Questions and Replies

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

(a) The total number of staff members working in the Information Communication and Technology Section is 54

(b) Please refer to the table for the number of employees per salary level.

Salary Level	Number of Employees
5	7
6	1
7	2
8	24
9	5
10	3
11	3
12	6
13	2
14	1

c) The total cost amount in salaries paid to the staff members per annum is R35 244 633,48

Reply:

a) An event celebrating 30 years of the ICT industry in South Africa was held on 26 April 2024 in Sandton.

1. The total cost of the event was R518 458,71. Digital Council Africa sponsored R307 500.00. The total cost incurred by the DCDT was R210 958,71.
2. The sponsorship covered the cost of (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire. (dd) The Department spent R5337,11 on transport costs for officials who have been part of the project team. (ee) no cost incurred on accommodation.

I thank you.

Reply:

INSTITUTION	Number of students who owe university fees	Number of students who Cannot graduate and/or receive their certificates because they owe university fees
Stellenbosch University (SU)	9 615 students as at Dec 2023	522 students with fees owing did not receive their graduation certificates at the Dec 2023 graduation ceremony.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)	63829	25534 students
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)	35819 Registered students owe the university fees  38 809 Non-registered students owe the university fees	We are in the process of checking the graduation lists. If we look at the outstanding balances of graduates at year end it amounts to 5728 students who owe the university and will not receive their certificates. The number of students who will not receive their certificates will decrease as we identify subsequent payments received in 2024.
University of Western Cape (UWC)	At UWC, 307 students completed with 2023 debt, total debt outstanding is R 19 720 786. 976 students completed with prior years debt, total amount outstanding is R 25 535 509	The two data sets only refer to April 2023 and April 2024 graduation ceremonies. UWC has a symbolic graduation process whereby if students complete an acknowledgement of debt they are allowed to attend graduation. Certificates are not released if the completed student has an outstanding balance relating to the completed program, however they do receive a letter of completion.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)	The total number of students owing the university as at 31 March 2024 are 40839	Students who cannot receive their certificates are 5766   [Please note:  Our students can still graduate, all students receive letters of completion whist the certificates are withheld from those students who have student debt, furthermore,  results are shared with potential employers if required.]
North-West University (NWU)	Number of students with historic/2023 outstanding balances: 7,916 Number of students with historic/2023 outstanding balances & balances for 2024: 58,711	NWU TOTAL: 593.  Please note that we are currently occupied with the autumn graduation ceremonies, and the number of students unable to receive their certificates due to outstanding debt to the institution is expected to increase.
University of Venda (UNIVEN)	University of Venda debtors book has more than 21896 students that owe the university. Total debt owed is as at 31 December 2023 is R623 million.	All eligible students will graduate, and the number is 2,157. Of the 2,157 graduands, 1,402 (65%) will receive their certificates as their accounts have been fully settled, or they are NSFAS beneficiaries. The 546 NSFAS beneficiaries will receive their certificates on the strength of expected payment from NSFAS.
University of Pretoria (UP)	a). Outstanding debt at the University of Pretoria                 Students   Amount   2024   42 856   2 377 473 249,87   2023 and older   17 187   424 277 157,58   TOTAL   60 043   2 801 750 407,45	The UP has 1 327 degrees in safe keeping, the debt amounts to R 47 535 911.21
University of Cape Town (UCT)	Summary of 2023 Registered students owing at 12-04-2024 by Residency       RESIDENCY Total Balance Number of Students AFRICA 844 815.36 38 ASYLUM SEEKER 101 994.30 2 INTERNATI 464 232.05 24 PERMANENT RESIDENCE 3 679 118.69 94 REFUGEE 304 332.84 3 SOUTH AFRICA 117 165 562.89 2 368 SADC 5 587 759.46 179 OTHER 171 347.77 9 Grand Total 128 319 163.36 2 717	The 332 students will not graduate or receive certificates while owing but will get a letter of completion.
University of Free State (UFS)	At 4 April 2024, 39 974 students owe the University of the Free State fees amounting to R850 594 791.  This include tuition and other fees payable relating to prior years, as well as 2024.	887 students.
University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)	As at 31 March 2024 Wits has a total Student Fee Debt Balance of R3 503 849 692 for a total 55 199 students. YEAR OF DEBIT TOTAL STUDY BALANCES A/C'S       2018 & before 324,358 27 2019 22,135,057 651 2020 183,314,146 3,399 2021 207,551,659 4,238 2022 217,858,470 5,046 2023 329,836,873 7,315 2024 2,542,829,130 34,523 TOTAL 3,503,849,692 55,199 Included in the balances above are amounts owed by NSFAS where the close out process has not been finalised.	As at 12 April 2024 Wits has a total of 4557 students that are unable to graduate and receive a graduation certificate with a total debt value of R298 744 877.61. Included in this number are students who were funded by NSFAS at some point in their academic career, and who owe funds in their personal capacity. The number of Students in this category are 368 students with a total debt value of R29 155 637.64. This covers the academic years 2017 to 2023. In conclusion, The University has a principle and practice to allow the students who are solely NSFAS funded to graduate, which is a practice that has been done in good faith with an understanding that NSFAS will settle the debt upon the finalisation of the respective close-out reports.
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)	Number of students owing fees = 22 980	All students at UNIZULU who are eligible to graduate are able to graduate and walk over the stage. Those that owe will receive a letter instead of their certificate. The letter confirms their graduation and invites prospective employers to confirm this directly with the University. The number of students at the end of 2023 that were in this position were 5 967 in total. Some 3 223 students will graduate in 2024 and most of them would have paid up fees as most of them would have been NSFAS funded.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)	These figures are as at 31 Dec 2023,	SMU is slightly lenient, it allows students to graduate even if they have outstanding balances. A total number of 3870 is still withheld.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)		Students can graduate but will not receive certificate.
University of Johannesburg (UJ)	As of December 2023, the university had a total of 33 333 students with outstanding debt. The number is made up of the following group of students: Registered in 2023 – 14 537. Not registered as of 2023 – 18 796. The number of students who were registered in 2023 and owed the university, excludes the NSFAS and Bursary-funded students.	Below is the breakdown of students who graduated but owed the university fees: 2021 Graduates – 2 688. 2022 Graduates – 2 583. 2023 Graduates – 2 602. Students are invited to the graduation ceremonies and get their transcript showing that they have completed the qualification. The certificate is retained until the outstanding fees are settled. UJ provide confirmation of completed studies to prospective employees upon request, thereby allowing students to enter employment.
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)	Owe university fees=4397 (as at 17 April 2024)	Cannot graduate and/or receive their certificates because they owe university fees= 405 Please be reminded that our students will graduate but will not receive certificates.
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN)	Of the students who completed their qualification in 2023, there are ±4,760 students who currently owe the University fees for 2023 and prior.	Every graduate is allowed to graduate and is entitled to an official academic record/transcript on application and an official letter confirming ‘Degree Complete’, again on application and payment of the a fee. On settlement of fees outstanding and the requisite ‘fee clearance’, a graduate can formally request to be issued with their withheld degree/diploma certificate(s).
DUT	Row Labels Count of IEPSTNO 2013 39 2014 99 2015 216 2016 256 2017 239 2018 1127 2019 1144 2020 1805 2021 2365 2022 2687 2023 2263 Grand Total 12240	NB: All students owing fees at DUT are allowed to graduate upon receipt of completion letters which state compliance with requirements of the qualification. However, certificates are not issued to this cohort until fees have been settled. Prospective employers may contact the university to verify completion of qualifications.
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)	5213 students owe the University a total of R151 733 467.11, where the individual amounts exceed R1000.00.	Sol Plaatje University does not withhold qualification/graduation certificates where graduates have outstanding fees.

The following universities are yet to respond to the PQ and follow ups are being made:

1. Central University of Technology (CUT)
2. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
3. Rhodes University (RU)
4. University of Limpopo (UL)
5. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
6. University of South Africa (UNISA).

Reply:

The monitoring that the DWYPD undertakes is in line with the 5-year policy priorities as defined in the MTSF 2019/2024 which is based on the National Development Plan and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The DWYPD recognised that the 2% minimum employment equity target was not sufficient especially as the 2% target was in place for the past 24 years and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides that a minimum employment equity target of 7% of persons with disabilities must be reached by 2030. It is anticipated that presenting the annual progress report on implementation on the WPRPD to Cabinet will serve as a means to persuade departments to demonstrate their progress made towards employing persons with disabilities in the public service.

The DWYPD processed a cabinet Memorandum requesting Cabinet to increase the employment equity target of persons with disabilities from a minimum employment equity target of 2% to a minimum employment equity target of 3% for the 2024-2025 financial year and to increase same by 1% each year until the minimum employment equity target of 7% is reached by 2030. Cabinet approved the request made by the DWYPD in its cabinet memorandum on 1 November 2023.

Affirming the cabinet decision, the President highlighted that all efforts must be made to ensure that persons with disabilities are given equal and equitable employment opportunities even if it requires persons with disabilities being head hunted for posts if they meet the requirements without having to advertise same. Further, persons with disabilities do not have to have experience when applying for entry level positions.

The DWYPD has communicated the cabinet decision to the Department of Public Service and Administration to develop guidelines and strategies which will be communicated with all government departments and entities to assist them to meet the 3% minimum employment equity target for persons with disabilities in the 2024-2025 financial year. The DWYPD has also written to all government departments informing them of the cabinet decision further consultative workshops were held with them to highlight interventions required and is holding one on one meetings with departments to assist them with strategies that they could undertake to assist with reaching the 3% minimum employment equity target as requested. Naturally if departments reach higher than 3% this will be most welcome and it will demonstrate that we are on our way towards achieving the 7% employment equity target for persons with disabilities by 2030.

Reply:

(a) Three government Departments namely, the Presidency, International Relations and Cooperation and Justice and Constitutional Development had legal representation for the ICJ case argued on 11 and 12 January 2024.

I am only able to respond with regard to the Counsel and costs falling under the Department I am responsible for.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development briefed three legal practitioners / counsel - a senior and 2 juniors who acted on a pro bono basis for the application and hearing on 11 and 12 January 2024.

