Questions and Replies

Reply:

(a),(b),(c),(d),(e) None.

(i),(ii) Falls away.

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Reply:

a) The following strategies and plans have been put in place to address the 334.41 million reduction in Department’s baseline for Programme 3: Food Security, Land Reform and Restitution:

• Restitution:

Due to the declining budget, the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (the Commission) reduced its Annual Performance Plan targets from 355 claims settled in 22/23 financial year to 349 in the 23/24 financial year and 319 for the 24/25 financial year. Taking cognisance of the increased value of settlements and the declining budget, the Commission has aligned the settlement and finalisation targets with the allocated budget.

• Land Redistribution and Tenure:

Equitable access of land includes the security of tenure; although the budget cut will restrict the acquisition of new land, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) will effect transfer of state land under leasehold into freehold title which will increase the ownership of land and security of tenure. DALRRD will also fast-track the settlement of outstanding labour tenants’ claims as they cost less compared to land acquired for land redistribution and security of tenure will be enhanced.

b) Further details are as follows:

• Restitution:

The Backlog Reduction Strategy (this refers to the settlement of old order claims) that targets the pre-1998 claims is currently being implemented in the Commission in line with the allocated budget. The strategy was to reduce the target from 408 to 319 for the 2024/25 financial year.

• Land Redistribution and Tenure:

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform, directed DALRRD to explore policy proposals to effect transfer of state land under leasehold to current lessees or occupants into freehold title. Consultation with the affected lessees has been done and concurrence with National Treasury has been obtained.

The decision is premised on the following:

• • Limitations of leasehold in terms of access to private capital to develop the land;
  • Limited government funding to support all lessees; and
  • Costs for maintaining and administering leased land.

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Reply:

The Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, (the Act) as amended, states that degrees, diplomas, and certificates are awarded by higher education institutions subject to their statutes and the Act. Section 65 C of the Act adds that no degree, diploma, or certificate may be awarded upon any person who has not been registered as a student, against the qualification, for the period (and conditions) prescribed by the Senate of the institution.

Universities are established by the Minister in terms of the Act. Each university has a Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) that is approved by the Minister; qualifications that are placed on the universities’ PQMs are approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department), accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), registered on the National Qualifications Framework (HEQSF) and by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and supported by a professional body, where applicable. The Minister, therefore, determines the scope and range of operations for higher education institutions.

The Department, the CHE and SAQA have initiated a Data Validation Project (DVP); the aim of this project is to ensure that qualification types and naming conventions are consistent across the three databases. This exercise was necessitated by the emergence of different qualification types and nomenclatures that were used interchangeably after the HEQSF Alignment process.

The DVP is an ongoing process; where inconsistencies are identified, clarity is sought from institutions and due process is followed to secure the necessary approval of qualifications. There are cases where some qualifications need to be discontinued because universities conduct periodic reviews of PQMs to ensure viability of qualifications. In some cases, qualifications are discontinued because of national reviews, an example is the old two-year Bachelor of Laws. When qualifications are discontinued, the university engages with the Department and the last date of First Time Enrolment is recorded on the PQM. This record is then archived by the Department.

Where there are concerns around the quality of academic programmes, the CHE conducts reviews of the qualifications and improvement plans are developed and approved by the CHE, this information is then shared with the Department. The CHE and the Department adopt a developmental approach around quality assurance and enhancement hence the need for improvement plans, site visits and periodic institutional audits of universities.

Professional bodies play an important role in ensuring the integrity of professional qualifications and in protecting the public. The CHE has signed Memoranda of Agreement/ Understanding with several professional bodies to promote cooperation and collaboration that ensures the quality of qualifications that lead to professional registration.

Additional notes:

The role of the CHE in quality assurance of qualifications is upheld in the Higher Education Act and universities’ senates and councils play an important function in safeguarding the academic integrity of qualifications. While some universities still offer and award qualifications that are not aligned to the HEQSF to pipeline students that were registered before 31 December 2019, these are being phased out. This is done while offering and awarding HEQSF aligned qualifications with different nomenclature.

The Department will, for a period maintain two separate PQMs for each university, HEQSF aligned and non-aligned. The Department envisages that non-aligned qualifications for distance education programmes will be phased out by 2028 and non-aligned contact programmes, by 2026.

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I have been advised that:

Both sectors are catered for through the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) funding through the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), provided they meet the requirements.

There is a plan to support not only small businesses in electricity and plumbing but to fund small businesses in the built environment value chains. To this end, sefa has partnered with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to fund small businesses in the construction and built value chains: construction, plumbing, electricity, carpentry, general buildings maintenance, etc. The total budget for this support is R300 million and sefa is committing R150 million and the CIDB is also contributing R150 million for the benefit of the small businesses in these sub-sectors. The MoU between the two entities was signed in February 2024, and sefa as the implementing partner in this programme is currently setting up the systems and the implementation processes.

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Reply:

I have been advised that:

(a) The Act requires the Minister to determine the constitution for the Advisory Body through an open and transparent process. The draft constitution for the Advisory Body has been approved by Minister and published in the government gazette for public comments.

Once comments have been received the final adjustments will be finalised and presented to Cabinet. After the final endorsement by Cabinet the final constitution will be published in the government gazette and the recruitment for the appointment of members of the Advisory Body initiated in June 2024.

Furthermore, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) facilitated consultations with the National Treasury on the appropriate level of category for remuneration for members of the Advisory Body and in addition a remuneration policy was approved in consultation with the Department for members of the Advisory Body. This will coincide with prescripts for remuneration for members of statutory bodies as prescribed by the National Treasury.

(b) The primary function of the Advisory Body will be to advise the Minister on broad areas that affect small enterprise growth, including national standards pertaining to small enterprise development and regulation, existing or proposed policies that may affect small enterprises, programme interventions and their impact, the impact of existing legislation on small enterprises and constraints that affect the viability of small enterprises into value chains amongst others. The Advisory Body constitution will be finalised through public participation.

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Reply:

Furnish (a) list and (b) full description of all events planned by her department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic

The Ministry of Transport has a calendar of events that are scheduled to take place throughout the year 2024, in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic. The events covers the main modes of transport that are under the Ministry, namely Road, Rail, Public Transport, Aviation, Maritime and Integrated Transport Planning.

The October Transport Month Campaign, a flagship project of the Department will also be used to highlight the achievements and successes in the transport sector since the dawn of democracy.

The scheduled events are championed by the relevant Branches and line function in collaboration with provincial departments and municipalities, key stakeholders and communities and are subject to the necessary preparations being in place.

The Ministry will support other Departments in accordance with various government thematic months in celebration of the 30 years of democracy.

