Questions and Replies

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:

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:

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

(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 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:

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 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:

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. 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:

(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:

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:

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:

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:

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Reply:

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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.

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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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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:

a) Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality (WMM)

Storage:

• WMM Local Municipality (LM): mechanization center at Mbizana Rural Enterprise Development (RED) Hub at Dyifani (Ward 31) that has 2 silos for maize storage.
• There are also 4 multi-purpose sheds that will assist with the storage and packaging of agricultural products in WMM LM at Mbongweni (Ward 14), Ndakeni (Ward 8), Nyaka (Ward 18) and Mbenya (Ward 32).
• Mzamba food security is utilising 2 silos for maize storage.
• Twelve storage tanks were provided in 2013 to 12 maize projects at Mbongweni (Ward 14), Elityeni (Ward 28), Mbongwana (Ward 21) and Nomlacu (Ward 26).

Processing Machinery:

• WMM LM: Mbizana RED Hub has a milling plant that processes white maize and there is a potato washer.
• There are 2 maize dryers in the RED Hub which are used to dry maize to the required moisture content before storage.

b) Mthatha

• Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform OR Tambo office received one application from the Mthatha area in the 2021/22 financial year requesting a grain storage facility along the R61. The District Screening Committee agreed to support the request for the establishment of the facility along the R61 as it is a high grain-producing corridor in the OR Tambo District. However, due to infrastructure backlog and financial constraints, the facility is planned to be implemented from the 2024/25 financial year as a multi-year project. A budget of R1 200 000 has been set aside for the first phase, that is, planning, design, and earthworks, which are expected to be completed in the 2024/25 financial year.
• Mthatha Service Centre is within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, comprised of Mqanduli and Mthatha. At Mqanduli, the Department in partnership with COGTA established a RED Hub meant to store and process grain produce into livestock feed and maize meal. The grain storage capacity is 2 250t. Smallholder farmers around Mthatha and Mqanduli are selling their produce to the RED Hub for storage and processing of grain into the above-mentioned products.
• On vegetable production, smallholder farmers are utilising the Kei Fresh Produce market for both storage and selling their produce. The establishment of the Market was funded and supported by OR Tambo Municipality. Currently, Eastern Cape Development Cooperation is establishing a pack house to improve the shelf life of fruit and vegetables.

c) Matatiele Local Municipality

Wool Commodity:

• Three multi-purpose sheds for wool shearing, classification, sorting, and storage were constructed between 2020 and 2023.
• Qhobosheaneng multi-purpose sheds in Qhobosheaneng village Ward 15.
• Sonwabile multi-purpose sheds in Madlangala village Ward 11.
• Matias multi-purpose sheds in KwaMzongwana location Ward 9.

• Two multi-purpose sheds are still under construction, to be completed in 2024/25.
• Simunye multi-purpose sheds in Chibini village Ward 5.
• Magadla multi-purpose sheds in Magadla village Ward 10.

• Two multi-purpose sheds are to be implemented in the 2024/25 financial year.
• Ramafole multi-purpose sheds in Ramafole village Ward 24.
• Moiketsi Reserve multi-purpose sheds in Moiketsi village Ward 14.

Grain Commodity:

• Two grain pack sheds for grain storage, packaging, processing, branding, and marketing are in the 2025/26 plan, recommended to be implemented over the next three years.
• Horncroft Farm in Cedarville Ward 26.
• Try Again Farm in Ongeluksnek Ward 10.

• One grain pack shed is in the application process to be implemented in the 2025/26 financial year.
• Esbi Khaya Farm Ongeluksnek Ward 16.

Reply:

(a) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR) does not keep a record of strategic partnerships entered into by settled land restitution claimants. Once property is transferred, the transferee may enter into partnerships in their own legal capacity. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has however, through the Land Development Support (LDS) Programme, assisted fourteen (14) restitution projects.

(b)(i),(ii) Please refer to Table 1 below. The support model used involves commodity organisations and if there is no commodity organisation DALRRD supports the farms using internal capacity.

