Questions and Replies

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 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:

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:

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:

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 Pension Redress Programme was an initiative negotiated and agreed to by parties to the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) through Resolution 7 of 1998. The programme aimed to address discriminatory practices by recognising non-contributory service as pensionable service for employees affected by past discrimination. The programme's implementation period started on 29 November 2002 and concluded on 31 July 2012, following PSCBC Resolution 3 of 2012, which set the final application deadline as 31 March 2012. The resolution of the programme was further defined under PSCBC Resolution 2 of 2018, which detailed the compensation methodology and marked the formal conclusion of the redress process for qualifying applicants.

Applications for the redress programme were submitted via the PSCBC. The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) acted as the payment facilitator for the redress payouts but was not the initiating body of the programme. The decisions regarding the programme's commencement, operational framework, and conclusion were determined within the PSCBC framework, with the Government Pension Administration Agency (GPAA) responsible for processing applications and implementing payments. As such, the GEPF would not be able to comment on the reasons for the programme's conclusion beyond the PSCBC resolutions.

a) Applications received to date

The PSCBC received a total of 150,444 applications of which 72 335 applications were identified as qualifying for the redress benefit. An independent audit was conducted to ensure the verification process was complete, fair, and accurate. This process involved a detailed review to distinguish between qualifying applicants, error cases, and those not meeting the eligibility criteria. Following the completion of the audit process, 53,717 records were identified as qualifying applicants and 18,618 error cases were noted.

As part of the implementation process, the GPAA undertook a meticulous re-verification of cases against the resolutions and pensionable periods recorded on the administration system. This was to ensure the utmost accuracy and fairness in the redress allocation. This re-verification process led to various outcomes, including:

• Error cases initially identified that later met the qualifications for approval;
• Approved/Error cases that, upon re-verification, did not qualify due to overlapping pensionable service;

As a result of this thorough process, the total number of approved cases was updated to 58,324, with the initial 17,045 error cases undergoing further review. Hence a total of 75 369 applications have been processed to date.

b) Applications that have been finalised

Of the initially approved cases, 58,123 applications have been finalised and processed for redress. Of the error cases revisited, 5,982 (35%) were reclassified from error to approved, 6,348 (37%) remained as error cases, and 4,715 (28%) were determined not to qualify (DNQ), hence a total of 68 820 have been finalised.

c) Remain to be finalised;

As we continue to work towards the finalisation of the Pension Redress Programme, a small fraction of cases remains outstanding. Specifically, of the approved cases, 201 remain unresolved. Additionally, 6,348 cases have not been resolved due to their initial classification as error cases. A targeted approach has been implemented to address these error cases, involving the redistribution of error letters by the GPAA to facilitate departmental engagements and case resolutions.

Moreover, there are a small number of members who, despite applying within the stipulated timeframe, were not included in the final costing of the Redress Programme. These cases, while few, are being carefully reviewed, and are addressed on a case-by-case basis.

The GEPF is committed to concluding these remaining cases with diligence and fairness, ensuring every eligible member receives due redress.

(2) The GEPF cannot furnish details of the claim submitted by Ms Sheila Cathleen Lewis to a third party to maintain confidentiality as required by the GEP Law, PAIA and POPIA legislation. The GEPF has requested the GPAA to investigate the matter and will advise Ms Sheila Cathleen directly.

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&b) The total number is zero as of 15 March 2024. However, there are 110 outstanding class action cases and processes have already commenced on the finalisation of these 110 cases well before their deadlines. The department has a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance court orders. The Minister has instructed officials to ensure all court orders issued are finalised within 7 days before the stipulated deadline to implement the order. All Deputy Director Generals account for pending court orders at bi-weekly meetings and directly to the Minister every month.

(c)  The Department has a system where the data is received and captured to monitor all letters of demand, mandamus applications as well as Court orders. A dedicated team has been set up between the Legal and Immigration Services units to focus exclusively on court matters.

END

Reply:

1. The Department never received any formal memorandum from the Office of the State Attorney Cape Town. However, we learnt from the Sunday Times that such a memorandum existed. We then investigated and found that there was correspondence between two junior officials, one from the Department and the other from the Office of the State Attorney Cape Town. We enquired from the Head of the Office of the State Attorney Cape Town, Mr Mbeki, whether he had any knowledge of such correspondence. Mr Mbeki confirmed that he did not approve such correspondence and that he only learnt from the media that there was such a memorandum. We therefore do not regard that memorandum as official correspondence save to state that, information contained therein is inaccurate.

2. As at 31 January 2024, the Critical Skills, Business and General Work Visas that form part of the annual performance plan have no backlogs. Majority of the delays and backlogs are on two visa categories, they are section 11(6) and Section 18 visas for spousal and relatives respectively.

The department experiences challenges concerning the legitimacy of relationships being claimed and cited in the applications. It must be noted that some foreign nationals have taken advantage and follow corrupt methods to legitimise themselves, family members, friends and others. The backlog for both stands at 79 916. 85% of the backlog falls under these two categories where massive corruption and collusion was detected. The breakdown is as follows:

Temporary Residence Permit: Categories
Row Labels	31-Jan-24
Exchange Visa Section 22	9
Medical Treatment Section 17	1090
Relative's Visa (brother) Section 18	2609
Relative's Visa (major child) Section 18	3952
Relative's Visa (minor child) Section 18	9580
Relative's Visa (Parent) Section 18	2190
Relative's Visa (sister) Section 18	841
Relative's Visa (Spouse)	18661
Retired Person Visa Section 20	1686
Study Visa Section 13	1751
Treaty Visa Section 14	49
Visitor's Visa Section 11(1)	1106
Visitor's Visa Section 11(1)(b)(i)	14
Visitor's Visa section 11(1)(b)(ii)	2229
Visitor's Visa Section 11(1)(b)(iii)	191
Visitor's Visa Section 11(1)(b)(iv)	3883
Visitor's Visa Section 11(2)	1233
Visitor's Visa Section 11(6)	41083
Grand Total	92157

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:

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:

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:

(a) (i) and (b)

The amount reflected in the MICT SETA 2022-23 Annual Report, as audited, for Travel and Accommodation Expenditure for the Accounting Authority (AA) Members, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), is R 2.1 million. The MICT SETA notes the amount of R 534 400 reflected in the Parliamentary Question. The year under review included the World Skills International Competition 2022 Special Edition. The MICT SETA also participated in the Study Tour to Silicon Valley that was attended by the Chairperson of the AA and the CEO.

The remainder of the Travel and Accommodation expenditure relates to the normal oversight responsibility provided by the AA in line with their oversight role and responsibilities as enshrined in the PFMA and the Constitution of MICT SETA.

• The World Skills International Competition 2022 Special Edition

The World Skills Competition is a Global movement, hosted by fifteen member countries, regions, and their national partners. These members and partners host skills competitions in 26 cities across the world, they share their expertise and resources to ensure that the World Skills community enhances global training standards and benchmarks their systems. The MICT SETA was invited by DHET to participate as an observer in the World Skills Competition and was requested to nominate four delegates who will represent the SETA. The nominated delegates consisted of two members from the Accounting Authority (AA) (Chairperson of AA and Chairperson of Information Communications Technology Committee (ICTCOMM)) and two members from management (Senior manager 4IR and representative from the office of the CEO). This competition reflects the commitment of the MICT SETA to promote Technical and Vocational Education, diversify the economy, and empower and enthuse young people to seek new skills opportunities through vocational education and training. The Skills relating to the MICT SETA industries that were showcased in the competition are as follows:

• Mobile Applications Development
• IT Software Solutions for Business
• Web technologies
• IT Network Systems Administration
• Plastic Die Engineering
• 3D Digital Game Art
• Cloud Computing
• Cyber Security
• Study Tour to Silicon Valley

The Study Tour to Silicon Valley was a high-level study, for discussion with leading multinational companies such as Google, Amazon, and Stanford University, among others. These included Government entities to gain insights into policies and planning governing the innovation ecosystem in the USA to inform innovation policy development and implementation in South Africa. This effort seeks to promote strategic partnerships with the respective entities in key disruptive technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, which will benefit the development of South African capacities. The tour took place from the 20^th to the 30^{th of} April 2022. The MICT SETA participated due to the critical role it plays in supporting the implementation of the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and massification of Digital Skills in South Africa.

