Questions and Replies
27 November 2023 - NW3660
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What projects were initiated by the SA Tourism in each month (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2023, (b) in which month was each project completed in each case, (c) which of the specified projects remain incomplete in each case and (d) what are the reasons that the projects are incomplete in each case?
Reply:
The projects initiated South African Tourism are as captured in the Annual Performance Plans. Implementation for the first and second quarters of the current financial year has been presented to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism.
27 November 2023 - NW3532
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether her department has started the preparations to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, given that it expires on 30 November 2023 while the project pipeline has projects under implementation until 2025: if not, why not; if so, what specific steps has her department taken to renew the MoU?
Reply:
I have been informed that the Department has commenced the process to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Development Bank of South of Southern Africa. This renewal will be concluded before the current contract expires, thus enabling completion of projects in the pipeline.
27 October 2023 - NW3181
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
What is the total number of persons who have benefitted from the Tourism Transformation Fund in each province since it was established to assist vulnerable groups?
Reply:
|
Province |
What is the total number of persons who have benefitted from the Tourism Transformation Fund in each province since it was established to assist vulnerable groups |
|
Eastern Cape |
Four (4) Applications were approved |
|
Free State |
Two (2) Applications were approved |
|
Gauteng |
Two (2) Applications were approved |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
Two (2) Applications were approved |
|
Limpopo |
Five (5) Applications were approved |
|
Mpumalanga |
One (1) Application was approved |
|
Northern Cape |
Two (2) Applications were approved |
|
North West |
No applications were approved |
|
Western Cape |
One (1) Application was approved |
27 October 2023 - NW3311
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to her reply to question 1287 on 19 May 2023, on which specific provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act 4 of 2013, did she rely to not publicise the names of companies that benefited from the Green Tourism Incentive Programme?
Reply:
Applicable POPIA provisions:
Chapter 1 (Definitions) of Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA)
Section 11(1)(a) of POPIA
Section 13 of POPIA
Section 15 of POPIA
27 October 2023 - NW3308
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the request by the National Treasury to reduce and cut costs within her department, what are the (a) details of the programmes and other areas where her department plans to cut costs and (b) names and professional designations of the responsible persons in this regard?
Reply:
(a) Given that the Minister of Finance is yet to present the Medium Term
Policy Budget Statement to Parliament on 1 November 2023, details about budget cuts may only be communicated thereafter as anything to the contrary would be a preemption of the statement and only the statement will provide factual information in this regard.
(b) Not Applicable
27 October 2023 - NW3307
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether her department has put measures in place to enhance fiscal responsibility to prevent underspending of its budget, as was the case in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been informed that the department has put measures in place to ensure that the allocated budget for the current financial year is spent. The Top Management structure interrogates branch reports every month in line with the set targets and cash flow projections. The expenditure on compensation of employees is dependent on the approval of the filling of posts by the relevant structures. The directive on the implementation of control measures when creating and filling vacant posts, issued by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, and the cost containment guidelines issued by the National Treasury should be complied with when filling vacant positions.
In line with the spirit of the National Treasury guidelines on cost containment, where savings are realised based on efficiencies, such should not be considered to be under expenditure but saving to be surrendered to National Treasury.
27 October 2023 - NW3294
Maneli, Ms ST to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether she has found that the accommodation grading programme of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa is contributing towards the transformation and elevation of tourism establishments, particularly in villages, townships and small dorpies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been informed that the Tourism Grading Council has contributed to the transformation and elevation of tourism establishments, particularly villages, townships and small dorpies (VTSD) products.
Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and standardisation of various accommodation products in South Africa. By quality assuring VTSD products, TGCSA helps these offerings meet globally benchmarked grading criteria. This not only ensures that the standards of South African accommodation products are on par with global counterparts but also helps in maintaining a comprehensive and legal accommodation database in the country.
Legal entities are accountable and can be regulated, which contributes to the overall safety and reliability of the tourism industry in South Africa.
This rigorous grading and quality assurance process does not only benefit the businesses directly involved but also bolsters the reputation of South Africa's tourism sector on the global stage. Providing visitors with reliable, high-quality accommodations enhances their overall experience and encourages positive word-of-mouth, further promoting tourism in the region.
Top of Form
The following is how TGCSA is contributing to VTSD products as a Quality Assurance entity:
The Basic Quality Verification Programme
- The Basic Quality Verification (BQV) grading system developed by TGCSA, is a commendable initiative aimed at enhancing accommodation and event products, especially in the VTSD sector in South Africa.
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa piloted the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) programme in the Eastern Cape in 2020/2021.
The programme seeks to provides structured approach that will build confidence in many accommodation products especially those in rural areas.
This system provides a structured approach to ensuring quality, health, and safety standards in remote rural areas. By establishing clear criteria and guidelines, the BQV grading system enables tourism products, which might not meet the core requirements for formal grading initially, to access trade within the tourism sector.
Through the BQV programme 29 unemployed graduates were recruited and trained as the Basic Quality Verification Evaluators who are responsible for applying the Basic Quality Verification criteria which is used for assessment of establishments that do not meet the minimum entry requirements of formal grading. A total of sixty-five (65) products have been evaluated in the following districts have been completed: eThekwini Municipality, Ugu, iLembe and King Cetshwayo. The team is currently preparing for evaluations in uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala and uMzinyathi District Municipalities, outstanding evaluations are at Zululand, uMkhanyakude, uThukela, uMzinyathi, and Amajuba.
27 October 2023 - NW3306
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether her department has undertaken a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the impact of the ongoing electricity blackouts on the tourism sector of the Republic, including the impact on visitor numbers, revenue losses and the potential long-term damage caused to the global reputation of the Republic as an attractive tourism destination; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been informed that the Department of Tourism has not conducted a comprehensive study on load shedding’s impact on tourism.
SA Tourism’s Departure Survey indicates the following:
- Tourists experienced the regrettable cancellation of anticipated activities.
- Interruptions in internet connectivity posed challenges, hindering communication with family, friends, or professional contacts.
- Several tourists reported inconvenience when the heating and cooling systems in their accommodations became inoperative.
- Dining experiences were prolonged due to power-related disturbances in restaurants.
- Our transportation infrastructure also faced issues; traffic congestion occurred as a result of malfunctioning traffic signals.
- Such disruptions frequently led to delays, compelling tourists to either forego scheduled activities or encounter difficulties in punctual arrivals at their destinations.
It is for this reason amongst others that the Department implements the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) under its Tourism Incentive programme (TIP)
27 October 2023 - NW3187
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)With reference to the legal action and matters of any description undertaken by her department (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023, what (i) matters were (aa) opened, (bb) closed and (cc) settled out of court in each month in the specified period and (ii) were the reasons in each case; (2) what (a) matters went to (i) arbitration and (ii) court in each month in each case and (b) were the outcomes in each case in each month?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department that the details regarding legal action undertaken by the Department, are tabulated below.
|
Cases which were opened in 2020/21 FY |
Court |
Status |
If case closed - Reasons for Closure |
Did the matter go for Arbitration? |
Did the matter go to court? |
Court Outcome |
Current Status |
|
1. Hazyview Aerial Cable Trial (Pty) Ltd vs Minister of Tourism |
High Court (Mbombela) |
Closed |
Notice of Motion did not disclose any relief sought against the Minister. |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case Closed |
|
2. South Africa Agri Initiative NPC vs Minister of Tourism |
High Court (Pretoria) |
Closed |
The case was abandoned by the Applicant due to change of the Directives. |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case Closed |
|
3. Chefs Warehouse Canteen and Wine Bar, Cape Town (PTY)LTD and Eight (8) Others vs. Minister of Tourism & Others |
High Court (Cape Town) |
Closed |
The case was abandoned by the Applicant due to change of the Directives. |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case Closed |
|
4. DD Mokoena and Another vs. Minister of Tourism and Gauteng Tourism Authority |
High Court (Johannesburg) |
Appeal case pending |
N/A |
No |
The matter was heard on 12, 13 and 14 April 2021. |
Applicants’ main application was dismissed with costs. |
Appeal case pending |
|
5. Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) (1st case) Solidarity Trade Union vs. Minister of Small Business Development, Minister of Tourism and others & AfriForum vs. Minister of Tourism and Others. |
High Court (Pretoria), |
Closed |
N/A |
No |
The matter was heard in the High Court Gauteng Division, Pretoria, on 28 of April 2020. |
The High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, dismissed the Applicants’ case and granted an order in favour of the Minister. |
The Applicants appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). The SCA ruled in favour of AfriForum and Solidarity and held that the Minister has erroneously believed that she was bound by B-BBEE Act when applying Tourism Sector Code in her directions. Department appealed the SCA judgment to the Constitutional Court and the appeal was heard on 8 September 2022. The Constitutional Court delivered its judgment on 8 February 2023. The Constitutional Court concluded that the case was moot and there were no sound reasons for the Court to entertain it. The leave to appeal was refused with costs. |
|
6. Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) (2nd case) Solidarity Trade Union & Afriforum vs. Minister of Small Business Development, Minister of Tourism and others |
High Court (Pretoria), |
Closed |
The court granted an interdict against the Minister. |
No |
The urgent interdict application was heard on 15 April 2021. |
The court granted an interdict against the Minister. |
On advice from Counsel, the current Minister directed that the litigation be settled and TEF be restarted on applicable Tourism Sector Codes. Settlement negotiations resulted in an out-of-court settlement with the Applicants on 26 April 2023. The Applicants subsequently withdrew Part B of their main application. |
|
7. Department of Tourism vs. Lerato Matlakala & Lefuno Netangaheni |
Labour Court (Johannesburg) |
Pending |
N/A |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case pending |
|
8. Gerson Nevari vs. Department of Tourism & Director-General of the Department of Tourism |
Labour Court (Johannesburg) |
Pending |
N/A |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case pending |
|
Cases which were opened in 2021/22 FY |
Court |
Status |
If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure |
Did the matter go for Arbitration? |
Did the matter go to court? |
Court Outcome |
Current Status |
|
1. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd vs The Member of the Executive Committee: Department of Tourism |
High Court (Pretoria) |
Pending |
N/A |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case pending |
|
2. Tebogo Maureen Ngobeni vs. Minister of Tourism and 2 Others |
High Court (Pretoria) |
Closed |
There was no relief sought against the Minister. |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case closed |
|
3. Minister of Tourism vs. ZM Kubheka |
Magistrate’s Court (Atteridgeville) |
Pending |
N/A |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case pending |
|
Cases which were opened in 2022/23 FY |
Court |
Status |
If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure |
Did the matter go for Arbitration? |
Did the matter go to court? |
Court Outcome |
Current Status |
|
1. Minister of Tourism vs. MBB Consulting Services (PTY) Ltd |
High Court (Makhanda) |
Pending |
N/A |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case pending |
|
2. ActionSA v Minister of Tourism and Others |
High Court (Durban) |
Pending |
N/A |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case pending |
|
3. Blueprint Group vs. South African Tourism & 3 Others |
High Court (Johannesburg) |
Pending |
No |
No |
No |
N/A |
Case pending |
|
4. Thulani Sibeko vs. Department of Tourism |
Labour Court (Johannesburg) |
Closed |
The court dismissed the Applicant’s case with costs. |
No |
The case was heard on 20 January 2023. |
The court dismissed the Applicant’s case with costs. |
Case closed |
|
5. Tsakane Shipalane & Others vs. Department of Tourism & Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) |
CCMA (Johannesburg) |
Closed |
The Commissioner dismissed the Applicants’ application. |
No |
Arbitration in the matter was set down for 25-26 July 2023. |
The Commissioner dismissed their application. |
Case closed |
|
Cases which were opened from 1 April 2023 |
Court |
Status |
If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure |
Did the matter go for Arbitration? |
Did the matter go to court? |
Court Outcome |
Current Status |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
06 October 2023 - NW3121
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What are the details of the (a) total number of vacant positions at the SA Tourism, (b) level of each vacant position and (c) time frames that have been put in place to the fill the vacancies?
Reply:
I have been informed by South African Tourism that the details of the total number of vacancies, level of each position and timeframes to fill the vacancies, are contained in the table, below.
|
(a) Total number of vacant positions at the SA Tourism |
(b) Level of each vacant position |
(c) Time frames that have been put in place to the fill the vacancies |
|
5 |
Executive |
6 months |
|
2 |
Senior Management |
Work-in-progress |
|
20 |
Management |
Work-in-progress |
|
6 |
Officer/administration |
Work-in-progress |
SAT will prioritise appointments for consideration by the Minister, following due process.
06 October 2023 - NW3120
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What are the reasons that the Acting Chief Financial Officer of SA Tourism is also acting as the Chief Executive Officer and (b) which processes were followed in the appointment?
Reply:
(a) What are the reasons that the Acting Chief Financial Officer of SA Tourism is also acting as the Chief Executive Officer?
I have been informed by South African Tourism (SAT) that an investigation into the attendance of SAT officials at the Soccer World Cup was initiated by the previous board of SA Tourism.
After consideration of the final report, the current board resolved that conclusion of this matter required the then-acting CEO to revert to her role as COO while a fair, independent, and transparent process is conducted.
Since the recruitment process for the Chief Executive Officer is still in progress, the board considered options available for a new acting CEO from within the current executive management. In light of the reduced capacity at the exco level, the board resolved to appoint the CFO as the acting CEO for the short term and to put in place mitigations to manage any associated risks.
(b) Which processes were followed in the appointment?
At various meetings, the board deliberated on the available options. Having resolved to appoint the CFO as ACEO, the board approached the Minister for concurrence on its decision in line with the Tourism Act, 2014. With the Minister’s concurrence received on 6 September 2023, the CFO was appointed as acting CEO with compensating controls including exco participation in decision making, as well as reporting to Board on decisions taken. It must be noted that, in the letter of concurrence, the Minister strongly advised the Board to speedily appoint a new CFO.