The list of events will cover

• Road safety campaign
• Road infrastructure
• Rail infrastructure
• Integrated Public Transport network
• Truck drivers safely and wellness
• Round table on ship register
• Skills training and development on transport
• Airports infrastructure

 

(i) projected total cost or expenditure of each event and (ii) breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire, (dd) transport and (ee) accommodation;

The size and magnitude of an event is largely determined by the (a) nature of the event itself such as (a) how many guests are invited or expected to attend (b) the venue for the event, the type of event - and other logistical considerations which have a bearing on the total cost or expenditure.

Such an event will also require logistical preparations and considerations for support personnel in the form of travelling, accommodation and catering.

The financial considerations and implications therefore will vary from one event to the other and will be costed when all the details are confirmed.

 

Reply:

The Department of Small Business Development has two entities reporting to it, which are Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) and Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda):

I have been advised that:

sefa disbursed approximately R413 million between December 2023 and end of February 2024. About 66% of the total disbursements emanated from the Wholesale Lending Channel activities via the Microfinance and the Credit Guarantee (see the highlight in the table below).

Financial Year 2024	FY 2023/2024 (1 Dec 2023 - 29 Feb 2024)
Loan SubProgramme	Disbursed Amount (R)	% of total disbursements
Direct Lending Loan Programme	R26 071 093	6.31%
ER - DL - Artisans Loan Programme	R953 761	0.23%
ER - DL - Automotive Loan Programme	R2 566 751	0.62%
ER - DL - BakConf Loan Programme	R799 906	0.19%
ER - DL - Butcheries Loan Programme	R1 667 729	0.40%
ER - DL - OpenAirFood Loan Programme	R2 771 870	0.67%
ER - DL - Personal Care Loan Programme	R174 858	0.04%
ER - DL - Retail Loan Programme	R6 585 176	1.59%
ER - DL - SEntManfct Loan Programme	R12 536 551	3.03%
ER - DL - TexClothLeat Loan Programme	R1 423 065	0.34%
EU - ESD Loan Programme	R4 920 856	1.19%
Funds	R23 235 626	5.62%
Land Reform	R9 908 225	2.40%
Micro-Finance	R115 286 615	27.90%
Portfolio Credit Guarantee	R156 334 505	37.83%
Purchase Order Finance Loan Programme	R9 492 039	2.30%
SBIF WL	R8 977 882	2.17%
Spaza Shop Loan Programme Facility	R4 763 500	1.15%
Supplier Credit Guarantee	R22 360 398	5.41%
Youth Challenge Fund Loan Programme	R2 407 892	0.58%
Total	R413 238 299	100.00%

Furthermore, the total amount Seda has spent on Enterprise Development fund for the period 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024 is R10,406,609.85. Other client related expenses include seminars and workshops to the value of R1,637,743.66 and Programme or project related expenses amounting to R8,039,136.91. Programme or project related expenses include but not limited to International Market Access, projects for focused groups such as women, the disabled and youth, and projects in collaboration with MerSeta, Wholesale and Retail Seta and the National Skills Fund.

Seda has also realised that there are still several areas where entrepreneurs and SMMEs need to travel far to access Seda services especially rural areas. Seda has therefore established 80 service access points and has disbursed R2,791,851.73 for the period 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024.

Reply:

(1)(a) Yes. Annexure A contains an inventory of all farms owned by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), which are linked to specific research campuses.

(b) ARC has implemented a new strategy that involves professional property management agents to better manage its properties and agricultural land portfolio. This approach aims to cater to small-scale farmers by providing them with leasing opportunities.

(2) Since 2013, some ARC farms have been illegally occupied, starting with Umthiza farm in East London.

(a) The Legal Services Department, Facilities and Security Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and local courts worked together to evict the illegal occupiers.

(b) Evictions have also been carried out on the following farms:

- Kaalplaas – Soshanguve in August 2017;

• Umthiza again in September 2019; and
• Kaalplaas – N4 in June 2020.

Evictions were carried out via Court Eviction Orders with support from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Sheriff.

(c) ARC is actively monitoring for potential invasions and taking preventative measures to address them before requiring legal intervention.

(3) Research farms are linked to research institutes of the ARC that prioritize research activities. The Infrastructure Division supports certain aspects of managing the research farms.

(4) Yes. ARC has developed a property management strategy to optimize the use and management of its properties and research farms. A significant initiative within this framework involves engaging a professional property agent to enhance the efficient management of ARC properties and research farms. This includes tasks such as advertising unused ARC properties and research farms. Additionally, any underutilized properties that cannot be leased out will be presented to the Minister for consideration and/or transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

Reply:

The Department will decide on the allegations once two related processes have been concluded. The first process emanates from the work of the Special Investigation Unit which is conducting an investigation at the University of Fort Hare, following the Presidential Proclamation published on 5 August 2022, in the Government Gazette no 47199. A report is expected during March / April 2024, and is likely to be delivered to the President’s office. The second process stems from the legal proceedings underway, involving the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane and the University of Fort hare.

Reply:

a) In terms of proclamation 88 of 2022, the SIU initiated investigations on potential misuse and/or misallocation of funds by the institutions. Once the SIU has concluded its report, the Department will study the report, and engage the NSFAS and institutions which are implicated by SIU before it takes any steps. The Department has in the interim asked universities to conclude outstanding financial reconciliations.

b) NSFAS is improving its internal controls and reconciliation processes to identify outstanding funds and recover or process payments due far sooner. The Department further monitors the performance reports of universities and conducts site visits, reviews audited financial statements and annual reports of the universities, and where substantial evidence or complaints on maladministration are reported to or detected by the Department, investigations are undertaken as per the empowering provisions of the Higher Education Act (1999).

Section 42 (1) of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended, states that the Minister may issue a directive to the council of Public Higher Education Institution (PHEI) if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the Council or the Management of the PHEIs, (a) is involved in financial impropriety or the PHEI is being otherwise managed’.

If Section 42 (1)(a) is not fulfilled, then the Minister may consider Section 42 (4), which states that “in the event that the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the council of the PHEI concerned has failed to comply with the directive contemplated in this section within the stated period, or the steps taken, fail to remedy the deficiency within a reasonable period of time, the Minister may, depending on the circumstances-

(a) appoint an independent assessor in accordance with section 44; or

(b) appoint an administrator in accordance with section 49B; or

(c) take any other appropriate action allowed by this Act or any other law”, as a form of intervention.

Reply:

a) The students in question are not offering their services in the office in Cape Town but they are receiving training under the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme offered, either in partial fulfilment of their academic qualifications and / or in meeting the requirements for registration with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC). These conditions are explained to them prior to commencement of the training. There are no contracts signed with the students.

b) There is no provision to remunerate students who are neither bursary holders nor persons in the internship programme.