The costs in respect of travel for:

1. Legal team is R277 083.
2. Minister is R443 442.
3. State Officials is R1025 359, (this includes the VIP Protector who is employed by SAPS, so considered an official)

The total costs for accommodation:

1. Legal team is R73 420.
2. Minister is R43 999.
3. State Officials is R58 115. (this includes the VIP Protector who is employed by SAPS, so considered an official)

Subsistence Allowance for Minister & Officials

1. R34 080,42

(b) The above funds were sourced from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Reply:

I was informed by the Department as follows:

(i) Minister:

(a) Make : NA

(b) Model : NA

(c) Year of manufacturer : NA

(d) Cost : NA

(e) Purchase date : NA

(ii) Former Minister:

(a) Make : NA

(b) Model : NA

(c) Year of manufacturer : NA

(d) Cost : NA

(e) Purchase date : NA

(iii) Deputy Minister:

(a) Make : NA

(b) Model : NA

(c) Year of manufacturer : NA

(d) Cost : NA

(e) Purchase date : NA

(iv) Former Deputy Minister: Ms Pinky Kekana

(a) Make : BMW

(b) Model : Sedan 12 DC, G30, 520 D

(c) Year of manufacturer : 2021

(d) Cost : R 741 044, 54

(e) Purchase date : 18/11/2021

The vehicle was procured by the department as a transfer from the Minister’s tenure as the Minister of Small Business Development. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) did not procure a new vehicle from a new supplier when she arrived.

I thank you.

Reply:

(a) The Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the African Union, convened on the 27-28 November 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr Azali Assoumani, President of the Republic of the Comoros and 2023 African Union Chairperson and H.E Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and African Union Circle of champions lead to end violence against Women and Girls, for the third meeting of the African Heads of State and Government on Positive Masculinity to end violence against Women and Girls in Africa.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities coordinated the departments across all spheres of government, Civil Society Organisations, business sector, traditional leaders –national and provincial, male and female kings and chiefs, Faith Based Organisations, private sector and all participating African countries.

Pre-consultation sessions were held with all the sectors to influence the program, but also to mobilize and garner support in designing programmes aimed addressing the scourge, post the conference. In the end, the heads of state emerged with an outcome document, to be implemented and monitored by ALL.

(b) The Department also leads the coordination of the 16 Days of activism for no violence against women and children. It is during this period that we heighten awareness, and educate society on services available and how to access those.

(c) The Department partnered with the taxi industry and the department of Transport by training the taxi marshals, taxi drivers and taxi owners on the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and what constitutes GBVF.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. (a) The halls in different Parliamentary villages are hired for person purpose of the hiring residence,such as birthday parties etc.

(b) the halls are strictly hired for use of residences of the different Parliamentary villages, and only under exceptional circumstances other users are permitted, and such permission is can be granted by the chairperson of the parliamentary village.

(c) the total income generated from hiring the halls in the last financial year is R1300

2. The halls are for the use of residents, only under exceptional circumstances, and through the permission of the chairperson that hiring to non-residents is considered. To ensure safety of residents, non-residents users must provide a guest list to the respective parks office prior to the date of the event, so that there is a measure of control of who is in the Parliamentary village during the vent. The attendees are checked by police against the list provided, at the front gate on the day of the event.

Reply:

1(a) Thus far, there are eight (8) cases which are on the criminal court roll where suspects are being prosecuted for multiple offences emanating from TRC matters.

(b) In addition, two (2) matters are pending, as indictments are being prepared to charge suspects who are still alive. An additional two (2) matters, post the re-opening of inquests, have been identified where the NPA is considering possible decisions to prosecute.

(b)Establishing whether a suspect is still alive or not, form part of the investigation phase. Suspects are approached during the investigation, to obtain warning statements. This is informed by the evidence collated by an investigator. As such, NPA cannot, at this stage, advise as to which living suspects may be prosecuted.

(c) The purpose of all investigations is to ascertain whether a crime, which has not yet prescribed, was committed. If it has been established that there is enough evidence to charge a suspect, that person/s will be prosecuted. This decision can only be made once investigation is finalised. Those matters that are on the criminal court roll, are cases where it has been established that there are living suspects who must be charged.

2(a) The TRC Component is not in possession of a definitive list of cases that were transferred from the TRC. Fifty-nine (59) matters were identified by the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit (PCLU) by extracting the matters from the TRC Final Report.

2(b) and (c) Identification of additional matters from recommendations made in the TRC Final Report is an ongoing process. Currently the total number of identified cases is one hundred and fifty-eight (158). Twenty-one (21) matters have been finalised. This include the overturning of four re-opened inquests into deaths of detainees and a conviction of murder where the accused was sentenced to ten years direct imprisonment. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) matters are still under investigation. This includes re-opened inquests and inquests where the appointment of a Judge is awaited to preside over the matter and eight (8) matters which are presently on the criminal court roll. As indicated above a complete list of cases was not transferred to the NPA. The NPA is therefore not in a position to answer who received a definitive list of cases.

Reply:

Question 1:

1. The LPC does not form part of either national or provincial government. Nor is the LPC listed as a “national public entity” under the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, as contemplated in the Use of Official Languages Act 12 of 2012. As such, the suggestion that section 6(3)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 (Constitution) is applicable to the language policy of the LPC is incorrect.

2. Prior to the decision to offer the examination papers in English only, the LPC offered the examination in both English and Afrikaans. Over the period from March 2021 to August 2023 no more than 26 candidates wrote the examinations in Afrikaans at any sitting. In the six examinations over this period this made up between 0.3 and 0.5% of the candidates sitting in the examinations (with total enrolments for the examinations varying between 4 912 and 7878 candidates per sitting).

3. Consistently with this observation, we note that whilst the LPC received complaints from a few organisations pursuant to the publication of its decision not to offer the examination in Afrikaans, not a single candidate legal practitioner raised an objection.

4. The continued offer of Afrikaans examinations for the benefit of a negligible number of candidates has disproportionate cost and logistical implications for the LPC. Moreover, in the last examinations of August 2023, discrepancies between the Afrikaans and English versions of the examination papers led to concerns about the unfair advantage offered to Afrikaans-speaking candidates sitting in the examinations.

5. Many of the considerations considered by the Constitutional Court in relation to the language policy of the University of the Free State, as set out in AfriForum and Another v University of the Free State 2018 (2) SA 185 (CC) apply with equal force in the present context.

6. We further drawn your attention to the fact that the LPC accredits training providers who offer the Practical Vocational Training structured coursework programmes. These programmes are offered, by the training providers (not the LPC), in English. The material is expensive to produce and update annually and is not also produced in Afrikaans. There is also insufficient demand to justify the costs of translation.

Question 2:

1. The LPC denies that its language policy, and its decision to offer competency-based examinations in English only, stand in breach of or in conflict with its objects as set out in section 5 of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 (LPA). The objects of the LPC include for it to “facilitate the realisation of the goal of a transformed and restructured legal profession that is accountable, efficient and independent” (section 5(a)), which must perforce require of the LPC to bring into account equity, practicability, and the critical need to undo the damage caused by racial discrimination in its approach to language use and examination. Simply put, any criticism of, and engagement with, the LPC’s language policy and its decision to offer examinations in English only must occur by reference to the correct legal and factual context.

2. The reality is that English is the language of record in South African Courts. Whilst legal practitioners are free to provide legal advice to their clients in the language of their choice, and whilst accommodations are made in the court processes which take account of language rights of those represented, legal practitioners participate in legal processes almost exclusively through the medium of English. The competency of legal practitioners to participate in the legal processes through the medium of English is therefore of significant importance, to protect the interests of the public who make use of legal services.

Reply:

I became aware of the allegations against the former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans when the allegations first appeared in the media early in March 2024.

Hence, I was not aware of the allegations at the time that I made changes to the National Executive in August 2021.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

Over the past 5 years since 01 April 2019 – 31 December 2023 (up to end of quarter 3), the budget allocated to the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) as per the budget captured by public bodies in the EPWP Reporting System is reflected in the table below

Table 1: Budget allocation in rands for the EPWP since 01 April 2019 – 31 December 2023

Financial Year	Environment and Culture Sector	Infrastructure Sector	Non-State Sector Community Work Programme	Non-State Sector Non Profit Organisations	Social Sector	Grand Total
2019/2020	9 778 531 595,87	94 060 139 810,20	3 830 657 283,00	715 822 037,56	17 998 137 901,57	126 383 288 628,21
2020/2021	8 325 690 889,08	88 939 775 308,40	3 678 733 714,00	362 503 405,10	12 373 292 802,64	113 679 996 119,22
2021/2022	10 943 739 725,55	128 421 274 739,53	3 621 796 351,40	963 569 674,70	22 633 388 387,70	166 583 768 878,89
2022/2023	10 487 208 343,67	202 087 919 306,63	4 029 089 866,00	1 457 253 036,55	19 281 798 091,97	237 343 268 644,82
2023/2024	14 027 459 830,00	292 674 434 688,00	3 817 322 298,00	1 051 777 886,00	14 739 533 833,00	326 310 528 535,00
Grand Total	53 562 630 384,17	806 183 543 852,77	18 977 599 512,40	4 550 926 039,91	87 026 151 016,88	970 300 850 806,13

a) The total number of the EPWP opportunities which have been created for each of the past 5 years since 01 April 2019 – 31 December 2023 are reflected as follows:

Table 2: Total number of EPWP opportunities created since 01 April 2019 – 31 December 2023

Financial year	Work Opportunities
2019/20	994 699
2020/21	938 688
2021/22	1 016 646
2022/23	990 686
2023/24	773 192
Total	4 713 911

Reply:

I have been advised that:

1.(a&b) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has implemented a number of programmes to support the development of SMMES in the sixth administration.

(i) To date, a total of 68 802 Township and Rural enterprises were supported financially and non-financially since 2019. A critical intervention by the DSBD is the recently designed Township Rural and Entrepreneurship Programme which by end of December 2023 had approved R 1 054 899 738 in funding to 10 148 SMMEs, facilitating 19 692 jobs; and disbursed R 930 814 096 in funding to 9 617 SMMEs, facilitating 17 708 jobs. Furthermore, by the end of quarter 3 (2023/34), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) provided 3249 SMMEs with non-financial support.

(ii) The Department has made some impact in one of its programmes, namely the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility (SEIF) through the following supported projects proving business infrastructure to communities.