02 October 2023 - NW2945
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What (a) new insights were received from the Integrated Digital and Analytics Operating Framework and (b) are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
(a) What new insights were received from the Integrated Digital and Analytics Operating Framework?
I have been informed by South African Tourism (SAT) that the framework provides real-time insights into the performance of digital campaigns. This includes what travelers are interested in and looking for. The data comes from digital analytics tools that SAT has a license for, namely Google Analytics and Meltwater, can be extracted at any point.
The insights extracted include but are not limited to:
1. What travelers are specifically looking for on search engines used across the conversion curve and while experiencing the country;
2. The traveler sentiment and conversation opportunities at each stage of the conversion curve, inclusive of arrival and experiencing the country. The departure survey remains an established research method by the Analytics division at SA Tourism to extract departure related information. While the digital analytics data can complement the formal research, it is currently used to inform digital marketing campaign performance and improvement opportunities.
3. The type of devices travelers use to consume specific types of content;
4. How long it takes for Domestic travelers to book; - Taken from user behavior on Sho’t left and any advertising leading users to Sho’t left. Since the first time the user saw something on Sho’t left all the way until they clicked on “Book Now”.
5. Provincial demand for domestic travel. – It is demand to travel. The location where online users, in South Africa, are searching from to find Shotleft travel deals.
(b) What are the relevant details in this regard?
The integrated digital and analytic-operating framework is designed to deliver 3 goals across SA Tourism locally and globally;
- Standardize how SA Tourism business units measure the individual digital marketing campaign performance.
- Centralize and standardize the storage and management of data;
- Gather travel demand and experience data for ingestion into the Visitor Information System;
The suite of channels is that which SA Tourism uses to market the country and or engage with sector stakeholders. They are: CRM, Websites, Apps, Social Media, Paid Media, Search Engines for which there are standard tools to measure using Google Analytics, Meltwater and Microsoft.
This forms part of the 2025 strategic journey to champion digital for the sector and is an APP target.
02 October 2023 - NW2982
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) With reference to tourism projects undertaken by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023, what are the processes, procedures, mechanisms and timelines to monitor (i) the progress and (ii) status of each project; (2) (a) who is responsible for such monitoring, (b)(ii) how and (iii) to whom are project status reports reported and (c) what processes, procedures and/or mechanism are in place should a project not meet what is required or when deadlines are not met?
Reply:
1. (a) 2020-21
1.(i) What are the processes, procedures, mechanisms and timelines to monitor the progress of each project.
- I have been informed by the Department that the National Department of Tourism has an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The MOA is valid from November 2020 to November 2023.
- The Department uses the terms and conditions of the MOA to ensure compliance by the DBSA. The MOA is accompanied by an Infrastructure Programme Implementation Plan (IPIP) which is informed by the National Treasury’s Framework for Infrastructure Delivery and Procurement Management (FIDPM).
- The IPIP compels the DBSA to seek concurrence / sign off from the Department in order to move on to the next stage of the project.
- The Department will then sign off or concur at each project stage for DBSA to move on to the next stage.
- The Department has wel- established governance structures to manage and monitor the implementation of its infrastructure programme through the DBSA; namely, Programme Management Meetings, chaired by the DDG: Destination Development and Steering Committee Meetings, chaired by the DG.
- The Minister also meets Quarterly with the DBSA .
- The Department receives monthly and quarterly progress and expenditure reports from the DBSA.
- The Departmental Project Managers conduct site visits on a monthly basis.
(1)(ii) What are the processes, procedures, mechanisms and timelines to monitor the status of each project
Refer to (1) (i) (a).
(2)(a) Who is responsible for such monitoring?
- Departmental Project Managers
- Directors
- Chief Directors
- DDG
- DG
(2)(b)(ii) How are project status reports reported
- Presentations at Progress and Steering Committee meetings
- Monthly Progress Reports
- Quarterly Progress Reports
(2)(b)(iii) To whom are project status reports reported
- At Progress Meetings - to NDT DDG: Destination Development and Head of Infrastructure Delivery: DBSA.
- At Steering Committee Meetings - to DG and Group Executive: Infrastructure Delivery, DBSA.
(2)(c) What processes, procedures and/or mechanism are in place should a project not meet what is required or when deadlines are not met.
- DBSA and the appointed service providers have a contract in place which outlines processes and procedures.
- A default notice will be issued to an underperforming Contractor according to the Contract being utilised.
- If the Contractor has been delayed, they will claim for Extension of Time based on the event and Contract.
- A Contractor will be requested to put in place a Recovery /Catch up Plan to be strictly monitored.
- DBSA offers loans to contractors with cash-flow challenges which are affecting project progress.
- DBSA may terminate contracts of contractors who continuously fail to remedy non-performance.
- Where necessary, constant monitoring, supervision and also site visits are conducted by Principals to projects with persistent challenges delaying project completion.
(1) (a) and 2 (a-c) 2021-22 Same as above
(1) (a) and 2 (a-c) 2022-23 Same as above
(1) (b) and 2 (a- c) April 2023 Same as above
02 October 2023 - NW2980
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What are the processes, procedures, mechanisms and timelines to monitor (i) the progress and (ii) status of each tourism project in the (aa) past three financial years and (bb) current financial year, (b) who is responsible for such monitoring, (c) how is monitoring conducted and (d) to whom are project status reports presented and/or submitted?
Reply:
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS NOT IMPLEMENTED BY DBSA
(aa) 2020-21
(a)(i) What are the processes, procedures, mechanisms and timelines to monitor the progress of each tourism project
I have been informed by the Department that it appointed various entities to implement its tourism infrastructure projects. The relationship between the Department and these entities is regulated through Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs).
Each project has a Project Steering Committee (PSC) established to oversee the implementation of the project.
- The Department receives monthly progress and expenditure reports from entities.
- Entity coordination meetings are held with entities individually and collectively.
- The Departmental Project Managers conduct site visits on a monthly basis.
- The Department issues management letters to non-performing entities where outputs are not satisfactory.
- Entities with their appointed service providers have a contract in place which outlines processes and procedures.
- The entity is expected to issue a default notice to an underperforming contractor according to the contract being utilised.
- If the contractor has been delayed, they will claim for Extension of Time based on the event and contract.
- A contractor will be requested to put in place a Recovery /Catch up Plan to be strictly monitored.
- The entity may terminate contracts of contractors who continuously fail to remedy non-performance.
- Where necessary, constant monitoring, supervision and also site visits are conducted by Principals to projects with persistent challenges delaying project completion.
(a)(ii) What are the processes, procedures, mechanisms and timelines to monitor the status of each tourism project
Refer to (1) (i) (aa).
(b) Who is responsible for such monitoring
Project Managers
(c) How is monitoring conducted
- Site visits
- PSC meetings
- Progress reports
(d) To whom are project status reports presented and/or submitted
- Director
- Chief Director
- DDG: Destination Development
(aa) 2021-22 (a)– (d) same as above
(aa) 2022-23 (a)– (d) same as above
(bb) 1 April 2023 (a)– (d) same as above
02 October 2023 - NW2947
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) How has the One Global Brand Activation aligned the work of (i) Brand SA, (ii) provinces and (iii) municipalities in the international markets and (b) what are the planned summer campaigns for the coming summer season in the Republic?
Reply:
a) How has the One Global Brand Activation aligned the work of:
`I have been informed by South African Tourism that a number of global brand activations were delivered across various markets and platforms in collaboration with key stakeholders. Some of the key platforms that were activated include World Travel Market in London, ITB in Berlin, Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and BRICS Outreach programme in Nigeria.
(i) Brand SA in the international markets
Where the opportunity for collaboration exists, SA Tourism works with Brand SA for joint activations. For the period under review, the BRICS outreach platform presented an opportunity for collaboration with Brand SA and BRICS Business Council. The activation included a stakeholder engagement with both government and business counterparts in Nigeria to forge relations. Furthermore, the platform presented a leveraging opportunity to promote the BRICS Summit.
(ii) Provinces in the international markets and (iii) Municipalities in the international markets
In terms of collaboration with provinces and municipalities, the activations were delivered in a form of showcasing destination experiences at the strategic platforms abroad. This was done through exhibitions and further showcasing of SMMEs arts and crafts to enhance the destination showcase.
(b) What are the planned summer campaigns for the coming summer season in the Republic.
The Sho’t Left “Gimme Summer That Sho’t Left” summer campaign was launched in the Eastern Cape on 19 September 2023. The campaign creates a good platform to promote an inclusive South Africa as an appealing and must-experience tourism destination for both Domestic and International travellers while showcasing a wide variety of experiences including Hidden Gems, during the Festive season.
This is also an opportunity for South Africa to showcase how welcoming and inclusive we are to our Regional and International Tourists. Therefore, through this campaign, the Hub teams will leverage and showcase South Africa’s season readiness to welcome visitors in line with their insights for their respective markets.
Underpinning this campaign will be the rollout of the “Make Someone’s Day” initiative which is part of the overall Welcome Programme that drives inclusivity to mitigate unpleasant incidents. The Welcome Program seeks to inspire and educate South African tourism role players and ordinary South Africans to exceed tourist expectations.
The “Make Someone’s Day” campaign, is positioned to showcase and highlight the importance of trade in the tourism value chain. We create and sustain sector partnerships with the trade through information sharing, toolkit developments, training and fact sharing. Through these we developed inclusive Welcome Training modules to help our partners upskill their frontline service staff.
The main objectives of the campaign are as follows:
- To inspire South Africans to travel and spend more during this coming Festive Season.
- To invite and inspire travellers from outside of South Africa to choose to come visit
South Africa during the festive season and beyond
- To encourage South Africans to explore more provinces (Geographic Spread)
- To showcase the wide variety of tourism experiences on offer in South Africa for both
domestic and international travellers through engagements with the travel trade and
deals loaded on the South African Tourism trade platform.
- To ensure increased collaboration between SAT and Private Sector/Other Stakeholders
- To ensure the destination is inclusive, warm and welcoming to all travellers
The campaign, co-created with provinces and the private sector, will be rolled out across all media platforms including TV, Radio, Out of Home, digital and will be supported through activations in provinces. This deal driven campaign will run from 1 October 2023 to 14 January 2024.
02 October 2023 - NW2946
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What (a) activities were included in the Global Tourism Brand Campaign in the period under review and (b) positive (i) gains and/or (ii) challenges have been experienced in implementing the Global Advocacy Programme?
Reply:
a) What activities were included in the Global Tourism Brand Campaign in the period under review.
I have been informed by South African Tourism (SAT) that reinstating our brand after the COVID-19 global pandemic with the ‘Live Again’ campaign was critical in driving sustainable economic growth, raising awareness of South Africa as a tourism destination, and aiding efforts to reclaim our position in the global travel community.
The ‘Live Again’ global brand campaign, which was launched in February 2022 in responding to reigniting the global demand, which is one of the strategic interventions as part of the sectoral recovery plan, was rolled out in FY22/23.
SAT produced a global campaign AV that was seeded in key source markets through a global media buy. The overall objective of the campaign was to increase awareness and build positivity towards the destination. The media buy included the following key platforms:
CNN YouTube National Geographic
BBC Twitter/X Facebook
Search WeChat Programmatic
Premium Display Online Travel Agents
(b) (i) What positive gains have been experienced in implementing the Global Advocacy Programme.
The main objective of the Global Advocacy campaign is to garner a positive image of South Africa and its offering. Through various interactions and activations, South African Tourism has participated in platforms with individuals with influence driving and advancing a positive narrative about the country.
Examples of these are:
- During Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) in Germany in early March 2023, both the Deputy Minister, Fish Mahlalela as well as Ambassador Stone Sizani spoke candidly about the initiatives and discussion in government around issues of safety and security. This gave the media covering the event an indication that the issue is being addressed at government level.
- During Meetings Africa 2023, we also had a few leading influential business events voices positively advocate for South Africa as not only a capable business events host but also as a country that has an in-depth knowledge economy. In various activities through our hub teams, work has been done in advancing global advocacy initiatives including working with various embassies and missions.
- During the State of the Nation address earlier this year, CNN’s Richard Quest visited the country and recorded a series of inserts in Cape Town. He showcased the best of the region. As a leader in shaping business opinion, his recording of his show in South Africa and featuring several positive human-interest stories contributed in driving a positive narrative about South Africa.
- Other noteworthy areas where we have seen gains that can also be attributed to efforts of the Global Advocacy programme is around airlift. Over the last year, we have seen a number of airlines reintroducing direct routes to South Africa from various countries. This is surely a vote of confidence and trust in our destination.
(ii) What positive challenges have been experienced in implementing the Global Advocacy Programme.
The biggest challenge around Global Advocacy is still issues that affect the overall reputation of South Africa. These include reported cases of safety and security especially those affecting the tourists but those also affecting citizens. Tourists are also beginning to enquire about load shedding. Although the tourism industry continues to operate, tourism businesses experience disruptions and delays in operations.
Picking up learnings of the past few years of load shedding, some businesses have put measures in place to offset the effects of load shedding. Some have installed UPS units (Uninterrupted Power Supply units), or other back power supplies such as generators. Furthermore, load shedding may cause delays in traffic, due to traffic lights not working, when tourists are commuting to reach attractions around the country. Prolonged periods of load shedding such as Stage 6 may also lead to disruption of other tourism and related experiences.
02 October 2023 - NW2812
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) With reference to tourism projects (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023, which specified projects were initiated respectively, and in each case, (i) on what date was each project initiated and (ii) which of the projects were completed and not completed; (2) what are the (a) actual completion dates for each completed project in each case and (b) deadlines by which the incomplete projects were to be concluded in each case; (3) what were the (a) dates on which it was decided that each project was incomplete in each case and (b) reasons for each project not being completed by the set deadline in each case; (4) what total (a) budget was allocated to each incomplete project in each case and (b) amounts were spent on each incomplete project in each case?