• Other Travel and Accommodation expenditures.

The remainder of the travel and accommodation expenditure relates to the normal oversight responsibility as prescribed by the legislation. These were incurred for the attendance of the normal AA meetings and AA subcommittee meetings. In the year under review, MICT SETA had six AA subcommittee meetings, namely the Finance and Remuneration Committee (FINREMCO), Executive Committee (EXCO), Information, Communications and Technology Committee (ICT), Governance and Strategies Committee, Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and Social and Ethics Committee (SAECO). These committees meet every quarter and, or on isolated cases where compelling/mandatory submissions falling outside of the approved corporate calendar are required to be complied with. These committees process management submissions and recommend to the AA for approval, the AA meets every quarter.

The EXCO of the MICT SETA Accounting Authority (AA) meets monthly to monitor the implementation of the resolutions of the AA in line with the approved constitution of the MICT SETA. The MICT SETAs’ Head Office is in Gauteng and holds these Accounting Authority and committee meetings at the Head Office most of the time unless there is a stakeholder engagement session in other provinces around the period where the AA is supposed to be meeting, to save costs such as meeting fees and travel costs, the MICT SETA sometimes holds the AA meetings in the same province/area where the AA is holding stakeholder engagement session.

The MICT SETA has three AA members who do not reside in Gauteng, where the AA meetings are often held, two of the three reside in Limpopo, and the Chairperson of the AA resides in the Eastern Cape. The area where the Chairperson stays is not closer to the airport, he is required to drive a long distance to Durban King Shaka International Airport, where he catches his flight to Gauteng most of the time when there are AA meetings. In line with its policies, MICT SETA is required to arrange travel and accommodation for all three AA members to ensure that they exercise their oversight responsibility.

Included in the travel and accommodation for AA members, are costs incurred for the attendance of AA Strategic Sessions, which are often held outside of the office premises, due to the nature of these meetings.

Other oversight responsibilities of the AA include.

• Approval of the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Strategic Plan (APP);
• Approval of policies of MICT SETA;
• Approval of Budget;
• Approval of Annual Financial Statement, Performance information, and Annual Report.
• Approval of Engagement letter and Audit Strategy;
• Approval of Audit Report from Auditor General and other auditors;
• Approval of Quarterly Reports; and
• Approval of the Annual Procurement Plan.

For every AA meeting, the SETA is required by its policies and PFMA to pay for the travel and accommodation expenses of all AA members.

The detailed Transaction Report of all the Travel and Accommodation Expenditures incurred by the MICT SETA in the 2022-23 financial year is attached as Annexure A.

 

c) (i) and (ii)

The MICT SETA has contributed largely to the skills development initiative within its sector. During the period under review, a total of 14 064 learners were enrolled in various learning programmes such as Learnership, Internship, TVET placement, University Placement, Short Programmes, and Skills Programmes. A total number of 14,064 households were exposed to some form of income because of these programmes. Of the 14 064 learners enrolled 8 366 were females and 5 698 were males, a total of 1 371 were learners living with disabilities. Furthermore, for completions, 8 276 learners completed the learning programmes, of which 5503 were female learners,3223 were Males and 602 were learners living with disabilities. Over 2,500 learners who completed the learning programmes were absorbed by employers within the MICT SETA subsectors.

A total of 179 Learners were supported with skills development programmes to establish enterprises and 249 learners were supported through skills development programmes to establish co-operatives. These results were championed through the oversight responsibilities provided by the AA of MICT SETA and its committees.

The MICT SETA established research chairs across public universities within South Africa, which resulted in the launch of Tshwane University of Technology Research Chairs and University of Limpopo Research Chairs in the year under review, later in the same year, the SETA adopted a Triple Helix Model that fosters collaboration between the Industry, Academia, and Government/MICT SETA. As a result, this has led to a tailor-made Integrated Leaner Management System with the potential of being adopted by all the SETAs, this Integrated Leaner management has the potential to address the issues of double dipping that were identified by the AGSA as being a constant challenge across the PSET system. The above solution is at the 90% completion stage and was tested by the stakeholders and found to be sound and user-friendly. This is part of ensuring that beyond accelerating Digital Skills to as many young South Africans in Urban, Townships and Rural Areas, the agenda of Innovation is inclusive hence the youth in the Universities of Technologies have actively participated in the development of this cutting-edge customised digital solution.

The MICT SETA has also been instrumental in the formation of a strategic partnership that goes beyond the post-school system to strategic industry partners to drive innovation in the form of Hackathons and improved opportunities for employment and mentorship. In the same year, MICT SETA developed more than 32 4IR qualifications not limited to Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, 3D printing, Coding, Block Chain etc.

Furthermore, MICT SETA obtained a clean audit outcome, with a clean governance report (talking to a well-functioning governance structure) with 95% achievement of Annual Performance Plan targets, the highest it has ever achieved in the history of its establishment. All these achievements were because of the oversight role and continuous guidance provided by the MICT SETA AA and its committees. See Annexure A regarding the value derived by the MICT SETA.

Reply:

1. (a) The Principal of Northern Cape Urban TVET College is appointed in that position and only acting as a Regional Manager for Northern and Western Cape Region without interests being raised by the Department to appoint that Principal as the Regional Manager.

(a) (1) The Acting Policy of the DHET indicates that a person may Act in a vacant and funded Post (as in the DHET Acting Appointment Policy section 4.2.2(a) and supported by SMS Handbook Chapter 3 section 10.1 (1)) but instead the DHET is focussing on filling the vacant funded Posts permanently.

a) (2) The Department is under no obligation to appoint any person to act in any non-vacant but funded position as it can decide not to renew the acting period of a person (when the principal is not at the college, the principal appoints an Acting Principal on behalf of the Principal).

b) The person has been in a Principal post for Five years and as an Acting Regional Manager for just above a year in periods.

c) (1) As indicated the person is appointed as Principal within the DHET.

( c) (2) The persons as the Acting Regional Manager work in Northern Cape and Western Cape.

( c) (3) The Principal of Northern Cape Urban has never work at Goldfields TVET College and would not know if there was an investigation and its finding.

( c) (4) The Principal of Northern Cape Urban previously worked at Motheo TVET College and does not recollect being investigated and was unfortunates not informed of the outcome of the purported investigation.

2. This question was responded to in question (1) (a), (a) (1) and (a)(2)

Reply:

1. (a) The college procured the clothing and merchandise from different service providers which cost R 3 403 272.11

(b) The bottled water costing R 530 600.00 was procured by the college.

(c) The nformation and communication technoglogy devices and services procured costed R 5 267 571.40

(d) The general household maintenance and improvement procured costed R 7 114 553.90

2. The college procured goods and services each costing more than R 450 000.00 from different service providers and in compliance with the POPI Act it will be prudent for the college not to disclose those service providers yet.

Reply:

a. NSFAS did not have any landlords for Vaal University of Technology providing accommodation for NSFAS students in 2023.

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

b. NSFAS was made aware in December 2023 that VUT has unaccredited landlords providing accommodation to some NSFAS beneficiaries in 2023 and the institution has not been working with the unaccredited landlords. NSFAS however intervened to assist the institution until the matter was resolved in February 2024 where the institution has started processes to pay landlords who have leases with confirmed funded students.