• Letsatsi Pty Ltd in partnership with Mangaung Municipality and Free State Dept of Economic Development supported eighteen SMMEs with trading facilities using the container conversion model.
• Chris Hani Co-operative Development Centre in partnership with Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and Chris Hani District Municipality supported forty to hundred emerging farmers/co-operatives that are supplying retailers like Spar through the renovation and construction of the packhouse and fertiliser blending plant, Eastern Cape.
• Wouldn’t be Cool Pty Ltd in partnership with Kgosi Maubane through the agricultural irrigation project supported sixteen beneficiaries that are small businesses based in Hammaskraal.
• Sol Plaatjie Municipality in partnership with Letselebe Pty Ltd supported thirty-three (33) informal businesses through the infrastructure using the container conversion model at Craven Street next to the taxi rank, Northern Cape.
• Seda partnership with eThekwini Municipality supported sixty informal traders with facilities at KwaMashu train station that are selling meat (intloko, mogodu and amanqina), KwaZulu-Natal.
• King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality supported hundred (100) informal business that are selling traditional clothes and medicine through the refurbishment of Kwa Ntozonke Market, Eastern Cape.

(iii) The Department has designated the informal business sector as a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), employment creation, sustainable livelihoods and local economic development in the country. As an outcome to this, the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS) was developed. The strategy is aimed at supporting informal businesses, which are mostly based in township and rural areas, to ensure that they become part of the economic mainstream of the country. This is being achieved through the implementation of various policy and programme interventions. The overall outcome of this strategy will be to gradually unleash the innovative entrepreneurial potential of informal businesses to broaden economic participation and foster inclusive growth through partnerships.

The strategy is aligned to the vision and priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP), responds to decent employment through inclusive growth, the promotion of local manufacturing and one of the key pillars of the New Growth Path (NGP), which seeks to raise employment and alleviate poverty. The strategy is also aligned to game changers (high-impact programmes/projects).

The Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP) instrument has been designed as part of the recommendations of NIBUS to pool resources to support the sector, particularly since most of the existing incentives within Government at large do not cover informal businesses. Key functions of the facility include skills development, compliance support, equipment, machinery, infrastructure and technological support for informal and micro businesses. It also supports capacity building (enhancement) to informal businesses by collaborating with business associations and municipalities as delivery partners.

During the financial year of 2023/24, over 3400 informal and micro enterprises in poor and underserved communities throughout the country have been assisted with tolls, machinery and other relevant equipment through IMEDP to grow and sustain their businesses. Extensive monitoring and evaluation are yet to be undertaken to measure the full impact of these interventions. Early indications are that the growing demand for the support is as a result of the visible effectiveness of the interventions observed in those that have received the support.

(iv) A total of 24 876 youth businesses were supported with entrepreneurship. Since the Department started implementing this target in 2021/22 financial year. DSBD is implementing the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) a financial and non-financial support fund aimed at stimulating innovation amongst youth start-ups to enable them to acquire digital capability in order to participate fully in the digital Industrial Revolution - 4IR and beyond. Budget through the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) and the Department has disbursed R1,6 billion to enterprises owned by youth over the period.

(v) The Seda Technology Programme (STP) assists through its Technology Transfer Assistance (TTA) in funding and acquiring manufacturing and processing technology. With the manufacturing and processing equipment, many businesses are able to produce on a much larger scale and at a reduced production cost. Also, the quality of products manufactured improved tremendously. Large orders produced were sold at various retail outlets and digital platforms. The following businesses were supported by TTA programme:

Name of business (location)

• • Sinotho Electrical (KwaZulu Natal)
  • Mmutle Mining Projects (Mpumalanga)
  • Guduza Engineering (Mpumalanga)
  • Chads Power Engineering and Suppliers (KwaZulu Natal)
  • S Mach Engineering (KwaZulu Natal)
  • Ngaraga Properties (Pty) Ltd T/A Lindiwe Sanitary Pads (Johannesburg)

The TTA in partnership with the Export Credit Insurance Company (ECIC), assisted a business with acquisition of processing and packaging technology machines to a value of R1 098 000. This enabled the business to meet and exceeded the customer’s expectations for quality, on time delivery, and high demand volumes. The packaging technology, successfully acquired through the TTA/ECIC fund, included an automated industrial sealing machine and foot sealer, date coding and barcoding machines at different pack sizes, box printing, sealing connected to a conveyor belt, a pallet wrapper, a heat tunnel and a semi-automatic L-sealer (to seal packs into sizes required by the customer).

The business is now listed with Kit Kat Wholesalers and Devland Cash and Carry, amongst others, and has started deliveries to five (5) Kit Kat Wholesales and two (2) Devland Cash and Carry outlets. The business is also listed with Clicks for their private labels (house brands) and has already started deliveries. Turnover increased by 344% and the number of jobs increased from fourteen (14) part-time staff to twenty (20). Two (2) permanent jobs were retained. The systems were developed and implemented successfully. The client is certified in accordance with ISO9001:2015 and is enjoying the benefits of being one of the few black companies in their field that are fully compliant and certified.

Furthermore, Seda has supported women-owned businesses with several interventions which included incubation, business management training, productivity and quality improvement interventions. Of the 61 739 businesses supported, 35% were women owned.

(vi) Seda supports a number of incubators in different sectors of the economy. An amount of R 147.2 million was spent to support SMMEs via the various Seda supported incubators and a total number of 2 507 businesses received support through this incubation network. Furthermore, an additional eleven (11) sector focused incubators were approved for establishment during the 2022/23 financial year.

(vii) The Seda Success Stories documenting the support provided to SMMEs is attached as Annexure A.

(viii) Seda supports struggling communities primarily by promoting entrepreneurship and small business development. Here are some ways in which Seda supports these communities:

Business Development Support: Seda's business development support services are comprehensive, aiming to address the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses in struggling communities. One key service is business planning, where Seda assists entrepreneurs in developing clear and actionable business plans. These plans outline their business goals, strategies, and financial projections, providing a roadmap for success.

Financial management is another critical area of support provided by Seda. Many entrepreneurs in struggling communities face challenges in managing their finances effectively. Seda helps them develop financial literacy skills, understand financial statements, and access financing options such as loans and grants. This support is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of their businesses.

Marketing support is also a key focus for Seda. They help entrepreneurs develop marketing strategies that are tailored to their target markets and budgets. This includes guidance on branding, advertising, and digital marketing. By helping entrepreneurs effectively market their products or services, Seda increases their visibility and competitiveness in the market.

Access to markets is a major challenge for many entrepreneurs in struggling communities, and Seda addresses this by facilitating access to market channels. This includes helping entrepreneurs identify potential buyers, distributors, and partners, as well as providing information on market trends and opportunities. By helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the market, Seda increases their chances of success and contributes to the economic development of struggling communities.

Access to Finance: Seda helps entrepreneurs in struggling communities access finance through various means, such as facilitating access to loans, grants, and venture capital. These funding instruments are blended finance from Development Financial Institutions (sefa, IDC, etc.) as well as from commercial banks and philanthropists mandated to assist SMMEs with grants.

Training and Skills Development: Seda offers training and skills development programs to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in struggling communities improve their business skills and knowledge. Some of these programmes are implemented by partnering with like-minded institutions such as the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R Seta), the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta (MERSETA) as well as the National Skills Fund (NSF).

Networking and Partnerships: Seda facilitates networking and partnerships between entrepreneurs, small businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and business growth. Women entrepreneurship is very high on its agenda and through the SheTrades Programme and the Cherie Blair Foundation, female entrepreneurs in impoverished communities are assisted.

Market Access: Seda's approach to assisting entrepreneurs in struggling communities involves a multifaceted strategy to ensure they have the best possible chance of accessing markets successfully. One key aspect of this strategy is providing entrepreneurs with up-to-date information on market trends, consumer behavior, and emerging opportunities. This information equips them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their businesses and adapt to changing market conditions.

Moreover, Seda goes beyond just providing information by actively facilitating access to market channels. This includes helping entrepreneurs establish relationships with buyers, distributors, and other key players in the market. Seda's network of contacts and partnerships allows them to open doors for entrepreneurs that may have otherwise been closed, giving them access to a wider range of potential customers and markets.

Another crucial element of Seda's approach is supporting entrepreneurs in building their brands and marketing their products effectively. This includes providing guidance on branding, packaging, and promotion, as well as helping entrepreneurs develop marketing strategies that resonate with their target audiences. By doing so, Seda helps entrepreneurs stand out in crowded markets and increase their chances of success.

Technology and Innovation Support: Seda supports entrepreneurs in struggling communities to adopt technology and innovate in their businesses through training, mentoring, and access to resources. By focusing on these key areas, Seda aims to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and tools they need to thrive in today's competitive business landscape. This support not only helps individual businesses succeed but also contributes to the overall economic growth and development of these communities.

Overall, Seda plays a crucial role in supporting struggling communities in South Africa by promoting entrepreneurship, fostering business growth, and creating economic opportunities.

2. The incorporation of sefa and the Co-operatives Bank Development Agency (CBDA) into the Seda is underway. It will result in the merged entity Small Enterprise Development and Finance agency – SEDFA which will provide both financial and non-financial support as well as initiatives to support the development of a broader SMME / Co-operative ecosystem. The main rationale for a new entity is to create a single integrated institution that can facilitate access to the full spectrum of financial and non-financial support needed by SMMEs across their lifecycles, accessible in all parts of the country. It will aim to leverage the financial and non-financial resources of all eco-system partners and also aim to develop new eco-system partner organisations and businesses. (e.g., emerging Township network organisations etc.). This will improve efficiency, develop products that are responsive and ensure a higher impact of the government programmes on the SMME ecosystem.

Furthermore, sefa has positively impacted the small business sector in the South African economy over the years. Since its inception in 2012 to 31 March 2023, sefa disbursed R14.5 billion into the South African economy enabling access to finance to over 629 000 SMMEs, who in turn facilitated over 830 000 jobs over this period.

sefa serves as the lender of last resort for SMMEs that generally cannot get funding from other financiers in the economy, and this also means the organisation most often than not spends considerable amount of time processing these applications, which at times are not complete in terms of all information required (compliance and others). Through the efforts of the organisation, sefa has enabled businesses to develop and grow. sefa continues to enable access to finance to small business and these businesses contribute both income (in the form of taxes) and jobs to the South African economy.

Through its insurance business, Khula Credit Guarantee, (KCG), sefa partners with financial and non-financial institutions that extend credit to small businesses and KCG provides credit cover in case these businesses default on their loan repayments. KCG also partners with Corporates who through their ESD programmes support small businesses and KCG provides credit cover in case these small businesses default on their agreements.