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Reply:

I have been advised that:

The DSBD is the custodian of red tape reduction (RTR) as it relates to SMME and co-operatives. The Department has been working collaboratively with Salga, COGTA and the Presidency since the 2017/18 financial year to implement measures to address the legislative and administrative burden faced by SMMEs and co-operatives, more specifically at the municipal sphere of government. These interventions have been primarily aimed at awareness raising, capacity building and commissioning research that:

• Investigates sector and sub-sectors wherein the influence of red tape is unpacked, to develop strategies and interventions that circumvent the negative effects of red tape.

The Department commissioned a study on Regulatory impediments affecting SMME growth and development in South Africa: Findings and Action Plan to investigate the regulatory environment and related legislation and compliance for SMMEs in the 2023/24 financial year. The report identified 29 pieces of legislations that act as primary inhibitors of business start-up and growth. These pieces of legislation were identified as either having a direct impact on SMMEs, whilst the impact of others relate primarily to the administration of the regulation rather than the regulation itself.

Excessive red tape with regards to compliance with labour laws, human and industrial relations, tax and tax-related issues, legal requirements, municipal regulations, and support for business start-ups are key obstacles experienced by SMMEs.

What are the relevant details of the progress that has been made in (a) reducing the regulatory impediments for small, medium, and micro-enterprises and co-operatives?

Through the initial regulatory impediments affecting small businesses and co-operatives in South Africa research work, to improve rates of SMME establishment and performance, the department has undertaken extensive consultative measures to review and critique the initial work on government-wide restrictive regulations and to seek, through its intergovernmental relations and ease of doing business initiatives, resulting in a Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan.

The making of a Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan has been conducted in the 2023/24 financial year involving consultations conducted with key stakeholders on regulatory impediments to SMME growth and report produced in quarter 1 and 2, where stakeholders such BUSA, NEDLAC, Chamber of Businesses (South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Afrikaanse Handelsinsituut, NAFCOC, National Small Business Chamber, BUSA, Black Business Council (BBC), Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), Business unity South Africa (BUSA), Small Business Institute, NEDLAC) include full list) were consulted. Report on inputs and feedback from key stakeholders incorporated into a prioritised Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan in Quarter 3 and the department is finalising a Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan to be submitted to Minister in Quarter 4.

The making of the Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan which is planned to be concluded in the end of this financial year (2023/24), is a result of the relatively extensive consultations conducted with key stakeholder SMME and Coops sectors which regarded compliance with regulatory requirements as one of the primary impediments to their growth than the actual regulations and legislation. Relative to these small businesses’ turnovers, the cost of compliance was also noted as onerous as they often do not have employees or the internal capacity to attend to these - and that it is expensive to outsource such functions.

(b) implementing remedies to address the 29 major regulatory barriers identified through research?

To address the regulatory impediments affecting SMMEs and Co-operatives through the 29 pieces of legislation across the three spheres of government to support SMME growth and development, the department is establishing a comprehensive legislative framework for small businesses and co-operatives. The department has also identified priority legislation and sectors to address regulatory impediments impacting SMMEs and Co-operatives in the new MTSF period, including Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and other priority government interventions. This will be achieved through a revised Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan to be concluded at the end of 2023/24 financial year.

The DSBD’s Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan is a strategic tool to assist it in carrying out ongoing legislative review and development of the regulatory framework falling within its purview, in a strategic and focused manner. The Implementation Plan is, however, a rolling plan and will be reviewed and revised periodically to ensure that it remains up to date, effective and continues to align to the DSBD’s broader strategic objectives, also considering emerging risks and developments.

The results of the Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan were subject to rigorous planning, prioritisation, and internal and external consultation. The considerations and approach undertaken in developing the revised Regulatory Implementation Plan included the approach to prioritisation. Therefore, the original recommendations of the regulatory impediments research work were updated as follow:

1. Category 1: Regulations and Legislation under DSBD Control –

The revised recommendations have reaffirmed the initial recommendations that DSBD to use its Mandated Legislative Powers, by using Section 18 of the National Small Business Act 102 of 1996 (NSBA) Chapter 4, General Provisions, Sections 18 2 (b) - (e) and 3 by notice in the National Gazette guidelines to address identified DSBD’s controlled legislations causing barriers to SMMEs and Coops by conducting further consultations and impact assessment as shown such as - National Business Act 71 of 1991 and the Businesses Amendment Act 186 of 1993, National Small Enterprises Act 102 of 1996 (and as amended in 2003), National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill 2021/22, and Cooperatives Development Act No 15 of 2005, Business Licensing Bill, 2023, and agencies related regulations, legislation, and procedures. The immediate work of the next financial year will on the engagement of State Attorney, the SA Law Reform Commission; formulation of new technical working groups, and participation in the existing committees such as the department’s Intergovernmental Relations (IGR).

2. Category 2: Economic Cluster Departments Control and Influence

DSBD to use advocacy by working with national departments, provinces and local governments on administrative inefficiencies related specific regulations and legislation impacting negatively on SMMEs and Co-operatives, requiring close involvement and consultation on: National Liquor Act 59 of 2003 & Liquor Amendment Bill of 2023, the National Road Traffic Act of 1996 & Traffic Regulations, National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, Companies Act 71 of 2008, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment 53 of 2003, National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009, Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, and related regulations, legislation and procedures.

3. Category 3: Local Governance, Development and Planning

Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013, Local government legislation such Municipal System, Property Rates, Municipal Finance, related provincial legislation and regulations, by-laws and procedures, related Agencies policies, regulations, processes, and procedures.

It is important to note that not every instance of “red tape” is a regulatory reform priority, we should look at educating our populace in the intent of the law, look to our capacity to administer the law and finally, ensure that our laws are aligned with the economic and social challenges we face as a country.

Inter-governmental Relations Framework

In advancing its advocacy and coordination role for the economic sector, the DSBD is in the process of developing an IGR Reporting and Monitoring Tool which forms part of the IGR Framework for SBD. The Tool introduces indicators for Ease of Doing business that stakeholders in Government that relate to number of legislations reviewed by National departments that affect SMMEs and Co-operatives as well as measures put in place to promote administrative simplification of such legislation. The department, in collaboration with National Treasury, Salga & COGTA, is investigating modalities to deploy the Reporting and Monitoring tool for adoption through the three spheres of government.

Reply:

Cases reported through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) are referred to departments, public agencies and other public bodies for investigation in accordance with the agreed protocols. These departments, public agencies and other public bodies are required to investigate the referrals in terms of their particular mandates on investigations within 40 days of the referral of the case. Generally, many investigations are prolonged due to a variety of factors depending on complexity of the case. Some of the problems experienced by the Departments in the handling of NACH cases appear to be link to the lack of investigative capacity, financial constraints and the fact that some departments do not have appropriate structures or specialised units to deal such cases as required by the Minimum Anti-Corruption Capabilities set by Cabinet.

The PSC has put in place mechanisms to monitor and to follow up regularly with departments.