On 13 March 2024, NSFAS was informed of the pending payments of funded students who were residing in accredited accommodation. NSFAS is awaiting the institution to provide the list of those students to verify them on the system.

2. Vaal University of Technology to respond.

Reply:

a) The Minister of Finance is aware that Ithala SOC Limited has submitted 2 applications, in terms of section 12 of the Banks Act, for authorization to establish a bank, one in November 2016 to the then Registrar of Banks (now part of the Prudential Authority of the South African Reserve Bank) and the second one in June 2023 to the Prudential Authority. However, as the Prudential Authority is the competent regulatory authority, neither National Treasury nor the Minister of Finance are involved in any aspect of the assessment of bank licence applications. Ithala, as the applicant, would have been furnished with the full reasons by the Prudential Authority, on why its applications were not successful.

b) Ithala was continuously issued with exemption notices for more than 20 years, as a temporary measure to allow it to work towards meeting all the licensing requirements, in terms of the applicable legislation. For the safety and soundness of all our institutions, and in the interests of fairness, banking laws and regulations should apply to all institutions that conduct banking business. All institutions that conduct banking business are required to meet all the licensing requirements for banks, in terms of applicable legislation. Compliance with the country’s banking laws is required to ensure that hard earned savings and deposits of ordinary citizens are protected.

c) In terms of the provision of section 1(1)(cc) of the Banks Act, the Minister of Finance is required to concur to the issuance of exemption notices by the Prudential Authority. As such, the Minister does not have the authority to issue exemption notices. The issuance of exemption notices is a regulatory function that is performed by the Prudential Authority, as an independent regulatory authority.

Reply:

(a) The institutions are not accredited by NSFAS as part of the pilot. However, we do have some institutions that have started the process to register on the portal.

b) All accredited properties are linked to TVETs and/ or Universities in the pilot as per the Minimum Norms and Standard on Student Housing. To date a total number of 2145, are linked to TVETs and 3901 linked to universities.

PROPOSED TVET COLLEGES:

EASTERN CAPE

• Port Elizabeth
• East Cape Midlands
• Buffalo City
• KSD
• King Hintsa

FREE STATE

• Motheo

GAUTENG

• Central Johannesburg College
• Ekurhuleni East
• Ekurhuleni West
• Tshwane South
• Tshwane North
• Sedibeng

 

KZN

• eThekwini
• Coastal
• Majuba
• Umfolozi
• eLangeni

LIMPOPO

• Mopani
• Vhembe
• Letaba

MPUMALANGA

• Gert Sibande
• Ehlanzeni

WESTERN CAPE

• Northlink

Proposed Universities:

EASTERN CAPE

• University of Fort Hare
• Walter Sisulu University
• Nelson Mandela University FREE STATE
• CUT

GAUTENG

• TUT
• Vaal University of Technology
• University of Pretoria
• UJ

KZN

• University of Zululand
• DUT
• MUT
• UKZN

LIMPOPO

• University of Limpopo
• TUT Campus

MPUMALANGA

• Mpumalanga University

NORTHERN CAPE

• Sol Plaatje University

WESTERN CAPE

• UWC
• CPUT

Reply:

For the 2024 academic year, NSFAS proposed that 23 TVET colleges and 17 Universities must be part of the accommodation pilot program, which includes Sol Plaatjie University.

NSFAS continues to engage Sol Plaatje University on the implementation of the project and the University has since confirmed that they have implemented the project at 95%. NSFAS is keeping a close eye on the University.

Reply:

a) (i) Approximately R21 446 855 was lost.

(ii) None of the funds have been recovered as some of these matters are still being investigated by law enforcement agencies.

(b) The NSFAS has reported 14 matters with the SAPS relating to alleged fraud.

Reply:

a) (i) NSFAS has a total of 40 selected institutions on the pilot for private accommodation for the 2024 academic year which are spread across different Provinces.

The total number of Accommodation Providers/ Properties that have been accredited through NSFAS portal is 3309.

ii) There is no single contractual value as these are dependent on the outcome of the grading of each property.

iii) All offer letters that have been accepted by landlords are for a duration of 3 years.

b) NSFAS started paying some accommodation providers by 15 March 2024 and catch-up payments are still being processed as these are based on the registration data received from the institutions. All remittances are expected to be done by end April/ May when all payments are up to date.

Reply:

1. The instrument to encourage local and/or domestic investment in developmental assets is Regulation 28, which is a legislative instrument issued by the Minister of Finance through the Pension Funds Act. The purpose of Regulation 28 is to protect investors against poorly diversified investment portfolios and exposure to risky assets by prescribing maximum investment thresholds that a pension fund may invest in, in line with asset categories allowed by the Regulation. However, to recognise the imperative of promoting investment in infrastructure, Regulation 28 was amended to set the overall investment in infrastructure across all asset classes at 45 per cent. Infrastructure in this context includes public and private infrastructure like water, energy, hospitals, and transport.

The amended Regulation 28 came into effect in January 2023. Due to the long-term investment horizon of retirement funds, they are well placed to hold investments in infrastructure through listed companies and fixed income instruments. Retirement funds can do this whilst ensuring that their principal responsibility, which is to safeguard the savings of individual pension savers with enough returns on these investments, is fully met.

To ensure that the policy objective is met, measures to track the level of investments in infrastructure are being developed.

2. The 2020 Budget Review outlined reforms to modernise the foreign‐exchange system to maximise trade and investment benefits in a globalised capital environment, while complementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, to which South Africa is a signatory. The reforms were aligned to the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) best practice Code of Liberalisation of Capital Movements. The National Treasury, alongside the Reserve Bank, Prudential Authority and the FSCA, will evaluate the impact of these reforms on the prudential, fiscal, and monetary policy frameworks. This research is intended to generate adjustments to improve alignment of the frameworks and may affect the pace at which these reforms continue to be implemented.

Reply:

a) The Special Investigating Unit submitted a motivation to amend the scope of Proclamation R84 OF 2022 to the Department of Justice and Correctional Services on 7 July 2023. The Department of Justice and Correctional Services is processing the motivation.

b) The motivation relates to allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the University of Fort Hare in the awarding of degrees, among others.

Reply:

A binding fiscal anchor will protect the consistency of service delivery spending by preventing fiscal slippages that result in painful fiscal adjustment measures. Government’s objective of adopting a binding fiscal anchor in the 2024 Budget Review aims to enhance fiscal balances, ensure consistent fiscal targets, and lower borrowing costs. Achieving a primary budget surplus at the end of this month signifies an important step in the fiscal consolidation path, demonstrating our commitment to prudent fiscal management​​.

The strategy for fiscal sustainability integrates with broader economic performance objectives in a 3 pillar framework outlined in chapter 2 of the budget review. The 2024 Budget protects essential services and stimulates economic development by maintaining sound public finances. This approach is evident in our commitment to structural reforms across critical sectors such as energy, freight, and telecommunications, essential for removing growth barriers and creating a conducive environment for economic expansion​​.

Moreover, the Budget articulates a clear plan to accelerate economic growth through these reforms. The focus on establishing competitive markets in electricity and logistics underscores the government's strategy for fostering structural transformation​​.

The revised spending allocations in the 2024 Budget underscore the strategic approach to supporting essential services and infrastructure development, both critical for long-term economic growth. The Budget ensures provinces have the resources to fund key personnel such as teachers and nurses, vital for service delivery, while prioritizing infrastructure investment through innovative reforms and incentives​​.

Reply:

There is no policy or practice that supports rote learning over critical thinking for learners. Our policy statement, encapsulated in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), underscores the significance of prioritizing critical learning. It clearly states that "The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 serves the purposes of facilitating the transition of learners from education institutions to the workplace." It further states that it "aims to produce learners that can identify and solve problems and make decisions by using critical and creative thinking."