Acronyms: –

SAFDA – South African Farmers Development Association

DALRRD – Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

NERPO – National Emergent Red Meat Producers’

RESTITUTION PROJECTS SUPPORTED THROUGH LAND DEVELOPMENT AND POST SETTLEMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM UNDER FOOD SECURITY AND AGRARIAN REFORM:
Province	Project Name	Approved Budget	Development Partner
KwaZulu Natal	*Dludla Community Enterprise (Pty) Ltd	R16 223 878.16	SAFDA
	*Emakhasaneni Investment (Pty) Ltd	R6 359 353.32	SAFDA
	*Prince Sitheku Agriculture (Pty) Ltd	R6 468 951.04	SAFDA
	*Ubumbano Agri (Pty) Ltd	R8 315 983.35	SAFDA
KwaZulu Natal Total	R37 368 165.87
Mpumalanga	*Arxifusion (Pty) Ltd (Phuthanang CPA)	R4 543 373.50	None (DALRRD)
	*Laughing Waterfall Farming Projects	R7 765 340.16	SAFDA
	*Lubambiswano	R2 217 382.11	None
	*Mandzindza Communal Property Association	R1 903 220.71	NERPO
Mpumalanga Total	R16 429 316.48
North West	*Dikgatlhong Holdings (Pty) Ltd	R0.00	None (DALRRD)
	*Doornkop 166 Boerdery (Pty) Ltd	R4 932 957.83	None (DALRRD)
	*Khutso-Naketsi Communal Property	R57 220 257.41	Former Owner
North West Total	R62 153 215.24
Northern Cape	*Mazelfontein/Katlani CPA NPO	R3 578 732.47	None (DALRRD)
	*Motsamai Lucas Mokubung Trading (Pty) Ltd	R10 576 771.84	None (DALRRD)
	*Schamboua Communal Property Association	R26 790 520.74	Raisins SA
	*Smallvish Toeslaan Holdings (Pty) Ltd	R17 052 111.89	None (DALRRD)
Northern Cape Total	R57 998 136.94
Grand Total		R173 948 834.53

END

Reply:

(1) As a means of addressing scarce and critical skills in the sector, the Department coordinates an External Bursary Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to increase the pool of scientists and skilled professionals. The Department rates veterinary science as one of the scarce skills; as such each year bursaries are awarded to qualifying young people to pursue this field of study at the University of Pretoria. Since inception of the bursary scheme, a total of 106 young people benefited from financial assistance to study Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) at the University of Pretoria and 84 successfully completed their studies while 22 are currently in the system.

The Department has further established a Compulsory Community Service (CCS) programme that ensures that newly graduated veterinarians serve the country for at least one year before they choose gainful employment in industry and other sectors. The Department has been able to deploy an average of 140 veterinarians every year. In addition, the Department has worked with the Department of Higher Education and Training to identify a possible second faculty to train veterinarians and related professionals.

(2) The registration of veterinarians who qualified overseas is done immediately with universities that have equivalence with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). The Department and the SAVC provided opportunities for those who qualified overseas and did not meet the requirements for registration to write exams and if they pass, they may practice in the country.

Reply:

1. Yes.

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has attended to all the disputes as reported through several Special General Communal Property Association (CPA) meetings which were held in January 2022. The meetings resolved all the matters that were in dispute and all parties agreed to hold an elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 12 March 2022. The concerned group leader was invited to all meetings but did not attend; however, the CPA meetings were fully quorated.

The conciliator was appointed after the AGM through the Land Rights Management Facility – Motlhamme Attorneys’ to deal with the concerned group complaints; however, the conciliator found it difficult to proceed due to lack of cooperation by the concerned group leaders and the contract was terminated.

2. DALRRD has agreed with the concerned members and the CPA committee in a meeting on 22 January 2024 to reappoint the conciliator in terms of section 10 of the CPA Act. The success of this process is however dependent upon cooperation by the concerned group members.

3. Yes. the AGM of 12 March 2022 was properly constituted and fully quorated, the Committee is legitimate, and their duties are regulated in terms of clauses 6 and 10 of the Rooiwal Communal Property Association. However, DALRRD is addressing the issues raised by the concerned group members regarding the elective AGM.

Reply:

The development of a modern Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) production facility would be an international showcase of South Africa’s capabilities.  As this is a specialised building, highly skilled external consulting engineers and other specialists have been appointed to develop a concept layout and detailed design of the manufacturing process.

The following key steps have been completed:

• Construction related firms such as engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical and construction to design plan and implement the construction of the new FMD factory have all been contracted
• A process engineer to develop the design or layout of the infrastructure (piping, bioreactors, purifiers, centrifuges, etc.) that will be used in the manufacturing process has been appointed. 

• A well-designed production process is essential for optimisation of the factory design, particularly for obtaining qualifications for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) which is required not only for export purposes but also by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to grant the manufacturing license for the factory.
  • A Project Manager to manage the construction has already been recruited.

The next steps are as follows:

• Obtain all the regulatory permits and approvals for the construction of the facility. These will be secured by the firms contracted to project manage the construction phase of the project.
• Start the construction phase of the factory. The building must have certified engineering features to ensure that the highest international standards and compliance are achieved and that a world-leading environment for both staff and animals is provided.