Reply:
1 (a) See table below
1 (b) No projects were initiated since 1 April 2023. The projects initiated since 2020/21 financial year are listed in the table below.
2 (a) and (b) - See table below
3 (a) and (b) - See table below
4 (a) and (b) - See table below
Please note
Practical completion – It is a stage of completion as certified by the Professional Service Provider where the work has been completed and is free of patent defects other than minor defects identified in the list for completion. The facility can be used for the intended purpose.
Works completed – Completion of works as per the scope of works and contract and the employer is entitled to possession of the works and site.
|
Projects |
(1)(i) On what date was each project initiated |
(1)(ii) Which of the projects were completed and not completed |
(2)(a) What are the actual completion dates for each completed project in each case |
(2)(b) What are the deadlines by which the incomplete projects were to be concluded in each case |
(3)(a) What were the dates on which it was decided that each project was incomplete in each case |
(3)(b) What were the reasons for each project not being completed by the set deadline in each case |
(4)(a) What total budget was allocated to each incomplete project in each case (4)(b) What total amounts were spent on each incomplete project in each case |
|
COMPLETED PROJECTS |
|||||||
|
Khomani San Interpretative Centre and Narrative Development |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in March 2020 |
Completed |
Construction started in June 2021 and was completed in March 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Nwanedi Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Blouberg Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Musina Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Makapans Valley WHS |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Modjadji Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Manyeleti Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Andover Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
SS Skosana Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Double Mouth Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Khayelitsha Lookout Hill |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in December 2022 and was completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
De Hoop Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in December 2022 and was completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Wolvekloof Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in December 2022 and was completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Goukamma Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in December 2022 and was completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Kogelberg Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in December 2022 and was completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Oviston Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion). PC was granted on 01.09.2023 |
Construction started in Jan 2023 and was completed in Sept 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project was affected by hunting season. Contractor had limited access to site causing delay against the baseline PC date |
Project completed |
|
Cedarberg Wilderness |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in and was completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Nyandeni |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in August 2022 and was completed in Aug 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently completed through the DBSA contract. |
Project completed |
|
Western Tembuland Lodge |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Works completion) |
Construction started in July 2022 and completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently completed through the DBSA contract |
Project completed |
|
Maluti Hiking and Horse Trail |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Works completion) |
Construction started in July 2022 and completed in June 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to poor workmanship. Project is currently completed through the DBSA contract. |
Project completed |
|
Monontsha Access Road |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in September 2022 and completed in September 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently completed through the DBSA contract. |
Project completed |
|
Songimvelo Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in January 2023 and completed in September 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
Thomas Baines Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Completed (Practical completion) |
Construction started in February 2023 and completed in September 2023 |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
Project completed |
|
WORK IN PROGRESS PROJECTS |
|||||||
|
Tshahogwe Game Farm |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction is about 56% towards completion. |
Construction is in progress |
2023-11-14 |
Completion date not yet due |
Completion date not yet due |
Budget R24,991,978 Exp R8,856,601 |
|
Mtititi Game Farm |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction is about 89% towards completion. |
Construction is in progress |
2023-11-07 |
Completion date not yet due |
Completion date not yet due |
Budget R26,073,422 Exp R13,510,035 |
|
Mapate Recreational Social Tourism Facility |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 72% towards completion. |
Construction is in progress |
2023-10-03 |
Completion date not yet due |
Completion date not yet due |
Budget: R25,654,359 Exp: R8,640,430,66 |
|
LP Matsila Lodge |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 55% towards completion. |
Construction is in progress |
2024-01-05 |
Completion date not yet due |
Completion date not yet due |
Budget R40,221,328 Exp R9,289,770 |
|
Nandoni Dam |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Contractor appointed. Site was handed over to the contractor on 08.09.2023. |
Construction is in progress |
2024-07-08 |
Completion date not yet due |
Completion date not yet due |
Budget R35,656,655 Exp R1,624,755 |
|
Numbi Gate - Mdhluli Cultural Centre |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 12% towards completion. |
Construction is in progress |
2024-03-26 |
Completion date not yet due |
Completion date not yet due |
Budget R33,009,600 Exp R2,681,202.38 |
|
Numbi Gate - Nkambeni Community Centre |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 8% towards completion |
Construction was halted due to land claim challenges. The Department is intervening. |
2024-03-26 |
Completion date not yet due |
Completion date not yet due |
Budget R23,724,670 Exp R2,485,333 |
|
Mpofu and Fordyce Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 28% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-12-02 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R3,370,866 Exp R1,404,286 |
|
Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 80% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-09-30 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R3,190,962 Exp R2,039,944 |
|
Cwebe and Dwesa Nature Reserves |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 20% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-12-01 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R4,599,194 Exp R830,624 |
|
Gariep Dam Resort |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 90% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-12-31 (Proposed revised Practical Completion date) |
Project is in progress |
Slow performance of the contractor. The project is now in penalties |
Budget R4,146,014 Exp R1,145,953 |
|
Phillip Saunders Resort |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 70% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-10-30 (Revised proposed Practical Completion date 2023-12-31) |
Completion date not yet due |
Additional scope of work requested by end under/client and extension of time under review to determine the completion date |
Budget R4,830,059 Exp R2,464,793 |
|
Maria Moroka Resort |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 70% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-09-15 (Revised proposed Practical Completion date 2023-12-31) |
Not Applicable |
Slow performance of the contractor. The project is now in penalties |
Budget R4,526,601 Exp R836,120 |
|
Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 99% towards completion. |
Construction is in progress |
2023-08-14 (Revised proposed Practical Completion date 2023-09-29) |
Not Applicable |
Slow performance of the contractor. The project is now in penalties |
Budget R5,187,975 Exp R2,773,746 |
|
Doornkloof Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 50% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-11-23 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R3,323,874 Exp R1,155,025 |
|
Rolfontein Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 60% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-11-23 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R3,968,732 Exp R1,576,356 |
|
Goegap and Witsand Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 59% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-11-23 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R7,879,259 Exp R3,187,007 |
|
Product Enhancement at Anton Lembede Museum Ethekwini Municipality (KZN) |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 10% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2024-02-28 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R22,066,867 Exp R915,043 |
|
Product Enhancement at Sol Plaatjie Museum (NW) |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Contractor appointed. Construction in progress, about 1% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-12-29 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R22,066,867 Exp R915,043 |
|
Royal Khalanga |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Construction in progress, about 26% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2024-03-25 |
Completion date not yet due |
Not Applicable |
Budget R16,610,039 Exp R2,252,210 |
|
Qatywa Lodge |
Project initially not completed in 2016. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction in progress, about 45% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2024-03-12 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 23,750,000 Exp: R 23,288,668 Current Phase Budget: R37,059,884 Exp: R17,434,079 |
|
Mthonsi Lodge |
Project initially not completed in 2016. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction is in progress, about 73% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-11-30 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 28,215,000 Exp: R 27,531,883 Current Phase Budget: R35,105,786 Exp: R19,299,000 |
|
QwaQwa Guest House |
Project initially not completed in 2018. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction is in progress, about 98% towards completion. Practical completion anticipated for 30.10.2023. |
Construction is in progress |
2023-09-18 (Revised proposed Practical Completion date 2023-10-30) |
Completion date revised to Oct 2023 |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract. The design for the sewer had to be changed hence the delay in completion of the project |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R21,875,949 Exp: R17,945,269.74 Current Phase Budget: R23,008,994 Exp: R18,960,588 |
|
Vredefort Dome Interpretation Centre |
Project initially not completed in 2012. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction is in progress, about 37% towards completion. |
Construction was halted |
2023-10-17 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was completed however there were structural defects due to geotechnical instability. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract. However, construction was stopped due to poor contractor performance. Contractor was terminated. DBSA currently looking for a replacement |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 3,009,453 Exp: R 2,927,652 Current phase Budget: R26,320,876 Exp: R6,695,541 |
|
Isibhubhu |
Project initially not completed in 2011. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction in progress, about 80% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2023-09-16 (Revised proposed Practical Completion date 2023-11-15) |
Completion date revised to Nov 2023 |
The initial phase of the project was completed however not maintained over time. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract. Project experienced slow performance of contractor at commencement of project due to cash constrains and material sourcing challenges. DBSA loan facility assisted in the procurement of material and contractor performance improved. Suspension of work due to annual reed dance also delayed progress |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 15,000,000 Exp: R 14,889,708 Current Phase Budget: R33,149,775 Exp: R12,606,711 |
|
The Oaks |
Project initially not completed in 2019. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction in progress, about 36% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2024-02-07 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 26,550,216 Exp: R 25,483,869 Current phase Budget R28,542,771 Exp R6,151,499 |
|
Ngove |
Project initially not completed in 2016. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction in progress, about 20% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2024-02-06 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 20,133,951 Exp: R 19,993,013 Current Phase Budget: R 33,167,262 Exp: R1,824,192 |
|
Tisane |
Project initially not completed in 2015. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Construction in progress, about 53% towards completion |
Construction is in progress |
2024-01-05 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 18,810,000 Exp: R 18,299,799 Current Phase Budget: R30,374,169 Exp: R9,320,845 |
|
Lehurutshe Bird and Trophy Hunting |
Project initially not completed in 2009. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Contractor procurement finalised and contractor appointed. Construction will commence in Oct 2023 |
Contractor procurement was finalised |
2024-03-26 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 2,827,500 Exp: R 2,809,808 Current Phase Budget: R22,917,686 Exp: R1,099,089 |
|
Phiphidi Waterfall |
Project initially not completed in 2019. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Contractor appointed. Site was handed over to the contractor on 08.09.2023. |
Contractor procurement was finalised |
2024-07-16 |
Completion date not yet due |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due contractual disputes with the Implementing Agent. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 29,477,099 Exp: R 23,264,771.67 Current Phase Budget: R23,350,230 Exp: R1,176,489 |
|
Muzi Pan |
Project initially not completed in 2015. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Contractor procurement finalised. DBSA currently preparing contract documents. Construction will commence in Oct 2023. |
Contractor procurement was finalised |
Completion date will be determined once the contract is signed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 12,447,480 Exp: R 11,887,690 Current Phase Budget: R18,376,724 Exp: R540,983 |
|
Manyane Lodge |
Project initially not completed in 2016. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Contractor procurement phase. Tender evaluation has been completed |
Contractor procurement is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
The initial phase of the project not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Initial incomplete phase Budget: R 48,465,113 Exp: R 47,884,114 Current Phase Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Lotamoreng Dam |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in Nov 2020 |
Construction tender went out on 04.09.2023. Briefing was on 12.09.2023. Tender closes on 28.09.2023 This is a re-tender. |
Contractor procurement is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
VhaTsonga |
Project initially not completed in 2011. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Contractor procurement stage |
Contractor procurement is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to poor workmanship. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Budget and expenditure on the initial incomplete phase Budget: R 9,185,000 Exp: R 9,068,064 Current Phase Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Kamiesburg |
Project initially not completed in 2011. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Design Development stage |
Design development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
The initial phase of the project was not completed due to budget shortfall. Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Budget and expenditure on the initial incomplete phase Budget: R 5,100,000 Exp: R 4,815,074 Current Phase Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Platfontein |
Project initially completed in 2017 however with structural defects. The project resumed in 2020 under the DBSA contract |
Concept stage |
Concept development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
The initial phase of the project was completed however there were structural defects post completion Project is currently in the process of being completed through the DBSA contract |
Budget and expenditure on the initial incomplete phase Budget: R 32,206,320 Exp: R 32,072,057 Current Phase Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed
|
|
Hluleka Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Concept stage |
Concept development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
JL Dube Precinct |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Design Development stage |
Design development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Contractor tender evaluation |
Contractor procurement is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Product Enhancement at McGregor Museum (NC) |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Contractor tender evaluation |
Contractor procurement is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Product Enhancement at AmaHlubi Cultural Heritage (KZN) |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Concept stage |
Concept development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Product Enhancement at Lehurutshe Liberation Heritage Museum (NW) |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Concept stage |
Concept development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed is appointed |
|
Tourism development at Orange River Mouth (NC) as part of the Indi-Atlantic Route |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Design Development stage only. Will not proceed to the construction phase |
Design development is in progress |
Design planning to be completed in Oct 2023 |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Tourism Development at Hole in the Wall (EC) as part of the Indi-Atlantic Route |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Design Development stage only. Will not proceed to the construction phase |
Design development is in progress |
Design planning to be completed in Oct 2023 |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Tourism development at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve (KZN) as part of the the Indi-atlantic Route |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Design Development stage only. Will not proceed to the construction phase |
Design development is in progress |
Design planning to be completed in Oct 2023 |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Mahikeng Hotel School |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Concept stage |
Concept development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
Pilanesberg Game Reserve |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2020 |
Professional Service Provider procurement |
Professional Service Provider Procurement stage |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
|
SKA Visitor Interpretation Centre |
Contract with the Implementing Agent signed in 2021 |
Design development stage |
Design development is in progress |
Completion date will be determined once the contractor is appointed |
Completion date is yet to be determined |
Not Applicable |
Budget will be disclosed after contractor is appointed |
21 September 2023 - NW2813
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to tourism projects (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023, (i) how was each specified project put out to tender, (ii) what were the tender details in each case, (iii) on what date was each tender (aa) advertised and (bb) awarded in each case, (iv) who won the tender in each case and (v)(aaa)what contractual sanctions and/or penalties were in place in the tender contracts that were not completed and/or correctly instituted in each case and (bbb) how was each tenderer sanctioned and/or penalised in each case?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department of the below, tabulated inputs.