Three Stream Model (TSM)

The DBE has introduced the Three Stream Model (TSM), which refers to multiple learning pathways for schooling within the academic, vocational, and occupationally oriented streams for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) in the South African schooling system.

The vocational and occupational streams emphasise practical skills development. Learners can acquire hands-on skills relevant to various industries.

This focus on skills equips learners with competencies needed for the changing nature of work, including those driven by global trends and technological advancements such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The TSM curriculum aligns with national policy imperatives, including the National Development Plan (NDP).

The model contributes to the broader vision of sustainable development and a skilled workforce.

The TSM represents an investment in South Africa’s future. In diversifying education and emphasising on skills development, it has the potential to create adaptable, versatile, well prepared and equipped generations of learners, who will appropriately respond to the country’s clarion call for an able and skilled workforce towards a dynamic and responsive economy.

Entrepreneurship in Schools

Following four years of research from 2010 -2014, on 02 April 2014, the Deputy President and key cabinet Ministers of the Human Resource Development Council South Africa (HRDC SA), approved the recommendations tabled by the “Enabling Entrepreneurship” Technical Task Team to include Entrepreneurship Education into the National Formal Education of all learners from Grades R-12. As a result, the HRDC mandated the DBE to implement the recommendation.

In response to the mandate received from the HRDC, the DBE, after due consultation within the Basic Education Sector, developed draft Sector Plan on Entrepreneurship in Schools to 2030. On 4 June 2015, the Council of Education Ministers approved Sector Plan and launched it at the DBE Sector Lekgotla on 22 January 2018.

The Sector Plan aims to lay a sound foundation within the schooling system for future entrepreneurs with a strong focus on skills for a changing world. The Entrepreneurship, Employability and Education Programme referred to as DBE - E³ (ECUBED) Programme was developed as per prescripts of the Sector Plan.

The DBE - E³ Programme aims to the address unemployment in South Africa and help learners succeed and thrive once they become adults.

The vision of the DBE - E³ Programme is of a South African schooling system that creates an enabling and caring environment where learners feel confident, have autonomy and the agency to be innovative, creative, curious, take risks, and learn from mistakes.

This initiative does not in any way change the underlying Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) of the National Curriculum Statement. Rather, through the introduction of collaborative teaching methodologies, it will enhance the development of entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving, and action-oriented mind-sets. In this way it will promote more practical, creative, caring, competent, and confident individuals. This will result in young people being better equipped for the working world, be it as employees, business owners or social entrepreneurs working towards social upliftment. Improving the quality of education requires careful management and support from all interested parties. 

It is important to note that these skills are listed as principles of teaching and learning in Section 1 of the CAPS as follows: 

• identify and solve problems and make decisions.
• work effectively as individuals, with others as members of a team and promoted inclusivity.
• organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
• collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information.
• communicate effectively using visual, symbolic and/or language skills in various modes.
• use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others; and
• demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Extensive international research has shown the effectiveness of the project-based learning approach makes learning more engaging, increases learners’ interest in schooling and develops the core fundamental skill sets needed to be successful in today’s global economy. This research shows this approach results in more employable graduates from the school system, as well as more successful entrepreneurial start-ups. We believe that this initiative can have the same result for South African learners.

Hence, the DBE-E³ Programme is using Project Based Learning methodology among others to activate 21st-century competencies in every learner so they can leave school employable, engaged in further education, and be entrepreneurial.

Entrepreneurship means being able and ready to imagine, plan, organise and run a business; and handle the uncertainties that come along the way. An entrepreneurial mindset or way of thinking is something that everyone has inside them and the right classroom environment, and way of learning can help unlock this in each child. An entrepreneurial mindset is a problem-solving way of thinking that can help a person participate in the economy when they leave school or finish studying.

All stakeholders: schools, teachers, principals, provincial officials, businesses, and social partners to seize this unique learning and teaching opportunity and to continue to work together in the spirit of creating an employed and an entrepreneurial nation.

Coding and Robotics

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has finalised the Coding and Robotics (C&R) Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which Umalusi has approved and the DBE plans to fully implement in Foundation Phase (FP) in 2025.

The teaching and learning of Coding and Robotics (C&R) aim to develop the following for the learner to be able to:

• develop computational thinking skills to solve problems.
• advance design thinking to develop creative and human-centred approaches to solve problems.
• become part of a generation of creative, innovative systems thinkers that can use coding, robotics, and digital competencies to express their ideas.
• foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and innovation.
• function ethically and effectively in a digital and information-driven world.
• develop a critical awareness of how technologies impact society at large.
• instil self-efficacy and confidence to deal with situations requiring computational thinking, design thinking and problem solving.
• prepare for future careers in STEAM related fields.
• adopt a culture of being self-directed, life-long learners who can apply their skills in a wide range of contexts and situations (adaptable, flexible, and resilient).

The C&R CAPS is competence-based - focuses on a combination of knowledge skills, attitudes, and values which is reflected in behaviour that can be observed, measured, and evaluated. It refers to the ability to perform a specific task successfully and efficiently or in a manner that yields desirable outcomes.

Furthermore, the curriculum is grounded in the Science of Learning and Deliberate Practise.

Using the Science of Learning which stipulates that learning happens through practise and regular retrieval (spaced & interleaved), it enables the DBE to identify the most effective teaching and learning strategies based on empirical evidence, and that has been shown to improve long-term retention of information and enhance learning outcomes.

Deliberate practise involves setting specific goals, receiving feedback (e.g. from teachers and peers), and making focused efforts to acquire and improve knowledge, skills and performance. It involves purposeful repetition, feedback-driven metacognition, and gradual extension to improve performance.

The C&R CAPS is also informed by Literature re teaching and learning C&R, Activity Theory, Discovery Learning, Problem-based learning, and Cooperative Learning.

All the above proves that the DBE’s emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and are committed to ensure that learners acquire the necessary competencies to flourish in the modern job market.

Reply:

According to the information received from Denel

(a) The current staff complement of Denel SOC Ltd as of 31 March 2024 is 1 626.

(b) (i) 2019-20 – 3 968

(ii) 2020-21 – 3 332

(iii) 2021-22 – 2 662

(iv) 2022-23 – 2 007

(v) 2023-24 – 1 655

 

Remarks: Approved/ Not Approved/ Comments

 

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom:

(1)

The study that was conducted by the VGBe consortium on Eskom operations was commissioned by the National Treasury as part of Eskom’s equity conditions. The Department of Public Enterprises is not the custodian of the VGBe report. Therefore, the National Treasury as the custodian of the VGBe report is in a better position to share it with stakeholders.

(2)(a)(b)

The report covers an assessment period from March to May 2023, coinciding with the inception of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan that was approved by the Eskom Board. During this time, significant developments occurred, including the appointment of Bheki Nxumalo as the Generation Group Executive in mid-April 2023. The Generation Operational Recovery Plan addressed various operational observations at power stations. These initiatives focus on improving people, plant, and process performance. Most of the appropriate recommendations are already covered as part of Generation recovery process which are beginning to show positive results.

Furthermore, as of January 2024, a total of 3 510MW was recovered through concerted efforts focusing on priority power stations. Each power station has its own detailed recovery plan, and these are centrally monitored to ensure successful implementation of the actions.

The new Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane has assessed the Generation Operation Recovery Plan for adequacy in addressing all external reports, including the Ministerial Task Team report and VGBe Report.

(3)

The Energy Action Plan will be reviewed, if necessary, by the Presidency and the National Energy Crisis Committee.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom:

a) The table below shows the diesel expenditure for Eskom OCGTs per financial year. Also shown for comparison are the amounts recoverable from Nersa decisions and the Regulatory Clearing Accounts (RCAs). This gap contributes to the need for Government support.