The table below provides a summary of the key steps in the process:

 

PHASE	ACTIVITIES
Design phase [underway and expected to be completed and signed off - 1st quarter of financial year 2024/25]	Below are the appointed service providers for the development of the new FMD vaccine factory at Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Campus (OVR): Process engineering firm; Architectural firm; Mechanical Engineering firm; Electrical Engineering firm; Civil & Engineering firm; Quantity Surveying firm; Wet Services Engineering firm; and Fire Services Engineering firm. The above appointed service providers have commenced and are almost finished with various stages of the pre-construction documentation and processes which entail the design and planning, infrastructure and bulk services provision and project budget.
Construction [24 – 36 months; expected to start at the beginning of August 2024]	Ordering of specialised equipment for vaccine production; Construction of building according to specifications; and Issuing of compliance certificates of completion in relation to National Building Standards.
Validation [approximately 18 months, followed by full commercial production]	Foot and mouth disease vaccine trials; and Inspection.

 

The coordination between the different appointed service providers is underway to ensure that the building meets the minimum standards in preparation for the construction of the new facility, with accurate user specification requirements, detailed design diagrams, and cost estimates.

 

Reply:

 

(1)(a),(b) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights does not have any record for Maele Trust. The Honourable Member is requested to provide more information and location of the said trust to enable the Department to respond to the question.

(2)(a),(b)(i),(ii) Falls away.

(3) The Commission does not have any record of land claims in respect of Maele territory.

(a),(b) Falls away.

END

Reply:

(a) and(b)

The Land Redistribution and Tenure Reform programme acquired 239 farms while the Land Restitution programme acquired 970 farms from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 at the cost of R2 138 billion and R4 304 billion, respectively.

c) The Department through its Land Development Support programme has supported a total of 244 land reform farms across the country.

d) Production inputs budget allocated to the farms amounts to R543 081 million.

e) Since the farms were funded in different financial years, they are currently under implementation at different stages of production based on the type of commodity’s production cycle.

f) In line with the standard of the programme, each approved farm had an estimated net profit of at least R350 000 per production cycle as per approved business plan(s). The applicable production standards are used to ensure that enterprises are funded at their commercial entry level considering the available natural resources and support required to ensure sustainability and growth.

Reply:

 

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Reply:

(a) The total amounts spent on litigation in the past five financial years are set out in the table below:

Litigation	2018/19	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23
Private firms / Legal advisory services	R3 705 014.84	R6 534 888.04	R8 133 418.97	R13 098 140.58	R37 125 379.29
Litigation / State Attorney / Legal advisory services	R3 668 104.53	R68 627 682.00	R30 378 709.89	R59 539 803.93	R64 447 571.48
Total	R7 373 119.37	R75 162 570.04	R38 512 128.86	R72 637 944.51	R101 572 950.77

(b) The amount spent on litigation since 1 April 2023 to 29 February 2024 is set out in the table below.

Litigation	2023/24*
Private firms / Legal advisory services	R79 974 608.85
Litigation / State Attorney / Legal advisory services	R37 718 387.48
Total	R117 692 996.33

END.

Reply:

1. No. There is no system in place to regulate the price for communal land since the land is held in trust by the Minister on behalf of communities and is not for sale.
2. No. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development does not use any reference guide to allocate land to foreign nationals as foreign nationals are not eligible for land allocation in terms of Government’s land reform programme.

Reply:

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Reply:

(a) In terms of clause 12.5 of the Rooiwal Communal Property Association’s constitution, individuals who are non-members of the Communal Property Association (CPA) can be elected to the executive committee of the CPA.

(b) The Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994) does not disqualify a person who holds political office from being a claimant or a beneficiary, therefore in terms of Rooiwal CPA’s constitution, politicians who are members of the CPA representing their family household, can be elected to the executive committee of the CPA.

(c) Clause 7 of the Rooiwal CPA’s Constitution allows for election to the executive committee of family members provided that they are members of the Rooiwal CPA.

Reply:

 

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development relies on the Trespass Act, 1959 (Act No. 6 of 1959) to prohibit the invasion of vacant land.

The Act provides for:

“Prohibition of entry or presence upon land and entry of or presence in buildings in certain circumstances:

(1) Any person who without the permission-

(a) of the lawful occupier of any land or any building or part of a building; or

(b) of the owner or person in charge of any land or any building or part of a building that is not lawfully occupied by any person,

enters or is upon such land or enters or is in such building or part of a building, shall be guilty of an offence unless he has lawful reason to enter or be upon such land or enter or be in such building or part of a building.”

Reply:

The Department did not allocate an amount of R150 million for small scale farmer training and capacity building.

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

Reply:

Since April 2022 to date, the Department of Home Affairs reported criminal cases against 9 officials who resigned and who were identified for unlawful activities. Other cases are being probed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in line with the Presidential Proclamation on the Department of Home Affairs.  

END. 

Reply:

No. It is important to note that the Social Assistance legislation only provides for receipt of the CSG up to the month in which the child turns 18. However, the same beneficiaries would be eligible to apply for COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant.

In addition, through the National Integration Social Protection System (NISPIS) programme, DSD links CSG beneficiaries to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), should they wish to pursue their education at institutions of higher learning and they are exempted from NSFAS means test.

Furthermore, government provides for other support services to ensure that vulnerable children complete their education such as no fee schools in poor communities, school nutrition programmes, free primary health care at public facilities, free basic services, and subsidised housing for poor households. A combination of social protection interventions create powerful opportunities to multiply the impact of children’s grants in achieving comprehensive social and economic developments through integration to additional services.

Reply:

Honourable Member, I would like to draw your attention to the Media briefing held on 17 March 2024 in which I comprehensively clarified the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the Circular and the steps taken by the Department to address any consequential concerns emanating therefrom. I have also previously addressed this matter in Parliament in February 2024 during the SONA Debate and on the occasion of the oral responses session of the JCPS Cluster held on 28 February 2023.

In my presentation on the occasion of the Media briefing which is attached as Annexure A, I further clarified how the Department would assist those short-term visa holders who applied, inter alia, for visa extensions and who still did not yet receive their application outcomes, whether negative or positive. I must also refer you to paragraphs 2 – 4 supra on page 3 of the Media briefing in which clarity is given regarding the removal of undesirable status for those applicants who may have been purported to have overstayed.

At the time of the Media briefing there were only 6 known cases received of persons who were negatively affected by the Circular. The Department will continue to assist and resolve these matters upon receipt of specific cases.

END.

Reply:

Swimming South Africa (SSA) indicates that they require additional information to respond to these questions as they are unaware of these incidents.

Reply:

The department has not allocated any new budget for the 30 Year celebration of Democracy in South Africa. However, the department aims to utilise all standing national days in 2024 to observe the yearlong celebration. In this case, the department intends to celebrate the 30 years anniversary of democracy in South Africa through the Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, and the Africa Day under the ambit of Africa Month which falls before the 29 May 2024.

 

Reply:

1. As Minister of Government Department in the Republic of South Africa, I do not have oversight or authority when it comes to International Federations, and I am therefore unable to comment on this matter.

2.(a). The current Executive Committee was elected on 15 January 2022, and has been serving Swimming SA since then.

(b). Unfortunately, I am not aware of any organizational failures within the Swimming SA, however, I will request my department for a full report on the alleged persistent failure in the organisation.

Reply:

The Department has engaged with Swimming South Africa (SSA) in relation to the questions asked and submit the following responses.

1. Swimming South Africa indicates that Africa Aquatics encouraged South Africa’s participation at the Olympic Games, however SSA has the final decision on the matter and declined SA’s participation due to the team not meeting SSA’s criteria.

2. The Minister is not able to indicate whether the rest of the African countries were invited to the Olympic Games as this is a matter for Africa Aquatics and the International Olympic

Committees, however, the Minister is aware that South Africa did receive an invitation to Participate at the Olympic Games for the water polo teams.

A). Yes, the SA Water Polo Team attained qualification to the Olympic Games which has not be accepted.

B). The water polo team achieved qualification by virtue of being ranked position 1 on the African continent, however, SSA’s criteria for Olympic qualification requires the team to attain position 12 in the world. The water polo team has not achieved this qualifying standard.

3. No, the Minister has not found anything to this effect.

Reply:

The 2020 European Union Nations Cup was cancelled by the organizers due to the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic and any payments made by team members were re-imbursed to them. SSA paid and carried the costs of the team entries which was not refunded by the organizers.

Reply:

The Ministry engaged Swimming South Africa (SSA) who provided the following responses:

(a). Considering limited resources, grassroots programmes are primarily focused on water safety education and teaching swimming as a life skill in areas where there are facilities. Noting that of approximately 25,000 schools in South Africa, 22,000 do not have swimming pools. Swimming Pools in schools is limited to private schools where water polo is practiced.

(b). Due to financial constraints, Swimming South Africa (SSA) in conjunction with World Aquatics can only provide annual training programmes to coaches and technical officials on an alternative basis. This is an average of 30 people trained annually in accredited courses.