Seda supports entrepreneurs and SMMEs with non-financial assistance. Seda does not fund small businesses with capital or cash but offers grant funding through its TTA Programme as well as the Co-operative Development Support Programme. Both these Programmes have been successfully implemented and there is a need for additional funding as the demand far outweighs the supply. The backlog within the system TTA has been cleared and there are no outstanding applications from previous years.

Seda, through its Executive Committee, makes every effort to streamline processes, improve resource allocation, and enhance capacity within the Organisation so that it could help address these challenges and support the timely funding of credible applicants, thereby facilitating the development of small businesses.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

The department do not have any events planned towards celebration of 30 years of democracy

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The Department is supporting the housing sector; the Department of Human Settlements (DHS), Housing Development Agency (HDA) and Municipalities by releasing state-owned properties identified as suitable and available for human settlement development.

The Cabinet Memorandum No. 03 of 2019 (Cab Memo) approved the release of such properties to the HDA, to enable the Agency to work with Municipalities and relevant stakeholders to provide among others, project management and development assistance for human settlements as well as ensure that the land is utilised for purposes released for. The land parcels release in the last 3 financial years are outlined on table 1 to table 3 below:

Table 1. Land Parcels processed in 2020/2021.

Province	Local Municipality	No. of land parcels	Extent (Hectares)
Free State	Letsemeng	1	40
Western Cape	Stellenbosch	1	6,9
	City of Cape Town	2	29,3
	Drakenstein	2	3,54
KwaZulu-Natal	eMadlangeni	2	417
	eThekwini	1	2,15
Gauteng	Tshwane	1	112
	Rand West	1	453
	Ekurhuleni	1	21
Northern Cape	Kgatelopele	5	144
	Ga-Segonyana	1	125
	Phokwane	1	0,95
North West	Mahikeng	1	329
	Madibeng	2	400
Mpumalanga	Dr JS. Moroka	1	69
Eastern Cape	Kou-Kamma	3	20,7
	Gariep	1	1,3
TOTAL		27	2 174,08

Table 2. Land Parcels processed in 2021/2022.

Province	Local Municipality	No. of land parcels	Extent (Hectares)
Free State	Kopanong	1	8
Western Cape	Stellenbosch	1	17,70
	Theewaterskloof	1	70,9020
Northern Cape	Kgatelopele	16	85,62
Mpumalanga	Emalahleni	2	2,11
Limpopo	Polokwane	3	0,48
Eastern Cape	Buffalo City	4	0,3
TOTAL		28	185,1120

Table 3. Land Parcels processed in 2022/2023.

Province	Municipality	No. of Land Parcels	Extent (Hectares)
Western Cape	Saldanha Bay	1	39
KwaZulu-Natal	eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality	5	1,56
	Msunduzi Local Municipality	4	2,8
	Endumeni	3	0,6
TOTAL		13	43,36

It is also worth mentioning that Power of Attorneys (POAs) to initiate planning development planning processes have been issued to the Housing Development Agency.

Reply:

None.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was not involved in the implementation of the Kopanong Precinct Project in Gauteng. Our sister department, Department of Infrastructure Development will be best suited to respond to this question.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(1)

(a) Three(3) generators were purchased for the replacement of existing non-functional generators.

(b) The purchase the three generators amounts to R387 751.25, R349 998.93 and R 241 674.00, respectively.

(c) One (1) Minister and two (2) Deputy Ministers were been allocated a generators.

(2) There are no plans to purchase additional generators, as all existing generators are in good working condition.

(3) The scope of works related to the maintenance of the generators, is attached as Annexure A.

(4) The detail cost with the total amount spent on diesel, is attached as Annexure B.

Reply:

The Department informs me that a notice was received from the Office of the Public Protector (“the PP”) in December 2020 and an extensive response relating to the notice was submitted. It advises further that no further substantive communications on this issue were received from the PP. It was assumed therefore that the PP concluded that no investigation or further investigation herein was merited.

-END-

Reply:

1. The Department produced a monitoring and evaluation framework for the national strategic plan on gender based violence & femicide. The role of the department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI) is to make available unutilised public buildings to be utilised as shelters or temporary housing arrangements for victims/survivors of GBVF.

The Department linked DPWI with the Department of Social Development (DSD) in ensuring that the identified buildings are renovated, NPOs are linked to these shelters and that they are funded.

2. The Department of Women Youth & Persons with Disabilities will pursue discussions with DSD and DPWI regarding the state of shelters in Namaqualand.

Reply:

(1) The Presidency is not in receipt of the applications for land, referred to by the Honourable Member, that were ‘formally submitted’ to the President on 23 September 2023.

However, the Presidency did receive a memorandum in August 2023. On the basis of this memorandum, I have requested the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Minister of Human Settlements to constitute a joint team to engage with the organisation in question.

(2) (a) The Department of Human Settlements’ programme of delivery of serviced sites aims to accommodate households, mainly residing in the informal settlements, whose income levels would enable them to gradually build on their own once they have access to land. The programme prioritises access to housing in well-located areas that are close to economic opportunities, social amenities and transport infrastructure.

A total of 186,750 serviced sites were delivered between 2019 and March 2024.

The serviced sites programme aims in the longer term to mitigate current challenges relating to unauthorised occupation of land, often accompanied with the mushrooming of informal settlements in the country.

(b) The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) releases state land identified as suitable for human settlement development to the Housing Development Agency (HDA). This is done through the issuing of Power of Attorney to the HDA, for commencement of township development processes and ultimate transfer to the beneficiaries.

(3) (a) In terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, the DPWI consults with the affected user departments and stakeholders before any disposal is considered to confirm if they need the identified properties for their respective government functions. If the identified properties are still required for government purposes, the applicant is informed accordingly.

(b) The DPWI releases state land to support land redistribution, land restitution, human settlement development and for other socio-economic purposes. This includes availing suitable state land for the building of affordable houses for the benefit of the qualifying, historically disadvantaged and poor communities.

(b) State land disposals are subjected to due diligence, including feasibility studies, valuations, town planning, etc., to ensure that the best disposal option is undertaken to achieve socio-economic objectives.

(4) The proposal for a framework bill on land reform was aimed at operationalising equitable access to land, establishing guiding principles on redistribution, restitution and land tenure as well as land administration. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is dealing with these issues in the following manner:

• Land Redistribution: The Department has drafted the Land Acquisition and Redistribution Bill, which is currently undergoing consultations internally and with targeted stakeholders before the Bill is submitted to Cabinet to approve its publication for public comment.

• Land Restitution: There is already the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 which was passed and is being implemented.

• Land Tenure: The DALRRD has drafted the Communal Land Bill, which specifically provides for secure land tenure as contemplated in section 25(6) of the Constitution. The draft Bill is currently undergoing consultations with targeted stakeholders before it is approved by Cabinet for publication for public comment.

• Land Administration: The Restitution of Land Rights Act and the two Bills referred to above provide for land administration in different but appropriate forms as dictated to by the context of each piece of legislation.

Reply:

I have been advised that:

a) No Departmental (across the Department of Small Business Development [DSBD], the Small Enterprise Development Agency [Seda] and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency [sefa]) events have been planned for the 30-year celebrations.

b) Not applicable.

Reply:

The responsibility for combating the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) rests with all-of-society if we are to make any meaningful progress toward its eradication. GBVF is a complex phenomenon that happens in families, households and communities thus we need all to be invested in the fight against this pandemic. From each individual, household/family, community to all state actors, there is a need for a concerted no tolerance to GBVF in all its forms. This will ensure the implementation of both proactive and reactive measures to combat the scourge.

In March 2020, Cabinet approved the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and the establishment of both the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF and the National Council on GBVF. The implementation of the NSP on GBVF coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, the department coordinates and monitors the implementation of the NSP on GBVF by governments and key stakeholders monthly.

With this understanding in mind, the department coordinates and monitors the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF) by government and key stakeholders monthly.

Despite the COVID-19 context, the government continued to address GBVF as a twin pandemic so as to better understand its impact on women. We set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF in June 2020 consisting of the Ministers of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities as the convener; Social Development; Police; Justice and Correctional Services; Public Service and Administration and National Treasury to guide the process of implementation.

There are pockets of positive results through various multi-sectoral collaborative platforms that implement joint interventions and funding mechanisms. We have the END GBVF Collective that has been implementing 100 days challenges; and the faith sector collaborative platform that plays a central role in prevention and rebuilding social cohesion.

In February 2021 we launched the private sector GBVF Response Fund. The fund follows the principles enshrined in the NSP on GBVF of harnessing the roles, responsibilities and resources of all stakeholders.

The relationship between civil society networks and governments have allowed for a strengthened and coordinated implementation. Various development partners and academic institutions have also contributed towards implementation.

The process of localisation is bolstered by the establishment and capacitation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at district and local municipality levels across the country. The department does not have a provincial foot. To strengthen reach, through support from European Union Gender equality and women’s empowerment programme we have appointed GBVF technical monitors and data capturers and placed them in provinces.

The department has driven the National Council on GBVF Bill as a game-changer in the fight against GBVF. Key principles in the Bill include coordination championed by the highest political office, a multi-sectoral structure, institutional independence and autonomy, a ring-fenced budget with a dedicated GBVF fund, a bottom-up approach across all government tiers, and significant collaboration between government and civil society.

For the 2023/2024 Annual Performances Plan, the Department committed to monitor and enforce accountability to the targets of the NSP on GBVF including but not limited to reporting on implementation of the NSP on GBVF by government and key stakeholders through the following interventions:

1) Submission of monthly progress reports that are collated and analysed by the department; and quality assured by the Department of Planning, monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and the Presidency; used to produce annual reports.

2) The Department presents these progress reports that outlines gaps, challenges and areas of improvement across the 6 NSP on GBVF Pillars to various Directors-General Clusters and the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD) as a standing item. These monthly reports are translated into a quarterly report for the attention of the President.

3) The department utilizes these reports as a tool to monitor, enforce accountability of Accounting Officers and afford them the opportunity to assess progress made by their respective departments in implementing their allocated NSP on GBVF targets and take necessary corrective measures.

4) The 2 NSP on GBVF Annual Reports produced by the department include the score cards that further reflect the level of sector department performance across the 6 Pillars of the NSP on GBVF and recommendations for implementation.