	FY 2020	FY 2021	FY 2022	FY 2023	FY 2024
Actual (Rbn)	5.80	5.75	8.60	21.25	23.38
Recovered from Nersa (decision + RCA)	3.61	2.89

Notes: 1. FY2024 value is draft and unaudited.

2. FY2020 value is for the whole financial year, 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020

 

b) Current diesel suppliers are: PetroSA, Astron, Shell, BP and Engen.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved/Comments

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

According to Information Received from Eskom:

(1)(a)

Eskom is unable to ascertain what private installations are done, it does however do an estimate on Behind the meter Photovoltaic (PV) systems. This estimate is the difference in demand on a sunny day versus a cloudy one. This has been confirmed to be very accurate by similar studies. However, it must be noted that the installed capacity would probably be a bit higher as these technologies have various efficiencies. This is the best estimate available in SA.

Eskom’s latest estimate of the installed capacity for rooftop PVs, based on the latest analysis of the regional data is as follows:

Maximum/Installed Rooftop PV (MW):	Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KwaZulu-Natal	Limpopo	Mpumalanga	Northern Cape	North-West	Western Cape	Total
Feb 2024	368.2	307.7	1,503.7	810.9	413.3	516.1	208.4	669.3	642.4	5,439.9
Jan 2024	368.2	280.2	1,503.7	810.9	413.3	516.1	208.4	669.3	642.4	5,412.3
Dec 2023	368.2	280.2	1,295.0	810.9	413.3	516.1	208.4	669.3	642.4	5,203.7
Nov 2023	368.2	280.2	1,216.6	810.9	413.3	509.3	129.5	669.3	642.4	5,039.6
Oct 2023	368.2	280.2	1,207.8	810.9	413.3	509.3	129.5	669.3	616.8	5,005.0
Sep 2023	368.2	280.2	1,207.8	810.9	413.3	476.6	129.5	669.3	527.4	4,883.0
Aug 2023	368.2	280.2	1,207.8	810.9	345.6	474.1	129.5	669.3	527.4	4,812.8
Jul 2023	368.2	280.2	1,207.8	810.9	296.6	450.7	129.5	669.3	527.4	4,740.4
Jun 2023	284.3	280.2	1,207.8	565.8	296.6	450.7	129.5	669.3	527.4	4,411.5
May 2023	190.0	204.9	1,072.1	565.8	296.6	450.7	129.5	669.3	457.9	4,036.8
Apr 2023	163.2	160.5	917.5	417.5	226.8	326.7	117.5	669.3	369.0	3,368.0
Mar 2023	163.2	160.5	917.5	417.5	189.8	317.9	117.5	669.3	289.7	3,242.8
Feb 2023	163.2	160.5	917.5	417.5	189.8	305.6	117.5	669.3	198.0	3,138.8
Jan 2023	143.1	160.5	917.5	417.5	189.8	298.8	82.6	669.3	198.0	3,077.1
Dec 2022	130.2	160.3	848.3	356.6	189.8	298.8	82.0	310.4	198.0	2,574.3
Nov 2022	130.2	160.3	848.3	356.6	189.8	298.8	79.1	184.8	156.6	2,404.5
Oct 2022	130.2	160.3	848.3	296.9	189.8	298.8	79.1	184.8	145.5	2,333.6
Sep 2022	130.2	160.3	848.3	296.9	189.8	298.8	79.1	184.8	145.5	2,333.6
Aug 2022	130.2	160.3	848.3	296.9	189.8	298.8	79.1	184.8	145.5	2,333.6
Jul 2022	130.2	148.8	790.6	296.9	189.8	298.8	79.1	184.8	145.5	2,264.5

(1)(b)

The Department is not responsible for making investment in the new generation capacity. It is the responsibility of Eskom.

(1)(c)

Eskom commissioned the following additional gross installed capacity per financial year as per the table below:

Year	FY2020	FY2021	FY2022	FY2023	FY2024
Coal MW	1 588	1 598	794	799	0
Battery Energy Storage System MW					20

(2)(a)

For the period starting 22 May 2019 and ending 29 February 2024, Eskom has entered into agreements with respect to R41.3 billion in funding and R185 million in grants.

(2)(b)

The funding has been sourced as follows:

• R15 billion facility: Sourced from the major South African commercial Banks.

(i) The R15 billion facility is for Eskom’s capital programme.

(ii) The facility has been fully drawn and subsequently repaid.

(iii) Facility was used for general capital expenditure.

(iv) Projects are ongoing.

• US$58 million: Sourced from the Clean Technology Fund through the African Development Bank.

(i) The US$58 million facility is for Eskom’s Battery Energy Storage System Project.

(ii) US$35 million of the facility is still to be drawn.

(iii) Facility was used to purchase equipment relating to Eskom’s Battery Energy Storage System.

(iv) Project is ongoing.

• US$750 million: Sourced from Deutsche Bank and the African Export-Import Bank.

(i) The US$750 million facility is for Eskom’s transmission and distribution capex.

(ii) The US$750 million is fully drawn.

(iii) The facility is for capital expenditure relating to transmission and distribution.

(iv) Projects are ongoing.

• US$487 million and US$10 million grant funding: Sourced from the World Bank.

(i) The facility and grant funding are for the repowering and repurposing of Eskom Komati coal fired power station.

(ii) The facility and grant funding are undrawn.

(iii) The facility is for capital expenditure relating to the repowering and repurposing of Komati iv) Project is at an early stage of development and ongoing.

• R2.7 billion: Sourced from Standard Bank.

(i) The facility is for Eskom’s capital expansion programme.

(ii) The facility is fully drawn.

(iii) The facility is for Eskom’s general capital expenditure.

(iv) Projects are ongoing.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

Denel has formally submitted request to dispose of the non-core properties Rheinmetall Denel Munition; and has not submitted a disposal request of the properties used by Hensoldt SA. Denel’s overall strategy to dispose of non-core properties, particularly those associated with sovereign and strategic capabilities as outlined in the 2015 Defence Review is under review. This reconsideration is informed mainly by the uncertainties in global geopolitical and security dynamics. The Department is in consultation with the Department of Defence to find optimal mechanisms and alternative options to assist Denel in meeting its financial requirements to complete the implementation of its restructuring plan.

 

Remarks: Approved/ Not Approved /Comments

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date

Reply:

According to the information received from Denel

Significant progress has been made as follows:

1. In 2022, Denel made a submission to Armscor for the restart and continuation of Project Hoefyster, following a five-year interruption caused by technical compliance disagreements with Armscor regarding the lead variant in the development programme.

2. On 4 April 2023, the Project Control Board (PCB) resolved that the bulk of the technical issues could be waived, or were non-contractual, and that the Development phase (Phase 1) of the Project could continue, but 15 non-compliances were referred back to Denel for resolution. It was further agreed that the production (Phase 2) of the 1st Battalion could be initiated with appropriate Department of defence and Military Veterans approvals and contractual changes in place.

3. Since the PCB in April 2023, Denel Landward has restarted the phase one focusing on clearing the remaining non-compliances against the lead variant and submitted two Contract Variation Orders (CVOs) to Armscor. The first, Phase one CVO, aims to realign the remainder of the project considering the order, schedule, and commercial realities that have impacted the programme.

The second, Phase two CVO, issued for review by Armscor, focuses on industrialisation and production adjustments following the PCB's recommendations.

4. Regular Armscor and Denel integrated programme meetings have been held since the last quarter of 2023/24 financial year to improve alignment. These monthly meetings aim to facilitate direct communication and coordination among all stakeholders.

5. A programme management steering committee, comprising executive from the Directorate of Army Acquisition (DAA), Armscor, and Denel, oversees the project. This committee convenes quarterly to monitor progress and make strategic decisions, with its initial meeting on 4 March 2024 followed by a review meeting planned for mid-April.