|
Financial years |
(i) How was each specified project put out to tender |
(ii) What were the tender details in each case |
(iii)(aa) On what date was each tender advertised |
(iii)(bb) On what date was each tender awarded in each case |
(iv) Who won the tender in each case |
(v)(aaa) What contractual sanctions and/or penalties were in place in the tender contracts that were not completed and/or correctly instituted in each case |
(v)(bbb) How was each tenderer sanctioned and/or penalised in each case |
|
2020-21 |
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service providers to manage the implementation of the tourism monitors programme in Mpumalanga province and Isimangaliso wetlands park for a period of eighteen (18) months. (NDT0002/20)
|
02/10/2020 |
26/03/2021 |
AGB Finance (Pty) Ltd |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Open tender |
Documentation of system specifications for EPWP and non-EPWP skills and infrastructure projects - services of a senior systems analyst and senior business analyst for a period of 7 months, “business analysis services” as per sita contracts (NDT0003/20) |
31/07/2020 |
01/10/2020 |
Blue Oceans Information solutions |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
A call for bid proposals from South African Public Higher Education and Research Institutions to form fart of a panel to conduct research for the Department of Tourism for a duration of three (3) years (NDT0004/20) |
12/11/19 |
10/12/2020 |
1.Transformation and Tourism value chain
2.Revolutionising domestic tourism
3.Tourism and Transport interface
4.Tourism sector demand
|
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of a Service Provider to Conduct Impact Evaluation of Covid-19 on the Tourism Sector in South Africa (NDT0005/20)
|
16/10/2020 |
08/02/2021 |
HS Business |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service providers to manage the implementation of the chefs training programme on professional cookery in the North West, Free State and Northern Cape for 300 unemployed and retrenched youth. (NDT0007/20) |
23/10/2020 |
15/02/2021 |
VPK Business Venture |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service providers to manage the implementation of the food safety assurers training programme. This was in response to Covid 19 measures and targeted 500 unemployed and retrenched youth in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape. NDT0008/20 |
23/10/2020 |
09/02/2021 |
|
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service providers to manage the implementation of the wine making youth programme in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape, for 252 unemployed and retrenched youth. (NDT0009/20) |
23/10/2020 |
06/05/2021 |
Tourism World (Pty) Ltd |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Cluster 1: Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, Gauteng Province and Free State Province Cluster 2: North West Province, Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga Province Cluster 3: Northern Cape Province, Eastern Cape Province and Western Cape Province (NDT0010/20) |
06/11/2020 |
08/04/2021 |
1.Cluster 1 – Awarded to MMC Business Solutions 2. Cluster 2 and 3 were not awarded. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of a service provider to manage a business incubation for emerging tour operators in the travel and tourism industry for a period of two (2) years. (NDT0011/20) |
13/11/2020 |
25/02/2021 |
Sigma International |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service providers to manage the implementation of the tourism monitors programme in eight provinces (EC, FS, GP, KZN, LP, NW, NC and WC) for a period of 18 months. (NDT0012/20) |
13/11/2020 |
14/04/2021 |
1.TTBISA- GP 2.VPK - NW 3.Machabelele –NC 4.Networx for career guidance – WC 5.KTMS – FS 6.K Boneng Consulting – EC 7.AGB – KZN 8. Limpopo was not awarded. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
2021-22 |
Open tender |
Appointment of a suitable, qualified and experienced service provider to assist the department of tourism with the review and update of the tourism master plan for the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site, a geo-spatial tourism destination, for completion by end June 2022. (NDT0001/21) |
05 March 2021 |
29 October 2021 |
Urban- Econ Development Economist |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Open tender |
Appointment of a qualified service provider to conduct a survey to determine the level of compliance by tourism enterprises with the amended Tourism B-BBEE sector code gazetted in November 2015. (NDT0002/21) |
05 March 2021 |
30 November 2021 |
Urban- Econ Development Economist |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service providers to provide training on safety and security for the tourism monitors in all 9 provinces including iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Sanparks. (NDT0004/21) |
25 April 2021 |
26 October 2021 |
VPK Business Venture / Mary & Daughter General Dealer JV (GAUTENG) VPK Business Venture / Mary & Daughter General Dealer JV (Mpumalanga) Networx For Career Development / Imvula Skills Development Academy (PTY) LTD JV.(Western Cape) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of a suitable, qualified and experienced service provider to develop a tourism crisis management strategy. (NDT0005/21) |
13 June 2021 |
1 December 2021 |
HS Business Solutions |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of an accredited service provider to plan and conduct business management training and mentorship for 225 women entrepreneurs in tourism across nine provinces for a period of 18 months. (NDT0008/21) |
27 June 2021 |
7 December 2021 |
Training B2B CC |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service provider to manage the implementation of the tourism monitors programme in Mpumalanga Province (MP) for a period of twenty-four (24) months. (NDT0009/21) |
08 August 2021 |
28 October 2021 |
VPK Business Venture |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Request for proposal to appoint a suitable, qualified and experienced service providers to develop a concept for a waterpark facility along the Northern Cape coastal region. (NDT0011/21) |
12 September 2021 |
29 October 2021 |
Lindon Consulting Corporation Pty (Ltd) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of accredited training service providers to manage the implementation of the hospitality youth programme on food and beverages in six (6) provinces (KZN, GP, FS, NW, LP & MP) for 660 unemployed and retrenched South African youth. (NDT0001/22) |
28 October 2022 |
17 January 2023 |
Tourism World / Umhlanga Hotel School (Pty) Ltd jv (Free State & Kwa-Zulu Natal) Networx For Career Development (Gauteng & North West) MMC Business Solution (Limpopo & Mpumalanga) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Request for proposals from bidders with extensive experience in tourism operations to plan and manage the implementation of a business incubation programme for eight (8) community-based tourism projects across the country for a period of two (2) years. (NDT0002/22) |
26 June 2022 |
21 October 2022 |
Zevoli Growth Partners |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Request for appointment of an Accredited Training Service Provider to Manage the Implementation of the Food Safety Assurers Training Programme in response to Covid 19 Measures in the Kwa-Zulu Natal for 165 Unemployed and Retrenched Youth. (NDT0003/22) |
21 November 2022 |
30 March 2022 |
Tourism World (Pty) Ltd / Networx for Career Developments JV |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of a service provider to manage a business advisory incubator in Limpopo: Vhembe and Mopani districts for a period of two (2) years. (NDT0004/22) |
21 October 2022 |
17 April 2023 |
Sigma International |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Open tender |
Appointment of an accredited training service provider to manage the implementation of the chefs training programme on professional cookery in the North West for 120 unemployed and retrenched youth. (NDT0005/22) |
28 October 2023 |
30 March 2023 |
Networx for Career Developments |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Since April 2023 |
Open Tender |
Appointment of a service provider to conduct training on tourism resource efficiency for a period of twelve (12) months (NDT0004/23) |
07 July 2023 |
Not yet awarded |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Open Tender |
Appointment of an accredited service provider to manage the implementation of the tourism monitors programme in all provinces, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, South African National Biodiversity (SANBI) Gardens and Airports managed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) for a period of 18 months (NDT0005/23) |
10 August 2023 |
Not yet awarded |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
21 September 2023 - NW2811
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) With reference to the resignation of Mr Themba Khumalo, the former acting chief executive officer of South African Tourism (SAT), what are the (a) reasons that the SAT Board agreed to the specified person’s request to resign immediately without working out the notice period and (b) total costs of salaries, reimbursements and any other benefits that were paid out; (2) with reference to the appointment of a certain person (details furnished), what are the (a) reasons that the SAT Board appointed the specified person to the relevant position in spite of allegations of bribery against the person and (b) implications for SAT?
Reply:
(1) (a) I have been informed by SA Tourism that in resolving to accept the resignation with immediate effect, the Board considered SA Tourism’s programme with imminent demands, the need for stability at leadership and the need to assure SA Tourism stakeholders of continuity against the individual’s expressed preference.
(b) R130,931.61 leave pay-out after deductions and recoveries.
(2) (a) The allegations of bribery were brought to the attention of the Board on 9 May 2023, during Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, when media reports appeared. This was after the Board had appointed her into the acting position. Having inquired into the matter and being furnished with documentary evidence which implied that the specified person had followed a gift declaration process for approvals to accept an invitation in 2022, the Board resolved to retain her in the acting position pending the completion of an independent forensic investigation.
(b) The implications of the whistleblowing report were that SA Tourism had to process the complaint in line with its policy.
21 September 2023 - NW2757
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department:
|
(aa) 2020-21 |
(bb) 2021-22 |
(cc) 2022-23 |
|
|
(a)(i) What total amount did the Department pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports |
R0.00 Annual report not printed. |
R0.00 Annual Report not printed. |
R0.00 Annual Report not printed. |
|
(b) Who were the suppliers in each case |
No printing suppliers procured. |
No printing suppliers procured. |
No printing suppliers procured. |
|
(c) What total number of copies of the report were printed in each case and in each specific financial year |
0 |
0 |
0 |
I have been informed by SA Tourism:
|
(aa) 2020-21 |
(bb) 2021-22 |
(cc) 2022-23 |
|
|
(a)(ii) What total amount did SA Tourism pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports |
R90 721.00 |
R110 079.15 |
R95 721.00 |
|
(b) Who were the suppliers in each case |
Afrimage Communications |
Milk Brown Design and Communications |
Milk Brown Design and Communications |
|
(c) What total number of copies of the report were printed in each case and in each specific financial year |
100 |
150 |
150 |
21 September 2023 - NW2525
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to privately-owned tourism establishments that have received assistance from her department and the South African Tourism, (a) what establishments have been assisted (i) in each of the past three financial years and/or (ii) from 1 April 2023 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) where are the specified establishments located in each case and (c)(i) what is the Rand value of the assistance provided, (ii) in what form was the assistance provided to each establishment in each specified financial year and/or period and (iii) what criteria was used to ascertain assistance to each establishment in each financial year and/or period?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department:
|
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
2022-2023 |
1 April 2023 |
|
|
(a) What establishments have been assisted (i) in each of the past three financial years and/or (ii) from 1 April 2023 up to the latest specified date for which information is available |
MASP: None, since MASP was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. TGSP: 1 454 accommodation and meeting venue establishments supported. GTIP: 14 applications approved of which all were accommodation establishments. TTF: No applications approved due to COVID-19. |
MASP: None since MASP was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. TGSP: 2 647 accommodation and meeting venue establishments supported. GTIP: 52 applications approved of which 51 were accommodation establishments and 1 was an activity operator. TTF: 2 applications approved both of which were accommodation establishments. |
MASP: 30 Enterprises supported including 15 accommodation establishments; 1 Destination Management Company, 1 Incentives Travel Organiser, 11 Tour Operators and 2 Travel Agents TGSP: 3 738 accommodation and meeting venue establishments supported. GTIP: 31 applications approved of which 30 were accommodation establishments and 1 was an activity operator. TTF: 3 applications approved of which all were accommodation establishments. |
MASP: 22 Enterprises supported to date including 3 accommodation establishments, 3 Destination Management Companies, 1 Tourism Marketing Agency, 14 Tour Operators and 1 Travel Agents. TGSP: No verified information available yet. GTIP: 7 applications approved to date of which all were accommodation establishments. TTF: 1 application approved for an accommodation establishment. |
|
(b) Where are the specified establishments located in each case |
MASP: N/a TGSP: Eastern Cape: 229 Free State: 61 Gauteng: 217 KwaZulu Natal: 202 Limpopo: 94 Mpumalanga: 102 North West: 64 Northern Cape: 49 Western Cape: 436 GTIP: Gauteng: 4 KwaZulu Natal: 4 Limpopo: 1 North West: 2 Northern Cape: 1 Western Cape: 2 TTF: N/a |
MASP: N/a TGSP: Eastern Cape: 450 Free State: 101 Gauteng: 362 Kwazulu Natal: 369 Limpopo: 166 Mpumalanga:233 North West: 119 Northern Cape:95 Western Cape: 752 GTIP: Eastern Cape: 12 Gauteng: 9 KwaZulu Natal: 5 Limpopo: 6 Mpumalanga: 2 North West: 4 Northern Cape: 1 Western Cape: 13 TTF: Eastern Cape: 1 Free State: 1 |
MASP: Free State: 2 Gauteng: 8 KwaZulu Natal: 8 Limpopo: 6 Mpumalanga: 3 North West: 1 Northern Cape: 1 Western Cape: 1 TGSP: Eastern Cape: 618 Free State: 141 Gauteng: 515 KwaZulu Natal:556 Limpopo: 247 Mpumalanga:267 North West: 197 Northern Cape: 263 Western Cape: 934 GTIP: Eastern Cape: 10 Free State: 1 Gauteng: 1 KwaZulu Natal: 2 Limpopo: 2 Mpumalanga: 2 North West: 2 Northern Cape: 3 Western Cape: 31 TTF: Eastern Cape: 1 Limpopo: 2 |
MASP: Eastern Cape: 1 Free State: 1 Gauteng: 5 KwaZulu Natal: 2 Limpopo: 1 Mpumalanga: 1 Western Cape: 11 TGSP: No verified information available yet. GTIP: Eastern Cape: 2 Gauteng: 1 KwaZulu Natal: 1 Limpopo: 1 Mpumalanga: 1 Western Cape: 1 TTF: Eastern Cape: 1 |
|
(c) (i) What is the Rand value of the assistance provided |
MASP: N/a TGSP: R5 650 214,60 GTIP: R7 184 677 TTF: N/a |
MASP: N/a TGSP: R13 012 370,90 GTIP: R32 824 256 TTF: R8 043 000 |
MASP: R1 970 257, 91 TGSP: R15 874 587,50 GTIP: R20 817 937 TTF: R11 832 313 |
MASP: R3 736 242, 77 TGSP: No verified information available yet. GTIP: R5 371 299 TTF: R5 000 000 |
|
(c) (ii) In what form was the assistance provided to each establishment in each specified financial year and/or period |
MASP: N/a TGSP: Discounts on grading assessment fees. GTIP: Capped contribution towards the cost of installing energy and water efficiency solutions. TTF: Combination of debt finance and grant funding for majority black-owned capital investment projects in tourism. |
MASP: N/a TGSP: Discounts on grading assessment fees. GTIP: Capped contribution towards the cost of installing energy and water efficiency solutions. TTF: Combination of debt finance and grant funding for majority black-owned capital investment projects in tourism. |
MASP: Contribution towards the cost of return, economy airfare, accommodation, exhibition space and in-destination ground transports. TGSP: Discounts on grading assessment fees. GTIP: Capped contribution towards the cost of installing energy and water efficiency solutions. TTF: Combination of debt finance and grant funding for majority black-owned capital investment projects in tourism. |
MASP: Contribution towards the cost of return, economy airfare, accommodation, exhibition space and in-destination ground transports. TGSP: No verified information available yet. GTIP: Capped contribution towards the cost of installing energy and water efficiency solutions. TTF: Combination of debt finance and grant funding for majority black-owned capital investment projects in tourism. |
|
(c) (iii) What criteria was used to ascertain assistance to each establishment in each financial year and/or period |
MASP: N/a TGSP: TGSP applicants must provide supporting documents to prove:
GTIP: Phase 1: Energy & Water Efficiency Audit Prospective GTIP applicants must:
Phase 2: Funding Application GTIP applicants must:
TTF: TTF Applicants must:
|
MASP: N/a TGSP: TGSP applicants must provide supporting documents to prove:
GTIP: Phase 1: Energy & Water Efficiency Audit Prospective GTIP applicants must:
Phase 2: Funding Application GTIP applicants must:
TTF: TTF Applicants must:
|
MASP: MASP applicants must be:
TGSP: TGSP applicants must provide supporting documents to prove:
GTIP: Phase 1: Energy & Water Efficiency Audit Prospective GTIP applicants must:
Phase 2: Funding Application GTIP applicants must:
TTF: TTF Applicants must:
|
MASP: MASP applicants must be:
TGSP: No verified information available yet. GTIP: Phase 1: Energy & Water Efficiency Audit Prospective GTIP applicants must:
Phase 2: Funding Application GTIP applicants must:
TTF: TTF Applicants must:
|
ACRONYMS:
MASP: Market Access Support Programme
TGSP: Tourism Grading Support Programme
GTIP Green Tourism Incentive Programme
TTF: Tourism Transformation Fund
SA Tourism:
SA Tourism implements the Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP) on behalf of the department. The information pertaining to the TGSP is provided in the table above.