End

Reply:

1. The available information is attached as Annexure A.

2. The available information is attached as Annexure B.

END

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 have not yet received 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:

 

1. As the Minister of Transport, I am fully aware of the collaboration between Discovery, Avis South Africa and Edu Wize on Discovery Pothole Patrol academy that is accredited by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) to offer a 12-month practical skills training programme on NQF Level 3 qualification that kicked off on 1 February 2024.

2. Considering the rapid decline in the condition of South Africa’s roads and the lack of resources and technical capacity to fix potholes, My Department welcome the Pothole Patrol Academy`s initiative to provide on the job practical training in road Construction and Maintenance with the aim to improve the general condition of roads. My Department is engaging with various stakeholders and private sector for involvement and collaboration in addressing the bad condition of roads in the country of which Discovery, Avis South Africa and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) are already in partnership. Furthermore, My Department support any initiative to create jobs for youth while fixing potholes.

Reply:

According to Information Received from Eskom:

(a)

The curtailment framework creates capacity by exploiting the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources. Since they are not producing the same energy all the time, more resources can be connected to the grid and for most of the time, the grid capacity will not be exceeded.

Only on rare occasions when the output exceeds grid capacity, will it be necessary to curtail production.

(b)

The comprehensive curtailment framework will be published as soon as all pending matters, such as the compensation mechanism, have been resolved. All matters are expected to be resolved no later than July 2024.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

ALEXKOR

According to the information from Alexkor:

(a) R189 202,87 paid to Mr. L Pitsoe in January 2022;

(b) The position of Chief Operations Office does not exist; and

(c) No bonus paid.

DENEL

According to the information from Denel:

Denel SOC Ltd has not paid out any bonuses to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer and the Chief Financial Officer since May 2019.

ESKOM

According to the information from Eskom:

(a) (b) (c)

No bonuses have been paid out to any of the abovementioned positions since May 2019.

SAFCOL

According to the information from Safcol:

The South African Forestry Company SOC Limited made the following payments since May 2019.

Bonuses Paid during the below FY’s (2019-2023)
Position	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24
a) Chief Executive Officer	0	0	0	173,359	0
b) Chief Operations Officer	0	0	0	159,032	0
c) Chief Financial Officer	0	0	0	146,376	0
Grand Total	0	0	0	478,767	0

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

According to the information from SAA:

Since 2019, the following information should be noted with regards to South African Airways (SAA), bonus to CEO, COO and CFO since May 2019.

Year	Chief Executive Officer	Chief Operations Officer	Chief Financial Officer
2019	R nil	R nil	R nil
2020	R nil	R nil	R nil
2021	R nil	R nil	R nil
2022	R nil	R nil	R nil
2023

TRANSNET

According to the information from Transnet:

Transnet has not paid any incentive bonuses to either the Group Chief Executive or the Group Chief Financial Officer since May 2019

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved/ Comments

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

As the Honourable member may be aware, road and Transport is a concurrent function performed by all spheres of Government meaning that the province is responsible for Provincial road whereas the municipality looks after the municipal roads in terms of Section 4(a) of the constitution.

1. It is on this basis that Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is responsible for the maintenance of traffic light on the provincial road R25.

2. A large number of Traffic Signals within the Ekurhuleni Metro are not functioning due to theft and vandalism. This means that the Department has to secure a budget to replace the damaged infrastructure and upscale the Regional Technical teams’ capacity to provide road maintenance.

The Department is currently working on securing a budget for restoration of traffic signals along the R 25 and other affected regions within Gauteng Province. Following the 2024/25 budgeting cycle, the Department plans to commence with restoration works in April 2024, with priority being given to R25 road.

3. The Minister of Transport has no plans to pronounce or make a public statement on this matter as outlined on paragraph (i) in terms of the constitution of the Republic.

Reply:

Public transport is defined by the Department of Transport as road-based public transport (buses, minibus taxis, taxis and e-hailing services). The Department of Transport monitors and evaluates public transport. The Province and Municipalities implement public transport systems.

The universal accessibility of these public transport systems is covered in the 2021 White Paper on National Transport Policy; the 2007 Public Transport Strategy and Action Plan; the Implementation Strategy to Guide the Accessibility of Public Transport Systems in South Africa, the National Land Transport Act and the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG).

In rural areas 2016 Rural Public Transport Strategy, requires universal accessibility to services. There is a programme for learners with disabilities in the 2015 National Scholar Transport Policy.

The bus standard, 10370, which has been a national compulsory standard since 2009 in IPTN cities, includes access for wheelchair users. It is due to be revised next year, and will apply to all other areas of the country after that. In addition, the Department has developed minimum requirements for pedestrian crossings in 2017.

Reply:

According to the information received from DENEL

1. (a) Denel has materially implemented the first two phases of the turnaround which is the stabilise and sustain phases, starting with the growth phase.

(b) The turnaround plan will be implemented over a three- year period: 2022/23 financial year to 2024/25 Financial year.

2. (a) Denel has implemented the stabilise and sustain phase.

(b) The total amount for the completion of the implementation of the turnaround plans forms part of the recapitalisation allocated to Denel SOC Ltd.

3. The funding for the growth phase was included in the recapitalisation allocated to Denel SOC Ltd in 2023.

4. (a) R4 406m (Secured Order Book) and R16 580m (Order Pipeline/Winnable Projects) at the end of Dec 2023.

(b)

YEAR	Order Book/Backlog (Rm)	Order Pipeline/ Intake Rm
Dec 2019	17 487	8 290
Dec 2020	13 240	11 650
Dec 2021	11 977	8 316
Dec 2022	8 862	9 414
Dec 2023	4 406	16 580

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/ Comments

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date

Reply:

1. (a) The Vala Zonke Public Pothole Reporting APP was launched on 8 August 22, and to date we have had 21 341 downloads of the APP.

(b) (i) The Public has reported 46 693 potholes to date using the public APP

(b) (ii) Of the Public reported potholes a total of 7842 has been reported as closed to Vala Zonke War Room. This number excludes the blacktop patching numbers currently received from authorities. Indications are that this number is higher as not all Authorities are reporting back to the Vala Zonke War Room on actual repaired potholes or in the correct format to reconcile public potholes repaired. The War Room is trying to establish a mechanism to reconcile blacktop patching with potholes repaired.

2. (a) Various best practices national guidelines has been developed regarding road asset management and published under the auspices of the committee of transport Officials (COTO) as Technical Recommendations or Methods to be utlised by all spheres of Government.

b) (i) Various training initiatives using the above national guidelines are undertaken by the various spheres of Government and Service providers as and when new employees or sub-contractors are onboarded.

(b) (ii) SANRAL is in a process of entering in an MOU with the CETA. In terms of this MOU the CETA will provide the requisite accredited training to the supervisors and labour from the roads authorities engaged in the repair of potholes. A second aspect is the training of SMME’s and their teams in accredited training in the repair of potholes and in the management, operation of these small construction entities.