6. Of the 15 non-compliances referred to Denel since May 2023, nine have been resolved by Denel and are awaiting formal reviews by Integrated Programme team. The five remaining issues are being resolved / reviewed by the project team and will be cleared shortly.

These steps, as supported by DAA and Armscor, underscore Denel Landward’s commitment to advancing Project Hoefyster, demonstrating a concerted effort to navigate past challenges and ensure the project's successful continuation and completion.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved/ Comments

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date

Reply:

According to the information received from Denel, SAFCOL and Alexkor:

(i) Denel has suffered a direct loss of R4 351 614.40 in the past five years.

A sum of R596 387.55 is being recovered through a settlement agreement reached with the SIU and R1.6m is in the process of being recovered in accordance with the court order.

(ii) SAFCOL has reviewed its Financial Misconduct reports for the financial years 2018/19 – 2022/23 and no quantum’s that have been classified as attributable to (aa) corruption, (bb) fraud or (cc) bribery have been noted.

(iii) Alexkor: There are pending investigations by SIU to establish whether there were any amounts lost due to corruption, fraud and bribery in the past five years. At this stage Alexkor is waiting for the finalization of the SIU investigation.

If any loss is established, then Alexkor will proceed to endeavor to recover any amounts lost.

DPE Response

The department introduced changes that were aimed at addressing the governance weaknesses identified during the State Capture period in the SOC environment. This was done through working with various statutory bodies to ensure consequence management for all those implicated by the State Capture Commission (herein after Commission). The department has introduced a hotline aimed at providing a platform for reporting of malfeasance in the department and the SOC. As part of governance reforms, the SOC tender committees were scrapped and the MOIs were updated in this regard. Other initiatives undertaken to implement the recommendations from the Commission include the institution of criminal, civil and director delinquency proceedings. Furthermore, the department has undertaken referrals to professional bodies; and red flagging of natural persons who perpetrated state capture as they seek to pursue employment and prohibition of juristic persons from accessing procurement opportunities availed by the state. Lastly, the department is working with the Special Investigating Unit (“SIU”) to implement proclamations relating to maladministration concerning the affairs of SOCs.

 

Remarks: Approved/Not Approved/Comments

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom:

Previous attempts to sell the Eskom Finance Company did not materialize. Eskom is in discussion with a potential acquirer, but it will take time as the acquirer will first have to perform a due diligence. The National Treasury is briefed on the matter. It is important that fair value is obtained by Eskom for the EFC.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

1. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) did not fail to prosecute cases emanating from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). In fact, a total of nine Priority Crimes Litigation Unit (PCLU) prosecutions were noted between 2003 and 2017. An additional six seminal TRC cases were subsequently enrolled by the NPA.

2. The decision to appoint Adv Ntsebeza, Senior Counsel was taken by the NPA leadership in line with the Roderigues judgment. His mandate was to review the measures that the NPA had adopted to deal with the TRC matters, and assess whether they were adequate, if they were found not to be, to make recommendations to strengthen them. However, in the process of review, said Senior Counsel had reason to believe that there was information that would amount to a violation of Section 41(1) of the NPA Act, 32 of 1998.

Adv Ntsebeza, SC, was however unable, due to “lack of an investigative arm”, to make a recommendation in respect of an investigation in terms of section 41(1) of the NPA Act, 32 of 1998. Instead, he recommended a commission of inquiry to allow implicated individuals to be given a platform to respond to the grave allegations against them.

3. A determination on whether there was a violation of section 32(1)(b) read with section 41(1) of the NPA Act has not been made as of yet. Such can only be made once the allegations have been properly canvassed by either a Commission of Enquiry, or a criminal investigation conducted by the SAPS or the DPCI.

4. The Minister is still considering all the options with regards to the recommendations for Commission of Inquiry.

Reply:

Case dockets presented for criminal prosecution to the National Prosecuting Authority are screened before enrolment. In accordance with the Directives in Part 4 of the NPA Policy Directives, a case must only be placed on the roll if there is evidence under oath or affirmation that establishes the elements of an offence and links the identified suspect to it. The National Prosecuting Authority does not keep data on reasons for the cases not enrolled, cases withdrawn, struck of the roll, stopping of the prosecution or applications brought in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977. The NPA is therefore not able to provide numbers of the aforementioned linked to the (i) inefficiencies of the members of the SA Police Service (SAPS), which includes, but is not limited to dockets not in court, lost or stolen dockets, investigations being incomplete, forensic reports outstanding, accused not brought to court and witnesses not subpoenaed, (ii) mishandling of the case by the members of the SAPS, (iii) contamination of evidence and (iv) incompetence.

It must be noted that the NPA, at various local fora ensures that dockets are timeously presented to the prosecution before cases are to appear in court, addresses any case dockets that may be lost or stolen, follows up on forensic reports outstanding and addresses any other factors that may impact on the effective and efficient prosecution of any criminal case on the court rolls. When any factor appears to be recurring, it will either be escalated either to the management structures of the SAPS or be discussed with stakeholders at the Local Case Flow Management meetings during ad hoc meetings. Should any of the constraints not be satisfactorily resolved, it will be escalated to the District or Regional Efficiency Enhancement Committee meetings, which are chaired by the Judiciary.

It should be noted that the NPA is committed to deal with all cases in an efficient and effective way and prosecutors do their best to treat each case with proper care and diligence.

Reply:

1. No grants were paid.

(a),(b),(c ) Falls away.

2. Mr Cleophas Mlamo, Patrick Dladla, Lungisani Mlambo, Dumazile Ntuli late, Themba Mlambo late, Samson Welcome and Dwi Welcome the two withdrawn from Committee. and four trustees have since passed way.

3. No departmental official was appointed by the Master of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.

END

Reply:

The actual daily distribution of water for Rustenburg Local Municipality (LM) is same as consumption which is what is presented by both Rand Water and Magalies Water.

1. (a) Water volumes distributed to Rustenburg LM by Rand Water via the Barnardsvlei Reservoir up to 12 March 2024 are indicated below:

	Jan 24	Feb 24	Mar 24
Consumption (Ml/d)	4 141	3 973	1 474

b) Water volumes distributed to Rustenburg LM by Magalies Water up to 12 March 2024 is indicated below:

	Jan 24	Feb 24	Mar 24
Consumption (Ml/d)	1 512	1 428	451

c) The volume of water supplied through the Rand Water/Magalies Water partnership via the Bospoort reservoirs from January up to 12 March 2024 is as indicated below:

	Jan 24	Feb 24	Mar 24
Consumption (Ml/d)	739	643	193

2. (a) Total volume of water supplied to Rustenburg Local Municipality by Rand Water via both Barnardsvlei and Bospoort reservoirs in Ml/day is as indicated below:

Jan 24	Feb 24	Mar 24
162	156	159

(b) Rand Water provided 83 and 89 Ml/day to the mines in January and February 2024 respectively. None of the mines are supplied with water by Magalies Water.

---00O00---

Reply:

(1)(a),(b),(c),(d) Please refer to the table below.

(a) details of farms and/or lots that were transferred to the Trust including but not exclusive to the (a) farm and/or Lot numbers	(b) descriptions of the farms and/or lots	(c) extent of area	(d) price paid for each farm and/or lot;
Lot 384 Weenen GT & Lot 426 Weenen Township GT	Lot 384 Weenen GT & Lot 426 Weenen Township GT	35.9597	R3 235 000.00
Lot 414 Weenen Township GT	Lot 414 Weenen Township GT	22.5173	R110 000.00

(2)(a),(b)(i),(ii) Please refer to the table below.

what are the details of all (a) fixed b) movable assets purchased to be transferred to the Trust including but not exclusive	(i) a full description of each item	(ii) the price paid for each item and/or asset?
12 Chalet and 1 Conference building	12 Chalet and 1 Conference building	R3 235 000.00

END

Reply:

(1)(a) Please refer to the table below.