Ultimately our success is about women, children and LGBTQIA+ persons feeling safe and free in their homes, in their communities and in themselves. We have also developed a prevention strategy as prevention is key in curbing murders and all forms of gendered violence. Currently, we are in the process of driving the concept of dealing with GBVF as a pandemic. We had the inaugural workshop with government stakeholders across all tiers in March 2024. In this drive, we want to use our convening power as the department to institutionalise a coordinated national response from national, to provinces, to districts, municipalities and to ward levels.

GBVF continues to be a national crisis, and this may make it difficult to see the pockets of progress. We have been intensifying efforts to harness all to collectively respond, accelerate efforts, and develop partnerships and strategies toward a whole-of-society approach toward eradicating GBVF.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department as follows:

1. No. The Department does not involve itself in the operations of companies, in regard to intellectual property issues among a myriad of other matters, be they traded or publicly listed. The company therefore has a fiduciary duty to comply with all financial, legal and regulatory obligations in regard to its contributions to the fiscus.

2. This does not fall within the mandate of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies but rather the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

I thank you.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, his department and officials of his department have not received any (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers for lawfare and/or any other purposes by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to 29 February 2024.

Reply:

The South African Bureau of Standards has advised as follows:

A service provider was appointed in 2020, when the SABS was led by Administrators.

They conducted the search including advertising, the development of a longlist for the SABS to consider and shortlisting. Following the appointment of a new Board, the process was re-activated in 2023, and the same service provider was asked to conclude the work. The work completed covers the following: advertising, response handling, preparing and presenting a longlist, and headhunting. The Board concluded however that no appointment could be made based on the recommendation of the service provider. The consultancy fee was R209 999.

A new service provider was appointed in 2023 to continue with the process of searching for the suitable candidate in the position of the SABS CEO. The work included advertising, processing of responses, headhunting and candidate sourcing. The cost of consultancy fees to date is R429 333.

-END-

Reply:

(a), (b), (c), (d), (e)

1. No vehicle has been purchased for use by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, since 8 May 2019. He uses Toyota Fortuner vehicles purchased in 2010 (14 years old) and 2016 (8 years old), as official vehicles. They are made in South Africa and have proven to be reliable and resilient.
2. Details of vehicles purchased for the use of the Deputy Ministers since 8 May 2019 has not changed since the previous reply of 24 February 2023.

-END-

Reply:

The responsibility for combating the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) rests with all-of-society if we are to make any meaningful progress toward its eradication. GBVF is a complex phenomenon that happens in families, households and communities thus we need all to be invested in the fight against this pandemic. From each individual, household/family, community to all state actors, there is a need for a concerted no tolerance to GBVF in all its forms. This will ensure the implementation of both proactive and reactive measures to combat the scourge.

In March 2020, Cabinet approved the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and the establishment of both the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF and the National Council on GBVF. The implementation of the NSP on GBVF coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, the department coordinates and monitors the implementation of the NSP on GBVF by governments and key stakeholders monthly.

With this understanding in mind, the department coordinates and monitors the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF) by government and key stakeholders monthly.

Despite the COVID-19 context, the government continued to address GBVF as a twin pandemic so as to better understand its impact on women. We set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF in June 2020 consisting of the Ministers of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities as the convener; Social Development; Police; Justice and Correctional Services; Public Service and Administration and National Treasury to guide the process of implementation.

There are pockets of positive results through various multi-sectoral collaborative platforms that implement joint interventions and funding mechanisms. We have the END GBVF Collective that has been implementing 100 days challenges; and the faith sector collaborative platform that plays a central role in prevention and rebuilding social cohesion.

In February 2021 we launched the private sector GBVF Response Fund. The fund follows the principles enshrined in the NSP on GBVF of harnessing the roles, responsibilities and resources of all stakeholders.

The relationship between civil society networks and governments have allowed for a strengthened and coordinated implementation. Various development partners and academic institutions have also contributed towards implementation.

The process of localisation is bolstered by the establishment and capacitation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at district and local municipality levels across the country. The department does not have a provincial foot. To strengthen reach, through support from European Union Gender equality and women’s empowerment programme we have appointed GBVF technical monitors and data capturers and placed them in provinces.

The department has driven the National Council on GBVF Bill as a game-changer in the fight against GBVF. Key principles in the Bill include coordination championed by the highest political office, a multi-sectoral structure, institutional independence and autonomy, a ring-fenced budget with a dedicated GBVF fund, a bottom-up approach across all government tiers, and significant collaboration between government and civil society.

For the 2023/2024 Annual Performances Plan, the Department committed to monitor and enforce accountability to the targets of the NSP on GBVF including but not limited to reporting on implementation of the NSP on GBVF by government and key stakeholders through the following interventions:

1) Submission of monthly progress reports that are collated and analysed by the department; and quality assured by the Department of Planning, monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and the Presidency; used to produce annual reports.

2) The Department presents these progress reports that outlines gaps, challenges and areas of improvement across the 6 NSP on GBVF Pillars to various Directors-General Clusters and the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD) as a standing item. These monthly reports are translated into a quarterly report for the attention of the President.

3) The department utilizes these reports as a tool to monitor, enforce accountability of Accounting Officers and afford them the opportunity to assess progress made by their respective departments in implementing their allocated NSP on GBVF targets and take necessary corrective measures.

4) The 2 NSP on GBVF Annual Reports produced by the department include the score cards that further reflect the level of sector department performance across the 6 Pillars of the NSP on GBVF and recommendations for implementation.

Ultimately our success is about women, children and LGBTQIA+ persons feeling safe and free in their homes, in their communities and in themselves. We have also developed a prevention strategy as prevention is key in curbing murders and all forms of gendered violence. Currently, we are in the process of driving the concept of dealing with GBVF as a pandemic. We had the inaugural workshop with government stakeholders across all tiers in March 2024. In this drive, we want to use our convening power as the department to institutionalise a coordinated national response from national, to provinces, to districts, municipalities and to ward levels.

GBVF continues to be a national crisis, and this may make it difficult to see the pockets of progress. We have been intensifying efforts to harness all to collectively respond, accelerate efforts, and develop partnerships and strategies toward a whole-of-society approach toward eradicating GBVF.

Reply:

The question falls under the Executive Authorities of the Members of the Executive Council (MECs) of the 9 provinces. The Hon Member is kindly requested to refer the question to the MECs as per section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 134(5)(b) of the NA rules. 

                                                                 

Reply:

(i) MINISTER

Not applicable.

(ii) FORMER MINISTER

1. Make – Audi
2. Model – Q5
3. Year of manufacture – 2020
4. Date of purchase – June 2020
5. Cost R800 000 inclusive of security features

(iii) DEPUTY MINISTER

Not applicable.

(iv) FORMER DEPUTY MINISTER

1. Make – Audi
2. Model – Q5
3. Year of manufacture – 2020
4. Date of purchase – January 2020
5. Cost R800 000 inclusive of security features

Reply:

I am advised as follows:

The former members of the Board were suspended in August 2014 pending a forensic investigation following allegations of maladministration, wasteful expenditure and corrupt activities reported by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) in the NGB’s 2013/14 annual report and financial performance.

The suspended Board members had reportedly contravened the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) through failing to prevent irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure and making overdrafts on the entity’s bank account without the approval of the Minister of Finance. Furthermore, the Board’s accounting authority, acting either individually or jointly, had allegedly contravened the National Gambling Act by allowing members whose term of office had expired to continue participating in the Board’s activities and representing the NGB.

Two Administrators were appointed from September 2014 to continue with the work of the NGB. The current Chief Strategic Advisor (CSA) was appointed in April 2019 following her stint as former administrator to the NGB.

The National Gambling Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in August 2018 and passed by the National Assembly in December 2018. The Bill sought to remove the concept of a Board comprising various external members, and replacing this concept with governance led by a Chief Executive Officer, with the assistance of a Deputy CEO. The policy position taken by the Department at the time was that the National Gambling Regulator be established in line with other entities of the dtic after considering the dtic research on Agency Rationalization which found that maintaining the board system was costly and did not contribute towards internal efficiencies of the NGB. However, the Bill was not adopted by the National Council of Provinces (Council) in 2019 and lapsed to the current Parliament. The Bill was revived and was referred to Mediation in December 2021 after it was not t supported by several provinces. The Bill has been in Parliament to date pending the Mediation process.

The delay in the finalisation of the National Gambling Amendment Bill has contributed to the delay in the appointment of the CEO as the appointment needs to be aligned with the Amendment Act.

I am advised that the current total gross salary for the NGB CSA is R2 553 905. As indicated in replies to Questions Number 450, 575 and 745, remuneration matters are now the subject of an investigation commissioned by the Department.

-END-

Reply:

In addressing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, the department formed working groups with Special Investigating Unit (“SIU”), state organs and other enforcement agencies to implement proclamations relating to maladministration concerning the affairs of SOCs. This initiative resulted in the employment of a civil litigation strategy to recover funds associated with SOC losses sustained during the state capture era and other forms of administrative corruption.

According to the information received from Eskom:

(a) Total amount Eskom lost due to:

1. Corruption: R203 156237-00.
2. The amount is included above,
3. The amount is included above since bribery is a form of corruption.

(b) The amounts below exclude amounts related to investigations conducted by the SIU. Process to recover outstanding amounts by the Asset Forfeiture Unit or in terms of the court order is ongoing.