The CETA has developed accredited training courses specifically for the repair of potholes.

3. The role of the Vala Zonke War Room is not to actually perform the pothole repairs, these repairs are still performed by the responsible Road Authority for the section of road in their respective road networks as per provisions of the Constitution. The Vala Zonke War Room provides central oversight, reporting and monitoring on repair of potholes by the responsible road authority, establish reasons into the delay in repairing potholes by responsible road authorities and identify common reasons in delays that needs to be escalated to be unblocked at appropriate Authorithy level. The War Room also provides training on the use of the APP’s to the respective Road authority officials and the use of the central electronic database – Integrated Transportation Information System (ITIS).

Reply:

(1) The PRASA total asset values over the last 5 years are as follows:

• 2023 – R81,138,987,000
• 2022 – R81,761,207,000
• 2021 – R76,985,291,000
• 2020 – R80,904,701,000
• 2019 – R75,883,857,000

(2) Assets written off due to theft and vandalism amounts to R2,049,947,000 and assets impaired due to theft and vandalism amounts to R5,590,966,000.

Reply:

Make	Model	Year Manufacture	Cost	Purchase Date	Official
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)
BMW	5 Series Sedan	2022	R 748 624.04	27/01/2022	Previous Minister

No other vehicles were procured during this period for the previous Minister, the current Deputy Minister or the previous Deputy Minister

Reply:

The provision of public transport is guided by transport plans, which are developed and implemented by municipalities as planning authorities and not national. These transport plans are used to design the most efficient public transport mode for an area or within a network in order to provide an efficient service to commuters.

Reply:

(a)& (b)

The following systems and precautionary measures are in place to prevent the involvement of officials of his department in identity theft:

• In terms of the Departments’ Information Security Policy, a model built around proactive risk assessment and risk management, Biometric Access Control Management (BACM) system is in place, that all officials responsible for capturing transactions on the National Population Register system within the domain of the organization, are assigned with biometric fingerprint authentication, to detect and hold users liable for fraudulent activities and information stored digitally, at any point in the Department systems.

• The Department in 2013 introduced and implemented the Live Capture system aimed at eliminating manual intervention by users, resulting in reduction of error rate and streamlining of business process for the issuance of Smart Identity Cards and Passports to citizens. The Department has also rolled out the system to 206 modernised offices. The Smart ID Card is engraved with security features that cannot be easily tampered with to prevent identity theft and fraud.

• Furthermore, the Live Capture system entails an online verification feature whereby any member of a public is verified against the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS), when applying for enabling documents. Similarly, the banks that offer Home Affairs services, have online verification whereby they can verify the legitimacy of client’s fingerprints as they are linked to departmental systems

• The Department reassessed the current business processes to close gaps identified within the passport application process. The department periodically reviews the passport security features in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards.

END

Reply:

(a)&(b) The Department of Home Affairs does not have plans for the 30 years of democracy in the Republic. Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is the lead department and once the department is invited, it will participate.

END

Reply:

The Department has collaborated and supported the Eastern Cape province in dealing with this matter. It should be stated that in terms of section 85 of the National Land Transport Act No 5 of 2009, the MEC is the enforcement authority responsible for land transport law enforcement and he intended to issue a notice indicating the intention to invoke section 91 of the Act, which includes closing down the affected taxi ranks. Ordinarily, the role of dealing with violence and ensuring safety within the taxi industry is for SAPS and other law enforcement agencies and the Department is always in support of those endeavours. As a result, the Department availed itself and participated in a high-level meeting called by the Minister of Police on 25 January 2024 to explore a number of possible interventions to address this matter. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Police, Minister of Transport, Premier of the Eastern Cape, MEC for Transport Eastern Cape, amongst others. The meeting resolved that SAPS and DOT should investigate and identify police officers who are taxi operators and submit names to DOT for verification. It was further resolved that law enforcement must ensure that all illegal operators in the area are dealt with in terms of the law.

Reply:

As the Honourable Member may be aware, my Department has already initiated a process to enter into Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Discovery Health Insurance Company that is already in partnership with Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). Several meetings have already been convened with JRA and Discovery Health to determine the areas of collaboration and role clarification including skills development and job creation. Engagements are still ongoing with the South African Insurance Association to adopt a national integrated approach in partnership with the entire insurance sector with the view to align Government initiative with the broader skill development initiative. The PPP initiative will contribute significantly in addressing the high number of unemployment especially amongst the youth.

In addition to the above, the initiative will enable private companies to make donations towards the maintenance and upkeep of roads through their Corporate Social Responsibility and claim for BEE Scorecards and obtain Tax deduction for such donation in terms of section 18A of SARS.

Reply:

The Department collects child support grants information as part of the biographical data of learners. However, it is self-reported and dependent on learners (or parents) providing the information. The data provided below are learners who are 18 year-old and indicated that they received social grants and still attending school for the period indicated. This includes ordinary and Special Education Needs (SEN) learners attending Public Ordinary, Special and Vocational Schools. Learners from Grade 9 are mainly attending Vocational and Special schools. 

Table 1: Number of 18 year-old learners that received child support grant in 2023

Reply:

(a) and (b)

The Department of Basic Education collects data of schools that incudes class data on learners and teaching staff. However, it should be noted that it is self-reported. The data used below includes teaching staff that are paid by the State and School Governing Bodies as well as ordinary and Special Education Needs learners that attends Public Ordinary, Special and Vocational Schools. 

The Department provided Learner Educator Ratio (LER) for primary and secondary rather than per grade due to low response rate in terms of educators indicating the grades that they are teaching. It is also to be noted that the teaching staff includes Principals and other School Management Team members that have reduced contact time and therefore lowers the LER.

Table 1: Learner Educator Ratio in primary and secondary schools, by province, in 2023.

Province	PRIMARY SCHOOL	SECONDARY SCHOOL
EC	29,0	32,5
FS	31,6	29,6
GT	31,9	29,0
KZN	30,4	31,2
LP	35,4	30,7
MP	33,2	30,4
NC	30,2	25,3
NW	32,3	29,7
WC	30,5	29,4
NAT	31,6	30,3

 

Reply:

1. The matter is awaiting judicial management to determine the date for the hearing. The exchanges between the parties have been completed save for the filing of Heads of Arguments which the date for their submission will be determined by the judicial management.

2. The City of Cape Town Metro took the decision of NERSA for a judicial review and the matter is also going to be subjected to judicial management as the exchanges between the parties has been completed.

3. There is no court interim order received by the City of Cape Town Metro to charge a tariff in excess of NERSA approved tariffs.

a) The City of Cape Town Metro unilateral implementation of unapproved tariff is unlawful and in breach of its distribution licence condition.

b) NERSA is not aware of any the lawful instrument that can entitle the City of Cape Town Metro to unilateral implement unapproved tariffs.

c) Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 enables customer to refer a complaint to NERSA for dispute resolution or for NERSA to sit as a tribunal to enforce compliance or a full drawn out legal process before courts.

d) NERSA has never done an audit of it because of a variety of challenges.

4. As per NERSA’s procedures in the case of non-compliance with licence conditions, NERSA requested a meeting with the City of Cape Town Metro, however the request was turned down by the City, stating that they have a lodged a review case on this matter with the High Court. NERSA is the respondent in the case. It was NERSA’s considered view that since the matter is before Courts, it was prudent to await outcome of the Court proceedings before proceeding with its processes.

5. Currently the City and NERSA are in court dealing with tariff matters of 2022/23 and 2023/24. The two matters are at a judicial management stage before a judge and the outcome of the two matters will address the effect of the conduct of the City on customers and what remedies should be implemented to correct the wrong that have been done and the period within which such remedies should be implement.

Reply:

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA (ACSA)

ACSA is actively implementing transformative measures aligned with the strategic direction of diversifying revenue streams and bolster control over airport operations.

These interventions are strategically crafted to improve safety, security, and overall operational efficiency, reducing reliance on outsourcing while reinforcing the user-pay principle. Over the Corporate Plan window stretching to a 3-year period, these initiatives are poised to reshape the Company's operating landscape, fostering equitable partnerships, and driving inclusive growth.

One key intervention involves the rationalisation and reconfiguration of the fuel supply business and operating model. This aims to mitigate risks associated with disruptions and enhance control, ensuring universal access to fuel for all airport users. The strategy also includes aligning charges with the economic value derived from fuel infrastructure, fostering fairness, and mutual benefit.

On ground handling, the Company has initiated phase one of its planned interventions, providing incumbents with five years licence to operate across its airport platforms and grant self-handling permits to local airline operators. The subsequent phase will entail a transition to insourcing, with continuous monitoring of market conditions and performance alignment with the Company’s efficiency metrics.

While asset monetisation was prioritised during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for fundraising, it has been deprioritised in the upcoming Corporate Plan window. The Company now shifts focus to strategies that enhance operational control, revenue, and overall sustainability.

Efforts in coordinating for implementation of aerotropolis and airport cities development is aimed to position ACSA's airports as nuclei for attracting investment. Strengthened collaboration with Metropolitan and local governments and key partners, leveraging special economic zones at airport locations, and integrating these zones into long-term planning and this is anticipated to facilitate the implementation of aerotropolis and airport cities.

In response to audit findings, significant actions have been undertaken to address key areas of concern. This includes investment property valuation, where ACSA reviewed the methodology and assumptions to be consistent with the industry norms and IFRS. Subsequently, a valuation process was initiated with focus on accurate assessment through valid leases.

Additionally, ACSA is working to conclude matters relating to deferred tax liability by end of the current financial year, and detailed analysis of the tax asset register is underway for closeout of the matter. Also, the adjustments made to financial statements reflecting reduction in cash and cash equivalents were completed before finalization of FY2022/23 Annual Financial Statements.

ACSA also closed on the finding relating to determination of VAT apportionment with voluntary disclosure and payment to SARS in February 2024 and is awaiting further feedback from SARS.

To enhance controls and reconciliation deficiencies in the parking system, the company has addressed the challenges with assistance from insurers and implementation of an automated solution which was completed by end of September 2023.

ACSA’s irregular expenditure register has 283 items with a cumulative amount of R 251 784 561. The company’s Loss Control Function has removed R 10 975 691 based on incorrectly classification of irregular expenditure and has submitted matters worth R 57 647 379 to the National Treasury for condonation. ACSA has prioritised items already under determination and those exceeding R 1 million, which constitute 77% of the total amount. The entity is expediting the enhancement of key functions to accelerate the resolution of identified irregularities.

ACSA has also addressed matters relating to IT Access Control and Third Party Management and it is going through internal approval process. This includes capacitation of the company’s Information Technology division to implement cyber security controls, implement secure settings on systems and enforce compliance with policies.

In the current financial year, the company has prioritized and the process of resourcing and strengthening the Supply Chain Management (SCM) function to effectively support the operationalization of Innovate, Grow, and Sustain strategy over the next five years. This is expected to be completed by the end of first quarter of financial year 2024/25.

This plays a pivotal role in significantly reducing irregularities and project delays while simultaneously fostering the development of small businesses, enhancing local capacity, and promoting industrialization. The optimization of the ACSA’s supply chain processes is expected to contribute significantly to the overall capex execution pace and broader socio-economic objectives for both ACSA and South Africa.

ACSA has developed the Anti-Corruption Management Plan (ACMP) with an aim of complying with the PFMA and Treasury Regulations obligation of ensuring that the Accounting Authority implements controls that ensure that fraud and corruption risk assessment is conducted regularly to identify emerging fraud and corruption risks. A risk management strategy which includes an Anti-Corruption Management Plan is used to direct Compliance and Ethics effort and priority, and to determine the skills required of managers and staff to improve controls and to manage these risks. The risk management strategy is clearly communicated to all officials to ensure that it is incorporated throughout the business of ACSA.

The company continues to encourage managers to identify and address internal control weaknesses, and regular training is conducted as a mitigation strategy.

ACSA has developed procedures and processes to deal with liability and recovery of losses or damages suffered as a result of a fraudulent or corrupt acts committed by an employee or non-employee and they continue to be implemented. Where necessary, criminal prosecution has been instituted against those found to have breached the policies in line with the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004).

3.2 SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY (SAMSA)

SAMSA has put together a Corporate Performance Improvement / Mitigation Plan to address the issue of non-performance. The following key elements have been put in place to ensure the turnaround of corporate performance.

SAMSA has developed a Corporate Performance Improvement / Mitigation Plan which the SAMSA Executive management will monitor and report on, on a monthly basis.

The SAMSA Risk Committee has been tasked on behalf of the Board to check the progress of the Corporate Performance Improvement / Mitigation Plan. To ensure that risk is managed, the recruitment process to appoint a Senior Manager: Risk is at an advanced stage.

An audit finding tracking register is kept and updated with the status of the implementation of the AGSA’s recommendations. In terms of the SCM related findings, an SCM compliance specialist has been appointed, and internal controls are being strengthened. A Senior Manager: SCM was also recently appointed, which will improve the efficiency of the SCM department.

With regards to going concern, the entity had implemented robust cost containment measures during the past 3 years, which has resulted in cost savings against budget, and has reduced the risk of the entity not being able to continue as a going concern. The Board is in the process of addressing the financial challenges facing SAMSA.

SAMSA has also reviewed its Corporate Strategy and Annual Performance Plan (Key Performance Indicators) for the next financial period to ensure that all the important key priorities are captured and aligned with the capacity in resources, within SAMSA controls and the new 2025-29 Medium Term Strategy Framework.