NO	PROPERTY DESCRIPTION	EXTENT	OWNER	Amount
1.	Erf 130 Weenen Township	19.3388ha	JL Buys	R61,906,100.00
2.	Portion 18 of erf 142	7,552 square metres	SJJ Le Roux
3.	Portion 19 of erf 142	3,040 square metres	SJJ Le Roux
4.	Erf 172 Weenen Township	23.7761ha	JL Buys
5.	Rem Ext of erf 273 Weenen Township	76.6651ha	SJJ Le Roux
6.	Rem Ext of erf 279 Weenen Township	35.4966ha	AJB Le Roux
7.	Erf 302 Weenen Township	172.8180ha	AJB Le Roux
8.	Erf 303 Weenen Township	47.6564ha	AJB Le Roux
9.	Erf 361 Weenen Township	16.7394ha	Now Trade 118 cc
10.	Erf 383 Weenen Township	4.5276ha	S Bhagwadeen Family Trust
11.	Erf 416 Weenen Township	3.0949ha	JA Du Plooy
12.	Erf 447 Weenen Township	84.3440ha	AJB Le Roux
13.	Erf 448 Weenen Township	142.5646ha	JL Buys
14.	Erf 173 Weenen Township	21ha	JL Buys
15.	Erf 174 Weenen Township	5ha	JL Buys
16.	Erf 389 Weenen Township	6ha	PR Buys
TOTAL			R61,906,100.00

(b) The settlement of the claim was delayed due to valuations of movable property and machinery. The Section 42D memorandum has been approved on the 28 March 2024 to settle all the 16 properties listed in the table above.

2. Please refer to the table below.

what are the details of farms and/or lots purchased for the Trust that are (a) rented	b) leased and/or used by third parties, including but not exclusive to the (i) names of persons and/or entities of each tenant/lessor/user	(ii) rent paid by each tenant/lessor/user	(iii) term of each rental or lease and/or use agreement and	(iv) details of the person(s) who entered into agreements with any tenants, lessors and/or users on behalf of the Trust?
Lot 384 Weenen GT & Lot 426 Weenen Township GT	Delene Wagner	R300 000 per annum for 16 rooms lodge Owl and elephant. R200 000 for the 28hectares.	The lease was signed in April 2015 as open ended until the trust secure funding to operate the farm.	Cleophas Mlambo

END

Reply:

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Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has established the Blended Finance Scheme to broaden access to affordable finance through the provision of grants which are intended to complement loans granted by Participating Finance Institutions (PFI) towards the commercialisation of Black producers, with the goal being to increase the number of Black producers in the agriculture and agro-processing sector.

Land Bank was the first PFI to be signed up by DALRRD through an agreement, covering a period of 10 years, effective from 2023 to 2032. The agreement caters for an allocation, to Land Bank, of a minimum R325m of annual grant funding by DALRRD for the first three years (2023 –2025) of the agreement.

The Blended Finance Scheme provides for a grant allocation of between 40% and 60% of the total approved facilities by the PFI:

• A maximum of 60% of the total funding required by a smallholder producer (not exceeding R5m for production support and R10m for land acquisition);
• A maximum of 50% of the total funding required by a medium scale producer (not exceeding R10m for production support and R20m for land acquisition); and
• A maximum of 40% of the total funding required by a large scale producer (not exceeding R40m for production support and R50m for land acquisition).

Whereas the loan portion of the transaction is priced at market related interest rates, the grant portion of the total funding comes at no cost to the beneficiary, and is not repayable. This means that the client only pays for between 40% to 60% of the total funding received. This funding structure is therefore, in itself, an affordable financing solution which mitigates against the effects of higher interest rates.

Reply:

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Reply:

1. From inception until 31 December 2023, 83 056 land claims have been settled, and 3 889 701 hectares of land were acquired at an amount of R25 billion. Financial compensation of R23 billion was awarded to beneficiaries. The restitution programme has benefited 2 345 547 individual beneficiaries who are members of 460 952 households and of those, 177 504 are female-headed households and 1 266 are headed by persons living with disabilities.

2. No. The Commission has set a target of 319 land claims to be settled and 339 land claims to be finalised in the 2024/25 financial year from a total of 5 944 outstanding land claims. The targets are aligned with the budget allocated. In addition to the budget allocated for the settlement of claims, an increase in human resource capacity would be vital as well as the implementation of the interim structure which is a key lever to the Backlog Reduction Strategy. At inception, the original structure of the Commission constituted 1 400 positions. However, the current start-up structure of the Department as of December 2020 states that the number of funded positions is 749 of which 693 positions are filled. This means that the Commission is presently operating at 50% of its original staff establishment

END

Reply:

According to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS):

a) The Forensic Chemistry Laboratory has done one Fentanyl test since 01 January 2023.

b) The one test that was done was positive.

END.

Reply:

1. (a) Total amount outstanding for 2023/24 financial year on accruals sits at R210,711,150.55;

(b) More than 30 Days to over 121 Days.

2. 357 suppliers have not been paid within the prescribed requirement of 30 days.

END.

Reply:

a) The dates of finalisation and the implementation of the plan to establish a whistle-blowing protection and risk assessment and mitigation in the procurement system within the health sector could not be confirmed yet as the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is still in the process of workshopping provinces to assess their risks and development strategies to mitigate the identified risks in their respective provinces. So far only the Free State Province has taken the offer and is participating in the workshop, no other provinces have indicated their intention to participate yet.

b)  It is intended that the plan will be implemented after the workshops are completed.

END.

Reply:

According to the Northern Cape Department of Health, Betty Gaetsewe Clinic has seven Professional Nurses, sufficient to run the facility according to Workload Indicator for Staffing Needs(WISN) prescripts. On the day of the incident, 22 February 2024, which may have left an impression that patients’ are turned away, three professional nurses were booked off sick. In addition another nurse was out in the field with the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination campaign, while another was on annual leave. The number of professional nurses was thus reduced to three.

When the health district became aware of the situation, it seconded one professional nurse from Galeshewe Day Hospital to work at the clinic for a period of two weeks to mitigate the challenge. The number of professional nurses increased to four on that particular day and going forward.

The situation has since returned to normal.

END.

Reply:

The Table below reflects the details in this regard, according to the Provincial Departments of Health:

PROVINCE	RESPONSE
KwaZulu-Natal	1. (a) The allegations that are received from the whistle blowers in KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health are treated as “Anonymous” complainants in order to protect the identity of the whistle blower throughout the investigation process. Should the investigation reveal that there are elements criminality that needs to be reported to South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department will report the matter to SAPS and serve as the complainant based on the investigation findings and this will be done without making any reference to the whistle blower.
	2. Yes, approved copy is available. b) Yes, approved copy is available.
	3.Ta) he Department has an approved Fraud Prevention Strategy that has its implementation plan, the Whistleblowing Policy stipulates that irrespective of whether the reporting person chooses to disclose or not, their identity, the Minimum Information Security Standard (MISS) shall be always exercised, and information shall be communicated on a “need to know basis”. b) Fraud Prevention governance documents were adopted by the relevant policy steering committees and subsequently approved by the Head of Department, they are being rolled during the continuous Fraud Prevention Awareness workshops for implementation and adherence by all officials of the Department.
	4. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has a responsibility to protect the whistle blowers by ensuring that their identity remains confidential. The strategy is being communicated to all officials of the Department, through various channels of communication.
Mpumalanga	1(a) In the Department there are guidelines which are issued in terms of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 (Act 26 of 2000), and are aimed at assisting and protect employees who wish to disclose certain information. Employees who are reporting suspected cases of fraud and/or corruption are protected from retribution, vilification, or other consequences pursuant to the terms of the Department fraud and corruption.
	2. Yes, Mpumalanga Department of health has an approved Fraud Prevention Plan. a) Yes, Mpumalanga Department of health has an approved Whistle Blowing Policy.
	3. a) Fraud Prevention Plan was adopted and implemented by the Mpumalanga Department of Health and Risk Management unit regularly conducts training workshops on Fraud and prevention plan. b) Whistle Blowing Policy was adopted and implemented by the Mpumalanga Department of Health and Risk Management unit regularly conducts training workshops on Whistle Blowing Policy Statement.
	4. a) The Department does not have a full report with details on the outcomes of the strategy to protect whistle blowers however, the Department depends entirely on the Protected disclosure Act, 26 of 2000 that make provision for protection of employees.
Limpoppo	1. (a) The department has developed and implements the “Whistle Blowing Policy” and the underlying pillars of the policy to protect the Whistle blowers are: The whistleblowers are afforded option to report anonymously. The Whistleblowers’ identity is being protected at all times.
	2. The department has approved Fraud Prevention Plan. a) The department has approved Whistle Blowing Policy.
	3. a) Fraud Prevention Plan was adopted and implemented. b) Whistle Blowing Policy was adopted and implemented.
	4. Every effort is to ensure that the whistle blowers are protected and that their identity remains confidential.
Western Cape	4. (a) The department has a Whistle-blowing Policy document and there are relevant Annexures in place which supports the implementation of the Policy.
	2.  (a) The department has approved Fraud Prevention Plan which is implemented. (b) The department has approved Whistle Blowing Policy which is implemented
	3.  The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has adopted and implemented a Fraud Prevention Plan and Whistle Blowing Policy. The department issued Finance Circular: FAC6/2023 in which the Fraud Prevention Strategy was pronounced during September 2023. The Department will reissue a Fraud Circular annually with the most up to date polices.
	4.  The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is unable to provide such a report as the majority of referrals related to suspected fraud, theft and corruption are reported directly through the Provincial Forensic Services (PFS) in line with the provision of the Whistleblowing Policy)
Free State;	(1) The department has an approved Whistle-blowing Policy in place.
	(2) (a) The department has approved Fraud Prevention and Implementation Plan. (b) The department has approved Whistle Blowing Policy and Implementation Procedure.
	(3) Both the Fraud Prevention Policy – Implementation Plan and the Whistle Blowing Policy were approved I the current financial year (2023-2024) 4. None
Gauteng,	1.  The process of development of a Whistleblowing in Gauteng is coordinated at the Office of the Premier, however the has department developed a guiding Draft Whistleblowing Policy which seeks to comply with Section 6(2) of the Protective Disclosures Act (PDA), that provides practice in terms of reporting and the investigation of wrong-doing and ensuring protection to those who employees who disclose.
	2.  Gauteng Department of Health's witness protection intent currently incorporated in the Draft Whistle Blowing Policy Draft, however a Whistle Blowing Policy Statement will be officially adopted before the end of the current end of the term.
	3) a) Since the implementation of the current interim Whistle Blowing arrangements, only two (2) cases were reported of officials being threatened and both the source of threats emanated from externally. In both instances the individuals involved had displayed confidence in the Department's commitment in protecting them. 4) the current interim arrangements in place have proven to be adequate, whilst awaiting finalization of the Witness Protection Policy, that is being coordinated at the Office of the Premier.
	4.  a) None
Northern Cape;
Northwest;	(1) a) Reporters are protected in terms of Protected Disclosures Act and the departmental whistle blowing policy from any form of detriment.
	(2) (a) Approved Fraud prevention policy and strategy for 2023/2024 are readily available. (b) Whistle blowing policy for 2023/2024 financial year is readily available.
	(3) (a) Fraud Prevention Policy and strategy were approved and implemented throughout the department. b) Whistle blowing policy was approved and implemented throughout the department
	(4) Reporters are protected in terms of Protected Disclosures Act and the departmental policy from any form of detriment.
Eastern Cape
National	1. (a) The National Department of Health is in collaboration with stakeholders such as Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the risk assessment was conducted which determined the need for whistle-blower protection or to strengthen the current exiting measures and mechanisms in the health Sector and the processes were enhanced through the above risk assessment. There NDoH has number strategies which are line national laws and policy frameworks that protect the whistle-blower, and they are reviewed, when necessary, especially when there is legislative framework. The Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (HSACF) is playing a critical role in eradicating corruption and the protection of whistle blowers.
	2. (a) The NDoH has the following strategic documents in place:- Fraud Prevention Long Term Plan;. Fraud Prevention Policy; Fraud Prevention Strategy; and Fraud Investigation Procedure
	3. Both the Fraud Prevention Plan and Whistle Blowing Policy were adopted and subsequently approved by the Accounting Officer.
	4.  It is common practice that upon finalizing any collaborative assignment, it is incumbent and becomes essential that the National Department of Health and its stakeholders share the good practice through available mechanisms by adopting a comprehensive approach to benefit the public and interested parties

END.

Reply:

The Table below reflects the details in this regard, according to the Provincial Departments of Health.

PROVINCE	Part 1 - CASES OF CORRUPTION	Part 2 - INVESTIGATIONS PROCESS	Part 3 - OPENING OF CRIMINAL CASES
Eastern Cape	a) number of cases is fifteen (15) b) amount of funds have been lost has not yet been quantified.	a) consequence management Out of the fifteen cases (15), four (4) cases have been concluded, three (3) cases are still under investigation. There is one (1) case in which there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations of corruption. The remaining 7 cases the investigation process is underway.	The department has initiated legal proceedings on the matter that relates to the issuing of fraudulent medical certificates (Case 03/2023 ECDOH).
Limpopo	a) number of cases is eight (8) b) amount involved is R1, 265, 418.	a) consequence management Of the eight cases investigation, seven (07) cases are complete while investigation on one (1) case is still underway. Fraud allegations on the three (03) cases could not be proved as a result they were closed. On the remaining four (04), internal disciplinary process is underway.	Only two (2) cases have been reported to the police.
Northern Cape	a) number of cases is one (1) b) amount of funds is R10 000 which the official accepted as a bribe.	a) consequence management The disciplinary process was instituted against the affected official and a sanction of three (3) months suspension without salary and a final written warning pronounced.	Yes, the case was reported to SAPS. (Hartswater) Case no. Case 88/04/2019. The matter went to court and the official was found guilty and a fine of R 120 000.00 or three (3) years imprisonment. Furthermore, the two (2) years of the sentence was suspended for 5 years.
KwaZulu-Natal	a) number of cases is six (06) b) amount involved that is R282 191,00	a) consequence management Officials involved have been subjected to disciplinary processes. An amount R138 741 was recovered.	One (01) criminal case has been opened and the Department intends to register more criminal cases upon proving the allegations of corruption.
Western Cape	a) There is one (1) case that was reported. b) Amount of funds involved could not be qualified (it relates that amount that was supposed to be levied against the service provider).	a) consequence management The official has been suspended. Investigation Officer appointed and disciplinary hearing follow.	Yes, SAPS case number SCI Equiry 04/03/2023
Mpumalanga	a) There are two (2) cases that are reported. b) Financial loss not yet qualified.	a) consequence management The investigation process not yet finalised	No criminal case that has been opened as the investigation is still underway.
Northwest	a) None b) None	a) consequence management None	None
Free State	a) Number of cases were reported are eight (8). b) Amount involved is that. R 2 806 141.66	a) consequence management Two (2) employees were dismissed. Four (4) resigned pending disciplinary process. Two (2) employees are undergoing disciplinary process	Yes, Three (3) cases are under investigation by SAPS. Five are prosecution level
Gauteng	a) There are six (6) cases that are reported. b) The amount involved is not yet qualified.	a) consequence management. The investigations are underway as a result no consequence management that have been implemented.	None

END.