Project number	Value	Reporting Period
2018 -12568	R3 330 000	FY 18/19
2018 - 12451	R403 994	FY 20/21
2020 - 13218	R1200 000	FY 21/22
Project number	Value	Reporting Period
2022 - 14037	R130 076.24	FY 22/23
2021 - 13600	R51 620	FY 22/23
2023 - 14158	R90 000	FY 23/24

(c) Consultation with SIU has revealed the following success in progress registered in relation to recoveries (including ABB, Koeberg disputes, Kusile and daily corruption at power stations):

Parties	Nature of Dispute	Claim Amount	Status
SIU v SAP and Eskom	On 10 November 2022, the SIU instituted action against SAP. Eskom was cited as a second defendant; however, no relief is sought against Eskom. The SIU seeks the following relief: That Eskom Board Tender Committee's resolution of 29 September 2016 authorising the conclusion of agreements with SAP for licences, maintenance and other services be reviewed and set aside; Declaring the contracts are unlawful and invalid; and 3. Ordering SAP to pay Eskom an amount of R1,01 billion.	R1.1bn	The settlement agreement R 500 million has been signed by both parties and SIU is the process of making it an order of the court.
SIU / Eskom / ABB South Africa Pty Limited (ABB)	On 31 March 2023 the SIU, Eskom and ABB filed an ex parte application to review and set aside set aside the contract awarded to for ABB the supply and installation of the Control and Instrumentation Systems at Kusile Power Station and for consequent just and equitable relief.	R1.56 billion	In December 2020, Eskom/SIU and ABB concluded a settlement agreement in terms of which ABB repaid an amount of R1.56 billion to Eskom The court order was issued on 05 April 2024 and Eskom and SIU were ordered to publish said order in both English and Afrikaans newspapers within 15 day of the order.
Eskom vs Deloitte	Eskom instituted action for the setting aside of the award of two contracts to Delloitte on the basis that they were improperly awarded, and the recovery of approximately R207 million.	R207 million	On 20 March 2020, Eskom and Delloite concluded a settlement agreement in terms of which Delloite agreed to pay an amount of R150 million to Eskom. It was further agreed that investigations had shown no evidence of state capture or corruption on the part of Delloite, there were technical irregularities in the procurement process, Eskom had benefited from the services rendered by Delloites, and that Delloites was entitled to be compensated for the services rendered to Eskom.
Eskom vs McKinsey and Company	Eskom instituted a claim against Mckinsey for the recovery of the fee paid in respect of consultancy services rendered which were unlawfully awarded.	R1.7 billion	In July 2018 Eskom and McKinsey concluded a settlement agreement of R 1 billion.
Eskom vs Trillian	In 2018, Eskom obtained a court order against Trillian for the payment of R595 million related to the fraudulent pretext of Trillian being a supplier development and localisation partner to McKinsey	R595 million	The amount has not yet been recovered due to ongoing liquidation proceedings.

According to the information received from South African Airways:

Since 2019, South African Airways (SAA), have lost a total of R23 056 231.17 due to corruption, fraud and bribery. Of this amount a total of R17 209 114 has been recovered.

Year	Amounts lost due to:	Amounts recovered
	corruption	fraud	bribery
2023		R78 205, 98		R0.00
2022	R126 000			R126 000
2021	R10 600 000			R14 483 114.00 Inclusive of interest
2020	Nil
2019		R12 252 025,19		R2 600 000 Preservation order was granted

According to the information received from Transnet:

TRANSNET CIVIL RECOVERY ASSOCIATED WITH PROCUREMENT IRREGULARITY TO DATE (APRIL 2024)
MATTER	AMOUNT RECOVERED
McKinsey	R870m
Transaction Advisory Services - Regiments; Trillian and previous Transnet executives	R1,5m
1064 Locomotive Supply Agreements (“LSA”) with: Bombardier Transportation (“BT”) Wabtec (formerly General Electric)	Bombardier Transportation R376m (price correction and locomotive retention) Wabtec R70,3m (outstanding supplier development obligation and locomotive retention) Settlements to be presented for Order of Court in Review Application
Liebherr	R54m Settlement to be presented for Order of Court in Review Application
SAP	R244m Part of omnibus settlement in collaboration with SIU and National Prosecuting Authority
IGS and former employees	R26m per judgement
PPE procurement (procurement of breathalyzer straws)	R37m
TOTAL	R1,678,8bn

1. Transnet investigates all allegations received pertaining to fraud, corruption and bribery. This is encapsulated in our Whistle Blowing policy as well as the Anti-Fraud and Corruption policy. Allegations originate from issues reported via the Whistle Blower hotline, internal reports received via management as well as from completed Transnet Internal Audit and Auditor General of South Africa audits/reviews which either recommend further investigations or which identify red flags relating to possible fraud and corruption. Allegations are also received from the Department Public Enterprises (DPE) Hotline as well as from civil society and Transnet investigates all these allegations, including allegations and reports which are published in the media.

2. Transnet Internal Investigations focus attention on gathering and assessing information and evidence which is within Transnet’s domain. There are limitations for Transnet to access information pertaining to financial flows relating to external parties. Transnet therefore places significant reliance on law enforcement agencies and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to conduct further enquiries in matters where alleged or suspected cases of fraud, corruption and bribery are referred as per the respective legislative frameworks. This includes reporting obligations stemming specifically from Section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA) which places a duty on defined persons in a position of authority (i.e. director, manager, Chief Executive Officer) to report offences over R100,000.

3. Transnet institutes civil recovery proceedings, generally with the SIU, in the High Court or Special Tribunal to set aside all irregular contracts associated with fraud, corruption or bribery. These contacts are taken on review with the intention to recover on a just and equitable basis.

4. Transnet also refers all allegations of fraud, corruption and bribery to law enforcement agencies to investigate for criminal prosecution.

Matters referred to Law Enforcement:

1. Transnet has referred 15 cases of alleged corruption and 11 cases of alleged fraud to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. Transnet’s actual losses can only be determined once the outcome of the criminal investigation is concluded where the extent of the losses can be quantified.

2.The total value of matters referred by Transnet to law enforcement for further investigation is R2,119,116,991.78. This represents the value of the contracts or transactions where there are allegations of wrongdoing. This can broadly be broken down as follows:

a) Corruption allegations to the value of R1,907,625,107.00

b) Fraud allegations to the value of R211,491,884.78

c) Bribery. Transnet does not capture data with respect to bribery as this would be covered under the offence of corruption.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

The NCACC has not received any names of applications whose applications in terms of the Regulations of the Foreign Military Assistance Act, No 15 of 1998, were declined by the SA National Defence Force to render support under the flag of a foreign country in a plausible genocide that the Republic does not support or agree with, but who nevertheless continued to render such support in a genocide and/or the names of persons who failed to apply for permission in terms of the Regulation of the Foreign Military Assistance Act, No 15 of 1998.

The NCACC does not have any names of persons who failed to apply (applications) in terms of the Regulations of the Foreign Military Assistance Act, No. 15 of 1998, but is providing such assistance under a foreign flag in a war that the Republic does not support.

The NCACC does not and/or should not receive a name-list from a source when applying under the RFMA since each application is considered on a case by case basis and should meet certain criteria for consideration and possible approval. The South African National Defence Force is constituted in terms of s200 under the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). This is informed by s198 which are the guiding principles of Security Services in South Africa, while s199 reflects the establishment, structuring and conduct of Security Services. This is the casting of the centrepiece of the RFMA.

The RFMA Act states that it intends: to regulate the rendering of foreign military assistance by South African juristic persons, citizens, persons permanently resident within the Republic and foreign citizens rendering such assistance from within the borders of the Republic.

It is trite that given the intention of this Legislation (supra), areas of conflict wherever they occur in the world would be out of bounds for South Africans (Natural and Juristic) and would not enjoy assent of the Republic to partake in.

Further, it is common cause that should it be a case that a South African is involved in an area of conflict. This would be done without the support of the Government of South Africa.

Furthermore, whenever should such violators of the Act be identified, and such participation can be proven the full course of the law shall be visited upon to penalise them.

I thank you.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department as follows:

No such sponsorships, donations and financial transfers were received by the Minister, the DCDT or departmental officials.

I thank you.

Reply:

The matter is being dealt with by the SA Human Rights Commission who have provided me inter alia with the following report:

The complaint was initiated by the Commission’s Northern Cape Provincial Office (NCPO) when they became aware of the audio recording. The NCPO made a preliminary assessment of the complaint and determined that the complaint would best be dealt with through litigation in the Equality Court.

The NCPO established that the respondent’s primary residence was in Gauteng and as per the Commissions Complaints Handling Procedure in August 2023, the complaint was transferred to the Gauteng Provincial Office (GPO).

The GPO has:

1. appointed a tracing agent to confirm the respondents address;
2. briefed counsel to draft an application in terms of section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act against the respondent based on the utterances made by him in the audio recordings;
3. forwarded a letter to the Respondent (via his attorneys) in April 2024 to obtain his response to the complaint. The GPO awaits the Respondent’s response.

Reply:

I have been informed by the SAPO as follows:

1. The R3.8 billion additional funding requirement has been integrated into the financial projections of the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) in the endorsed business rescue plan, which received approval from the majority of SAPO creditors on December 7, 2023. The funding is essential for implementing the business rescue plan, including settling creditor dividends as outlined, investing in CAPEX to modernize mail operating facilities, branch networks, logistics fleet, and information technology infrastructure. Continuous discussions have been held with the National Treasury and the Minister of Finance to explore solutions that ensure the SA Post Office is adequately capitalized in alignment with the business rescue plan.Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in the Business Rescue Plan.

2. Numerous interested parties have put forward proposals, which will undergo a comprehensive review by an internal investment committee established by the joint BRPs at SAPO. This process will ensure a thorough evaluation of all potential partnership opportunities, to strategically select collaborations that will best support the entity's turnaround strategy.

I thank you

Reply:

The Minister has lodged an appeal against the decision of the court. The Department awaits judgment on the matter.

Meanwhile, the SITA has completed its business model review with the view to aligning the business strategy and operations to client departments and ultimately the needs of the citizens. The Minister has also appointed the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) which is supporting the Agency in dealing with the procurement backlog which has hampered the ability of the client departments from delivering their services effectively. The MTT has already facilitated the capacitation of the organisation and has ensured the improvement of the procurement process efficiencies.

I thank you.

Reply:

The employment of young graduates, particularly medical practitioners is a competence of the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the Department of Health. A detailed reply to the question may be sourced from these departments as necessary.

Reply:

I have been advised that:

(i) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) procured three (3) vehicles since 08 May 2019 for the Minister of Small Business Development. From the three (3) procured, one (1) was procured in 2021 and then transferred to the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT) as per agreement between the incoming and outgoing Ministers to DCDT. Two (2) vehicles were procured in 2023 for use in Cape Town and Pretoria.

The following are the details of the three (3) vehicles:

The details of the one (1) vehicle procured in 2021 and transferred to the DCDT:

(a) Make: Audi

(b) Model: Q5 40 TDI

(c) Year of manufacture: 2021

(d) Price: R726 469.25

(e) Purchase date: December 2021

 

The details of the two (2) vehicles procured in 2023:

(a) Make: Audi

(b) Model: Q5 40 TDI

(c) Year of manufacture: 2023

(d) Price: R 790 000.00 x 2= (R 1 580 000.00)

(e) Purchase date: June 2023

(ii) No vehicles were purchased for the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development.