SAMSA is in the process of filling all critical and senior management vacant positions. The CFO is starting on the 1st of April 2024 and the CEO recruitment process is at an advanced stage, all critical (technical and senior management) positions have been advertised or in the process of being advertised to ensure that SAMSA is better resourced to deal with corporate performance.

3.3 ROAD TRAFIC INFRINGEMENT AGENCY (RTIA)

The Agency has conducted an audit review with AGSA in November 2023;

An audit action plan was developed and is being implemented with the view to address the root causes of underperformance;

An interim audit is being conducted by AGSA on qualified items (AARTO Assets and Liabilities);

The automation of the environment, including synchronizing Finance, HR and SCM processes to avoid fruitless and wasteful expenditure, as well as irregular expenditure;

The organisational structure has been reviewed in order to capacitate the Agency with appropriate skills;

Policies and standard operating procedures have been reviewed in order to strengthen control measures across the organisation; and

To address the going concern, the Agency has established new payment channels, reviewed the funding model, implemented the alternative revenue sources, and has intensified efforts for revenue collection.

3.4 ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COOPERATION (RTMC)

The Road Traffic Management Corporation continuously strives to improve its performance, for the year under review we strive to attain 100% of our set objectives which will be an improvement from the 95% APP attainment for the past two (2) financial years.

The Corporation remains a going concern and the AGSA has not raised any concerns regarding this matter. Management reports the entity’s financial position to the Board through its Sub-Committees.

The Corporation monitors the implementation of not only AGSA findings but those of Internal Audit as well. Management tables quarterly reports to apprise those charged with governance i.e Audit and Risk Committee and the Board on progress made in addressing internal control deficiencies.

3.5 ROAD ACCIDENT FUND (RAF)

The Road Accident Fund has indeed improved on its operational performance and financial resilience since the implementation of the 2020-25 strategic plan. During the 2019/20 financial year, the RAF had to contend with the fact that administrative costs had shot up to R17 billion, with just over R10 billion spent on legal costs. The short-term liability had increased to R16.2 billion and was projected to peak at R52 billion for the period ending 31 March 2023 if no change was affected.

As reported in the RAF 2022/23 annual report, the RAF not only improved its performance on predetermined objectives to 91%, but it also saw the reduction in its short-term liability to R9.3 billion. In addition, the RAF managed to achieve its target of 75% reduction in legal costs by 2025. In this regard, just over R20 billion in legal costs have been saved since the implementation of the strategy.

Notwithstanding these improvements, significant risks to the sustainability of RAF remain. The RAF has not received a fuel levy adjustment for three consecutive financial years. And with the further extension of diesel rebates to more industries and increase in electric vehicles, it presents risks to the future revenue outlook.

It is therefore critical that the RAF legislative amendments are finalised and signed into law if these improvements are to be sustained. Key to the legislative amendments is the payment in annuities and refining the benefits offered.

3.6 THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL RAOD AGENCY LIMITED (SANRAL)

SANRAL’s going concern is linked with the e-toll resolution. There were cash injections from National Treasury to assist with settling bonds when they become due. SANRAL will be able to settle the 07 December 2024 bond of about R5,6 billion. AGSA continues to raise the issue of going concern until such time the e-toll is resolved.

The entity has introduced an audit response plan (which management prepares stating how the AGSA findings will be addressed) and audit war room. The audit war room deals with all aspects of audits – The evidence and plans for addressing AGSA and Internal Audit findings is reviewed by the audit war room (Manned by independent audit firm) to ensure that the evidence shows appropriate corrective actions have been implemented.

3.7 PASSENGER RAIL AGENCY OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRASA)

 

PRASA has a comprehensive multiyear audit action plan that details how it will deal with the aspects that have been raised by the Auditor General. The first year of this action plan has seen PRASA move from a disclaimer to a qualified opinion during the 2022/23 financial year. PRASA is making further steps in line with its plan to address issues highlighted by the AG and expects to see further improvements in the 2023/24 audit.

The following entities received a clean audit for 2022/23 financial year:

3.8 RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR

3.9 SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (SACAA)

3.10 PORTS REGULATOR OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRSA)

3.11 CROSS-BOARDER ROAD TRANSPORT AGENCY (C-BRTA)

Reply:

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) collects child support grants information as part of the biographical data of learners.  However, it is self-reported and dependent on learners (or parents) providing the information. Currently the DBE is unable to provide a response in terms of dropout learners as the Department is still in a process of tracking learners who might have moved to other sectors (such as the Department of Higher Education and Training) as they are not considered as dropouts.  

The data provided below are learners who are 18 years and indicated that they received social grants and still attending school for the period indicated. This includes ordinary and Special Education Needs (SEN) learners attending Public Ordinary, Special and Vocational Schools. Learners from Grade 7 to 9 are mainly attending Vocational and Special schools. 

Table 1: Number of 18 year-old learners that received child support grant in 2022

Table 2: Number of 18 year-old learners that received child support grant in 2023

 

Reply:

(1)(a) 326 Mines have not fully implemented their Social and Labour Plans due to variety of reasons. These include mines that are not yet operational as well as those under Care and Maintenance.

(b) The Social and Labour Plan (SLP) incorporates various elements of the Mining Charter such as Human Resources Development, Employment Equity, Procurement, Local Economic Development, Management of Downscaling and retrenchments as well as Living and Housing conditions. Community development is only one aspect of the SLP.

Mining companies may therefore implement most aspects of the SLP and be non-compliant on other aspects. Where a holder of a Mining Right is non-compliant, administrative notices/directives are issued in terms of sections 29 or 93, whereby the holder is requested to take rectifying steps.

Commitments in Social and Labour Plans are implemented in five (5) year cycles, and new SLP’s are submitted every 5 years for the duration of the Mining Right. The date of review of each SLP is dependent on the end of that mine’s five-year cycle. There is therefore no single date for reviewing all SLPs.

(2)(a) 201 objections were recorded in the past three years.

(b) 66 objections were recorded since 01 April 2023.

Reply:

(a) On 23 March 2022, Cabinet approved this White Paper on National Rail Policy, which takes a holistic view of the trajectory of the development of our rail system. This Policy not only creates policy certainty but also introduces radical structural reforms in the sector. This is intended to open up space for private sector investment and effective economic regulation that enables equitable access to both the primary and secondary network. The National Rail Policy intends to place rail on a sound footing to play a meaningful role as a backbone of a seamlessly integrated transport value chain able to make a meaningful contribution to the economy.

In March 2023 President Cyril Ramaphosa directed Transnet to implement reforms swiftly and completely to turn around the crisis in South Africa’s logistics system. This followed the President’s announcement in the 2023 State of the Nation Address that Government would develop a Freight Logistics Roadmap that would translate policy commitments into reality, including the restructuring of Transnet Freight Rail to create a separate infrastructure manager and the implementation of an open access regime for the freight rail network.

The Department of Transport was one of the lead Departments in spearheading the development of the Freight Logistics Roadmap (Roadmap) which was approved by Cabinet in December 2023. The Roadmap outlines a range of actions required to restore the efficiency and competitiveness of key industry supply chains, as well as ports and rail more generally. It is also a fundamental guiding document for Transnet, which articulates both the challenges to be solved in the freight logistics system and the role and positioning of Transnet within this system as it goes through various stages of reform. The size and complexity of the freight logistics system means that the causes of poor performance are varied and intersecting. The aim of this roadmap is therefore to set out an evidence-based, implementable and achievable path for reform of South Africa’s logistics system in a manner that effectively addresses these challenges, and thus enables economic growth and transformation.

The implementation of the Roadmap will be overseen by the Department of Transport, Department of Public Enterprises, National Treasury and the Presidency through the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) to enable a coherent, integrated response to the challenges within the national logistics system.

The Roadmap aims to:

• Set out structural reform within the rail and port sector. This will be done by creating a level playing field in ports and rail. A critical starting point for reform of the rail system, a separate Infrastructure Manager will be established for the rail network.
• To ensure a level competitive playing field in ports and rail, an independent Transport Economic Regulator (TER) will be established. The TER will be empowered by the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill. This legislation is an important enabler for private sector participation and third-party access in the rail sector.
• Right-size the rail network through developing a National Rail Master Plan. identifying the appropriate size of the network.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the freight logistics system through private sector participation to systematically implemented through developing a Private Sector Participation (PSP) Framework for the rail sector to identify further PSP opportunities. The PSP Framework has been approved by Cabinet in December 2023 and its implementation plan is being developed. The PSP Framework for rail covers broad railway PSP issues, ranging from the South African PSP context, different forms of participation, a clear procurement framework and the role of rail economic regulation, as well as detail on the number of opportunities and the areas of PSP in the rail industry. The pursuit of PSP should, however, not be construed as the privatisation of the South African railways.

(b) In addition to the reforms such as the establishment of the TER, development of the National Rail Masterplan and the development of the PSP Framework, the Department of Transport has also developed an integrated Freight Road to Rail Migration Plan (FRRMP), the purpose of which is to ensure the effective and seamless road/rail modal shift, in an attempt to ensure a good equitable land surface transport split. The FRRMP has been extensively consulted on to ensure both government and private sector by-in and participation in this landmark road to rail split. The Interdepartmental Steering Committee, approved the Draft FRRMP which has since been workshopped with all relevant industry stakeholder, at the well attended FRRMP Colloquium moderated by the GCIS. It must be noted that the FRRMP follows the strategic interventions laid out in the Freight Roadmap, the Freight Road Strategy, the Rail Policy, NDP, Transport Master Plan and Transnet Recovery Plan.

The FRRMP aims to:

• Bring about equitable land surface transport modal split;
• Effective migration of rail friendly cargo back to rail ( road to rail migration)
• Effective infrastructure investment to ensure rail capacity.

Reply:

1. The Property/Residence in question, which is: Erf 839, Corner of Edward Street and Rose Street, Waterkloof is not owned by PRASA. The residence belongs to the National Government of the Republic of South Africa.

2. Not applicable (in accordance with Point 1).

Reply:

Cases reported through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) are referred to departments, public agencies and other public bodies for investigation in accordance with the agreed protocols. These departments, public agencies and other public bodies are required to investigate the referrals in terms of their particular mandates on investigations. Problems experienced by departments in the handling of NACH cases appear to be linked to the lack of investigative capacity, financial constraints and the fact that some departments do not have appropriate structures or specialized units to deal with the cases as required by the Minimum Anti-Corruption Capabilities set by Cabinet.

End

Reply:

1. Information on crimes committed by each offender released in terms of the special remission programme is attached as Annexure 1, it should however be noted that subsequent to verification a total of 16 074 offenders were released and not 16 472 as stated in question.

(2)(a) A total of 13 504 offenders were unconditionally released as they had reached their sentence expiry date upon granting of special remission. A total of 2 570 offenders were released into the supervision of Community Corrections in order to continue serving their sentences as parolees. It has been found that 04 parolees who are monitored under the community corrections system have been re-arrested for allegedly committing crimes for house breaking, assault (2) and absconding

(2)(b) Parolees who are re-arrested for allegedly committing crimes have been re-admitted and will go through court processes and may be required to serve the remaining part of his original sentence based on merits.

(2)(c) Offenders whom are found guilty of criminal offences will have to serve their sentences as imposed by courts and their sentences will be recalculated to cater for previous unexpired sentence/s. Offenders may therefore be required to serve the remaining part of their sentence including the sentence of further charge.

END

Reply:

1. Pregnant and Other Learners that have written the examination from Hospital

2020	85
2021	140
2022	150
2023	209

 

2. The Regulations Pertaining to the Conduct, Administration and Management of the National Senior Certificate Examinations makes provision for learners who are ill or confronted with any other circumstance beyond the candidate’s control, that prevents them from writing the examination, to be allowed to write the next examination.

a) (i) (ii) However, in exceptional cases, provision is also made for the writing of examinations in hospital. This is to accommodate girl learners who are pregnant or learners who are unwell and admitted to hospital, but are capable enough to write the examination. Such a learner and the parent will submit a formal request to the Head of Examinations in the province, to write the examination in hospital. The application must be submitted with a report from the medical practitioner attending to the learner, confirming that the learner is in a state of health to write the examination and that the learner cope with the stress of the examination 

b) Once the Head of Examinations has approved the writing of the examination in hospital, guidance and direction is provided by the Provincial Head Office on the protocol to be followed to manage the administration of the examination. An invigilator will be appointed, preferably from the district office to supervise the examination. The first step is for the district office, to liaise with the hospital where the candidate will be writing the examination to ensure that the venue is suitable for the examination, in terms of the criteria relating to an Examination venue. The most important is that the venue must be isolated from the other patients and security must be maintained. The invigilator will collect the question paper from the district office and follow the normal rules relating to the writing of an examination. The script will be collected and returned to the district office and included in the correct batch with the other scripts from the centre where the candidate was registered to sit for the examinations. The subsequent processes follow the normal process flow relating to the management of scripts.

c) Every effort is made to ensure that learners that request to write and examination in hospital are accommodated. No cases have been reported to the DBE relating to a Province neglecting to provide learners with the necessary question papers after the arrangements were finalized, with regard to writing the examination at a hospital. If there was such a case, this should be brought to the attention of the DBE and the matter will be fully investigated and remedial measures will be put in place and consequence management will be implemented if there has been a dereliction of duty.

Reply:

There are no such events planned nor is there a budget available for it. 

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