21 September 2023 - NW2891
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What was the (a) total cost of the Baviaanskloof Interpretive and Visitor Information Centre at Nuwekloof and (b) source of funding for the specified centre; (2) what total number of persons have been employed at the centre since its opening in 2022; (3) (a) what is the total number of vacancies at the centre and (b) on what date will the vacancies be filled; (4) what (a) total number of visitors have been to the centre in each month since its opening and (b) programmes are planned for the centre for the rest of the current financial year?
Reply:
(1) (a) I have been informed by the Department that the total construction cost for the Baviaanskloof Interpretative Centre & Visitor Information Centre was R35 230 367.75. The amount excludes the R8 212 121.00 for consultants’ fees.
(b) The Department of Tourism successfully secured R57 million funding from the European Union through National Treasury for the implementation of the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site Leopard Trail Huts and Interpretation Centre projects.
(2) There are currently 5 employees at the Centre; 2 providing information to visitors and managing the Centre and 3 officials managing the security gates.
(3) (a) The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Authority (ECPTA) has drafted a Human Resources Plan that will inform the number of vacancies to be filled, however there are 5 employees currently at the Centre.
(b) The HR Plan developed by ECPTA will be subject to board approval by end of
2023/24 financial.
(4) (a) What total number of visitors have been to the centre in each month since its opening.
|
MONTH |
WESTERN SECTION INTERPRETIVE CENTRE |
EASTERN SECTION GATE |
WESTERN SECTION GATE |
TOTAL |
|
Aug-22 |
1424 |
173 |
200 |
|
|
Sep-22 |
170 |
100 |
133 |
|
|
Oct-22 |
116 |
121 |
340 |
|
|
Nov-22 |
133 |
125 |
225 |
|
|
Dec-22 |
172 |
260 |
671 |
|
|
Jan-23 |
50 |
874 |
575 |
|
|
Feb-23 |
96 |
389 |
390 |
|
|
Mar-23 |
0 |
260 |
105 |
|
|
Apr-23 |
130 |
664 |
325 |
|
|
May-23 |
0 |
376 |
265 |
|
|
Jun-23 |
27 |
350 |
345 |
|
|
Jul-23 |
92 |
335 |
300 |
|
|
Aug-23 |
60 |
1450 |
||
|
Total |
2470 |
4027 |
5324 |
|
|
Overall Total |
11821 |
(b) The Centre is strategically placed as the biodiversity educational centre, tourism hub and to operate as the visitor information centre for the Western section of the Baviaanskloof. The Centre is linked to other concessions in the Baviaanskloof, e.g. the Annual Trans-Baviaans Mountain Bike Challenge Race and the Leopard Trail hiking experience.
21 September 2023 - NW2849
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Since 1 January 2023, what (a)(i) total number and (ii) kind of small-scale businesses has her department helped in rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga and (b) total number of jobs have been created by Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency?
Reply:
(a) I have been informed by the Department that the table, below, reflects the number and kind of small-scale businesses helped by the Department in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga since 1 January 2023:
1. Tour Operator Incubation Programme
The purpose of the programme was to offer incubations and business development support
interventions to emerging tour operators across the country. The programme involved 44
emerging tour operators and ran for two years until May 2023.
|
(i) What total number of small-scale businesses has the department helped in rural areas |
(ii) What kind of small-scale businesses has the department helped in rural areas |
|
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
8 |
Emerging Tour Operators |
|
Limpopo |
3 |
Emerging Tour Operators |
|
Mpumalanga |
2 |
Emerging Tour Operators |
2. Community Based Tourism Incubation Programme
The Pilot Community Based Tourism Incubation programme identifies community run projects at viable rural destinations and provide business strategy and capacity building to managing teams for effective operations of enterprises.
|
(i) What total number of small-scale businesses has the department helped in rural areas |
(ii) What kind of small-scale businesses has the department helped in rural areas |
|
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
1 |
Khula Village |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
3 |
Homestays |
3. The Women in Tourism Business Advisory and incubation programme in Limpopo Province.
The initiative has identified seven (7) mainly women owned and run projects in tourism and related sectors:
|
NO |
PROJECT NAME |
LOCATION |
PROJECT TYPE |
|
1. |
Baleni Salt Harvest |
Shawela Village - Greater Giyani Municipality |
Salt Harvesting / Tourist attraction |
|
2. |
Hi Hlurile Pot of Beads |
Giyani Section E - Greater Giyani Municipality |
Bead manufacturing |
|
3. |
Twananani Textiles |
Mbokota village, Makhado Local Municipality |
Textile |
|
4. |
Mukondeni Pottery Village |
Makhado Local Municipality |
Pottery |
|
5. |
Nahakwe Lodge |
Mamaila village, Greater Letaba Local Municipality |
Accommodation establishment |
|
6. |
Scrap Metals collector for Art Gallery production |
Tshivhuyuni village; Makhado Local Municipality |
Art gallery |
|
7. |
Homestays |
Mashishimale village in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality |
Accommodation |
4. Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubation Programme (TTGIIP),
The TTGIIP is implemented jointly with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). The programme empowers young entrepreneurs with tech ideas that enhance the travel and tourism industry operations in various ways. TIA helps 20 incubatees across the country with product development, technology design, prototype development, market testing and commercialisation. One incubatee from Mpumalanga has been assisted to take his online arts and crafts retail platform to market.
5. Food Service Incubation Programme
The programme provides business development support interventions to 100 entrepreneurs in the food services sub sector of hospitality. The purpose is to help with establishment of small businesses that operate effectively. Some of the entrepreneurs are graduates from the Department’s training and development initiatives such as Chef, Sommelier and food services training. The list of enterprises supported in Kwa Zulu Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga is provided in the table below.
|
(i) What total number of small-scale businesses has the department helped in rural areas |
(ii) What kind of small-scale businesses has the department helped in rural areas |
|
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
8 |
Food Entrepreneurs/ chefs |
|
Limpopo |
13 |
Food Entrepreneurs/ chefs |
|
Mpumalanga |
3 |
Food Entrepreneurs/ chefs |
(b) The question is to be directed to the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
15 September 2023 - NW2650
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) On what date did a certain person (name and details furnished) resign as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism (SAT), (b) what (i) was the exit package including any remunerations, perks and other payments, (ii) was the notice period and (iii) were the conditions thereof, (c) on what date did the notice period (i) start and (ii) end and (d) in what capacity did the specified person act during the notice period?
Reply:
a) I am informed by SAT that the Acting Chief Executive Officer, who also occupied another position at South African Tourism, tendered his resignation from the organisation on 5 May 2023. The resignation stated that he would like to leave with immediate effect and for the board to waive the contractual 3-month notice period, if possible.
On 6 May 2023, the Chairperson of the Board responded that the board had accepted the resignation with immediate effect and that he would not be expected to serve out the notice period.
(b) (i) He was paid for the days worked in the month of resignation. The date of the resignation was the last date of service with the organisation as the resignation was with immediate effect.
No other payments were made except for the leave pay-out, which is to be paid as per the statutory requirements of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).
(ii) Not applicable as the resignation was with immediate effect.
(iii) Not applicable as the resignation was with immediate effect
(c) (i) and (ii) Not applicable as the resignation was with immediate effect and there was no enforcement of notice period.
(d) Delegation falls away during notice period and in this instance as the resignation was with immediate effect.
15 September 2023 - NW2649
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) With reference to the various training and empowerment programmes undertaken by her department and SA Tourism (SAT), what programmes have (a) started and (b) concluded (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023; (2) what total number of persons (a) enrolled in each programme and (b)(i) did not complete each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023 and (ii) what are the reasons for the dropouts in each instance; (3) what total (a) budget was allocated to each programme and (b) amount was spent on each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department that the details are tabulated below:
|
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
2022-2023 |
1 April 2023 |
|
|
(1) (a) What training and empowerment programmes have started |
Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 4
______________ _ Women in Tourism Programme: 1
|
Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 2
_____________ |
Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 3
_____________ Women in Tourism Programme: 1 a) Women In Tourism (WiT) Business Management and Mentorship Programme: June 2022 – March 2023: Target 225 |
Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 3
Women in Tourism Programme: 1 a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted |
|
(1) (b) What training and empowerment programme have concluded |
Incubators
________________ |
________________ |
Incubators: a) National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme. __________ Women in Tourism Programme: a) Women In Tourism (WiT) Business Management And Mentorship Programme. |
Incubators:
____________ |
|
(2) (a) What total number of persons enrolled in each programme |
Incubators:
______________ Women in Tourism Programme:
|
Incubators:
_____________ |
Incubators:
Women In Tourism: a) Women In Tourism (WiT) Business Management And Mentorship Programme: 199 |
Incubators:
_____________ Women In Tourism: a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted. |
|
(2) (b) (i) What total number of persons did not complete each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023 |
Incubators
We had 1 drop-out in Bushbuckridge (Mpumalanga); 0 in the NC and 2 in Limpopo.
_______________ Women in Tourism Programme:
|
Incubators
________________ |
Incubators: Food Service Incubation Programme: n/a Women in Tourism Programme: n/a |
Incubators: Food Service Incubation Programme: n/a _____________ Women in Tourism Programme: n/a |
|
(2) (b) (ii) What are the reasons for the dropouts in each instance |
Incubators:
________________ Women in Tourism Programme: - Webinars: n/a |
Incubators
_______________ Women in Tourism Programme: - n/a |
Incubators:
______________ Women in Tourism Programme: n/a |
Incubators: n/a _____________ Women in Tourism Programme: n/a |
|
(3) (a) What total budget was allocated to each programme |
Incubators: 4 x R 3 million = R 12 million _______________ Women in Tourism Programme:
________________ Webinars:
|
Incubators:
_______________ |
Incubators:
______________ Women in Tourism Programme: Women in Tourism (WiT) Business Management and Mentorship Programme: Budget: R1 883 million |
Incubators:
_____________ Women in Tourism Programme: a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted: R3 876 million |
|
(3) (b) What total amount was spent on each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023 |
Incubators:
________________ Women in Tourism Programme: a) Webinars:
|
Incubators:
____________ |
Incubators:
______________ Women in Tourism Programme:
|
Incubators:
_____________ Women in Tourism Programme: a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted: R 3 million |
I have been informed of the below, tabulated, inputs by SA Tourism
|
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
2022-2023 |
1 April 2023 |
|
|
(1) (a) What training and empowerment programmes have started |
Grade an Establishment training for tourism SMMES in uMkhanyakude District Municipality - 15 attendees TGCSA Online Workshop Assessor (3) - +- 40 attendees |
Quality Assurance Workshop |
Quality Assurance Workshop
Speed Marketing training for products in preparation for ATI – 35 attendees Free State Tourism training for officials – 31 attendees |
Quality Assurance Workshop
5 -day compulsory training of new assessors – 22 attendees Speed Marketing training for products in preparation for ATI – 33 attendees |
|
(1) (b) What training and empowerment programme have concluded |
Basic Quality Verification Training for pilot, training aimed at unemployed graduates that assisted with the pilot. – 15 attendees |
Quality Assurance Workshop
New Grading IT System Training aimed at TGCSA Assessors - +- 30 assessors uMlalazi Local Municipality Speed-marketing Training – 18 attendees uMhlathuze Local Municipality Speed-marketing Training – 57 attendees |
Basic Quality Verification Training for rollout to KwaZulu-Natal, training aimed at unemployed graduates. – 29 attendees |
Quality Assurance Workshops
5 -day compulsory training of new assessors – 22 attendees Speed Marketing training for products in preparation for ATI – 33 attendees Free State Tourism Career Expo – 43 |
|
(2) (a) What total number of persons enrolled in each programme |
185 SMME products in VTSD assessed 15 unemployed graduates trained |
690 attendees at all workshops |
29 unemployed graduates trained |
221 attendees at all sessions |
|
(2) (b) (i) What total number of persons did not complete each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
1 person did not conclude the 5 day assessor training programme. |
|
(2) (b) (ii) What are the reasons for the dropouts in each instance |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Deceased |
|
(3) (a) What total budget was allocated to each programme |
Total budget for Basic Quality Verifiction Pilot Programme not specific to training: R2 573 125 |
There is no budget allocated for the programme other than arrangement of travel logistics |
Total budget for Basic Quality Verifiction rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training: R462 500.00 |
Total budget set for Assessor Training R288 875.44 Total budget for Basic Quality Verifiction rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training: R414 000.00 |
|
(3) (b) What total amount was spent on each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023 |
Total budget for BQV Pilot Programme not specific to training: R2 573 125 |
There is no budget allocated for the programme other than arrangement of travel logistics |
Total budget for BQV rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training: R462 500.00 |
Total budget set for Assessor Training R288 875.44 Total budget for Basic Quality Verification rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training: R414 000.00 |
15 September 2023 - NW2656
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) In light of the fact that a full e-visa system is a prerequisite for the revival and growth of the Republic’s tourism, what are the details of the roadmap outlining the targeted milestones and timelines for the comprehensive implementation of e-visas in the Republic; (2) whether there are any interim measures in place to alleviate the burden on travellers whilst technological improvements are being implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department of Home Affairs is best placed to respond on the details of the roadmap outlining the targeted milestones and timelines for the comprehensive implementation of e-visas as this is not the mandate of the Department of Tourism.
18 August 2023 - NW2152
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether, considering the recommendation that the SA Tourism Board should engage an independent and capable body to test the compliance of its five-year strategic plan and Annual Performance Plans (APPs) with the SMART principle of being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound before finalising and tabling the strategic documents to Parliament, and noting that the APPs have not been presented to Parliament in the past year, her department intends to take up the specified recommendation with the Board; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Following the recommendations of the Portfolio Committee, I sent a letter to the Chairperson of the SA Tourism Board in response to the recommendations. The letter is attached as Annexure A.
I have, further, been informed by SA Tourism that to ensure compliance of its five-year strategic plan and Annual Performance Plans (APPs) with the SMART principle of being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound before finalising and tabling the strategic documents to Parliament, SA Tourism has the following process when developing its Strategic Plan and APP:
- An external facilitator is appointed to drive the strategic conversation with the participants and document key insights from the discussions. SA Tourism compiles the Strategic Plan and APP with input from the different business units.
- The Strategic Planning, Evaluation, and Programme Management (SPEPM ) unit of SA Tourism ensures that the requirements of the Revised Framework for Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans and other relevant regulations are implemented; the interrogation of the business units’ targets to ensure the results are linked to the outcome; to review the targets and indicators to ensure they comply with the SMART criteria; as well as training and advising business unit managers on strengthening their KPIs to meet the SMART criteria.
- Furthermore, the Strategic Plan and APP is reviewed by SA Tourism’s Internal Audit unit as they are independent of the planning process.
- In prior years the Auditor-General reviewed the APP before submission to the Department, however, for the FY23/24 APP, the AGSA indicated that it would no longer undertake this proactive assurance. The Department of Tourism has a final review of the APP before submission to the Minister.
As detailed above, the indicators and targets are reviewed by the SPEPM unit, Internal Audit unit as an independent quality assurer and the Department of Tourism. The need for an independent review of the draft strategic documents will continue to be met through the use of Internal Audit as a competent, independent unit to implement relevant audit procedures to test for compliance with prescripts.
07 July 2023 - NW2456
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) Whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with a comprehensive overview of the procedure that was followed from the point when SA Tourism conceived the idea of a trip to New York to celebrate the Freedom Day to the stage when the proposal was formally put forward for approval; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details. (2) what checks and balances are in place to ensure that proposed expenditure is compliant with rules and regulations?
Reply:
(1) A comprehensive overview of the procedure that was followed from the point when SA Tourism conceived the idea of a trip to New York to celebrate Freedom Day to the stage when the proposal was formally put forward for approval; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details.
I have been informed by South African Tourism that it has policies and a delegation of authority that guides the process for in-market programmes. The process that was followed for the Freedom Day celebration was as follows:
- One of the key programmes implemented annually is SA Tourism collaborating with the missions abroad to celebrate national days. For the 2023 Freedom Day celebrations, SA Tourism collaborated with the SA Mission in New York whereby the Consulate General of South Africa extended the invitation to the Mayor of New York for the event.
- Upon acceptance of the invitation by the Mayor of New York, the Hub-Head of SA Tourism in the US requested through an invitation that the Acting CEO of SA Tourism be part of the celebration as the event was elevated to high level dignitaries.
- The ACEO then submitted a formal motivation to the Minister on the 4th of April 2023 for approval to be part of the programme and this was approved on the 12th of April 2023.
- Subsequently, the ACEO saw the need to extend the invitation to the Portfolio Committee.
- A response from the Portfolio Committee was received on the 14th of April 2023.
- A request was made to the Minister on the 16th of April 2023 for the approval of the Portfolio Committee to travel to the US and for SAT to pay the costs.
- There was no Board approval for the project as this is part of the approved US Hub annual operational plan which focused on the collaboration with missions. Furthermore, the entity used the event to amplify the Global Advocacy programme.
- The budget for the event is part of the annual collaboration with missions which is part of the US Hub office annual operational plan.
The activities in New York were part of the localisation of the Global Advocacy Programme in the USA, which is a priority source market for South Africa. This was planned and delivered to amplify the Annual Global Advocacy Programme, which is a key deliverable of the entity’s Annual Performance Plan (APP) for the 2023/24 Financial Year, under Programme 3: Leisure Marketing.
(2) What checks and balances are in place to ensure that the proposed expenditure is compliant with rules and regulations.
South African Tourism manages all expenditure in line with the provisions of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations and associated internal control policies.
I advised that SAT cannot pay for Parliamentarians’ expenditure as these costs must be borne by Parliament.
30 June 2023 - NW2103
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) On what date will she start the process to properly constitute the South African Tourism (SAT) board, (b) how does the present SAT Board make any (i) resolutions and (ii) decisions, (c) what resolutions and decisions have been executed by the current board, (d) what are the implications of the resolutions and decisions for (i) SAT and (ii) her department in each case and (e) what processes and/or procedures will be followed pertaining to resolutions and decisions made by the illegal SAT Board?
Reply:
- On what date will she start the process to properly constitute the South African Tourism (SAT) board.
The process to properly constitute the SA Tourism Board has already commenced in April 2023.
The previous SA Tourism Board was dissolved by way of Notice in the Government Gazette No 48461. A call for nominations was published by way of Notice in the Government Gazette No 48759, dated 7 June 2023. The advert was then placed in two national newspapers, City Press and Sunday Times. The final closing date for nominations as per the Gazette is 06 July 2023.
(b) How does the present SAT Board make any (i) Resolutions and (ii) Decisions
The Board makes decisions as per their fiduciary duties in terms of the Tourism Act.
(c) What resolutions and decisions have been executed by the current board:
See Annexure A , below.
(d) What are the implications of the resolutions and decisions for
- SAT
See Annexure A, below.
- Department
None, the Board/Accounting Authority has fiduciary duties which cannot be transferred to
the Department.
(e) What processes and/or procedures will be followed pertaining to resolutions and decisions made by the illegal SAT Board
None, the Board is not illegal. Persons responsible for the affairs of the Board were appointed in accordance with the Tourism Act of 2014.
ANNEXURE A
|
RESOLUTION |
IMPLICATIONS |
|
|
26 April 2023 - Confirmation of Delegation of Authority (DOA) The Board agreed to require from management that all decisions taken since the gazette of the appointment of the new board of South African Tourism (SAT) on 21st April 2023, in terms of the Accounting Authority Delegation to the Accounting Officer or his delegate, be confirmed in writing by the Accounting Authority. |
This enabled Board to review powers exercised in terms of the existing DOA since the Interim Board’s appointment and address any concerns. |
|
|
05 May 2023 – Retraction of the DOA in existence. The Board resolved to retract the DOA in existence. The Interim Board would approve the Annual Procurement Plan and the Delegation of Authority give effect thereto, at a meeting of the Board to be held in due course. |
The temporary withdrawal retained all accounting authority powers with the Board. Required Board to expeditiously conduct the relevant review in order to enable efficiency while ensuring that relevant authorities have line of sight when appropriate powers are exercised. |
|
|
05 May 2023 – Reporting lines The Board resolved that the reporting lines should revert to those approved by Board previously under Advocate Mgumbi, and are on file with the Ministry. |
This reversed implementation of unapproved changes to the structure. |
|
|
05 May 2023 – Internal Audit Plan The Board resolved to approve the following audit activities for initiation in Q1:
The Board will require further details and risk assessment prior to approving the IA plan for the rest of the year. |
This enables implementation of audit activities while providing Board with an opportunity to review alignment of audit plan with organisational risks. |
|
|
06 May 2023 – Acting Chief Executive Officer resignation Board resolved to accept the resignation of the ACEO with immediate effect The Interim Board resolved that the Chairperson must inform the Minister of the resignation and the Interim Board’s decision, in line with the requirements of the Tourism Act, 2014 |
This required urgent change management procedures to ensure business continuity. |
|
|
10 May 2023 - Revisions to Delegation of Authority (DOA) Board adopted amendments to the DOA Matrix dated 29 April 2021 to be effected in an updated Matrix. The amendments come into effect immediately. |
This provided a revised DOA that enabled efficiency while ensuring that relevant authorities have line of sight when appropriate powers are exercised. |
|
|
09 May 2023 - Annual Procurement Plan Board resolved to approve the Annual Procurement Plan subject to the following changes: The procurement projects listed in the category “Business Events” must also be subjected to a competitive bidding process where applicable. |
This decision provided a framework of priority procurement projects to enable delivery of approved plans. |
|
|
09 May 2023 – Board Committees Resolved to designate the following members for Committee responsibilities as follows:
|
This provides the institutional mechanism for managing the board functions. |
|
|
09 May 2023 - Launch of global brand campaign Board resolved that the launch of the Global Brand Campaign be postponed. The Board directed Management to ensure stakeholder consultation as well as briefing to the Board is attended to urgently in order to proceed with approval processes for the launch in due course. |
This enabled management to process appropriate consultation and initiate approval for the campaign. |
|
|
12 May 2023 – Additional capacity for ARCO Board resolved to approve the recommendation of the ARCO Chair to appoint the specified persons as additional members of ARCO |
This provides the additional capacity for managing the ARCO functions with the reduced capacity Interim Board. |
|
|
27 May 2023 – Quarter 4 report for 2022/23 Board resolved to ratify the report submitted by management to the Minister through the Department in terms of applicable prescripts. Directed Management provide to specified information. |
Regularised the report submitted to the Minister for it to have Accounting Authority approval, where management had submitted without its approval due to in the absence of a Board at that stage. |
|
|
31 May 2023 – Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and Annual Performance Report (APR) The Board resolved as follows:
|
The entity is able to submit to the Minister and the Auditor-General of South Africa accounting information for oversight and assurance processes with Accounting Authority approval. |
|
|
31 May 2023 - Hub Heads The Board, in line with the Delegation of Authority, approved that the contract extension for a specified position be submitted to Minister for concurrence. |
The entity is able to avert capacity constraints in international markets while the recruitment moratorium is in place. |
|
|
31 May 2023 – Microsoft Licences The Board resolved to ratify the management decision in order to allow business continuity. The Board reserved the right of consequence management in the event of any exceptions being noted in relation to the above-mentioned matters not having been reviewed at ARCO as required by the revised Delegation of Authority. |
Renewal of Microsoft licences enable business continuity for the entity. Audit and Risk Committee concerns specified information not being provided for its consideration require monitoring in case exceptions arise as a result. |
|
|
BMW International Open and BMW Golf Cup World Finals The Board approved the recommendations that:
|
The entity is able to meet its contractual obligations while managing associated risks. |
|
|
02 June 2023 - Recruitment Board resolved to initiate the process for recruitment for prioritised posts. |
This will close the leadership vacancies at the entity and improve capacity to deliver approved plans. |
|
|
02 June 2023 – Whistleblowing reports. Board resolved to source additional investigative capacity to deal with reported cases. |
This will expedite finalisation of investigation of whistleblowing reports, some long outstanding, in order to determine if any action is required. |
|
|
07 June 2023 – Brand Ambassador Collaboration The Board Committee resolved to approve the consummation of a partnership/collaboration with a brand ambassador with Board support. Directed that Management must take a long view and develop a solid road map of how to leverage the opportunity. |
Leverages his brand as part of a global brand campaign to build a positive destination affinity. |
|
|
08 June 2023 – Clarification on DOA Having received Management’s letter to Board Chair seeking clarity on specified DOA clauses, Board provided response to identified areas of clarity and directed that Management communicates the DOA resolutions to all staff by 09 June 2023. |
Provides clarity in response to management’s request to enable implementation of the DOA as an internal control tool. |
30 June 2023 - NW2455
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What total number of disciplinary actions and/or consequence management action have been taken and/or are implemented against any of the (a) directors-general (DGs), (b) deputy directors-general (DDGs), (c) chief executive officers (CEOs) and (d) acting CEOs for any irregular and/or wasteful expenditure incurred in each (i) entity and/or (ii) project of her department, (2) whether her department has done any audits on all projects initiated by her department to date; if not, why not; if so, (3) whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with the full, relevant details in a detailed report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)
- None
- None
- None
- (i) and (ii) None
(2) The Auditor-General South Africa audits Departmental projects on an annual basis, and the audit report gets included in the Annual Report, which gets tabled in Parliament.
(3) Not applicable
30 June 2023 - NW2454
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What total number of (a) directors-general (DGs), (b) deputy directors-general (DDGs), (c) chief executive officers (CEOs) and (d) acting CEOs are in each section and/or entity of her department; (2) whether there are any performance management criteria that they adhere to; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what consequence management criteria are in place for such DGs, DDGs, CEOs and acting CEOs; (4) what (a) total number of senior management vacancies are in her department and (b) are the relevant details of the salaries attached to each?
Reply:
(1) What total number of
(a) Directors-General (DGs) - One
(b) Deputy Directors-General (DDGs)- Four
(c) Chief Executive Officer(s) (CEOs) - None
(d) Acting CEOs are in each section and/or entity of her department - One
(2) Whether there are any performance management criteria that they adhere to; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details.
I have been informed by the Department that all officials sign a performance agreement.
|
Position |
Agreement is signed with |
|
Director-General |
Minister |
|
DDGs |
Director-General |
|
CEO |
SAT Board |
|
Acting CEO |
SAT Board |
(3) What consequence management criteria are in place for such DGs, DDGs, CEOs and acting CEOs.
DG and DDGs career incidents are managed in accordance with the Public Service Act and its Regulations. The CEOs or ACEO’s career incidents are managed accordance with the Labor Relations Act.
(4) (a) What Total number of senior management vacancies are in her department
There are eight senior management vacancies in the department.
(b) What are the relevant details of the salaries attached to each
Department of Tourism
|
Rank |
Number of posts |
Cost per post per annum |
|
Chief Director |
4 |
R 1 371 558 |
|
Director |
4 |
R 1 162 200 |
South Africa Tourism
|
Vacancy |
Remuneration |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
R 2.5 m |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
R 2.1 m |
|
Chief Strategy Officer |
R 2.1 m |
|
Chief Conventions Bureau Officer |
R 2.1 m |
|
Chief Marketing Officer |
R 2.1 m |
30 June 2023 - NW2449
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to flights, accommodation and other expenses incurred by South African Tourism (SAT) linked to the proposed Tottenham Hotspur deal, (a) what were the total expenses incurred per line item for each party in each case, (b) (i) how and (ii) by what date will the specified expenses be reimbursed to the SAT by the parties concerned, (c) who will reimburse the expenses, (d)(i) what are the total amounts to be reimbursed and (ii) by whom in each case and (e) what are the reimbursement terms and conditions in each case?
Reply:
- What were the total expenses incurred per line item for each party in each case?
I have been informed that the table below outlines the expenditure for flights, accommodation and other expenses:
|
Line Item |
SA Tourism Board |
SA Tourism Officials |
|
Flights |
R 303 334.94 |
R 330 070.35 |
|
Accommodation |
R 154 673.55 |
R 174 939.25 |
|
Visa |
R 27 421.30 |
R 90 517.46 |
|
Insurance |
R 1 080.00 |
R 1 125.00 |
|
Transfers |
R 6 785.00 |
- |
|
Subsistence & Travel Allowance |
R 29 980.18 |
R 30 866.60 |
|
Totals |
R 523 274.97 |
R 627 518.66 |
|
Grand Total |
R1 150 793.63 |
- (i) and (ii) With reference to responses to Questions 2120 as tabled on 16 June, I have been informed by SA Tourism that there was no fruitless expenditure identified in relation to the proposed Tottenham Hotspur deal. As a result, there was no reimbursement requested.
The former Minister of Tourism approved the travel for the Board Chairperson. The Board Chairperson approved the travel for the Board members and the Acting Chief Executive Officer. This is in line with the travel approval process that was in place at the time. Thus, there was no fruitless expenditure in this regard.
The matter is, however, before Internal Audit for investigation.
(c)- (e) Not Applicable
30 June 2023 - NW2404
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What are the (a) relevant details of all businesses that benefited from the Green Tourism Incentive Programme and (b) reasons that the details of beneficiaries of the specified programme are not made public?
Reply:
(a) Relevant details of all businesses that benefited from the Green Tourism Incentive Programme.
I have been informed by the Department that the details such as the name, surname, ID number, symbol, email address, physical address, telephone number, location or online identifier addresses of all businesses that benefitted from the Green Tourism Incentive Programme cannot be disclosed without the Department contravening the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
(b) Reasons that the details of beneficiaries of the specified programme are not made public.
The beneficiaries of the specified programme have not provided permission in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) for their details to be made public and the Department is not exempted in accordance with POPIA to distribute the personal information
Please note: The contract that is signed with applicants and beneficiaries also has a confidentiality clause.
30 June 2023 - NW2522
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What is the policy position on the development of tourism economic accounts at a provincial and local level to elevate the economic value of tourism on local economic development?
Reply:
I have been informed that the Department has established a Provincial Tourism Statistics Committee to work closely with provinces, to improve the quality and availability of tourism statistics at provincial level, noting that tourism is a concurrent function in South Africa.
Furthermore, the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for South Africa is compiled annually by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) according to the internationally-agreed standard Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework [TSA: RMF], developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The TSA is a standard statistical framework and the main tool for the economic measurement of tourism.
The TSA provides macro-economic aggregates that describe the size and the direct economic contribution of tourism, such as tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA), tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) and tourism direct employment, consistent with similar aggregates for the total economy, and for other productive economic activities and functional areas of interest.
30 June 2023 - NW2520
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
On what date will she take action against a certain member of the SA Tourism Board (name furnished) against whom the Portfolio Committee on Tourism recommended consequence management for allegedly misleading them? NW2864
Reply:
I have started the process by requesting the transcript/recordings of the said meeting.
Once received, I will engage the services of legal advice to start the process.
30 June 2023 - NW2521
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What is the policy position on collaboration on the collection and collation of tourist data between her department, Statistics South Africa and the Department of Home Affairs?
Reply:
I have been informed that the Department of Tourism has established an Inter-Departmental Tourism Statistics Technical and a Steering Committee to ensure continuous collaboration in improving key national tourism statistics.
The committees consist of members from the Department of Tourism, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), Department of Home Affairs (DHA), South African Tourism (SAT) and the tourism private sector is represented by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).
Other stakeholders are invited when there is a need.
Senior officials are members of the Inter-Departmental Tourism Statistics Technical Committee and Directors-General and CEOs are members of the Steering Committee, chaired by the Director-General of the Department of Tourism.
The Department works closely with Stats SA and DHA to ensure the availability and reporting of tourist arrivals data.
Stats SA uses migration data collected by DHA to produce amongst others, tourist arrivals data which is released monthly through the Tourism and Migration Report.
The Department also receives tourist arrivals data from Stats SA on a monthly basis.
The Department further works with Stats SA on tourist-related statistics, including the Domestic Tourism Household Survey, the Tourism Satellite Account and the Accommodation Survey.
30 June 2023 - NW2102
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) (a) What are the reasons that the position of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Tourism (SAT) has not yet been filled and (b) on what date will the process for the specified appointment (i) start and (ii) be concluded; (2) (a) on what date was the acting CEO of SAT appointed in that capacity, (b) what are the terms and conditions relating to the (i) specified position and (ii) position he currently holds and (c) what remuneration, perks and/or other forms of incentives are granted to the acting CEO whilst serving in the acting position? NW2282E
Reply:
(1) (a) What are the reasons that the position of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Tourism (SAT) has not yet been filled.
The previous process to appoint a CEO did not yield a result as the recommendation of the Board at the time did not receive the Minister’s concurrence as required in terms of the Tourism Act, 2014.
The current Board has prioritised the filling of this vacancy, amongst other critical ones.
(b) On what date will the process for the specified appointment (i) start and (ii) be concluded
- The process will start in June 2023.
- Considering the entity’s experience with previous CEO recruitment processes, it can be anticipated that the process will take up to 6 months and should therefore be concluded by December 2023.
(2) (a) On what date was the acting CEO of SAT appointed in that capacity.
The Acting CEO was appointed on the 6th May 2023
(b) What are the terms and conditions relating to the
- Specified position
The Acting CEO was appointed in line with the Acting Policy and with specific Delegation of Authority as indicated by the Board.
- Position he/she currently holds
She currently holds the position of Chief Operations Officer
(c) What remuneration, perks and/or other forms of incentives are granted to the acting CEO whilst serving in the acting position.
The Acting allowance is allocated to the incumbent in line with the SAT Acting policy 2021. An allowance of 20% is added to monthly remuneration. The allowance is calculated at twenty percent (20%) of notch one (1) of the total cost to company of the position the acting employee will be appointed into.
19 June 2023 - NW2120
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What are the reasons that the SA Tourism officials who caused her department to incur expenditure in relation to the aborted Tottenham Hotspur deal are not being held personally liable to repay the wasteful and fruitless expenditure?
Reply:
I have been informed by SA Tourism that there was no fruitless expenditure identified in relation to the proposed Tottenham Hotspur deal.
As a result, there was no disclosure in the entity’s submitted financials.
This forms part of the Internal Audit investigation.
19 June 2023 - NW2328
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Given that besides stringent visa processes, crime is another barrier standing in the way of tourist attraction over the past few years, especially in destinations such as Mpumalanga which has seen a rise in tourist hijackings recently, what steps has her department taken to (a) ensure tourist safety and (b) convince tourists that the specified hijackings were isolated incidents and not a common occurrence, in order to encourage tourism in the specified province?
Reply:
(a) Tourism is a concurrent function in the Constitution.
The Department together with provinces, the private sector and law enforcement agencies developed a Tourism Safety Strategy in 2018. The 2018 Strategy has not yet been fully implemented and was revisited on 29 May 2023 at a Dialogue to implement it and action was agreed on outstanding issues. The strategy implementation is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department and SAPS.
The Tourism Safety Forum will now meet quarterly.
The Department has budgeted to train 2000 Tourism Monitors in the 2023/24 Financial Year.
(b) In partnership with the private sector, we will launch a safety app and operational centre where monitoring will be done.
19 June 2023 - NW2236
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
In light of how her department will be implementing 29 community-based tourism projects at the cost of R84 million for the 2023-24 financial year, which initiatives has she put in place to train the community to run their facilities, instead of having a management company playing the central role in training communities as is the case with Platfontein?
Reply:
I have been informed that the Department, in the past, did not do social facilitation for infrastructure projects.
I have, now, instructed the Department to use and implement the existing social facilitation process, as approved by Cabinet in 2021.
19 June 2023 - NW2235
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
In light of the millions of Rand that are paid by her department to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as one of its implementing agencies, what (a) oversight mechanisms have been put in place for projects that are implemented by the DBSA and (b) mechanisms have been put in place to build internal capacity to end the reliance of implementing agencies?
Reply:
(a) What oversight mechanisms have been put in place for projects that are implemented by the DBSA.
I have been informed that the Department has the following governance structures in place to oversee the work undertaken by the DBSA on behalf of the Department:
- Project Progress Meetings – Chaired by the Deputy Director-General supported by project teams from both the Department and DBSA.
- Project Steering Committee Meetings - Chaired by the Director-General supported by project teams from both the Department and DBSA.
- The Department also ensures that there are project steering committee and technical meetings established and convened for each individual project. These meetings guide individual project implementation and monitor progress on site. The Department further conducts site visits to each project to monitor progress.
- Additionally, the Department receives written monthly and quarterly reports from the DBSA.
- DBSA is required to seek concurrence from the Department at each stage, i.e. stages as outlined in the Framework for Infrastructure Delivery and Procurement Management, prior to moving on to the next stage.
- I have also instituted monthly meetings with the DBSA for oversight purposes.
(b) What mechanisms have been put in place to build internal capacity to end the reliance of implementing agencies.
The agreed oversight mechanism in terms of the existing Service Level Agreement has not been fully implemented and is therefore under review.
This is, now, being rectified by, first, bringing skilled Built Environment Specialists into the Department to build the internal capacity.
19 June 2023 - NW2153
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether, following the Tourism Budget Vote in 2019, during which a number of recommendations were made to the former minister, such as ensuring that the 2019-2024 Strategic Plans for her department and SA Tourism are anchored on increasing participation of citizens in villages, townships and small towns, as well as explicit programmes and/or projects which prioritise such areas of society, she has found that these recommendations have been achieved; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department that it has projects in rural areas, villages, townships and small towns across all the line function branches of the Department. Projects include amongst others:
- Infrastructure products /development;
- Skills development;
- Enterprise development;
- Experience enhancement; and
- Market access.
SA Tourism also has a focus on grading of establishments as well as support for bidding and hosting of business events in rural areas, villages, townships and small towns in our country.
19 June 2023 - NW2135
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether she has taken any steps to ensure that the (a) Director-General and (b) Deputy Director-General of Destination Development face consequence management regarding what happened to Manyane Lodge and many other similar projects where no consequences management took place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
a) I have been informed that the audit outcome for the 2018/2019 financial year identified fruitless and wasteful expenditure in relation to the implementation of the infrastructure projects, included was the NW – Manyane Lodge Project. The AGSA recommended that management should investigate the circumstances related to the reported expenditure.
b) The Accounting Officer, in consultation with the then Executive Authority, Minister Kubayi, commissioned a forensic investigation in line with Section 38(1) of the PFMA which defines the following responsibilities in relation to the fruitless and wasteful expenditure:
- Section 38 (1) (c) (ii) The accounting officer must take effective and appropriate steps to prevent fruitless and wasteful expenditure;
- Section 38 (1) (g) The accounting officer must on discovery of fruitless and wasteful expenditure, immediately report, in writing, particulars of the expenditure to the relevant treasury; and
- Section 38 (1) (h): The accounting officer must take effective and appropriate disciplinary steps against any official in the service of the department or constitutional institution who makes or permits fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
c) The forensic investigation yielded that certain officials did not comply with the requirements of Section 45(a) to (c) of the PFMA which obligate the following in relation to the responsibilities of other officials:
- Section 45 (a) An official in a department must ensure that the system of financial management and internal control established for that department is carried out within the area of responsibility of that official;
- Section 45 (b) An official in a department is responsible for the effective, efficient, economical and transparent use of financial and other resources within that official’s area of responsibility; and
- Section 45 (c) An official in a department must take effective and appropriate steps to prevent, within that official’s area of responsibility, any unauthorised expenditure, irregular expenditure and fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
d) The reported findings also went into each official’s own alleged transgressions per project.
e) The Deputy Director-General who was responsible for the programme, at that time, has since retired from the public service effective July 2020. Similarly, the responsible Accounting Officer at the time of the projects, also left the public service in 2015. All other implicated officials are undergoing disciplinary processes, which are at various stages.
f) The current Accounting Officer reported this matter to the South African Police Services (SAPS) in September 2020 and it is currently under further investigation processes by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, also known as The Hawks. Furthermore, the Accounting Officer has initiated the process of civil claims against the implementing agents through the State Attorney in July 2020 and July 2021.
g) It is important to note that both the current Accounting Officer and Deputy Director-General: Destination Development were not implicated in the outcome of the investigation, because they were not involved in the project.
19 June 2023 - NW2119
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the recent appointment of the acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, what are the (a) details of the background and verification checks that were performed before the specified person was appointed to the specified position, and (b) reasons that the specified person was not suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the most recent allegations?
Reply:
(a) What are the details of the background and verification checks that were performed before the specified person was appointed to the specified position.
I have been informed by SA Tourism, in terms of its policy, upon appointment into the organisation the following suitability checks were conducted on the person:
• Educational qualifications;
• Previous employment references;
• Identity documentation;
• Criminal record;
• Judgment and bankruptcy orders;
• Previous employment history;
• Pre-employment testing, where it is an inherent requirement of the job; and
• Any other relevant information deemed necessary.
In line with internal mechanisms for assessing the suitability checks and disclosure of interests, the acting CEO was found suitable for an executive management role at SATourism.
As a member of executive management within SA Tourism and having been subjected to these checks, the Board resolved to appoint her as Acting CEO.
(b) What are the reasons that the specified person was not suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the most recent allegations.
The Interim Board was not aware of the allegations at the stage of appointment. The initial enquiry into the matter showed evidence that the Acting CEO followed a process for approvals to accept the invitation by Qatar Airways in 2022.
As such, the Board made the decision to retain her in the acting position subject to the completion of an ongoing investigation into the matter by SA Tourism’s Internal Audit division. This investigation will determine whether all internal policies as well as the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act were followed. The Board will review the outcomes of the investigation to determine what further steps are required.
09 June 2023 - NW1961
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) (a) What total amount was collected by her department through the Tourism Marketing Levy for South Africa (TOMSA) in the 2022-23 financial year and (b) how was the TOMSA collected; (2) whether any of the collected funds were utilised in direct support of the development of the private tourism sector in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, (a) what total amount and (b) how was the specified money spent in support of the specified sector?
Reply:
1. (a) and (b) I have been informed by the Department the TOMSA levy collected by TBCSA will be confirmed upon payment of the contribution to SA Tourism from 2022/23 collections.
2. .No funds in relation to TOMSA levy collections for the period under review have been received by South African Tourism as yet.
09 June 2023 - NW2083
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
In light of the fact that she prevented Members of Parliament from travelling to celebrations in New York for Freedom Day in April by not granting permission for South African Tourism to fund the trip, where will the funds that are normally spent on the celebrations be steered towards?
Reply:
I have been informed by South African Tourism that these funds were directed to marketing campaigns and activities. In this case, the funds were allocated and used for the planned localisation of the global advocacy campaign in the USA, which is a priority source market for South Africa.
09 June 2023 - NW2023
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) In light of the increasing number of tourist attacks and fatalities in the Republic, how has the Tourism Safety Plan been operationalised to mitigate such incidents and ensure a secure environment for both domestic and international visitors; (2) whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with a thorough assessment of the implementation of the specified plan, including the (a) strategies, (b) resources and (c) partnerships leveraged to address the challenge; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. How has the Tourism Safety Plan been operationalised to mitigate such incidents and ensure a secure environment for both domestic and international visitors.
I have been informed by the Department that the Tourism Safety Plan has been implemented since 2018. The Tourism Safety plan has initiatives that speak to the three main themes that form part of the strategy. The bulk of the initiatives form part of the “Proactive Measures” which are those initiatives that have to be put in place even before an incident happens, to minimise the risks. Some of the initiatives that were operationalised include:
The Tourism Monitors Programme – this programme entails the recruitment and training of young unemployed youth, who are then deployed at the various identified attractions and to assist the tourist with basic tourism related and safety information.
Identification of the hot spots – This process is about understanding some of the key areas where most of the crimes/attacks against tourist take place. Such information will not only assist in putting measures to counter such attacks in the identified areas but will also ensure that the risks of attacks to tourists is minimised.
Police Reservists – The department together with SAPS made a call up for police reservists back in 2019 as part of ensuring police visibility especially in Mpumalanga then, following a spate of follow-ons.
The department has over the years conducted “tourist safety awareness” sessions jointly with SAPS and other security structures in the various provinces.
Establishment of Provincial Tourism Safety Forums (PTSF) – the department has been instrumental in the establishment of the PTSF.
(2) Whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with a thorough assessment of the implementation of the specified plan, including the
a) Strategies:
The National Tourism Sector Strategy’s pillar three on “Visitor Experiences” demands that there should be a plan of safety. It’s on that premise that department developed that National Tourism Safety Strategy in 2018 and the current plan being implemented is based on the strategy.
(b) Resources:
Tourism Monitors programme is funded through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
(c) Partnerships leveraged to address the challenge; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
The 2018 strategy was developed through a partnership between government and tourism private sector. The implementation has over the year been more government lead but recently the Minister had conducted a session with both private and public sectors to assess the progress on implementation and to ensure that private sector also contributes to the strategy implementation.
On Monday 29 May 2023, I held a multi-sector Tourism Safety Dialogue, which included a range of stakeholders including the National Department of Tourism, provincial tourism departments and agencies as well as the private sector.
The dialogue agreed to the full implementation of the Terms of Reference of the National Safety Forum, the Memorandum of Understanding with the South African Police Service and the use of technology to further mitigate the impact of crime on local and international tourists.
This meeting will, now, be held quarterly in a bid to track implementation and progress.
09 June 2023 - NW2022
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) How has her department dealt with the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to promote sustainable tourism practices in the Republic, (b) what are the strategic measures employed to achieve the specified goal, (c) what is the (i) allocation and (ii) utilisation of the Green Tourism Incentive Programme in each province and (d) what are the specific projects and their outcomes?
Reply:
(a) How has her department dealt with the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to promote sustainable tourism practices in the Republic,
I have been informed that the Department has a Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan 2020-2025, which was published for implementation on Gazette Number 45425, 05 November 2021 the department has developed and implemented the Tourism Resource Efficiency Training Programme.
The programme was initiated in the 2021/22 financial year whereby a concept was developed and approved to train 25 youth on Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Methodologies.
Simultaneously as part of the Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan 2023/2024 objectives, the department aims to implement and coordinate awareness campaigns that are aimed at raising environmental consciousness in the operations of tourism facilities.
The awareness campaigns also aim to provide a platform that will enable the showcasing of green initiatives that will be adapted within the tourism sector spectrum to reduce the dependence on greenhouse emitting products and practices.
In addition, the department has a continuous Tourism Adaptation Project (TAP) that seeks to build resilience and adaptive capacity within the tourism sector to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
To date, thirty-six (36) climate change risk and vulnerability assessments (RVA) have been completed in various tourism sites across the country, including major tourist attractions such as Table Mountain National Park, Robben Island, Kruger National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.
Furthermore, the Department’s Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) aims to encourage private sector tourism enterprises to move towards more sustainable tourism practices through the offering financial support for the installation of solutions for the sustainable management and usage of electricity and water resources.
(b) What are the strategic measures employed to achieve the specified goal
Green Tourism Incentive Programme
Under the GTIP, eligible applicants are able to qualify for the full cost of a new energy and water efficiency audit or the review of an existing audit. Furthermore, eligible applicants are also able to apply and qualify for grant funding of between 50% and 90%, capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant, on the cost of approved solutions that will improve the energy and water efficiency and reduce the costs of their tourism operations. The GTIP will not only help reduce pressure on electricity and water resources, but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring an uninterrupted visitor experience for tourists, reduce operational input cost for the qualifying enterprise.
(c) Green Tourism Incentive Programme in each province
- The GTIP is available nationally for prospective applicants to apply regardless the province in which they are located. As such there are no specific or predetermined allocation per province.
- Following from the response in (c)(i), the utilisation or uptake of the GTIP per province is a factor of the number of applications received from, and approved for a particular province.
- Based on the latest available information, the majority of GTIP approvals are located in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Free State.
(d) What are the specific projects and their outcomes.
While it is not possible to provide information on specific GTIP projects under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), it is worth noting that solutions approved for each qualifying applicant varies depending on the specific needs identified during the energy and water efficiency audit. Typical solutions supported under the GTIP may include renewable energy generating systems (e.g. solar, wind, etc.), energy efficient equipment and lighting (e.g. solar water heaters, gas stoves, LED lighting, etc.), and water efficient appliances and systems (e.g. low-flow/ aerated taps, rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems).
In terms of outcomes of GTIP projects, it is worth noting that projected energy consumption savings for approved GTIP applicants range between 65% and 80%, while projected water saving for those that are installing water efficiency systems range between 30% and 50% on water consumption.
|
Province |
Number of GTIP applications approved (excluding projects cancelled after approval) |
Value of GTIP applications approved (excluding projects cancelled after approval) |
|
EC |
26 |
R19 080 788 |
|
FS |
2 |
R1 726 567 |
|
GP |
20 |
R12 913 859 |
|
KZN |
11 |
R5 981 145 |
|
LP |
15 |
R11 580 095 |
|
MP |
5 |
R2 925 879 |
|
NC |
6 |
R4 753 255 |
|
NW |
11 |
R5 870 313 |
|
WC |
32 |
R18 133 822 |
|
Total |
128 |
R82 965 723 |
09 June 2023 - NW1983
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What oversight role did the Deputy Director-General of Destination Development play to prevent the corruption that took place at the Manyane Game Lodge?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department that the projects started in 2012 and that the responsible Deputy Director-General at the time of the project, retired from public service in July 2020.
The DDG, relied on monitoring visits that were conducted by officials charged with project management responsibilities in the Programme. Project progress was assessed through monthly financial and project reports submitted by the Implementing Agents.
A review of the Working for Tourism Programme was undertaken around 2017. The Programme is now aligned to the Framework for Infrastructure Delivery and Procurement Management (FIDPM).
The Department further contracted with the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) in November 2020 which has built environment professional capacity to manage infrastructure projects.
This happened before my time but what I have since started work to build infrastructure capacity.
The Department is also in the process of acquiring built environment professionals to support internal infrastructure programme management and is also finalising discussions with Infrastructure South Africa in this regard.
The matter has been reported to the police for investigation in September 2020.
09 June 2023 - NW1982
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
Following the reports of corruption that took place at the Manyane Game Lodge in Mahikeng, North West, which resulted in R37 million of taxpayers’ money going down the drain, what (a) steps did she take after she received the (i) report from the Portfolio Committee on Tourism on the corruption at the Manyane Game Lodge, dated 5 May 2023, and (ii) forensic report on the Manyane Game Lodge and (b) are the findings of the forensic audit?
Reply:
(a)
(i) I have received the report of the Portfolio Committee dated 5 May 2023. On 22 May 2023, I convened a meeting with Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to discuss the poor performance on infrastructure projects.
(ii) These projects started in 2012, before I took office and therefore the report was not handed to me. However, I have been informed by the Department that upon receipt of the report in June 2020, the following steps were taken:
1. the Accounting Officer opened a case with the South African Police Services (SAPS) on, 14 September 2020.
2. briefed the national office of the State Attorney to pursue civil claims against implementing agents on 25 July 2020 and, upon instruction from the State Attorney, reinstituted the claims around 27 July 2021 in the Mahikeng Office.
3. instituted disciplinary proceedings against implicated officials in October 2020. The process is still ongoing with cases before the Labour Court.
(b) I am informed by the Department that the forensic investigation found that certain officials did not comply with the requirements of Section 45(a) to (c) of the PFMA, which states that:
An official in a department, trading entity or constitutional institution—
(a) must ensure that the system of financial management and internal control established for that department, trading entity or constitutional institution is carried out within the area of responsibility of that official;
(b) is responsible for the effective, efficient, economical and transparent use of financial and other resources within that official’s area of responsibility;
(c) must take effective and appropriate steps to prevent, within that official’s area of responsibility, any unauthorised expenditure, irregular expenditure and fruitless and wasteful expenditure and any under collection of revenue due;