Reply:

The incidence of teenage pregnancy as it affects the dropout of adolescent girls from school is a competence of the Departments of Basic Education, Health, Social Development, and the South African Police Service as applicable. In its 2023 report titled “Learner pregnancy-policy interplay: School dropout of adolescent girls during pregnancy and in the postpartum period in selected South African provinces”, the The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) recommends that these departments spearhead school-based and community programmes aimed at eliminating the incidence of teenage pregnancy in schools. Consequently, a comprehensive reply may be obtained from these relevant departments.

Nevertheless, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has coordinated relevant government departments and initiated a process to develop a draft integrated program of action on the prevention and elimination of teenage pregnancy as a part of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF). This process is initiated to address the fragmented nature of the current interventions toward an all-of-society preventative approach as we battle to end the scourge of teenage pregnancy.

Reply:

1.Three government Departments namely, the Presidency, International Relations and Cooperation and Justice and Constitutional Development had legal representation for the ICJ case argued on 11 and 12 January 2024.

I am only able to respond with regard to the Counsel and costs falling under the Department I am responsible for.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development had 1 senior and 2 junior counsel who handled the matter on a pro bono basis,

(2) I am not aware of any third parties’ sponsorship.

(3)

(a) There were three legal practitioners / counsel who were on brief by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (the Department).

(b) I attended the proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 11 and 12 January 2024 together with three officials.

(4) The information is as follows: -

(a) The costs in respect of travel for:

1. Legal team is R277 083.
2. Minister is R443 442.
3. State Officials is R1025 359, (this includes the VIP Protector who is employed by SAPS, so considered an official)

(b) The total costs for accommodation:

1. Legal team is R73 420.
2. Minister is R43 999.
3. State Officials is R58 115. (this includes the VIP Protector who is employed by SAPS, so considered an official)

c) Subsistence Allowance for Minister & Officials

1. R34 080,42

(5) Yes. South Africa is extremely proud that we took this matter to the ICJ. As Government, South Africa could not sit idly and watch the killing of innocent people in Gaza. South Africa stepped up at the time when thousands of lives, mainly vulnerable women and children, were killed and our efforts drew the world's attention that a genocide is happening in Gaza. Several other countries joined in the condemnation of the genocide and pledged support and solidarity with South Africa for its stance against genocide. This is evidenced by the fact that the ICJ held, by fifteen votes to two, that the State of Israel must, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention. Moreover on 26 January 2024, the court ruled that “the present perilous situation demands immediate and effective implementation of those measures”, in response to the Article 75 application of the ICJ, that Israel is bound by the provisional measures order.

Reply:

The National Gambling Board (NGB) has informed the Department that no Executive level appointments were made during the period 1 January 2023 to 24 February 2024. However, an Acting Chief Technology Officer was appointed in September 2023. The NGB has advised that the vacant Executive position Chief Technology Officer has been advertised.

-END-

Reply:

The Department of Public Enterprises and Ministry have always acted in the best interests of the State. Many detractors and liars have attempted to cast doubts on the integrity of this process, but without any unassailable facts. The fact that the transaction did not proceed, is testimony to the fact that based on new valuations of the business and assets of SAA, if fair value was not attainable, then the transaction must be terminated.

There has been no “conflict of interest” or anything contrary to the findings of the Zondo Commission. It is precisely because the recommendations of the energetic implementation that vested interests and certain nefarious elements that this transaction and DPE have come under relentless negativity.

1. The initial Strategic Equity Partner (SEP) selection process required the parties to meet the following criteria:
   1. Strategic fit;
   2. Funding capacity;
   3. Operational experience in the private sector and track record;
   4. National interest; and,
   5. Executability.

The initial selection process did not yield the desired outcome as none of the interested parties met the above criteria. Towards the end of February 2021 the Department received further Expressions of Interest.

Four (4) parties were shortlisted and were subjected to a evaluation process and scoring. From the scoring, two proposed SEPs were shortlisted, namely Harith General Partners and Global Aviation which had partnered with Lift. They proceeded to the due diligence stage and concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a Consortium after both parties presented their intention to bid as a Consortium, Takatso Consortium.

The Department was satisfied with Takatso Consortium’s proposal since it met the Department’s requirements. Takatso had the requisite combination of financial and operational capabilities required for the successful relaunch of SAA.

(2)(a)(i) The deal was approved Cabinet.

(ii) Cabinet approved the deal since Takatso Consortium met Government’s selection criteria (financial and operational capabilities) and that the deal was in the best interest of SAA and Government as it would contribute to SAA’s financial and operational suitability.

(b) The consideration for sale of shares in SAA to Takatso was R3,000,000,051.00 (three billion and fifty one Rands).

(3) The SAA SEP transaction was approved by Cabinet having seen that the deal was in the best interest of the Republic. The deal would guarantee SAA’s future’s sustainability as government would not be expected to inject capital into SAA for operations.

It must be emphasised, once again, that notwithstanding the damage done to SAA by corruption in years prior to 2019, and COVID, induced shut down of borders across the globe and in South Africa, the revival of SAA and the search for a strategic equity partner has been undertaken in the national interest and with the approval of Cabinet.

Remarks: Approved /Not Approved/Comments

Melanchton Makobe P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

a) The total number of Smart Identification Cards (ID) fluctuate usually on any given time because, as Id Cards are collected, new applications come in immediately.

Most people who apply for Id Cards, actually have the green identity booklet, hence they are not in a hurry to collect smart Id Cards because they still have the Id (green barcoded) booklet which allows them to do everything.

Presently the number of uncollected new issued Id Smart card is 105,000.

(b) Part of the intervention strategies being employed to ensure that identity documents are collected before 29 May 2024 include: -

• Home Affairs will open its offices countrywide for seven (7) Saturdays prior to Election Day. These are 06, 13, 20 April 2024 and 04, 11, 18, and 25 May 2024, which will be from 08H00 until 17H00, to encourage collection of identity documents, as well as dealing with resolution of duplicate cases.
• Additional three (3) hours per day of service delivery on 27 and 28 May 2024 will be effected.

• On Election Day, 29 May 2024, Home Affairs will extend its operational hours in line with the IEC.
• Mobile Units will be deployed to far-flung areas where Home Affairs does not have presence.

END.

Reply:

The South African Bureau of Standards has furnished me with the following response to the question:

As part of the Turnaround Plan, the SABS undertook an organisational review exercise with the objective of determining a suitable Operating Model and a fit for purpose Organisational Structure which got approved by the Administrators following extensive consultations with the SABS employees. The new structure has 829 positions, but the management agreed to freeze 71 posts due to budget constraints. That left a total of 758 posts. To fill these positions, some of which were new, others redefined, the matching and placement process was undertaken and concluded in October 2023.

As at 31 March 2024, 662 of 758 positions were filled.

Of the 96 posts, the management has prioritised the filling of 59 vacancies due to further financial constraints. These will be filled as follows:

• 37 in 2024/25, and
• 22 in 2025/26, subject to the availability of funding.

-END-

Reply:

South Africa has made considerable progress in the past 30 years in rebuilding a society deeply damaged by apartheid and colonialism.

I am informed by the Department that the normal events of the Department, including end of Administration report-backs and meetings, will be an opportunity to also reflect on progress made during the 30 years of the democratic era. Accordingly, there is no separate budget as no events specific only to the celebrations are planned.

We will proudly carry the logo of 30 Years of Democracy in publications and presentations of the normal work of the Department and the story of progress made will be communicated in the messages of the Ministry and Department.

-END-

Reply:

The South African Bureau of Standards advises that a capital expansion plan of R376.0 million has been budgeted for in the Corporate Plan for FY 2024/25 to 2026/27.

The R376.0 million capital budget is focused mainly on three (3) areas, namely Laboratory Services, Facilities, and Information & Communication Technology. The capital budget will be funded through a combination of grant funding from the fiscus and own funds.

-END-

Reply:

The following reply has been compiled by the Energy One Stop Shop, and Invest SA.

(1) The EOSS was launched on the 27th July 2023 at the dtic Campus.

The following have been actioned since the launch:

• Website launched and operational – www.energyoss.gov.za
• Registration Portal for Energy Projects live and operational.
• Tracking and Monitoring Database operational.
• Technical Working Group established (with all relevant Departments)
• Partnerships forged with Key Industry Stakeholders (e.g. MOU with Energy Council of SA).
• Linkages with Key Government Entities (Presidency, IDC, NEF, Infrastructure SA, IPPPP Office).
• Representation on various Working Groups (Legal and Regulatory Workstream, ESKOM Transmission Workstream and NECOM).
• Single Window Application Implementation Plan developed with the IFC (World Bank Group) and currently being reviewed by various Industry Bodies through the Energy Council of South Africa (ECSA). Support of the IFC is valued at approximately US 1,5 million. The envisaged implementation date is 1st quarter 2025.
• The first phase of Mapping of Municipal processes and standardised procedures conducted by UK Pact Consultants and will be concluded by the end of October. Support by the UK Pact programme is valued at R1,5 million.
• Escalation letters have been sent to Municipalities where applicable.
• EOSS participated in various Energy Related Events (Conferences, Indaba’s and Workshops, Energy Action Lab) Nationally and Provincially.
• As part of the EOSS task to develop processes and mechanisms to fast track and unlock challenges (licensing and permitting approvals) experienced by developers, it was determined that a Single Window Application approach should be followed to streamline the application process for developers of energy projects. This is also supported by the Energy Council of South Africa as one of the interventions and outlined in the proposed Omnibus Bill.
• As several Departments are the Competent Authorities in their areas of expertise (e.g. DFFE), the various processes at these Departments had to be mapped to determine the extent to which overlaps exists. Through the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) these processes have been mapped (approval processes, timelines and checklists), recommendations made and an implementation action plan proposed. This has been shared with Industry through the Energy Council of South Africa (ECSA) for review and comments. Once amended the implementation plan will be socialised with all the relevant Departments for adoption and execution. Currently the EOSS together with the Departments are looking into the harmonisation of all IT Systems to develop the streamlined Single Window Application System. The anticipated date for the pilot will be ready for testing by 3rd quarter of 2024 and full implementation by the 1^st quarter for 2025.
• A parallel process was embarked upon, of mapping approval and permitting processes for Energy Projects at municipal level and the impact of these on the implementation of Energy Projects. The workstream has been engaging with Municipalities, Developers, Departments and the Energy Industry to determine the effectiveness of the approval and permitting process at Municipal level. The first phase of the project came to an end in October 2023.

The EOSS received 114 projects from the Presidential Embedded Generation Task Team to track and unlock bottlenecks encountered by Energy Developers (mainly independent power producers IPPs). These projects are at various stages of development. Of the 114 projects, 26 were prioritised for immediate focus after consultations with developers and owners of projects. 2 projects were cancelled by developers and four (4) acquired SIP status, thus the EOSS is tracking 20 projects that have a few remaining challenges. The 114 projects upon receipt equated to 16 859MW and R109 billion in potential investment. In addition, besides IPP projects the EOSS unblocks for companies encountering challenges with municipalities and Eskom such as PG Bison, Teraco, Humtamaki amongst others.

 

The dashboard below outlines what the EOSS is currently tracking in terms of the Priority Projects:

EOSS DASHBOARD:

The dashboard below outlines what the EOSS is currently tracking in terms of the Priority Projects:

EOSS DASHBOARD:

Priority Projects Received: 26

Projects Cancelled: (2 by developers)

Projects Transferred to SIP: 4

Remaining Projects: 20 (1624,5MW)

Projects Unlocked: 6 = 517,5MW: (Damlaagte - 97,5MW; Sutherland 2

- 140MW; Cennergi - 80MW; Tronox - 200MW, Mogalakwena, PPC Sturdee are on hold because Developer uncertainty e.g. Grid Connections)

Projects Operational: 4 = 78,5MW: Harmony Gold (Eland, Nyala,

Tshepong), Gold Fields South Deep

Projects Tracked: 10

Current Challenges: 14 (Land Use, Mining rights, Water rights, ESKOM, Municipal approvals) Commercial Operational Date: 2023 – 2026 (10 Projects).

In the pipeline of remaining 88 projects are 20 updated projects (3136MW) with challenges across Departments and Municipalities. The 20 were prioritised by Developers after the EOSS engagement with them. The anticipated commercial operational dates are between 2024-2027. The EOSS in conjunction with the Departmental Technical Working Group (TWG) is working towards unblocking all challenges encountered.

In addition, through the EOSS live portal, 44 project leads have been identified covering wind, solar, gas and hybrid technologies. Of these the EOSS are tracking 17 projects of 5576 MW.

(2) Whether there is any level of authority for expediting the licensing process; if not who is responsible if so, what are the relevant details;

• Yes, a Technical Work Group, consisting of all the relevant Departments that are Competent Authorities. The EOSS TWG was established with the support of NECOM (National Energy Crisis Committee). Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between EOSS and the Departments are in the final stage of being signed – it is envisaged that it would be concluded in the first half of 2024.
• Competent Authorities have given undertakings at NECOM to shorten approval process within the legislated time frames e.g. DFFE are now able to process application with decisions within 57 days for a Basic Assessment if in a Renewable Energy Development Zone (REDZ) and the EOSS are tracking projects based on these.
• The EOSS reports to two NECOM Workstreams (Legal and Regulatory WS2) and Transmission (WS10). These structures meet every 2^nd week or once a month but it also reports to the Ministry and Presidency on a regular basis. The TWG has met more the 8 times – going forward it plans to meet once a quarter as soon as the electronic automated tracking and reporting system for the EOSS has been developed.
• The EOSS also has an MOU with the Energy Council of South Africa – it provides technical advisory and capacity building services to the EOSS Team.

(3) What (a) problems have been identified with the system, (b) measures are being taken to rectify the identified problems, (c) on what date does he envisage the (i) identified problems will be resolved and (ii) system will be established and fully functional?

a) Delays in approvals by some Departments and Agencies (e.g. ESKOM – Cost Estimate Letters (CELs) and Budget Quotes (BQs).

b) Challenges that IPPs are encountering with Departments and Entities are addressed and resolved by EOSS through TWG members. Municipalities remain the biggest challenge as there is a lack of standardised processes in place to deal with Renewable Energy Projects (both in terms of Human Resources and Expertise). A Mapping exercise was embarked upon by the EOSS and a report with recommendations outlining intervention was developed. Through greater coordination led by the EOSS in conjunction with SALGA and COGTA in supporting municipalities, the EOSS for example with the support of the Presidency and Office of the Premier in the Free State unlocked some major project challenges for Developers such as Sunelex Solar Power in the Matjhabeng Municipality – 605MW.

c) Unresolved challenges outside reasonable and stipulated time-frames are escalated to the PMO in the Presidency and NEOCOM for intervention. Challenges are escalated once evaluated and severity determined. A single windows application and tracking system is being developed to automate and harmonise processes – the envisaged fully operational date is end of Q1 2025 subject to budget availability.

-END-

Reply:

The Department has commenced an investigation into matters relating to the National Gambling Board, initially focused on the procurement of the building. A forensic investigating company has been appointed in this regard.

A further briefing by the Department relating to remuneration and authorization for overseas travel has raised governance questions relating to these matters. This will now be included in the forensic investigation.

The Department is also considering what appropriate immediate steps should be taken in addition to the above.

Once the investigation is complete, the necessary actions will be taken where warranted, and a report will be submitted to Parliament.

-END-

Reply:

Before responding to the specific question raised, it is important to highlight the environment that the State-Owned Companies (SOCs) operated in:

a) All entities were affected by state capture;

b) The following had an impact on the SOCs:

1. financial and liquidity position;
2. increased operating costs;
3. technical impact on the operational performance
4. there was erosion of skills; and
5. boards were compromised

c) The entities began stabilising and recovering from the effects of state capture as the new administration started addressing the state capture;

d) No bail outs were provided to SOCs but rather capital invested in SOCs to put them on a path of sustainability; and

e) Since then, the SOCs have progressed towards sustainability.

With regard to South African Airways (SAA), the airline has for previous financial years been facing significant financial and operational challenges. This was partly due to several challenges which amongst others included, state capture and corruption. As a result, the airline was placed in business rescue by its Board, effective 6 December 2019 to enable a comprehensive restructuring of the company and its balance sheet to ensure that a viable, competitive, and sustainable airline emerges. Funding was provided as post commencement funding to enable operations to continue while the business rescue plan was being developed. This also enabled the repatriation of South African citizen stranded in other countries during the Covid-19 pandemic lock down in 2020. The business rescue plan was developed and the creditors adopted the business rescue plan on 14 July 2020. The airline was later restructured, staff rightsized, significant compromises reached with creditors and the business rescue was exited on 30 April 2021. The airline recommenced operations in September 2021. The summary of funding received from Government is shown below, according to SAA and the amounts are further explained by the Department below thereafter.

According to information received from SAA:

(a)(i) Since 2019, South African Airways (SAA), please note the following with regards to bailouts and dividends:

Year	Amounts are not Bailouts but rather Capital invested	Dividends
FY2019/20	R 5.5 billion	R nil
FY2020/21	R18.2 billion	R nil
FY2021/22	R 6.8 billion	R nil
FY2022/23	R 1.6 billion	R nil
FY2023/24	R 1 billion	R nil

Explanation of the numbers

Year	Amounts are not Bailouts but rather Capital invested	Broken down as	Purpose	Dividends
FY2019/20	R 5.5 billion	R2 billion	Working Capital	R nil
		R3.5 billion	Settle lenders bridging finance
FY2020/21	R18.2 billion	R2.2 billion	Settle Business Rescue (BR) post commencement finance	R nil
		R4.4 billion	Settle lenders legacy debt
		R3.6 billion	Settle DBSA BR post commencement finance
		R7.8 billion	Implement BR
FY2021/22	R 6.8 billion	R4.1 billion	Settle lenders legacy debt	R nil
		R2.7 billion	Restructure SAA subsidiaries
FY2022/23	R 1.6 billion	R1.6 billion	Settle lenders legacy debt	R nil
FY2023/24	R 1 billion	R1 billion	Implement BR	R nil

(ii) Dividends: Rnil

According to information received from Eskom:

(b)(i) Since May 2019, Eskom has received government support of R158.6 billion through the Special Appropriation Act of 2019 and R76 billion (which includes R13 billion expected to be received by the end of March 2024), in terms of the Eskom Debt Relief Act of 2023. The breakdown is listed below:

Financial year	Amount received, R billion	Applicable act
FY2020	49.0	Special Appropriation Act 2019
FY2021	56.0
FY2022	31.7
FY2023	21.9
Sub-total	158.6
FY2024	76	Eskom Debt Relief Act 2023
Total	234.6

It must be noted that these are not bailouts, but government support is required to mitigate the fact that the allowed revenue under the NERSA Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD) allowable revenue theory is understated.

Annexure W3 of the 2023 Budget Speech, states that:

“The National Treasury recognises that debt relief alone will not return the utility to financial sustainability.

A key assumption considered in the debt-relief determination is the implementation of the

recent tariff increase approved by the Regulator (18.65 per cent in 2023/24 and 12.74 per cent in 2024/25). Without these increases, the debt-relief arrangement is not sustainable.

Outstanding municipal debt, which has grown from R58,5 billion in March 2023 to R74.5 billion in February 2024 (11 months), is a systemic challenge to the electricity industry as a whole.

The National Treasury is finalising a proposal to address this debt.”

(b)(ii) No dividends have been declared over the past five years.

According to information received from Transnet:

(c)(i) Transnet received an equity injection from government of R5,8 billion (Transnet issued

ordinary shares of 5 837 000 000 to government) in February 2023 per special

appropriation Bill 2022 allocation to accelerate the rehabilitation of longstanding

locomotives (R2,9 billion) and to cover losses/expenses incurred due to the KZN flood

damage in April 2022 (R2,9 billion).

(ii) Transnet has not paid out any dividends since May 2019.

According to information received from SAFCOL:

(d)(i) Nil (Zero) bailouts received by The South African Forestry Company SOC Limited and

(ii) R1 million (2022/23) dividend paid out over the past 5 years since May 2019.

According to information received from Alexkor:

(e)(i) No bailouts were received by Alexkor over the past 5 years;

(ii) Alexkor did not pay out any dividends over the past 5 years.

According to information received from Denel:

(f)(i) R9bn

(ii) Rnil

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date: