devolved (leased property), therefore, refurbishment remains the responsibility of the lessor. The SAPS accepts responsibility for day-to-day maintenance e.g. replacement of broken glass, leaking plumbing etc.
(3)(a)(ii)(bb) Restoration of holding cells at the police station remains the responsibility of the lessor.
(3)(b) During the current post promotion phase, which ended on 1 November 2024, two critical posts were advertised and filled. The staffing level has increased to 90.90%.
During phase 2 of the 2024/25 financial year entry-level trainees project, the police station will be allocated additional entry-level members.
The replacement of outdated IT equipment has been rescheduled for the 2025/26 financial year.
08 January 2025 - NW889
Zibi, Mr SS to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What (a) number of residential properties is his department renting, (b) amount is being paid in rent on each specified property and (c) amount in rent is being paid annually on each property and (d) are the details of what each property is being used for and (e) for how long has his department been renting each property?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
DPWI rents (uses) private properties from private individuals, private companies, parastatals, provinces and municipalities on behalf of Client Departments and pay rental (payables).
DPWI rents:
- 16 residential properties;
- At a monthly rental of R792 634,05 as at end of September;
- At a total annual rental of R9 492 481,80 as at end of September 2024;
- Used for various purposes (refer to the attached spreadsheet); and
- Rented for different periods (refer to the attached spreadsheet).
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
08 January 2025 - NW743
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Police
What is the (a) total number of staff employed and/or provided as Ministerial support in (i) his and (ii) the Deputy Minister’s private offices and (b)(i) job title, (ii) annual remuneration package and (iii) highest level of academic qualification of each specified member of staff?
Reply:
(a)(i)(ii)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) The total number of staff employed and/or provided as Ministerial support in his and the Deputy Ministers’ private offices, the job titles, annual remuneration packages and highest level of academic qualifications, of each specified member of staff, is reflected in the table below:
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF POLICE |
|||
JOB TITLE |
SALARY LEVEL |
ANNUAL PACKAGE/ SALARY NOTCH |
HIGHEST LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION |
SPECIAL ADVISOR |
LEVEL 16 |
R2 545 854,00 |
NQF 9 |
CHIEF OF STAFF |
LEVEL 14 |
R1 436 022,00 |
NQF 7 |
PRIVATE EXEC SECRETARY |
LEVEL 13 |
R1 216 824,00 |
NQF 7 |
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER |
LEVEL 13 |
R1 216 824,00 |
NQF 7 |
PARLIAMENTARY/ CABINET LIAISON OFFICER |
LEVEL 13 |
R1 216 824,00 |
NQF 8 |
COMMUNITY OUTREACH |
LEVEL 11 |
R849 702,00 |
NQF 7 |
ASSISTANT PA |
LEVEL 9 |
R444 036,00 |
NQF 8 |
RECEPTIONIST |
LEVEL 5 |
R216 417,00 |
GRADE 12 |
HOUSEHOLD AID |
LEVEL 3 |
R155 148,00 |
GRADE 12 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF POLICE: MS SP BOSHIELO |
|||
JOB TITLE |
SALARY LEVEL |
ANNUAL PACKAGE/ SALARY NOTCH |
HIGHEST LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION |
HEAD OF OFFICE |
LEVEL 13 |
R1 458 723,00 |
GRADE 12 |
PRIVATE EXEC SECRETARY |
NOT YET FILLED |
||
PARLIAMENTARY/ CABINET LIAISON OFFICER |
LEVEL 11 |
R849 702,00 |
NQF 7 |
COMMUNITY OUTREACH |
LEVEL 11 |
R849 702,00 |
NQF 8 |
RECEPTIONIST |
LEVEL 5 |
R216 417,00 |
NQF6 |
HOUSEHOLD AID |
LEVEL 3 |
R155 148,00 |
GRADE 12 |
HOUSEHOLD AID CAPE TOWN |
LEVEL 3 |
R155 148,00 |
GRADE 12 |
SUPPORT FROM SAPS |
|||
ADMIN CLERK |
LEVEL 7 |
R308 154,00 |
GRADE 12 |
DRIVER MESSENGER |
LEVEL 3 |
R155 148,00 |
GRADE 10 |
DEPUTY MINISTER POLICE: MR CC MATHALE |
|||
JOB TITLE |
SALARY LEVEL |
ANNUAL PACKAGE/ SALARY NOTCH |
HIGHEST LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION |
HEAD OF OFFICE |
LEVEL 13 |
R1 412 172,00 |
NQF 9 |
PRIVATE EXEC SECRETARY |
LEVEL 12 |
R1 003 890,00 |
NQF 7 |
PARLIAMENTARY/ CABINET LIAISON OFFICER |
LEVEL 11 |
R849 702,00 |
NQF 7 |
COMMUNITY OUTREACH |
LEVEL 11 |
R849 702,00 |
NQF 8 |
RECEPTIONIST |
LEVEL 5 |
R216 417,00 |
GRADE 12 |
HOUSEHOLD AID |
LEVEL 3 |
R155 148,00 |
ABET LEVEL 1 |
HOUSEHOLD AID CAPE TOWN |
LEVEL 3 |
R155 148,00 |
GRADE 11 |
SUPPORT FROM SAPS |
|||
COMPLAINTS OFFICER/ REGISTRY CLERK |
LEVEL 7 |
R322 233.00 |
GRADE 12 |
MINISTERIAL SUPPORT FROM SAPS |
|||
JOB TITLE |
SALARY LEVEL |
ANNUAL PACKAGE/ SALARY NOTCH |
HIGHEST LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION |
ADMIN SUPPORT COORDINATOR |
LEVEL 12 |
R1 003 890,00 |
NQF 7 |
HRM |
LEVEL 8 |
R500 352,00 |
GRADE 12 |
FINANCE |
LEVEL 8 |
R457 596,00 |
NQF 6 |
ADMINISTRATION CLERK |
LEVEL 7 |
R362 994,00 |
GRADE 12 |
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT |
LEVEL 5 |
R247 449,00 |
GRADE 12 |
DRIVER / MESSENGER (CAPE TOWN) |
LEVEL 6 |
R296 760,00 |
GRADE 12 |
ADMIN OFFICER (CHIEF REG) |
LEVEL 8 |
R443 403,00 |
GRADE 12 |
REGISTRY CLERK |
LEVEL 7 |
R357 627,00 |
GRADE 12 |
RECEPTIONIST |
LEVEL 7 |
R342 006,00 |
NQF 5 |
RECEPTIONIST(CAPE TOWN) |
LEVEL 5 |
R219 663,00 |
GRADE 12 |
FOOD SERVICE AID |
LEVEL 2 |
R150 087,00 |
GRADE 10 |
FOOD SERVICE AID |
LEVEL 2 |
R150 087,00 |
GRADE 12 |
CLEANER |
LEVEL 2 |
R145 683,00 |
GRADE 12 |
CLEANER |
LEVEL 2 |
R145 683,00 |
GRADE 12 |
FOOD SERVICE AID (CAPE TOWN) |
LEVEL 4 |
R183 279,00 |
GRADE 12 |
DRIVER MESSENGER |
LEVEL 5 |
R229 698,00 |
GRADE 12 |
FINANCE AND ADMIN |
LEVEL 7 |
R336 951,00 |
GRADE 12 |
Reply to Question 743 recommended/ not recommended
GENERAL
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
SF MASEMOLA, SOEG
Date:
Reply to Question 743 approved/ not approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
ES MCHUNU, MP
Date:
08 January 2025 - NW2376
Beesley, Mr AD to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether he will furnish Mr A D Beesley with a complete breakdown of all official travel for (a) him and (b) the Deputy Minister since they assumed office, including the (i) purpose and justification for each trip, (ii) destination details, (iii) costs incurred, including but not limited to transport, accommodation, meals and other related incidental expenses, (iv) names and roles of all accompanying support staff and their respective costs and (v) additional costs associated with each specified trip; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
Office of the Minister official travel:
A breakdown of the costs for the Minister and ministerial staff is attached as a spread sheet (under tab labelled Ministry), which includes as far as possible, a breakdown as requested.
Office of the Deputy Minister official travel
A breakdown of the costs for the Deputy Minister and his staff is attached as a spread sheet (under tab labelled Deputy Ministry), which includes as far as possible, a breakdown as requested.
AUTHORISED FOR SUBMISSION BY
_____________________
Mr Alfred Mashishi
ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE:
RECOMMENDED/NOT RECOMMENDED
_______________________________
HON. MONDLI GUNGUBELE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
APPROVED/ NOT APPROVED
_______________________
HON. SOLLY MALATSI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
08 January 2025 - NW2368
James, Ms DE to ask the Minister of Police
What was the total cost to his department for the SA Police Service VIP Protection Unit of each member of the Executive (a) in the (i) 2020‑21, (ii) 2021‑22, (iii) 2022‑23 and (iv) 2023-24 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2024?
Reply:
- The budget and expenditure for the rendering of protection and security services by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to the Executive are managed as a national budget and unfortunately not per Member of the Executive. The total costs for these services (excluding salary and benefits) amounts to:-
- The total cost for the 2020/21 financial year is R168 764 564, 00 for in-transit protection services and R17 313 958, 00 for static protection services.
- The total cost for the 2021/22 financial year is R237 358 012, 00 for in-transit protection services and R22 164 695, 00 for static protection services.
- The total cost for the 2022/23 financial year is R250 981 442, 00 for in-transit protection services and R90 673 284, 00 for static protection services.
- The total cost for the 2023/24 financial year is R221 349 041, 00 for in-transit protection services and R50 012 246, 00 for static protection services.
- The total cost for the 2024/25 to date financial year is R215 581 228, 00 for in-transit protection services and R40 303 757, 00 for static protection services.
08 January 2025 - NW1352
Webster, Ms NL to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What (a) total number of incidents of infrastructure failure have been reported to his department in the past three years and (b) actions were taken to address the reported incidents?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
- The department has Maintenance Portfolio and Infrastructure Projects Portfolio. Within the ambit of the Maintenance Portfolio, calls are reported to the department utilising internal business systems. An approximate total of 198 599 class were received for maintenance services in the past (3) three years. Additionally, the Infrastructure Projects Portfolio, has recorded approximately 83 delayed infrastructure projects due to various contractual challenges. This includes 8 infrastructure projects impacted by disruptions caused by construction mafia groups at project sites.
- Several measures have been implemented to address these incidents in the portfolios, including:
Maintenance Portfolio
- Through term contracts for specific disciplines and components for interval-based servicing or inspections and repairs when there are unforeseen breakdowns.
- Through service provides appointed on an as-and-when process, for day-to-day maintenance calls.
- Utilising internal resources, via the Department’s Regional Workshops.
- Utilising the Total Facilities Management Contract.
- Through refer backs to Client Departments, whereby calls logged fall within the Client Department’s delegation.
Infrastructure Projects Portfolio
- Requesting Supply Chain Management (SCM) to procure contractors for projects requiring replacements.
- Consolidating a list of affected projects and resolving contractual disputes to unblock construction progress.
- Leveraging alternative delivery mechanisms, such as Programme Management Units (PMUs), Infrastructure South Africa’s (ISA), approach and Implementing Agents, to accelerate service delivery.
- Requesting the Finance-Project Budget Administration (PBA) to fast-track the allocation on budgets for implementing projects on behalf of client departments.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
08 January 2025 - NW1491
Tito-Duba, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, given that illegal firearms and ammunition confiscated by the SA Police Service tend to circulate back into the hands of criminals, there are records at each police station across the Republic of the number of weapons that are confiscated and destroyed so that every weapon in circulation is accounted for; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how frequently is such information captured and (b) what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Recovered, found and/ or confiscated firearms are circulated/ updated within the prescribed seven days and firearms are destroyed bi-annually (by melting the firearms).
- A total of 5 715 firearms were recovered, found and/or confiscated in the 2023/24 financial year and circulated as such. A total of 32 672 firearms were destroyed in 2024 with 18 077 destroyed on 22 February 2024 and a further 14 595 on 11 July 2024.
08 January 2025 - NW2202
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What (a) steps are being taken to ensure that provinces submit the requisite agreements and project lists for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Integrated Grant in a timely manner and (b) total amount of the EPWP Integrated Grant budget remains unspent as a result of delayed and/or non-submission of the necessary agreements and project lists by provinces;
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1)(a) To ensure that provinces submit the requisite agreements and project lists for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Integrated Grant in a timely manner, on annual basis the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) conducts annual workshops in each province on the management and compliance requirements of conditional grants in accordance with the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA). Additionally, across all provinces the DPWI EPWP Branch ensures all eligible receives communication with dates of when the signed integrated grant agreements and projects lists are due for submission. Moreover, the DPWI officials based in Regional Offices provide ongoing support to the public bodies, to assist with the preparation of project lists and the timely submission of these grant agreements.
(b) As of 03 December 2024, all eligible provincial departments and municipalities have submitted their grant agreements and project lists for the EPWP Integrated Grant for the 2024/25 financial year, enabling the transfer of the first tranche of allocations. In the same reporting period, a total of R259 million, representing 83% of the total allocation of R311 million, has been transferred to eligible provincial departments. The remaining balance of R53 million was withheld due to departments failing to report projects funded by the grants, and also not being able to spend the funds transferred to them.
(2) Overall, 68 provincial departments are eligible to receive the EPWP Integrated Grant for provinces. Of these, 41 departments across all provinces submitted their (a) signed grant agreements and (b) project lists within the stipulated deadline of 12 April 2024, ensuring compliance with the grant requirements. Details of the compliant departments are provided in Table 1 below for reference.
Table 1: List of compliant provincial departments
NO |
Provincial Department |
Full Time Equivalents (FTE) Target |
Allocation (R'000) |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Eastern Cape - Co-op Governance and Traditional Affairs |
26 |
2 000 |
2 |
Eastern Cape - Economic Development and Environmental Affairs |
40 |
3 066 |
3 |
Eastern Cape - Education |
34 |
2 582 |
4 |
Eastern Cape - Human Settlement |
31 |
2 384 |
5 |
Eastern Cape - Public Works and Infrastructure |
88 |
6 806 |
6 |
Eastern Cape - Rural Development and Agrarian Reform |
27 |
2 080 |
7 |
Eastern Cape - Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture |
27 |
2 058 |
8 |
Free State - Agriculture and Rural Development |
26 |
2 000 |
9 |
Free State - Education |
43 |
3 328 |
10 |
Free State - Community Safety, Roads and Transport |
46 |
3 536 |
11 |
Free State - Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation |
26 |
2 000 |
12 |
Gauteng - Agriculture and Rural Development |
40 |
3 055 |
13 |
Gauteng - Infrastructure Development |
117 |
9 010 |
14 |
Gauteng - Education |
36 |
2 759 |
15 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Agriculture and Rural Development |
48 |
3 721 |
16 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
26 |
2 000 |
17 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Education |
27 |
2 045 |
18 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Health |
90 |
6 951 |
19 |
Limpopo - Agriculture and Rural Development |
62 |
4 753 |
20 |
Limpopo - Co-operative Government, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs |
28 |
2 128 |
21 |
Limpopo - Economic Development, Environment and Tourism |
28 |
2 116 |
22 |
Limpopo - Education |
29 |
2 224 |
23 |
Limpopo - Health |
43 |
3 290 |
24 |
Limpopo - Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure |
113 |
8 698 |
25 |
Limpopo - Social Development |
29 |
2 245 |
26 |
Mpumalanga - Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs |
63 |
4 809 |
27 |
Mpumalanga - Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
30 |
2 309 |
28 |
Mpumalanga P - Public Works, Roads and Transport |
71 |
5 490 |
29 |
North West - Agriculture and Rural Development |
37 |
2 855 |
30 |
North West - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
30 |
2 284 |
31 |
North West - Education |
26 |
2 024 |
32 |
North West - Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism |
40 |
3 112 |
33 |
North West - Health |
26 |
2 004 |
34 |
North West - Social Development |
26 |
2 017 |
35 |
Northern Cape - Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform |
29 |
2 227 |
36 |
Northern Cape - Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs |
26 |
2 000 |
37 |
Northern Cape - Sport, Arts and Culture |
27 |
2 098 |
38 |
Western Cape - Cultural Affairs and Sport |
39 |
2 992 |
39 |
Western Cape - Environmental Affairs and Development Planning |
43 |
3 331 |
40 |
Western Cape - Health |
27 |
2 092 |
41 |
Western Cape - Infrastructure |
63 |
4 852 |
Total |
Total |
1 733 |
133 331 |
A total of 27 provincial departments did not comply, as they submitted their signed grant agreements and project lists after the deadline. Details of the non-compliant departments are provided in Table 2 below for reference.
Table 2: List of non-compliant departments
NO |
Provincial Department |
FTE Target |
Allocation (R'000) |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Eastern Cape - Health |
26 |
2 010 |
2 |
Eastern Cape - Transport |
613 |
47 168 |
3 |
Free State - Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs |
29 |
2 256 |
4 |
Free State - Human Settlement |
27 |
2 055 |
5 |
Free State - Police, Roads and Transport |
46 |
3 536 |
6 |
Gauteng - Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
26 |
2 000 |
7 |
Gauteng - Economic Development |
26 |
2 000 |
8 |
Gauteng - Health |
26 |
2 023 |
9 |
Gauteng - Human Settlements |
70 |
5 373 |
10 |
Gauteng - Roads and Transport |
43 |
3 343 |
11 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Sport, Arts and Culture |
26 |
2 000 |
12 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs |
66 |
5 076 |
13 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Human Settlement |
82 |
6 331 |
14 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Public Works |
48 |
3 722 |
15 |
KwaZulu-Natal - Transport |
537 |
41 339 |
16 |
Limpopo - Sports, Arts and Culture |
27 |
2 049 |
17 |
Limpopo - Transport and Community Safety |
28 |
2 161 |
18 |
Mpumalanga - Culture, Sports and Recreation |
26 |
2 000 |
19 |
Mpumalanga - Economic Development and Tourism |
45 |
3 438 |
20 |
Mpumalanga - Education |
27 |
2 074 |
21 |
Mpumalanga - Health |
29 |
2 212 |
22 |
North West - Public Works and Roads |
268 |
20 610 |
23 |
Northern Cape - Education |
29 |
2 243 |
24 |
Northern Cape - Roads and Public Works |
44 |
3 394 |
25 |
Western Cape - Agriculture |
33 |
2 531 |
26 |
Western Cape - Education |
29 |
2 266 |
27 |
Western Cape - Mobility |
32 |
2 432 |
|
Total |
2 309 |
177 642 |
(2) (ii) The main barrier or challenge that provinces face in submitting the agreements and project lists on time is mainly due to delays to secure internal approvals for the agreements and project lists by the Heads of Departments of the Provincial Departments.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
08 January 2025 - NW2315
Baptie, Mr E to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
What (a) was the cause of the incident that took place at Kriel Power Station on the 3 November 2024 and (b) damages have been sustained as a result; (2) what is the (a) impact of the damages on the (i) grid and (ii) operations at the specified power station, (b) cost to repair the damages and (c) time frame to complete the repairs?
Reply:
(1) (a) & (b) At Kriel Power Station, a pipe breakage caused an oil leak on Unit 6 turbine's oil system.
The oil landed on a hot surface and ignited causing a fire that damaged some turbine components, cabling, instrumentation, and the roof of the turbine house. The turbine was immediately shut down and the fire extinguished. There were no injuries to personnel.
(2) (a) (i) The impact of this shutdown on the grid is that this unit will not be available for production until it is returned to service. Up to 475MW will not be available during this time. It is not expected that this will lead to loadshedding. (ii) There is no impact on the operations of the remaining five units at the power station
(b) The final cost of repair will be determined after completion of the repairs to the unit. Inspection of the damages was immediately carried out by the engineers and a repair scope was issued.
It is important to note that whilst this incident resulted in an unplanned outage, the generation system was able to meet supply without having to resort to Load shedding. This is a testimony to the success of the Generation Recovery Plan, which is increasingly contributing to the stability, reliability and resilience of the generation system, and ultimately to our energy security objectives.
08 January 2025 - NW2197
Blose, Mr MB to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
In light of the reports that several entities that report to her have consistently failed to submit their financial statements in recent years, leading to poor audit outcomes, what steps has she taken to (a) address the matter, (b) improve financial management and accountability within her department and (c) ensure better audit results in the future?
Reply:
The defence establishment (Department of Defence; Department of Military Veterans) and its entities (Armaments Corporation of South Africa-Armscor, Castle Control Board-CCB; Military Ombud; Defence Force Service Commission — DFSC; Military Veterans Advisory Council; Military Veterans Appeals Board; have duly submitted their audited financial statements and tabled their annual reports within the legislative dates in recent years, up to and including the latest financial year 2023/2024 reports respectively. In addition, the said reports were deliberated upon in the committees of parliament as well as during oversight visits by parliament.
Having said the afore-mentioned, the two departments are committed to improving their audit outcomes. The audit reports issued by the Auditor General South Africa to the DOD and DMV highlighted a few control weaknesses especially relating to procurement management as well as asset management by both departments. The Executive Authority has instructed both departments to develop action plans to improve the control weaknesses and implement the recommendations made by the AGSA to reduce the number of audit findings and implement consequence management for the recurrence of irregularities.
The accounting officers of both departments have been instructed to report quarterly to the executive authority on the status of implementation of he action plans and recommendations.
With regard to the key vacancies of the Secretary for Defence (Director General) of the DoD and the Director General of the DMV, the CFO in the DoD, the posts have been advertised, and appointments will be made soon. These will give an impetus to efforts to improve audit.
08 January 2025 - NW2358
Niehaus, Mr CG to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
a. Whether she has found that the important duty of the Military Ombud (MO) is severely hampered by the lack of independence and legal power to enforce its findings, and that for all practical purposes the MO in its current format is a toothless tiger; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (b) whether she has found that the MO must be independent and given the necessary binding legal powers in order for its findings to be enforceable; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (c) whether she intends to introduce the required amendments to the relevant legislation to ensure the independence of the MO and empower the office of the MO to be effective in carrying out its duties; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Response
No, the Military Ombud is not severely hampered by the lack of independence and legal power to enforce its findings. The Ombud has operated with functional independence since its inception and has effectively fulfilled its mandate as a mediator seeking resolution of matters within its jurisdiction. However, its reliance on the Department of Defence for key functions such as personnel, finances, IT, and logistics is constrained by its operational and administrative autonomy. Additionally, the Ombud lacks the authority to undertake own-initiative investigations. Despite these limitations, the Ombud continues to perform its duties and submit recommendations, which the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans has consistently accepted and implemented.
(M. OTSHEKGA)
Response
The position is that while the Ombud's independence and authority could be enhanced, recent High Court judgments have clarified that its recommendations are not legally binding. In Lembede v Minister of Defence and Others (15 December 2021) and the combined cases of E. Davids and Z. Miles v Minister of Defence and Others (27 February 2023), the courts ruled that the Ombud's recommendations are not binding on the Minister. This jurisprudence underscores the current limitations of the Military Ombud Act, and any changes to provide binding legal powers would require careful consideration and legislative amendments.
Response
Yes, the Ministry has taken steps towards reviewing the legislative framework governing the Military Ombud. Under the leadership of Ms Mapisa-Nqakula, a legislative review process was initiated, and the Ombud engaged the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) to conduct a feasibility study into enhanced independence. The Ombud has indicated that his office is at an advanced stage of drafting legislative options, which will be subject to further consultation and discussion.
08 January 2025 - NW836
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
Considering that in his budget vote speech in 2023 wherein he indicated that a substantial amount will be set aside for energy generation, what (a) amount of total specified amount has gone to Eskom and (b) are the names of (i) other companies that received the money and (ii) the owners of the specified companies
Reply:
(a) Allocation to Eskom:
The 2023 Budget includes a substantial debt relief arrangement for Eskom, amounting to R254 billion over the period from 2023/24 to 2025/26. This intervention is designed to stabilize Eskom's financial position, enabling it to undertake necessary investments and maintenance to support electricity supply security.
(b) Allocations to Other Entities.
(i) Other Companies Receiving Funds:
Beyond Eskom, the government has committed to supporting the expansion of energy generation capacity through various initiatives, including the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). However, no direct fiscal allocation (through the national budget) is made to such entities/companies.
The cost of the energy generated is offset against the tariff specified in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for each project.
It should further be noted that a total of R272.5 billion in investments has been secured through the IPP Programme, of which R105.5 billion was (actual) BBBEE spent to date which is 76% of the total project value realized, of which, in the order of R76.6 billion was actual Local Content spent, amounting to around 49% of total project value (as at June 2024).
(ii) refer to b(i) above.
08 January 2025 - NW1766
Gana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What (a) are the reasons that 900 000 suspects were arrested in Operation Shanela and (b) is the breakdown of the offences that each specified suspect was arrested for;
Reply:
(1)(a) The suspects arrested through Operation Shanela, which involves weekly high-density operations in prioritised station precincts, are arrested for various crimes that were committed and include both suspects (wanted persons) and accused persons. By implication, the number of persons that are arrested through Operation Shanela increases on a weekly basis and, as at 29 December 2024, a total of 1 075 107 suspects had been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS). This total comprises of 845 317 persons who were arrested as suspects in respect of specific crimes and a total of 227 790 suspects who had been circulated as wanted suspects, by the SAPS’ Detective Service capability, and who had been traced and subsequently arrested.
(1)(b) The breakdown in terms of the crimes for which the above-mentioned 1 1075 107 suspects were arrested is indicated in the table below:
Crimes in respect of which arrests were made |
Total number of arrests |
|
---|---|---|
Contravening the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) |
6 631 |
|
Illegal possession of firearms |
8 445 |
|
Illegal possession of ammunition |
7 503 |
|
Illegal possession of explosives |
289 |
|
Possession of a dangerous weapon |
24 706 |
|
Dealing in drugs |
27 173 |
|
Failure to keep prescribed records (2nd Hand Dealers) |
1 714 |
|
Possession of illegal cigarettes |
3 604 |
|
Illegal dealing in liquor |
36 751 |
|
Second Hand Goods Act |
3 059 |
|
Possession of counterfeit goods |
6 920 |
|
Possession of gold bearing material |
1 361 |
|
Possession of precious metals |
905 |
|
Possession of drugs |
98 323 |
|
Attempted business robbery |
224 |
|
Attempted house robbery |
136 |
|
Car-hijacking |
1 714 |
|
Robbery aggravating (armed robbery)- not listed elsewhere |
6 788 |
|
Robbery, business |
3 227 |
|
Robbery, residence |
4 019 |
|
Murder |
11 237 |
|
Attempted Murder |
8 762 |
|
Rape |
16 438 |
|
Attempted Rape |
907 |
|
Assault GBH |
119 991 |
|
Assault Common |
72 878 |
|
Burglary (Business premises) |
6 566 |
|
Burglary (Residential) |
18 989 |
|
Theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle |
1 421 |
|
Theft off or from motor vehicle |
4 078 |
|
Malicious Damage to Property |
25 450 |
|
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs |
34 044 |
|
Illegal migrants |
89 442 |
|
Wild Life Act |
968 |
|
Illicit mining |
7 175 |
|
Wanted suspects (see footnote) |
25 598 |
|
Human Trafficking |
393 |
|
Other crimes Total |
157 488 |
|
Total |
845 317 |
|
Grand Total, including wanted suspects arrested by the SAPS’ Detective Service |
1 075 107 |
(2) It should be noted that with regard to arrests that are made during the course of the execution of Operation Shanela, the SAPS applies case docket management only in respect of the 17 community-reported crimes, due to the large number of arrests that are effected. Arrests during Operation Shanela, therefore, include the 17 community-reported crimes and other crimes, including, for example less serious crimes that are related to by-law contraventions. The totals that are provided for the various subdivisions of the response to paragraph (2), will, therefore, not be equal to the total number of arrests that are reflected in the response to paragraph (1), i.e. 1 075 107.
(2)(a) As at 2024-12-29, total of 21 104 suspects have been released due to insufficient evidence.
(2)(b) A total of 386 198 cases are currently before the courts.
(2)(c)(i) A total of 210 693 suspects have previous convictions.
(2)(c)(ii) A total of 131 590 suspects were released on bail.
08 January 2025 - NW2037
Hattingh, Mr C to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1) With reference to her trip to attend the Beijing Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing, China from 11 to 16 September 2024, and noting the provisions of section 5 and section 12.2.2.5 of the National Travel Guidelines of the National Treasury and the austerity measures faced by her department, (a) what are the reasons for each of the delegation members who are not employed at the level of Deputy Director-General to travel in business class and (b) who authorised the travelling of the whole delegation in business class; (2) what are the cost implications for not adhering to the National Travel Guidelines?
Reply:
1. The Department of Defence has since 2018 been utilizing the National Treasury Cost Containment Deviation for the DoD under file reference 72/1/316. No new specific directives and deviations were issued to rescind or amend it accordingly. It is attached for ease of reference.
2. The financial implications were spelt out in the earlier response to the parliamentary question asked by the honourable member.
08 January 2025 - NW2275
Komane, Mr LM to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
What are the reasons that Eskom has repeatedly failed to provide efficient and accessible systems for services in townships like Soweto, despite the historical neglect and ongoing challenges faced by such communities?
Reply:
Eskom, as South Africa's primary electricity supplier, has made consistent and targeted efforts to provide efficient and accessible electricity services, particularly to previously under-serviced communities like Soweto. The premise that Eskom has failed to provide such systems does not adequately reflect the initiatives and investments made over the years, as broadly outlined hereunder.
1. Electrification Efforts
Eskom has played a pivotal role in extending access to electricity to historically underserved communities through the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP). This programme, implemented in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), has resulted in over 8.3 million households being connected to the grid since 1994, significantly improving the quality of life in townships and rural areas alike. These electrification projects have directly benefited communities such as Soweto, where thousands of households now enjoy reliable access to electricity.
2. Free Basic Electricity (FBE) Programme
Recognising the economic challenges faced by many South Africans, Eskom facilitates the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) Programme, which provides indigent households with 50 kWh of electricity per month at no cost. This allocation allows for basic household needs such as lighting, cooking, and communication devices, contributing to socioeconomic upliftment in vulnerable communities. Soweto has been one of the focal areas for this initiative, ensuring that households most in need benefit from these subsidies.
3. Infrastructure Upgrades
Eskom has made substantial investments to improve and maintain the electricity infrastructure. Initiatives include:
Transformer Replacement Programmes to address damage caused by overloading or vandalism. For example, in 2023, Eskom launched a transformer replacement initiative to restore power to areas like Tladi and Mdeni, (Soweto) which had experienced outages due to ageing infrastructure and illegal connections.
Regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure a stable supply of electricity in township areas, despite resource and funding constraints.
4. Prepaid Meter Installations
In Soweto and other townships, Eskom has installed prepaid electricity meters to improve accessibility and affordability while addressing the challenge of non-payment and illegal connections. This system empowers residents to manage their electricity usage effectively and promotes sustainable revenue collection, which is crucial for maintaining service delivery.
5. Community Engagement and Support
Eskom has engaged with communities to foster partnerships and build trust. These engagements aim to.
Assist residents in transitioning to prepaid systems.
Guide energy conservation and compliance with safety standards.
Collaborate with local leaders to address specific challenges and concerns.
6. Challenges and Eskom's Commitment
It is important to acknowledge that Eskom faces significant challenges, including.
Infrastructure vandalism and theft These activities disrupt services and increase costs.
Non-payment and illegal connections. Such practices strain resources and compromise infrastructure sustainability.
Despite these challenges, Eskom remains committed to improving service delivery. The ongoing efforts in Soweto and other townships underscore Eskom's dedication to addressing historical neglect and ensuring that electricity is accessible and afffordable to all South Africans.
In conclusion, Eskom has made significant progress in electrifying townships like Soweto, providing essential support through programmes like INEP and FBE, and addressing infrastructure challenges through targeted interventions. While there is still work to be done, the claim that Eskom has failed is not substantiated by the comprehensive efforts and results achieved thus far. Eskom continues to strive for equitable, efficient, and sustainable electricity service delivery.
08 January 2025 - NW1746
Schickerling, Ms LM to ask the Minister of Police
Considering that it is imperative that all members serving in the higher echelons of the SA Police Service have valid, up-to-date security clearance certificates, what total number of high-ranking police officers have (a) had their application for a security clearance certificate declined (b) expired certification? NW1931E
Reply:
(a) A total of 15 high-ranking police officers (Senior Management Service Members) have had their applications for a security clearance certificate declined.
(b) A total of 24 high-ranking police officers have expired security clearance certificates
08 January 2025 - NW2325
Baptie, Mr E to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
(1) Noting that the cost of electricity has become unaffordable for many citizens and that electricity pricing is facing severe upward pressure from legacy costs arising from state capture and corruption, what is the current cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for energy generated by (a) Eskom and (b) independent power producers in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme; (2) how does Eskom's current cost of generation per kWh compare to its performance over the past 20 years, taking inflation into account
Reply:
1. Current Cost per Kilowatt-Hour (kWh):
(a) Eskom:
Eskom's tariffs for direct customers increased by 12.74% for the 2024/2025 period. While specific per-kWh costs vary based on customer category and usage, residential customers consuming 600 kWh per month are now paying approximately RI ,491.06 monthly, equating to about R2.49 per kWh.
(b) Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under the REIPPPP:
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has successfully reduced renewable energy costs over successive bid windows. Recent data indicates that solar photovoltaic (PV) projects have achieved prices as low as 56 cents per kWh, and onshore wind projects at approximately 62 cents per kWh.
2. Eskom's Generation Costs Over the Past 20 Years:
Over the past two decades, Eskom's cost of electricity generation has risen significantly, influenced by factors such as infrastructure investments, maintenance of ageing plants, fuel costs, and operational expenses. When adjusted for inflation, these costs have escalated, contributing to higher tariffs for consumers. For instance, in 2014, a typical Eskom customer using around 800 kWh per month paid approximately RI ,055.40. By 2024, the same consumption costs about R2,948.98, reflecting both nominal increases and underlying cost pressures.
Efforts to Reduce Inflationary Pressure on Consumers:
The Ministry of Electricity is actively working to reduce the inflationary pressure on end consumers through various initiatives. One of the key interventions under consideration is the review of the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) policy, which currently provides 50 kWh of free electricity per month to indigent households. The Ministry is exploring an increase in the allocation to between 150 and 200 kWh, ensuring that more households can meet their basic energy needs without additional financial burden.
Simultaneously, the Ministry is driving efforts to expand the use of cost-effective renewable energy through the REIPPPP and support Eskom's operational efficiency improvements to mitigate rising costs.
Another mechanism to empower consumers is the use of the Inclining Block Tariff (IBT) structure. Under this model, electricity prices are tiered, with lower consumption levels being charged at a lower rate per kilowatt-hour and higher levels of consumption charged at progressively higher rates. This structure encourages energy efficiency and allows households to manage their electricity usage within their affordability levels. For example, households consuming below the lowest threshold can keep their electricity costs significantly lower, incentivizing responsible energy consumption. This system, coupled with FBE allocations, ensures that vulnerable households are protected while promoting sustainable electricity use across all income levels.
By implementing and reviewing these measures, the Ministry aims to alleviate the financial burden on households while maintaining a fair and equitable energy pricing framework that supports both consumers and the sustainability of the electricity sector.
Eskom's Financial Recovery Plan and Containment of Tariffs:
The Eskom Financial Recovery Plan is a cornerstone of efforts to stabilise the utility's financial position and restore its capacity to operate sustainably. A key component of the plan is the significant reduction of Eskom's debt burden through government-backed initiatives and operational efficiencies. By addressing legacy debt stemming from historical inefficiencies and corruption, the plan will allow Eskom to re-enter the debt capital markets in a much stronger financial position. This improved standing will enable Eskom to secure funding at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
Lower financing costs directly translate to the containment of Eskom's cost-reflective tariff, ensuring that electricity prices remain within the affordability limits of end consumers. Ultimately, this strategic focus on financial stability will not only restore Eskom's credibility with investors but also alleviate upward pressure on tariffs, creating a more sustainable electricity supply environment for all South Africans.
08 January 2025 - NW1887
James, Ms DE to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Given the alarming rise of pella pos (gangster hangouts) in the Western Cape, where children as young as 10 are recruited into gang activities in exchange for drugs and food, what (a) immediate-term, (b) medium-term and (c) long-term strategies does the SA Police Service have in place to address the crisis;
Reply:
(1) To address the immediate problem of gangsterism, especially in the Western Cape, the official launch of the Anti-Gang Unit took place at the Downberg Sports Field, Hanover Park, Western Cape on Friday, 2 November 2018. The establishment of Anti-Gang Units was approved by the National Commissioner of Police, on 26 June 2019. In addition, the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued directives that relate to the policing of gang-related crime and violence. These directives, issued as instructions from the National Crime Combating Forum (NCCF), provide guidance on the roles and responsibilities of police stations, specialised units and police management at district, provincial and national levels. Dedicated baseline funding of R7 062 000 has been allocated to the Anti-Gang Unit in the province, in 2024/25, as this capability has been prioritised for capacitation by the SAPS over the medium-term, despite prevailing budget restrictions.
A dedicated capacity was also established in the Organised Crime Investigation (OCI) Component, of the Division: Detective and Forensic Services, to coordinate investigation into gang-related crime. Operational Command Centres, at district, provincial and national levels, further provide for coordination between the SAPS, relevant national and provincial departments and local government and other law enforcement agencies, as well as civil sector partners.
The medium- to long-term approach to addressing violent crime, in addition to gang-related violence, particularly with regard addressing socio-economic factors, is encapsulated within the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS). Cabinet adopted the ICVPS in March 2022, which represents a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to addressing crime and violence, including the underlying causes of violent crime. The ICVPS was informed by, inter alia, the 2016 White Papers on Policing and Safety and Security and the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, which have been integrated into the SAPS National Policing Strategy, 2022 to 2025. This approach acknowledges the interdependent relationship between interventions addressing socio-economic factors including poverty, inequality, unemployment, social welfare, health and education, as essential components of a comprehensive response to building safer communities.
(2)(a)(i) The approach that is adopted by individuals who drive or are involved in gang-related activities, cannot be described as being rigid and formally structured. This implies that the locations that are used by gangs change and are rapidly relocated, when confronted by either conventional or unconventional (intelligence-driven) policing approaches. The dismantling of a gangster hideout would, therefore, necessitate that the entire gang be dismantled.
(2)(b)(ii) A total of 98 gangster hideouts were raided, during the period 1 April 2024 to 30 November 2024.
(3) The SAPS conducts numerous crime awareness campaigns in various communities, including schools, crime hot spots (such as gang-infested areas), which focus on the youth, and also participates in various proactive programmes that are led by the Department of Education (DBE).
The Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) have a multi-disciplinary Priority Committee dealing with school safety. The Priority Committee consists of the SAPS, the DBE and the Community-in-Blue Patrollers, who are deployed at schools. The Priority Committees on School Safety meets on a monthly basis to provide feedback reports on all incidents, identify and address challenges at schools.
The SAPS has also introduced the School Safety Programme, to ensure effective implementation of the School Safety Protocol, which focuses on educating the youth on crime and violence, as well as create safe areas for learners at schools. The SAPS has also developed and implemented specific strategies to address policing focus on the youth, including the Community Policing Strategy, Traditional Policing Strategy and the Youth Crime Prevention Strategy. The collective effect of the implementation of these strategies is to create a more robust and responsive policing approach that not only addresses crime, but also fosters trust and cooperation, between the police and the community.
08 January 2025 - NW2323
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) What is the total number of (a) (i) permanent posts for construction project managers and (ii) permanent staff members employed as construction project managers and (b) vacancies versus the available posts in each (i) regional office and (ii) head office of his department; (2) What is the breakdown of the relevant professional grading of construction project managers in terms of the Occupation Specific Dispensation for engineers and related occupations of the Department of Public Service and Administration in each (a) regional and (b) head office of his department; (3) Whether he has found that the number of projects allocated to each construction project manager is fair and manageable according to performance management policies of his department as compared to the private sector; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) total number of infrastructure projects are allocated to each project manager and (b) are the further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
08 January 2025 - NW2209
Ngobeni, Ms LM to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
(1) In light of request No. 202 in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, which reveals that Eskom constructed a switching station on Portion 12 Schaapkraal with power routing over Portions 6 and 7 to Booysendal Platinum Mine without securing proper authorisation or a servitude agreement, (a) on what basis did Eskom proceed with the construction of the switching station without (i) proper consultation with the community, (ii) a notarised servitude agreement and/or (iii) permission via a general resolution from the community to do constructions on third-party land and (b) who is responsible for the specified quasi-expropriation of the land, (2) What corrective actions will Eskom take to address the unauthorised construction on community-owned land (3) On what date will Eskom enter negotiations with the Pakaneng community to (a) establish a fair agreement and (b) agree on just compensation for the land used?
Reply:
a) (i) An Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted as per the National Environmental Management (NEMA) Act which led to an Environmental Approval (EA) granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). The public participation study was compiled in 2014, and the EA was received in 2016. An option to acquire servitude was signed by Mr Samuel Choma (community leader).
(ii) A notarial was signed by Mr Simon Choma (leader of CPA). A servitude was not registered at the Deeds Office due to an outstanding Title Deed T9572/2015 from the community. Eskom has been requesting the title deed in order to finalise registration but was unsuccessful.
(iii) Eskom proceeded with construction based on verbal agreement while waiting for the servitude registration process to be finalised. Eskom proceeded with construction based on clause 8.6 of the Option Switching Station document. See below.
86 Eskom may start construction by exercising its rights ag acquired herein. after acceptance Of the offer as per paragraph 8.4 above, for this reason Eskom pays interest as per paragraph B.g below.
(b) Eskom is responsible for the specified quasi-expropriation of the land.
(2) Eskom to register the servitude as per the signed option document and pay the agreed amount.
(3) Eskom has already signed a document with an agreed amount. Eskom will contact the CPA (CPA to provide a date) to determine if they can release the outstanding documents to finalise the registration.
08 January 2025 - NW2319
Bath, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 900 on 22 October 2024, (a) he has found the data in the annexure of the reply to be reliable; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the full details of the data or project management system used to provide the data on the annexure and (b) what are the reasons that several projects on the annexure feature either R0 or missing project values;
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1(a) The data in the annexure is sourced from the Works Control System (WCS) and Monthly Reports produced by the department, which serve as the primary tools for tracking and managing project information.
(b) The project that had Nil (R0) project values was the Maclear Magistrate’s Office Structural Repair Work (WCS 044631) in Eastern Cape Province. This project is currently at the procurement stage for a new contractor, and the new project values will be updated once the service provider is appointed. The Annexure reflects contract details for the terminated service provider.
2. The information provided in the Annexure is accurate in terms of identifying the projects disrupted by the so-called construction mafia. Other disruptions were categorised under community-related issues, such as disputes over labour rates and working conditions, which differ from the deliberate disruptions caused by the so-called construction mafia.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
08 January 2025 - NW2374
Ngobeni, Ms LM to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether she will furnish Ms L M Ngobeni with a complete breakdown of all official travel for (a) her and (b) the Deputy Ministers since they assumed office, including the (i) purpose and justification for each trip, (ii) destination details, (iii) costs incurred, including but not limited to transport, accommodation, meals and other related incidental expenses, (iv) names and roles of all accompanying support staff and their respective costs and (v) additional costs associated with each specified trip; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
Commission T se Accommodation |
Sum of Net Fare 1,205,876.57 |
Sum of Taxes 0.00 |
Sum of Supplier VAT 127,580.48 |
Sum of Tot Fare 1,333,457.05 |
Car Hire |
1,914,198.04 |
0.00 |
240,482.84 |
2,154,680.88 |
Domestic Air Travel |
1,685,470.00 |
666,873.83 |
250,614.00 |
2,602,957.83 |
Fuel |
2,414.26 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2,414.26 |
International Tickets |
3,230,893.33 |
776,839.26 |
0.00 |
4,007,732.59 |
Shuttle Services |
316,176.95 |
0.00 |
763.05 |
316,940.00 |
Grand Total |
8,355,029.15 |
1,443,713.09 |
619,440.37 |
10,418,182.61 |
08 January 2025 - NW440
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What is the latest update about Operation Bring Back;
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
- What is the latest update about Operation Bring Back:
The Department is anticipating to appoint service providers to deal with the illegal occupation, stolen and illegal transferred properties under OBB by the end of the financial year and currently referring cases to law enforcement agencies and necessary legal actions is underway.
- Expanded Public Works Programme
- Recruitment of EPWP Participants
The department is embarking on a process to review the EPWP Recruitment Guidelines to ensure that the programme recruits participants in a fair, transparent and equitable manner. This will be done and finalised in the 2025/26 financial year. Furthermore, the department is working towards the EPWP Policy which will guide public bodies on how to implement EPWP.
- Skills Development
The programme needs to move beyond short-term employment by making skills development the central pillar of EPWP. There is also a need to shift the focus from “piece jobs” to creating certifiable skills that are in demand across various sectors. Training must therefore be sufficiently supported to enable training on all EPWP projects through EPWP funds from various sources.
These will be achieved through partnerships with Training Institutions, establishment of certification frameworks for EPWP graduates, ensuring their skills are recognised in the formal job market and integrating on-the-job training, internships, and apprenticeships to enhance skills development, linking participants with formal employment opportunities.
- Enterprise Development
Enterprise development must be strengthened and improved for sustainable livelihoods. That will be achieved through the promotion and strengthening the enterprise development in projects by providing the training at the initial implementation stage of the project. This, with the aim of encouraging participants to identify business opportunities that they might venture into while they are in a project.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
08 January 2025 - NW215
Marawu, Ms TL to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What is the total number of reported cases of (a) stolen cattle and (b) guns of members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) that were used in (i) gang violence and (ii) livestock theft in border towns, particularly in Ficksburg and its surrounding areas;
Reply:
(1)(a) A total number of 1 283 cases of stolen cattle, specifically in Ficksburg and its surrounding areas, were reported in the 2023/24 financial year.
(b)(i)(ii) No firearms that have been assigned to members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), were identified as being involved in crimes associated with gang violence and livestock theft, in border towns, particularly in Ficksburg and its surrounding areas. In the event of a firearm being positively linked to a members of the SAPS, the SAPS will ensue that the matter is fully investigated, without fear or favour.
- The mandate of Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit is to investigate all cases of stock theft and crimes related to endangered species, without any exception. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Units to investigate any member of society, including any police officials, who are involved in stock theft.
(3)(a)(b) Cattle-theft, gang violence and police corruption in areas such as Ficksburg are being prioritised by the management of the SAPS in the Free State Province.
In addressing rural safety and cross-border crime affecting border towns, the following measures are in place:
- Regular cross-border and bi-lateral operations are conducted between the SAPS in the Free State and the Lesotho Mounted Police.
- The province conducts regular rural safety meetings, Stock Theft Information Centre (STIC) meetings and crime awareness campaigns with the relevant communities.
- Weekly “Blue-White-Light” Operations in the rural areas are conducted with the community and other security companies, to address general and cross-border crime.
- A designated police official has been appointed as the Rural Safety Coordinator, at all Rural Stations, and serves as the link between the rural community and the police, to enhance safety.
- Rural Safety Committees and Stock Theft Forums have been established at station, district and provincial levels, to deal with rural safety in general. This includes planning joint operations, the conducting of intelligence briefings, attending reported cases, and providing complainants with feedback on the status of cases.
(4) Quarterly bi-lateral meetings are convened between SAPS in the Free State, the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng, and the Lesotho Mounted Police, chaired by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing of the Free State, to address cross-border crime, extraditions, repatriations, stock theft, theft and robbery of vehicles, human trafficking, gangs, drugs and firearms proliferation. The Province has also submitted a request for the amendment of the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 06 of 2002), as well as the Stock Theft Act, 1959 (Act No. 57 of 1959), since both acts are outdated and do not enable the addressing of emerging challenges.
The province conducted a Rural Safety Summit with stakeholders, from 28 August to 29 August 2024, to enhance the collaborative implementation of Rural Safety Strategy.
(5) The Free State Province has 11 units whose primary mandate is to investigate all cases of stock theft e.g. cattle, goats, sheep etc. The Office of the Provincial Commissioner intervenes as and when necessary, to supplement personnel numbers assigned to these units, by tasking members from other visible and investigative units in the province, to conduct integrated operations, with a host of other stakeholders to prevent, combat and investigate stock theft.
08 January 2025 - NW2274
Komane, Mr LM to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
What are the reasons that Eskom has repeatedly failed to provide efficient and accessible systems for services in townships like Soweto, despite the historical neglect and ongoing challenges faced by such communities?
Reply:
Eskom made customer self-service channels available to customers, where customers can log supply faults, submit their meter readings, follow up on existing outages, update their information, etc., from the comfort of their own homes. These channels are.
1. Alfred: https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/
2. USSD:
3. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) on 0860 037 566
4. Customer Service Online (CSOnline)
Community engagements regularly take place within the communities, including in townships like Soweto, and Eskom feature different topics on community radio stations to keep customers informed and involved.
07 January 2025 - NW2278
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether she and/or her department has the power to (a) address the dire living conditions and (b) upgrade infrastructure at hostels such as the (i) KwaMashu and (ii) Denver hostels and (c) ensure (i) effective oversight and (ii) accountability in eradicating corruption in (aa) housing allocation and (bb) tender processes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (aaa) what steps has she or her department taken in each case and (bbb) what are the further relevant details? NW3667
Reply:
a) The National Department of Human Settlements, through the Community Residential Units (CRU) Programme, provides grant funding to provinces and municipalities for the upgrading, conversion, or redevelopment of existing state-owned rental stock, including hostels. This programme targets low-income individuals and households earning below R3,500 per month who are unable to access private rental options.
Summary of KwaMashu Hostel conditions: The infrastructure at KwaMashu Hostel remains severely outdated and overcrowded, accommodating double the intended population. Overpopulation complicates basic utility installations, such as water and electricity meters. Allocations prioritize relocating tenants from old buildings to upgraded units, but enforcement of income qualification criteria remains challenging.
Overview of Gauteng Hostels: Gauteng hosts 65 hostel facilities, with only six directly managed by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. The remaining 59 hostels fall under the responsibility of respective municipalities, which oversee basic service provision and regular maintenance.
(b) (i) KwaMashu Hostel:
- Since 2005, over 600 family units have been upgraded at the KwaMashu Hostel under initial phases. An additional 538 units are planned.
- The first phase, involving 96 units, began in 2020 but faced delays due to bid documentation errors. Corrective measures are being implemented.
- The second phase, involving 192 units at Isulabasha, commenced in 2021. By September 2024, contractors had been appointed for 96 units, with site establishment and decanting facilities underway. Another contractor awaits appointment for the remaining 96 units.
- The third phase, involving 250 units, started in 2024 with design planning at Stage 3. Stage 4 finalization is ongoing, after which tenders will be issued.
(ii) Denver Hostel:
- The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) owns Denver Hostel and is implementing the following interventions:
- Routine cleaning, grass cutting, and rubble removal are conducted at least five times a week.
- Major repairs addressing structural defects and water and sewer infrastructure are underway.
- A designed Alternative Energy Solution project, including solar lighting, cooking, and water heating, is in progress for Denver and five other hostels.
- Plans for a 2,000-unit precinct development to replace hostel structures with family units align with sustainable and integrated human settlement strategies.
(c) Oversight and accountability:
(i) Effective oversight:
- The National Department conducts quarterly oversight meetings with provinces and municipalities implementing the CRU programme, supplemented by site visits.
- Bi-monthly meetings regarding KwaMashu Hostel and weekly meetings for Denver Hostel involve provincial and municipal stakeholders, alongside hostel leadership.
(ii) Accountability in addressing corruption:
(aa) Housing allocation:
- Allocation prioritises existing tenants, based on verified municipal records and project steering committee confirmation.
(bb) Tender processes:
- Tender and procurement processes are centralized and overseen by Bid Committees established by Accounting Officers. Regular audits ensure compliance.
- Both National and Provincial Departments investigate reported allegations of fraud or irregularities through their Anti-Corruption Units. Identified issues in housing allocation or tender processes are thoroughly addressed.
(aaa) Steps taken:
- KwaMashu Hostel: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements has initiated the construction of 538 new units, complementing previous upgrades. Professional services were secured to finalise planning and design stages, with tenders issued for subsequent construction phases. Delays due to bid document errors have been rectified to ensure compliance.
- Denver Hostel: The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements is actively upgrading hostel conditions through structural repairs, cleaning, and innovative energy solutions. Progress includes a precinct development strategy targeting 2,000 family units to replace current hostel structures, fostering sustainable human settlements.
(bbb) Further details:
- KwaMashu Hostel: Regular bi-monthly meetings with local leadership ensure project alignment and address challenges such as overcrowding and utility infrastructure issues. Site visits and monitoring reports confirm adherence to project timelines.
- Denver Hostel: Weekly meetings with hostel leadership facilitate ongoing stakeholder engagement. Anti-Corruption Units actively investigate reported irregularities in allocation and tender processes, ensuring accountability and transparency.
07 January 2025 - NW2324
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) What (a) are the full details of the software systems and/or programmes currently utilised by his department for managing (i) construction-related projects and (ii) the property and/or asset portfolio of his department, (b) is the financial year in which each software system and/or programme was procured and (c) was the total cost of (i) purchasing each software system and/or programme and (ii) maintaining each software system/programme to date; (2) whether each software system and/or programme is (a) fully functional, (b) fit for purpose and (c) value for money; if not, what is the postion in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) whether his department is considering the replacement and/or enhancement of any software system and/or programme to better serve the objectives of the department and align with its digital transformation strategy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1)
Software |
Type : Construction related projects OR property and/or asset portfolio of his department? |
Financial year in which each software system and/or programme was procured |
Total cost of purchasing each software system and/or programme |
Total cost of maintaining each software system/programme to date |
Archibus |
Property and/or asset portfolio |
2014/2015 |
R12.3 million |
R10 786 959 |
Works Control System (WCS) |
Construction related projects |
1990/1991 |
Built in house. |
R19 278 720 |
Mobile Immovable Asset Register Verification System |
Property and/or asset portfolio |
2012/2013 |
Built in house. R800 000 |
R2 000 000 |
(2)
Software |
Fully functional? |
Fit for purpose? |
Value for money? |
Relevant details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Archibus |
No, 3 out of the 7 procured modules are fully functional as per business requirements |
Yes. The system has three (3) live modules out of the seven (7) acquired modules. However, with the live modules, the system has enabled the Department to meet some of its digitalisation of core business process strategy. As per feasibility conducted prior to procurement of the system, all core business processes can be supported by the system except for Capital Projects Management and Budgeting module, which is available on the Archibus system but did not meet most the Department’s business requirements at the time. The SCM E-Procurement functionality is not catered for on the Archibus ERP system, DPWI intends to use the National Treasury E-Procurement system. |
Yes. The system is able to assist the Department in managing leased in transactions with an expenditure to landlords amounting to around R500 million a month. Enable the Department to manage over 27 417 land assets and 80 120 improvement assets portfolio on Archibus system. Enable the Department to manage over 286 440 Corrective Facility Management calls to date, since going live in 2019. With its current live modules, yes there is value for money with high opportunity once all modules go live. |
SITA is conducting assessment on the system. Due date is 31 March 2025. |
Works Control System |
Yes |
Partially, the system is only able to offer Capital Project Budgeting with the Project Management capability. Though it has become a risk due to its aged technology and limited resources to support the solution. It is in the process to be replaced by Archibus |
Yes. |
To be replace by Archibus once the Capital Projects Management and Budgeting is implemented. |
Mobile Immovable Asset Register Verification System |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
(3)
The Department is currently investigating the urgent measures needed to enhance and strengthen our software systems, noting the past experiences of dysfunctionality in this regard.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
07 January 2025 - NW2131
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
Whether his department, in collaboration with the umbrella organisations for the renewable energy industry such as the South African Wind Energy Association and South African Photovoltaic Industry Association, engaged with the (a) Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges and (b) universities in order to offer programmes that will provide the necessary skills required for wind energy plant operation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? N03500E
Reply:
The Department was instrumental in the establishment of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Training Centre (SARETEC) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) through the South African German Energy Programme (SAGEN) and South African Danish Energy Partnership Programme (SA-DEPP). SARETEC provides short courses on renewable energy technology for technicians to make local skills more accessible for the renewable energy industry in South Africa. Moreover, SARETEC has a financing scheme that supports individuals who have keen interest to participate in the renewable energy technician training programme. In addition, SARETEC coordinates the workplace placement and support for students at Renewable Energy Companies to provide "on-the-job" training.
Further, the Department through the South Africa Wind Energy Project (SAWEP), facilitated the twinning of SARETEC with similar but established international training institutions, helped to profile and strengthen SARETEC's training programme. This twinning initiative enabled SARETEC to gain the much-needed accreditation by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) in South Africa, and the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) to offer globally recognised and accredited renewable energy courses.
In addition, through SAWEP the Department provided financial assistance to 24 Wind Turbine Service Technicians (WTST) who received the QCTO and GWO-accredited WTST training at SARETEC in 2019/2020. These WTSTs received workplace placement upon qualification with various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Independent Power Producers.
07 January 2025 - NW2269
Gcilishe, Ms S to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(a) What specific strategies has the Minister implemented to expedite the delivery of affordable housing with the aim of reducing the existing backlog and enhance living conditions, (b) how is the Government ensuring that the new housing developments are integrated with essential services such as electricity, water and sanitation to support living environments? (
Reply:
The Department of Human Settlements, has implemented a multifaceted approach to tackle the housing backlog and improve living conditions. Central to these efforts is the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) Incubator Programme, which supports emerging developers through capacity building, construction oversight, and post-construction assistance, ensuring sustainable project delivery.
Additionally, collaborations with entities like the Development Bank of Southern Africa and international development finance institutions bolster resources and enhance integration with critical infrastructure. For service integration, the Department has embraced the Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP), which promotes the development of compact, well-serviced settlements.
Utilizing grants such as the Human Settlements Develop Grant (HSDG), Informal Settlement Upgrading Grant (ISUPG), Urban Settlement Development Grant (USDG), the Department has achieved significant milestones in delivering serviced sites, ensuring new housing projects align with essential amenities like water, electricity, and sanitation, fostering cohesive and sustainable communities.
The NHFC is soon to launch an Incubation & Post-investment support programme which aims to support emerging developers at every stage of their projects. The programme will ensure more housing units are delivered, loans are repaid, and new participants are integrated into the housing value chain, through the following: -
- Capacity Building for Emerging Developers: The programme aims to assist aspiring developers from designated groups to meet funding requirements. It provides non-financial support, helping developers package and structure funding proposals effectively, ensuring sustainability.
- Construction Phase Support: Developers receive assistance to complete projects on schedule, meet required specifications, and stay within budget.
- Post-Construction Support: Developers are supported in marketing and selling units or managing rental units. This includes tenanting processes and facilities management best practices.
(b)
The integration of essential services into new housing developments is a cornerstone of the Department's efforts to create sustainable and livable communities. Guided by the Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) outlined in Part 3 of the 2009 Housing Code, the Department focuses on addressing settlement inefficiencies by promoting the development of compact, well-planned settlements. The IRDP integrates various housing typologies across different price ranges with commercial and social amenities, ensuring that serviced sites play a pivotal role in creating inclusive and functional environments.
To achieve these goals, the Department leverages multiple funding mechanisms, including the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG), the Informal Settlement Upgrading Grant (ISUPG), and the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG). These grants are allocated annually to Provinces and Metropolitan Municipalities to service identified residential areas, enabling the delivery of essential infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sanitation.
From the 2019 to 2024 financial years, the Department delivered 231,032 serviced sites, achieving 77% of the targeted 300,000. Of these, 186,850 were developed using the HSDG, 22,004 through the ISUPG, and 22,178 via the USDG. These efforts underscore the Department's commitment to ensuring that housing developments are not only well-serviced but also contribute to fostering equitable and sustainable urban growth. By aligning infrastructure planning with housing delivery, the Department is creating integrated, resilient communities that improve quality of life for residents.
07 January 2025 - NW2444
Linde, Ms E to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(1) What are the key components of the National Professional Cookery Programme; (2) What are the in-depth details about the (a)(i) structure, (ii) objectives and (iii) specific skills the programme aims to impart, (b) where and (c) on what date will the programme be rolled out; (3) What (a) outcomes does her department aim to achieve through the specified initiative and (b) is the total budget allocated to the programme?”
Reply:
(1)(2)(3)
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and its agency, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), do not directly offer the National Professional Cookery Programme. However, SEDFA supports the growth and development of entrepreneurs in the food and baking industries through two key incubators: the Wakanda Food Accelerator and the Baking Industry Centre of South Africa (BICSA).
Wakanda Food Accelerator
The Wakanda Food Accelerator is a specialized incubator focused on empowering food entrepreneurs and innovators. It provides tailored technical and entrepreneurial assistance to help small businesses in the food sector develop their products, scale their operations, and enhance their competitiveness in local and global markets.
Key offerings include:
- Product Development: Assistance with recipe refinement, nutritional analysis, and packaging design.
- Market Access Support: Connecting participants to distribution channels, retail opportunities, and export markets.
- Training and Mentorship: Guidance on food safety standards, compliance with regulations, and business management.
Baking Industry Centre of South Africa (BICSA)
BICSA serves as a hub for entrepreneurs in the baking industry, providing them with the resources and knowledge needed to succeed in this competitive sector. The incubator offers a range of services designed to improve technical expertise and foster business growth.
Key offerings include:
- Technical Training: Hands-on workshops and training sessions focused on baking techniques, equipment usage, and innovation in baked goods.
- Business Development Support: Coaching on financial management, marketing strategies, and customer engagement.
- Resource Access: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and networks within the baking industry.
SEDFA’s Role in Supporting MSMEs
Through these incubators, SEDFA actively promotes the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food and baking industries, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to thrive. These initiatives align with SEDFA’s broader mandate to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
For entrepreneurs and incubatees, Wakanda and BICSA represent invaluable platforms for innovation, capacity building, and market entry—enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the South African economy while building sustainable businesses.
07 January 2025 - NW2254
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Finance
What (a) total number of consultants were appointed by the National Treasury in the 2023-24 financial year, (b) are the names of the consultants, (c) were they appointed for and (d) total amounts were paid?
Reply:
The National Treasury received parliamentary question number 2254 [W3634E], which is responded to below. With regards to section (d) enquiring about the total amounts paid to consultants, the National Treasury responds to this question in general terms without indicating the amount paid to each consultant due to limitations imposed by the provisions of the Protection of Personal Protection Act (POPI Act). Disclosing financial information of identifiable person (natural or juristic person) without their consent would constitute a violation of the POPI Act.
Information relating to the rest of the questions is already publicly available due to a requirement of the Public Finance Management Act that awarded tenders be published.
Here below are responses to parliamentary question number 2254 [W3634E]:
- Total number of consultants – 41
- Names of consultants - (see attached spreadsheet)
- Project Description/Services - (see attached spreadsheet)
- Total paid to consultants in the 2023/24 financial year - R39 415 024,86
07 January 2025 - NW2445
Linde, Ms E to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(a) What does the Food and Beverage programme entail, (b) what are the details of the programme’s (i) scope, (ii) objectives and (iii) the intended beneficiaries, (c)(i) where and (ii) when will the programme be implemented, (d) what are her department’s key goals for this programme and (e) what is the allocated budget for the specified initiative?
Reply:
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and its agency, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), do not directly offer a Food and Beverage Programme. However, SEDFA actively supports the growth and development of entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industries through two flagship Programmes through the Wakanda Food Accelerator. This incubator provides targeted interventions to empower entrepreneurs, build sustainable businesses, and enhance their contributions to the South African economy.
Wakanda Food Accelerator
The Wakanda Food Accelerator is a specialized initiative aimed at nurturing food entrepreneurs and innovators. It equips participants with the technical expertise, business acumen, and market access necessary to excel in the food sector. Wakanda takes a holistic approach to capacity building, blending product development with entrepreneurial training and access to growth opportunities.
Key Offerings:
- Product Development: Support in refining recipes, conducting nutritional analysis, and designing market-ready packaging.
- Market Access Support: Establishing connections to distribution channels, retail networks, and export markets to broaden reach.
- Training and Mentorship: Providing guidance on food safety standards, regulatory compliance, and efficient business management.
Signature Programmes:
1. Chefpreneur Programme:
Designed for aspiring chefs who seek to transform their culinary skills into viable businesses. Participants gain hands-on training in modern cooking techniques, menu development, and kitchen management while learning how to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. This programme fosters innovation and empowers participants to create unique food ventures, contributing to the diversification of South Africa's culinary offerings.
2. Sommelier Programme:
Focused on wine and beverage expertise, this programme equips entrepreneurs with the skills to thrive in the wine and hospitality industries. Participants receive training in wine selection, pairing, and service, as well as the business aspects of wine distribution and hospitality management. The programme aligns with South Africa’s strong position as a global wine producer and enhances participants' ability to tap into lucrative opportunities in this sector.
07 January 2025 - NW2165
Reddy, Mr VG to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
How does he account for the visible decay of critical infrastructure across the
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
In accordance with Section 14(1) of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act 19 of 2007 (GIAMA), the Accounting Officer of a user is required to compile, in accordance with Section 8, a user Immovable asset manageable plan (UAMP) that will form part of the strategy plan of that user and submit their UAMP to National Treasury in accordance with Section 9 of the Act.
The object of GIAMA include, inter alia, ensuring accountability for capital and recurrent works, the acquisition, reuse, and disposal of an immovable asset and the maintenance of existing immovable assets.
The Minister of Public Works is aware of the maintenance challenges and the decay of critical infrastructure across the Republic.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has comprehensive maintenance programme measures in place to ensure that the immovable infrastructure is sustained and refurbished. The DPWI maintenance approach is a blend of both Preventative and Corrective aligned to the National Immovable Asset Maintenance Management (NIAMM) Framework. Under Corrective maintenance, there are two asset renewal programmes that ensure up keep of facilities, namely Repairs and Refurbishments (R&R) and Capital programmes which are carried out on a regular basis.
The department’s infrastructure is refurbished regularly, the process of which is triggered by the Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) that is regularly carried out by the department. The FCA is the requirement of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA). The FCA output is a comprehensive report that details the maintenance plans for both preventative and corrective measure that encompasses Capital, Repair and Refurbishment.
The department’s Property Portfolio Management prioritise the projects based on compliance, age, wear and tear and other relevant criteria, which is carried out on an annual basis aligned to the Medium Term Expenditure Framework. Furthermore, the department has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), Coega and Independent Development Trust (IDT). There are in implementing agents (IA) and assist DPWI in fast tracking some of the maintenance implementation.
Furthermore, in pursuit of the long-term strategy in the management of government properties, DPWI is introducing a Refurbish, Operate and transfer (ROT) Programme to be implement for DPWI’s High Priority Facilities. The plan is to collaborate and form partnerships with private sector, wherein the private sector will invest their resources to refurbish, operate these facilities for a period of twenty (20) to twenty five (25) years (including maintenance) and handover the facilities back to government after this period. The government will repay the private investor for the duration of the lease through the User Accommodation Charges collected from the Client Departments.
The Department has capital and refurbishment projects in various stages ranging from planning to implementation and are available in the procurement plans from the National Treasury for your perusal and the department’s Programme Implementation Plan (PIP).
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
07 January 2025 - NW2227
Niehaus, Mr CG to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterens
a. What (a) is the final date of delivery of the SAS Nelson Mandela and (b) are then (i) details of the inventory of the reportedly huge overruns on Project HOTEL and (ii) reasons thereof: b. Whether she has been informed about the extremely serious allegations that a certain person (details furnished) who currently serves as a senior executive in a certain company (details furnished) was a senior manager in her department and was centrally involved in the adjudication of a certain tender (details turnshed): if not, what IS her position in this regard: if so. what action has been taken in line with her responsibilities to deal with serious allegations of conflict of interest and/or corruption; c. Whether she has referred the specified allegations to the relevant authorities for investigation; if not. why not. if so. (a) on what date (i) did she receive an update about the progress of the investigation and (ii) when will the investigation be concluded and (b) what is the status of the investigation?
Reply:
a.The envisaged date for the completion of the contract was January 2024, however. due to various challenges affecting the performance of the contract i.e COVID 19. Civil unrest and flooding that ravaged the KZN province. The delivery date of the contract had to be reconsidered. Armscor is in the process of amending the contract which will determine the new delivery date.
(i) There are no overruns on the prcyect. Payments that were made are in accordance with the approved order and milestone payment plan.
(ii) Not applicable.
b. We are not aware of any allegations on person(s) whose name (s) has or have been furnished to the MODtv1V in relation to the above project.
c. We are not aware of any investigation on Project HOTEL.
07 January 2025 - NW2161
Montana, Mr L to ask the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
(1) Whether, with reference to the Presidential Review Committee on State-Owned Entities that was established by the former President, Mr J G Jacob Zuma in 2012 that, among others, found that some of the existing public entities were not commercially viable and should be merged, closed and/or incorporated into government departments than to exist on their own as separate public entities, her Office has considered this key recommendation in its review of the performance of state-owned entities (SOEs); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether her Office has a proposed model to manage the State’s interests in the SOEs that will enable it to undertake a review of public entities and incorporate those that are not in the relevant policy department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. In 2008, during President Thabo Mbeki’s administration, Government developed the Government Shareholder Management Bill (GSM Bill) which sought to provide for harmonised and uniform shareholder management practices by Government, and the codification of specified uniform corporate governance principles applicable to SOEs. The GSM Bill further intended to codify Government’s role and functions as shareholder in State-Owned Enterprises (“SOEs”) in order to optimise their contribution to economic growth and development.
2. In 2010, former President Jacob Zuma established the Presidential Review Committee (PRC) on SOEs to examine the role of SOEs in a developmental state. PRC recommended that South Africa adopts a centralized model for strategic SOEs and that the ownership model must apply to all spheres of Government. It further indicated that the model must be included in an SOE legislation and it must clearly delineate the separate roles of Government as owner, policymaker, regulator and implementer.
3. In 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the Presidential SOE Council (PSEC) to advise on the reform, repositioning and revitalisation of SOEs. PSEC noted the critical developmental role of SOEs, recognized serious deficiencies in the South African model and functioning of SOEs, including the dependence on the fiscus.
To address the above challenges, PSEC recommended that South Africa adopts a centralized shareholder model for the management of the SOEs. This will promote separation of the State’s policymaking, regulatory and ownership functions; minimise potential conflicts of interest, and the scope for inappropriate influence. It will also ensure that there is greater coherence and consistency in the application of corporate governance standards across all SOEs. The model will ensure that there is greater transparency in and accountability for, SOE operations, by enabling uniform oversight and performance monitoring.
This model will ensure that there is a restructuring of SOEs and determine which SOEs needs to be consolidated or merged.
To implement the centralised model, the National State Enterprises Bill was submitted to Parliament for processing
07 January 2025 - NW2132
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Electricity and Energy
In light of the fact that most of the components for technologies to harness renewable energy like Photovoltaic panels are currently imported, which does not address our goal of creating jobs and reducing unemployment, what is the Government doing to ensure that we develop industries to produce components locally which would address unemployment? NO3501E
Reply:
As part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) to promote the development of renewable energy projects in the country, the South African government has established specific local content requirements associated with different technology categories including the solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels. Each bidding round for the REIPPPP has stipulated minimum local content thresholds that projects must meet to ensure that a percentage of the goods used in the programme are sourced from within South Africa. However, the local content requirements for the REIPPPP vary between 30% to 75% depending on the technology and bid window of the procurement. The percentages (%) for local content are defined in the REIPPPP bidding documents for each bid window and aim to encourage the domestic manufacturing of renewable energy components, thereby boosting local industries.
The REIPPPP encourages investments in local businesses and supply chains, intending to foster broader economic growth and reduce reliance on imported goods. Furthermore, REIPPPP provides opportunities for local suppliers to participate in the renewable energy sector, ensuring that a portion of the economic benefits remain within the country.
Furthermore, once approved by cabinet, the South African Renewable Energy Master plan (SAREM) aims to address challenges and will unlock opportunities within the sector including local manufacturing of key components across value chain.
07 January 2025 - NW2446
Linde, Ms E to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(a) What is the structure of core objectives of the Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme, (b) what are the comprehensive details of the (i) purpose, (ii) implementation plan and (iii) expected outcomes, (c)(i) where and (ii) on what date will the programme be launched, (d) what are her department’s desired achievements through the programme and (e) what is the total budget assigned to the specified programme?”
Reply:
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and its agency, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), do not directly offer the Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme, this is offered through independent Service Providers like SABS. SEDFA supports the growth and development of entrepreneurs in the food and baking industries through both entrepreneurial and technical training. One of these trainings are similar to the Food Safety Assurers Programme:
Overview of HACCP Training
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognized system designed to ensure food safety through the identification, evaluation, and control of potential hazards in food production. It is a proactive and preventive approach to managing food safety risks, focusing on critical points in the production process where hazards can be controlled or eliminated.
Key Components of HACCP Training
HACCP training equips participants with the knowledge and skills to implement, maintain, and monitor HACCP systems effectively. It typically covers:
- Hazard Identification: Understanding biological, chemical, and physical hazards in food production.
- Critical Control Points (CCPs): Identifying key stages in the process where controls are essential.
- Preventive Measures: Establishing protocols to manage risks and ensure food safety.
- Monitoring Procedures: Developing strategies to regularly check and verify the effectiveness of controls.
- Record-Keeping: Ensuring compliance through proper documentation.
- Corrective Actions: Addressing deviations promptly to maintain food safety standards.
Who Should Get HACCP Training?
HACCP training is essential for anyone involved in food production, processing, or distribution, including:
- Food Business Owners and Managers: To oversee the implementation and maintenance of HACCP systems.
- Food Handlers and Production Staff: To understand their roles in maintaining safety at critical points.
- Quality Assurance Personnel: To monitor and verify compliance with HACCP principles.
- Entrepreneurs in the Food Industry: To ensure their products meet regulatory standards and gain market access.
- Incubator Participants: Entrepreneurs participating in food-related incubation programs seeking to scale their businesses.
SEDFA’s Role in HACCP Training
The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) recognizes the importance of HACCP training for food safety and market access. To make this critical training widely accessible, SEDFA offers HACCP training through its:
- Branch Network:
- SEDFA branches across South Africa provide entrepreneurs with access to HACCP training close to their communities.
- Workshops and certification programs are conducted periodically to reach a broad audience.
- Incubation Centres:
- Wakanda Food Accelerator and the Baking Industry Centre of South Africa (BICSA) integrate HACCP training into their entrepreneurial support programs.
- Participants benefit from hands-on training and mentorship tailored to their specific needs.
Benefits of SEDFA’s HACCP Training
SEDFA’s HACCP training helps entrepreneurs:
- Meet food safety and regulatory standards, enabling them to access larger and more competitive markets.
- Build consumer trust by demonstrating a commitment to high-quality and safe food production.
- Reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, contributing to public health.
- Improve operational efficiency by identifying and mitigating potential hazards early.
By leveraging its extensive branch network and incubation centres, SEDFA ensures that HACCP training is accessible to entrepreneurs across South Africa, fostering a culture of food safety and supporting sustainable business growth.
07 January 2025 - NW2148
Ntshingila, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What are the reasons for not using the SA National Defence Force to guard national key points, instead of spending billions of Rand on tenders to private sector companies, many of whom are allegedly owned by foreign intelligence agencies that are hostile to the Republic and more so in consideration of the (a) National Key Points Act, Act 102 of 1980, and (b) South African Defence Review 2015?
Reply:
In terms of Sec 59(1 of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, Act No 8 of 2019, National Commissioner of the SAPS, is functionally entrusted/empowered to deal with protection of critical infrastructure and must coordinate any cooperation between the SAPS and other arms of state, inclusive of the SANDF, to protect critical infrastructure. Hence, the Defence Review 2015 makes reference to the National Commissioner's function in this coordination and co-operation.
07 January 2025 - NW2289
James, Ms DE to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether the refurbishment of the Johannesburg Prison falls within his department’s mandate; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, following the oversight visit conducted to the specified prison on 10 October 2024, which uncovered significant health risks to both inmates and workers due to the flooding of the basement kitchen area, what (a) immediate interventions does his department intend to implement to protect the health and safety of both workers and inmates at the facility (b) are the reasons that routine maintenance of the infrastructure was neglected, resulting in the current situation and failing to preserve the asset and prevent the issue from escalating; (2) whether his department agrees with the estimated cost of R1,2 billion for the refurbishment of the facility; if not, why not; if so, on what date will, the work commence?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1) (a) The Johannesburg prison is under the custodianship of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and maintenance of the facility as well as all other immovable assets used by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is executed commensurate with accommodation charges.
With regards to the latter, it must be noted that the department has been faced with severe budget cuts, year-on-year for the MTEF. This is evidenced by the reduction of accommodation charges by user departments’ including DCS.
Accommodation charges relate to Property Rates, Refurbishment and Maintenance of the States immovable assets. The first charge of the latter is on Property Rates leaving the balance for the refurbishment and maintenance of properties. It is prudent to report that the accommodation charges as required for DCS in 2024/25 amounted to R 2.8 billion of which Property Rates alone accounts for R 485 million. However National Treasury and user departments did not grant the full amount required and approved a baseline of only R 693 million. Only 30% of this budget (R 208 million) is therefore available for Refurbishment and Maintenance of the entire DCS portfolio.
(b) As a result of the reduction of accommodation charges, DPWI notified DCS that only critical maintenance priorities would be attended to over the MTEF.
(2) With regards to the estimated cost of R 1.2 billion for the refurbishment of the Johannesburg Prison it should be noted that a project of this nature falls into the category of major Capital Works. Requests for Capital projects are as a matter of process are requested by the user department via the User Demand Management (UDM) section of DPWI and will only be registered as a project for execution once the requisite funding is confirmed for the Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) followed by the refurbishment contract. Currently there is no request from DCS for the registration of either a FCA or for the major refurbishment of Johannesburg prison.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
07 January 2025 - NW2318
Bath, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) What (a) are the details of the annual total cost associated with the (i) ownership, (ii) maintenance and (iii) improvements of all Parliamentary Villages and (b) is the cost in respect of (i) each Member of Parliament (ii) in each month; (2) Whether he has considered the potential benefits and cost-effectiveness of donating the Parliamentary Villages and the land on which they are built to the City of Cape Town for the development of affordable, integrated and sustainable human settlements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether his department undertook a feasibility study on replacing the current system, in partnership with Parliament, with a suitable housing allowance for Members of Parliament during their time spent in Cape Town for parliamentary duties; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. (a)(i) The annual costs associated with ownership of the three various Parliamentary Villages is as follows:
(d) Laboria = R8 955 190.56 for the period 04/2023 to 11/2024;
(e) Acacia = R45 790 935.11 for the period 04/2023 to 10/2024; and
(f) Pelican = R10 553 282.93 for the period 04/2023 to 09/2024.
(ii) The costs associated with maintenance of each village annually and of each house on monthly bases is as follows:
Annual Costs per Parliamentary Village
(d) Acacia Park = R 22 182 667
(e) Laboria Park = R 3 114 459
(f) Pelikan Park = R 4 599 538
Monthly costs per house in each Parliamentary Village
(a) Acacia Park = R 44 995
(b) Laboria Park = R 47 914
(c) Pelican Park = R 42 588
(iii) The costs associated with improvement in each village annually and of each house
on monthly bases is as follows:
Annual Costs per Parliamentary Village
Acacia Park = R 6 140 944
Laboria Park = R 1 161 034
Pelican Park = R 899 109
Monthly costs per house in each Parliamentary Village
Acacia Park = R 12 456
Laboria Park = R 17 862
Pelican Park = R 8 325
(b)(i) There are no any other costs for Members of Parliament expect costs referred
to herein above hat are incurred by the Department of Public Works.
(ii) There are no any other costs for Members of Parliament expect costs referred
to herein above that are incurred by the Department of Public Works.
2. No costs benefit study that has been conducted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure because the Department has not received a request from the City of Cape Town to donate the land for development of affordable, integrated and sustainable human settlements.
3. The Department did not conduct a feasibility study on replacing the current housing system with the housing allowance. This matter was referred to the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of political office bearers for consideration by Parliament. We are still waiting for the report from the commission
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
07 January 2025 - NW2364
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With reference to the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites that was held on 19 November 2024 at the Durban International Convention Centre, in which his department, in collaboration with the SA Police Service (SAPS), the Construction Industry Development Board, and security companies addressed the growing concerns surrounding safety, the construction mafia, security, and other criminal activity on construction sites as well as to promote practical solutions for building crime-free environments within the construction industry, (a) what are the details of the agreements made between his department, security companies and the SAPS and (b) at what the cost to the government; (2) Whether a tender process will be conducted to identify which security companies offer the best value for money in addressing the crisis; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1a)
The agreements arising from the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Sites held on 19 November 2024 were tabled in the form of a Declaration of Intent which was endorsed by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Department of Police, and National Treasury. This has been called the Durban Declaration of Crime-Free Construction Sites.
In terms of the Declaration the participants of the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Sites committed to adopting a multifaceted approach involving policy reform, enhanced security measures, community engagement, development of the emerging sector and sustained collaboration between stakeholders.
The participants pledged their commitment across the following key areas:
1. Legislation and Policy:
Strengthen the legislation governing the construction industry and implementation of appropriate polices for the development of the construction industry.
2. Law and Order
Improved data and reporting systems, rapid response leading to arrests for extortion on construction sites and prosecutions.
3. Social Facilitation
Develop standard frameworks and guidelines for embedding social facilitation in project planning and implementation.
4. Construction Industry Pathway to Success for the Emerging Sector
Provide for the systematic and structured development of emerging enterprises and skills development.
5. Stakeholder Collaboration
Establish collaborative platforms for industry stakeholders to share best practices and collaborate on solutions to the problems faced by the construction industry.
A significant outcome of the summit was the agreement to enhance security on construction sites through a joint task force between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security providers. This partnership is designed to ensure a coordinated and proactive approach to crime prevention. The task force will focus on safeguarding construction projects from criminal activities such as extortion, vandalism, and theft. Additionally, a data-driven approach to crime management was emphasised, including the use of predictive analytics to identify and prevent potential criminal incidents before they occur. This strategy will help law enforcement respond more effectively and swiftly to threats.
By integrating community involvement, safety and security into every aspect of the construction delivery process, the summit has set the stage for a more resilient, crime-free industry that contributes to South Africa’s national development goals.
1b)
There are initiatives between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the private security industry to address extortion on construction sites. The costs to government will be determined through the SAPS process. These include enhancing security on construction sites through a joint task force between SAPS and private security providers. This partnership is designed to ensure a coordinated and proactive approach to crime prevention. The task force will focus on safeguarding construction projects from criminal activities such as extortion, vandalism, and theft.
2. Ministry will make a statement on the procurement related issues after consultation with relevant sector departments.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE: