Questions and Replies

Reply:

The National Development Plan remains the framework that guides planning within government. Government’s five-year plan, Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) is based on the NDP which has been organized into 7 priorities namely:

• Priority 1: Building a capable, ethical and developmental state
• Priory 2: Economic transformation and job creation
• Priority 3: Education skills and health
• Priority 4: Consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services
• Priority 5: Spatial integration, human settlements and local government
• Priority 6: Social Cohesion and safe communities
• Priority 7: A better Africa and world

The annual performance plans and strategies that are submitted to parliament by government departments seek to implement the MTSF based on the NDP. The department is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the NDP and the MTSF in line with these priorities. Amongst others the department present two bi-annual reports to the Clusters, FOSAD and Cabinet on the state of performance of government departments and state entities. The reports are published on the website of the department for public consumption.

In performing its work, DPME also relies on data from Statistics South Africa which is critical in measuring performance against outcomes and impact. Government continues to place more emphasis on achieving outcomes which speaks to addressing the immediate needs and expectations of South Africans. As outlined in the State of Nation Address 2023 the economy remains a major focus of government. In this regard DPME has prioritized the evaluation of the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP) with a view to assess the impact of the plan on the citizens be they individuals, corporate and public entities. This work is done in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa which has agreed to assist government.

NAME OF THE DRAFTER: Dr Kefiloe Masiteng

DESIGNATION : Secretary of Planning

CONTACT DETAILS 

SIGNATURE : ____________________________

______________________________

Dr Robert Nkuna

Director General - DPME

Date:

__________________________

Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, MP

Minister in the Presidency: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Date:

Reply:

1. The National Conventional Arms Control Committee has not received any request from any South African arms manufacturers for permission to export to the Russian Federation and/or Belarus arms, munitions, propellants and/or technology that may be used in the manufacture of the specified products since 24 February 2022. The records of the of the NCACC in the past 5 years refelect the following:

(i) Russia

Nr.	Date of Permit	Categories	Value
1.	21/05/2018	C = Airborne Observation	R2,230,000
2.	21/05/2018	C = Airborne Observation	R2,230,000
3.	21/05/2018	C = Airborne Observation	R2,230,000
4.	29/07/2019	C = Argos Obserbvation	R59,178,602

(ii) Belarus,

Nr.	Date of Permit	Categories	Value
1.	05/03/2018	C = Data Packs	R6,045,000

respectively.

2. The NCACC applies the criteria in Section 15 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act 41 of 2002 (as amended), strictly. This is to ensure that, South Africa is not in breach of its own restrictions on the export of arms, munitions, propellants and/or technology that may be used in the manufacture of the products to any Country including the Russian Federation and/or Belarus. This, notwithstanding the United Nations Charter authorising a Sovereign Entity to a right to self defence.

Thank You.

Reply:

Reply to this parliamentary question has been logged with the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) in Parliament.

Reply:

1. The total number of officials in the (a) Private Office of the President is 53 and (b) in the Office of the Deputy President is 37.

2. (a) The total number of staff members employed in the Private Office of the President is 53, The Private Office of the President does not have officials seconded from the permanent establishment of other government departments. The titles are as below

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION	JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: PRIVATE OFFICES PRESIDENT	OFFICE MANAGER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: PRIVATE OFFICES PRESIDENT	SENIOR ADMINI OFFICE
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: PRIVATE OFFICES PRESIDENT	PERSONAL ASST
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: PRIVATE OFFICES PRESIDENT	DEPUTY DIRECTOR GEN
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	ADMIN SEC
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	SECRETARY
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	DIRECTOR
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	MESSENGER/DRIVER
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	SECRETARY
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	SECRETARY
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	APPOINT SECRETAR(D)
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	ASST ADMIN SEC (AD)
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	ASST ADMIN SEC (AD)
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	SECRETARY
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	APPOINT SEC(DD)
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	ASST APPOINT
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	ASST APPOINT
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	SECRETARY
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT	SECRETARY
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
ADVISORS: PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	SECRETARY
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	SECRETARY
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	SECRETARY
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	SECRETARY
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	DIRECTOR: ADVI SUPP
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	CHIEF DIRECTOR
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	DIRECTOR PMO
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	DD: RESEARCH (SA)
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	DIRECTOR PMO
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	SECRETARY
CD: STRATEGIC PROJECTS (PRESIDENT)	SECRETARY
DIRECTOR: SPECIAL PROJECTS (PRES)	SENIOR ADMINI OFFICE
DIRECTOR: SPECIAL PROJECTS (PRES)	DD: STAKEHOLDER MANA
DIRECTOR: SPECIAL PROJECTS (PRES)	DD: INSTITUTIONS
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	SPECIALIST MEDIA LIA
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	CD COMMUN SUP SERVIC
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	SPECIALIST MEDIA LIA
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	SPEC RES DRAF & SPEC
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	DIRECTOR: MEDIA LIAI
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	SPOKESPERSON
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	ASS SPEC RES DRAF SP
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	SECRETARY
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	COMMUNICATION OFF.
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	SPEC RES DRAF & SPEC
CD: MEDIA LIAISON PUBLIC RELATIONS (PRESIDENT)	DIRECTOR: CONTENT SU

1. (b) The total number of staff members employed in the Office of the Deputy President is 37, The Office of the Deputy President does not have officials seconded from the permanent establishment of other government departments. The titles are as below

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION	JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR: CONTENT SUPPORT/ANALYST (DP)	DD: M&E
DIRECTOR: CONTENT SUPPORT/ANALYST (DP)	SECRETARY
DIRECTOR: CONTENT SUPPORT/ANALYST (DP)	DD: CONTENT SUPPORT
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	ADMINISTRATION OFFI.
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	ADMINISTRATIVE SECRE
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	ADMIN SEC
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	SECRETARY
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	MESSENGER/DRIVER
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	ADMINISTRATION OFFI.
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	SECRETARY
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	REGISTRY CLERK
PERSONAL SUPPORT DEPUTY PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)	ASST APPOINT
DIRECTOR: SPECIAL PROJECTS (DP)	DEPUTY DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR: SPECIAL PROJECTS (DP)	DIRECTOR
ADVISORS TO THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV IV
ADVISORS TO THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV IV
ADVISORS TO THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT	SPEC ADV IV
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE OFFICE OF THE DP	SPECIALIST MEDIA LIA
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE OFFICE OF THE DP	SECRETARY
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE OFFICE OF THE DP	SPECIALIST MEDIA LIA
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE OFFICE OF THE DP	SPEC RES DRAF & SPEC
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE OFFICE OF THE DP	SECRETARY
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE OFFICE OF THE DP	SPECIALIST MEDIA LIA
DDG:PRIVATE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT	PERSONAL ASST
DDG:PRIVATE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT	DEPUTY DIRECTOR GEN
CHIEF DIRECTOR STRATEGY AND SPECIAL PROJECTS (DP)	DIRECTOR: CONTENT SU
CHIEF DIRECTOR STRATEGY AND SPECIAL PROJECTS (DP)	SECRETARY
CHIEF DIRECTOR STRATEGY AND SPECIAL PROJECTS (DP)	SENIOR ADMINI OFFICE
CHIEF DIRECTOR:PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES (DP)	SECRETARY
CHIEF DIRECTOR:PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES (DP)	CHIEF DIRECTOR
ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPUTY PRESIDENT	DIRECTOR
ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPUTY PRESIDENT	SECRETARY
ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPUTY PRESIDENT	DD: RESEARCH (SA)
ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPUTY PRESIDENT	SECRETARY
ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPUTY PRESIDENT	SECRETARY
ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPUTY PRESIDENT	SECRETARY
ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPUTY PRESIDENT	DD:RESEARCH (PC)

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION	POST JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION	Filled
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	HOUSEHOLD AIDE	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	HOUSEHOLD AIDE	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	RECEPTIONIST	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	ASSISTANT APPOINTMENT & ADMIN SECRETARY	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	PRIVATE & APPOINTMENT SECRETARY	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	CHIEF OF STAFF	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	SPECIAL ADVISOR	1
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	SPECIAL ADVISOR	1
		11
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	FOOD SERVICES AIDE	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	HOUSEHOLD AIDE	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	HOUSEHOLD AIDE	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	MESSENGER / DRIVER	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	RECEPTIONIST	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	REGISTRY CLERK	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER	0
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	SPECIALIST: INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	PARLIAMENTARY & CABINET SUPPORT	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	PRIVATE & APPOINTMENT SECRETARY	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	HEAD OF THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	1
		10
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	FOOD SERVICES AID	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	HOUSEHOLD AIDE	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	HOUSEHOLD AIDE	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	MESSENGER/DRIVER	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	RECEPTIONIST	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	PARLIAMENTARY & CABINET SUPPORT	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER (NEW)	PRIVATE & APPOINTMENT SECRETARY	1
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	HEAD OF THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	1
		9
	TOTAL	30
SECONDED STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	SENIOR MANAGER	2
	CABINET & PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORT (LEVEL 11)	1

Thank You.

Reply:

a) The red tape definition that the Red Tape Reduction Team in The Presidency is using at present is the following: “Red Tape can be defined as rules, regulations, and/or bureaucratic procedures and processes that are excessively complex and which impose unnecessary delay(s), inaction and/or costs that exceed their benefits, and/or is no longer effective in achieving the purpose for which they were originally created”. (Original source: Guidelines for Reducing Municipal Red Tape, 2013). The focus is specifically on red tape within government that inhibits economic growth and job creation in key areas of the economy, working with relevant role-players across government, and outside of government.

b) The Red Tape Reduction Team does not have enforcement powers but it does draw on the strategic leadership, convening and coordinating authority of The Presidency in working with departments and agencies firstly in identifying priority red tape issues and secondly in addressing them.

Thank You.

Reply:

It is indeed correct that the President, acting in terms of section 2(1) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996, referred the matters in respect of the North West Provincial Department of Public Works and Roads (“the Department”) to the Special Investigation Unit (“SIU”) for investigation.

The matters which are investigated by the SIU as contained in proclamation 210 of of 12 March 2021 inculde:

1. The procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the Department for―

• 1. Project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department;

• 1. the rehabilitation of flood damaged road infrastructure in the North West Province; and

• 1. the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort.

The investigation by the SIU in the matter is still ongoing. As such, the SIU has not yet submitted a report to the President. As per the normal practice, upon receipt of the final report from the SIU, the Presidency will process the report and ensure that the report is also given to all relevant stake holders.

Thank You.

Reply:

Mr Sipho Nkosi has been seconded from BUSA on a part-time basis to lead the Red Tape Reduction initiative. The Presidency is only responsible for operational costs that may arise . The Red Tape Reduction Team provides coordination and leadership to the work of government to reduce red tape, working with existing government initiatives, in particular those falling under the Department of Small Business Development, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition through InvestSA.

Mr Nkosi is supported by current Presidency staff as well as receiving part-time assistance through the Department of Small Business Development.

There is no budget allocated as no new Unit has been set up . The Red Tape Reduction was part of the MTEF document. However, no additional funding has been provided over the MTEFperiod.

Thank You.

Reply:

1. The Minister in the Presidency has never participated in any process wherein individuals were seconded or recommended for appointments in any Department and Entities under my Portfolio.
2. No instructions were ever issued to any accounting officer to appoint an individual(s) to a position. All positions follow a due process as set out by the Public Service regulations for the recruitment, review and appointment of personnel in government departments and entities under my portfolio.

Thank You.

Reply:

(a) There was no contribution from The Presidency

(b) N/A

Thank You.

Reply:

The Red Tape Reduction initiative led by Mr Sipho Nkosi is working on reducing red tape that impacts investment and business, including small, medium and micro enterprises. In order to be effective, the initiative is focused on working on a limited number of obstacles, and has identified ten priority areas for intervention. This includes initiatives that will benefit SMMEs, namely, faciliting the issuing of tourism transport operating licences, including reducing the backlog in applications; reviewing the regulations hindering informal traders and the township economy; and, identifying obstacles to the growth and operation of the early childhood development sector, the majority of which consists of women-run small businesses.

It is however not possible to quantify the expected economic impact at this stage.

Thank You.

Reply:

Government Policy documents are Public documents unless otherwise classified or specified. As part of a democratic process, the development or drafting of a policy document is subjected to a range of consultative processes to ensure that the country's best interests are being served. To this end, the policy development process includes the drafting process, which could involve experts in the field, and the consultative process, which may include a “think tank” of sector specialists or broad-based stakeholder consultation. To facilitate the consultative process, the draft policy documents will be shared with the relevant stakeholders or any other individual who might have a direct or indirect interest in the matter raised in the Policy Document.

Thank You.

Reply:

The role of Head of Public Administration was factor into the contract of the current Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of the Cabinet, Ms Phindile Baleni, who was assumed this role on 01 April 2021. However, for this function to be performed optimally, legislative ammendments are required. As such, in April 2021, the Ministry of Public Service and Administration released the Public Service Amendment Bill. This Bill seeks to amend Section 7 of the Public Act of 1994 to align to the proposal of the National Development Plan (NDP) by providing additional functional responsibilities and powers to the Director-General in the Presidency, among other proposed ammendments. The Bill is still being consulted in the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). After that process, it will be resubmitted to Cabinet and Parliament for final public consultations using the normal legislative review processes.

The policy proposal on extending the term of office of the Heads of Departments and Directors General is not yet approved by Cabinet. It may as well form part of the legislative reforms that could be incorporated into the Public Service Ammendment Bill since such tenure is prescribed in the Public Service Act, 1994.

NW3326E

Thank You.

Reply:

1. The compulsory vetting is carried out in terms of the National Strategic Intelligence Act and the Minimum Information Security Standards:

National Strategic Intelligence Act of 1994 as amended by the General Intelligence Laws Amendments Act of 2013:

The State Security Agency is mandated by the National Strategic Intelligence Act, 1994 (Act No 39 of 1994) and Intelligence Services Act, 2002 (Act No 65 of 2002) as amended by General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, 2013 (Act No 11 of 2013), to conduct vetting investigations to determine the security competence of a person if such a person:

• is employed by or is an applicant to an Organ of State; or

• is rendering a service or has given notice of intention to render a service to an organ of state, which service may:

• Give him or her access to classified information and intelligence in the possession of the organ of state; or
• Give him or her access to areas designated national key points in terms of the National Key Points Act, 1980 (Act 102 of 1980).

Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS) of 1996 as approved by Cabinet as national information security policy:

Chapter 5, Section 1.5 states the following:

Political appointees (Director-Generals, Ambassadors, etc.) will not be vetted, unless the President so requests or the relevant contract so provides. From the lowest level up to Deputy Director-General, all staff members and any other individuals who should have access to classified information, must be subjected to security vetting.

2. Vetting figures for senior civil servants

(aa) National

National Departments	i) 2019/2020	ii) 2020/2021	iii) 2021/2022
	(a) Senior managers subjected to vetting	(b) Top Secret Clearances Issued	(a) Senior managers subjected to vetting	(b) Top Secret Clearances Issued	(a) Senior managers subjected to vetting	(b) Top secret clearances Issued
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development	2	2	0	0	2	2
Basic Education	1	1	1	0	1	0
Civilian Secretariat for Police	0	0	2	2	1	1
Communications and Digital Technologies	8	6	4	3	1	0
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs	15	1	18	1	23	0
Correctional Services	2	2	0	0	2	2
Employment and Labour	2	2	0	0	0	0
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment	5	5	2	2	2	2
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)	2	2	2	0	2	2
Government Printing Works	3	3	0	0	0	0
Health	13	1	24	2	32	3
Higher Education and Training	3	3	1	1	1	0
Home Affairs	3	3	5	5	4	4
Human Settlements	14	4	20	3	24	2
Independent Police Investigative Directorate	10	3	14	0	21	2
International Relations and Cooperation	260	39	221	12	209	24
Justice and Constitutional Development	8	8	2	2	4	4
Military Veterans	2	2	0	0	0	0
Mineral Resources and Energy	4	4	2	2	2	2
National Treasury	60	11	49	4	45	2
Planning Monitoring and Evaluation	5	5	2	2	1	1
Public Enterprises	6	6	1	1	1	1
Public Service and Administration	4	4	1	1	0	0
Public Works and Infrastructure	2	2	1	1	0	0
SA Police Service	0	0	0	0	0	0
SA Revenue Service	32	3	29	4	25	1
Science and Innovation	1	1	1	1	1	1
Small Business Development	3	3	0	0	0	0
Social Development	1	1	2	2	1	1
Sport, Arts and Culture	2	2	0	0	0	0
State Security Agency	0	0	0	0	0	0
Telecommunications and postal services	0	0	0	0	1	1
The Presidency	33	3	30	3	27	2
Tourism	12	1	11	1	10	1
Trade, Industry and Competition	5	2	3	1	2	1
Transport	27	2	25	0	25	1
Water and Sanitation	43	1	42	2	40	0
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities	15	0	15	1	14	0

(bb) Provincial

Provincial Departments	i) 2019/2020	ii) 2020/2021	iii) 2021/2022
	(a) Senior managers subjected to vetting	(b) Top secret clearances Issued	(a) Senior managers subjected to vetting	(b) Top secret clearances Issued	(a)Senior managers subjected to vetting	(b)Top secret clearances Issued
Agriculture and Rural Development	299	8	326	4	523	5
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development		2		12		0
Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs		1		1		0
Arts and Culture		0		4		1
Community Safety (& Police Oversight) (&Security and Liaison)		11		5		10
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs		8		21		9
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (& Human Settlements)		5		1		13
Cultural Affairs and Sport		1		0		0
Culture, Sport and Recreation		2		0		1
Economic Development		4		0		6
Economic Development and Tourism		2		1		3
Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism		4		3		0
Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environmental Affairs		1		0		3
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs		6		8		0
Education		13		6		15
e-Government		8		4		5
Employment and Labour		2		0		0
Environment Affairs and Development Planning		1		0		0
Finance		2		1		0
Health		0		0		1
Health		8		10		23
Home Affairs		0		0		1
Human Settlements		15		3		8
Infrastructure Development		5		0		6
Justice		1		0		0
Office of the Premier		22		12		24
Police, Roads and Transport		6		0		2
Provincial Legislature		4		1		1
Provincial Treasury		19		14		25
Public Works		0		9		1
Public Works (Roads & Infrastructure)		2		1		0
Public Works and Infrastructure		3		0		0
Roads and Transport		0		1		2
Rural Development and Agrarian Reform		0		0		1
SA Revenue Service				3		3
Safety and Liaison		1		2		1
Social Development		6		8		10
Sport and Recreation		0		1		0
Sport, Art and Culture		2		0		1
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture		3		4		6
Transport		2		11		4
Transport and Community Safety		6		2		0
Transport and Public Works		1		0		2

Reply:

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Reply:

No. The SSA derives its mandate from section 2 of the National Strategic Intelligence Act, 1994 (Act No 39 of 1994). This mandate does not cover the private residences of the President and thus the SSA had no involvement in the Phala Phala investigation; not before, nor after the alleged criminal acts that took place in February 2020.

Reply:

Cybercrime refers to illegal internet-enabled activities that are perpetuated using computers. This is a global problem that transcends national boundaries. The cost to the global economy is estimated at $7 trillion US dollars. South Africa, being a global citizen and with our developed infrastructure – be it in sectors such as financial, communication, transportation, government, health, education or energy – is an attractive target for cybercriminals who use the Internet for extortion, fraud, child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, identity theft, disruption of critical services, selling illicit goods, and so forth.

The Honourable Member will be aware that in 2020, this Parliament passed the Cybercrimes Act to delineate offences that constitute cybercrime. The Act places the South African Police Service at the driving seat to investigate, combat and prosecute cybercrime. The Act bestows specific powers and responsibilities upon the Cabinet member responsible for policing, such as issuing Standard Operating procedures to be observed by the South African Police Service or any Law Enforcement Agency authorised to investigate any offence in terms of the law.

More specific to your question Honourable Member, Chapter 8 of The Act on reporting obligations and capacity building, sections 54(1) and 54(2), is very clear in terms of the reporting of cybercrime, to whom cybercrime must be reported and the role of the Cabinet member responsible for policing in terms of classifying offences to be reported and how reporting must be done.

Of course as the Cabinet member responsible for State Security, I am informed of matters that raise the national risk and threat posture. When malicious activities in cyberspace and anywhere else surpass the threshold of criminality and threaten national security, it is the duty and obligation of the relevant authorities to report such to me. It is my responsibility and obligation to act in a manner that will maintain and ensure peace and stability in our country.

To answer your question about the countering steps that are in place, the State Security Agency, as the leading department looking into cybersecurity in government, has a Government Computer Incident Response Centre, where cybersecurity incidents are reported and responded to. Work is also underway to improve our detection and response capabilities, through capacity building (across multiple government sectors). So, in conclusion Honourable Member, work is underway aimed at improving and enhancing coordination and collaboration within government in order to respond to cybersecurity threats and combat cybercrimes effectively.

 

Reply:

(a) The State Security Agency (SSA) issues Top Security Clearance to its members as the nature of the work requires. Details regarding (a) (b) (i) (ii) will be provided to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.

 

Reply:

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Reply:

The reply to this parliamentary question has been logged with the Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI).

Reply:

(1)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(b)

Section 209 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, provides that “ any intelligence service, other than any intelligence division of the defence force or police, may be established only by the President, as head of the national executive, and only in terms of national legislation”. In 2013, the President, as head of the National Executive and through a National legislation promulgated the General Intelligence laws Amendment Act no 11 of 2013, establishing the State Security Agency (SSA) as an intelligence service. This Act referred to above contained provisions relating to functions, operations and resources of the new intelligence service known as the State Security Agency (SSA). This Act also amended and aligned other relevant Intelligence laws that deal with functions, operations, resources, controls and other relevant issues of intelligence mandate on intelligence. The laws that were amended and aligned to the new legislative mandate of the SSA were, amongst others, the National Strategic Intelligence Act no 39 of 1994, Intelligence Services Oversight Act no 40 of 1994, the Secret Services Act no 56 of 1978, The Secret Services Special Account Act 81 of 1969 and the Electronic Communications Security (Pty) Ltd Act no 68 of 2002. The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act referred to above further disestablished the Intelligence Services and structures that existed at the time and integrated them into the new intelligence service. The Intelligence Services and structures referred to were the following:

• The South African Secret Service

• The National Intelligence Agency

• The South African National Academy of Intelligence

• The Electronic Communications Security (Pty) Ltd.

The SSA) adheres to existing legislation and in addition, it recently adopted the following measures to ensure that its resources are not abused and that its work is measurable:

• At the beginning of every financial year, the SSA prepares a strategic and operational plan that sets out activities of the SSA including financial, human and technical resources to be utilised as well as reporting measures.

• The SSA established an Audit and Risk Committee consisting and chaired by external professionals to continuously monitor the implementation of the strategic and operational plans, including the utilisation of the budget. This process also establishes close cooperation with the Auditor-General in relation to the auditing of activities of the SSA.

• The SSA has recently reviewed its delegation of authority, commonly referred to as the Ministerial Policy and Payment directive. This directive has decentralised authority to various management members and provides limitations on operational and financial approvals. This enables the Director-General to exercise appropriate control and take appropriate actions where there is abuse of authority at any level of the delegated authority.

• The SSA, in consultation with the Audit and Risk Committee as well as the AG, has finalised the Operational Assets and Expenditure Directive. This directive enables the review and monitoring of operational expenses and the proper management of operational assets. This directive also requires the DG SSA to consult DG Treasury on the utilisation and access to the Security Services Special Account established by law.

The SSA is also legally obliged to comply with the Public Finance Management Act no 1 of 1999 and, in particular, Section 40 (a) of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 (PFMA) that requires that the Accounting Officer of the department keep full and proper records of the financial affairs of the department in accordance with prescribed norms and standards. This is done.

• The SSA also presents its operational reports to the Inspector-General and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence in line with the requirements of the applicable laws.

• Section 40 (b) of PFMA states that the department must prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with generally recognised accounting practices (GRAP). The SSA prepares GRAP compliant Annual Financial Statements; these are included in the Annual Report as required by Section 40 (d) of the PFMA, and the Annual Report is presented to the Executive Authority, Auditor-General in line with Section 40 (e) and is tabled at the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) in line with Section 65 (a) of the PFMA. The Annual Report covers the following:-
• Performance Information
• Governance Reports from the Auditor-General, Audit and Risk Committee
• Human Resource Management
• Annual Financial Statements.

(2)

In order to answer the question as to the means, procedures and/or controls that the SSA has instituted to prevent abuse of positions and resources, the legal prescripts are provided and then the action taken.

• Section 10 (3) of the Intelligence Services Act no 65 of 2002 provides that the Director-General of the SSA must, after approval by the Minister, issue functions directives on:
• Physical security
• Computer security
• Protection of classified information
• Conditions of service and human resources of the Intelligence Services;
• Any other matter that is necessary for the Intelligence and Counter-intelligence functions of the Intelligence Services.
• In line with the above legal provisions, the Director-General has, since 2013 and after approval of the Minister, issued functions directives relating to the above-listed matters. These functional directives contain provisions and instructions to the SSA management and rest of the members on procedures and/or controls that have been put in place to detect and address any abuse of positions and resources.

Section 38 (a)(i) and Section 45(a) of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 require that the Accounting Officer and other officials ensure that the department maintains effective, efficient and transparent system of financial and risk management and internal control.

• In this regard, the SSA has:-
• an integrated financial management system, which is used for processing of income received and expenditure incurred and managing the assets (current and fixed) and liabilities of the department. The system maintains audit trails and ensures compliance with applicable prescripts.
• a risk management unit that is responsible for identifying the organisational risks that can prevent the department/organisation from achieving its objectives, assess the risks and recommend mitigation measures.
• internal audit whose responsibility it is to monitor the implementation of internal controls, evaluate internal controls implemented and make recommendations on how they can be improved.

In relation to Secret Services as provided for in the Secret Services Account Act no 56 of 1978 and Secret Services Special Account Act no 81 of 1969, the SSA has Operational Directives that cover every aspect of operational activities provided for in this Act as well as procedures and controls for authorisation and management of resources, including measures to detect and address abuse of the positions and resources.

Reply:

The reply to this parliamentary question has been logged with the Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI).

Reply:

(a) What are the details of how the graduates were recruited?

 The advert was published through the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular;

 Received applications were recorded and screened;

 Prospective Candidates were shortlisted as per the departmental Recruitment and Selection Policy;

 Interviews were conducted;

 Recommended candidates were subjected to suitability checks including( criminal records and verification of qualifications);

 Successful candidates were appointed.

(b) What is the duration of the internship?

All graduate Interns were appointed on a 24 months contract as per the DPSA Determination on Employment of Persons on Developmental Programmes.

(c) What is the total cost of the programme to the Office of the Presidency (Government Communication and Iformation System -GCIS)?

The total cost of 22 graduate interns for the period of 24 months is R 3 562 833.12, paid monthly as stipend to all Interns. The cost is defrayed from the Compensation of Employees budget of the Department.

(d) What support is given to the graduates when they exit the programme?

The GCIS Graduate Internship Programme is one of the departmental skills pipeline programmes meant to develop and nurture skills required by the GCIS. It is provided for in the DPSA Determination on Employment of Persons on Developmental Programmes.

This Programme has been the strongest tool the GCIS uses to attract youth into the permanent establishment of the Department. The GCIS Internship Programme is an integral part of the Department’s overall Human Resource Strategy, integrating Human Resource Development initiatives and Human Resource Planning processes of the Department. The Programme is linked to building capacity for technical and specialist communication professions addressing scarce and critical skills essential to the Department’s mandate.

The Internship Programme further provides a talent pool from which to recruit when vacancies are available. In the year under review 17 Graduate Interns were permanenltly appointed into the establishment of the Department.

Due to budgetary constraints and the unavailability of suitable positions(entry level), the Department released some of the Interns into the mainstream economy at the end of the contract. They leave the Department having ammased a lot of valuable skills through on the job-training, mentoring and coaching interventions. In addition all Interns are taken through the compulsory Workplace Readiness Training Programme- The Breaking the Barrier to Entry ( BB2E).

Thank You.

Reply:

GCIS conducts impact assessment of GCIS products/publications through primary research using independent service providers under the management of the GCIS research unit. In terms of Vuk'uzenzele, impact studies are undertaken using both quantitative and qualitative research on the print and digital versions. The research is conducted to assess awareness, required content detail and relevance. The research also informs changes to format, content or platform where necessary. The research is conducted with the main focus on primary target audience being the Rooted Realists (mostly located in rural areas) as per Government Segmentation Model developed by GCIS, however does not exclude other population segments.
 

GCIS continually assess the impact through qualitative research where we have found that the readers appreciate the newspaper immensely, find the information useful and tend to keep the paper for future reference. Our quantitative research demonstrates that we require more resources to reach the entire segment (Rooted Realist).
 

Thank You.

Reply:

(a) and (b) Yes. The Cybersecurity Response Committee (CRC) under the Chairpersonship of the State Security Agency (SSA) meets regularly to assess progress on the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework in order to ensure adequacy of measures for implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework, to identify gaps and ways to plug them including appropriate remedial steps with a view to keep-up-to-date the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework. The establishment of a 24/7 point of contact for all cybercrime reporting is an important measure in the fight against cybercrime.

The National Cybersecurity Policy Framework presents a coherent and integrated Cybersecurity approach to address cybersecurity threats and risks posed by cyberattacks and cybercrime. Most importantly, the NCPF makes provision for various government departments to develop relevant legislation, policies and strategies to adequately address existing and emerging cyberthreats and risks.

On 26 May 2021 the President signed the Cybercrimes Bill of 2020 into law. The President consequently proclaimed certain provisions of the Cybercrimes Act to commence on 1 December 2021. Plans are in place to ensure effective implementation of the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which commenced in July 2021 to bring South Africa on par with international standards in the fight against cybercrime.

Furthermore, South Africa has been participating actively in the process of developing an International Convention on Cybercrime under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) pursuant to the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution 74/247. This commitment to the UN process ensures that initiatives at national level are on par with international norms and standards.

The State Security Agency is developing the National Cybersecurity Strategy and National Cybersecurity Bill. Both the Strategy and the Bill are vital for the coordination of the promotion of Cybersecurity measures by all role players (the State, private sector, and civil society) against Cybersecurity threats.

Reply:

a) Required consultation processes in government regarding bills of this nature contributed to the delay on submission of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill for tabling in Parliament.

b) The consultation processes are at advanced stages of finalisation. It is anticipated that the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB) will be submitted to Parliament in September 2022.

A roadmap outlining timelines on processes for introduction of GILAB to Parliament was presented to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) during its oversight visit to State Security Agency Head Quarters in April 2022.

Reply:

(a) In order to expedite the implementation of the High Level Review Panel (HLRP) Report Recommendations, coordination of work on the implementation of the Recommendations has now been relocated to the Office of the Director-General in the State Security Agency (SSA).

(b) The reasons include required consultation process on General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB).

(c) Consultation on revised timeline by the State Security Agency is at an advance stages. The revised timeline will be communicated after approval by the Minister. The revised timeline prioritises passing of GILAB into law.

Reply:

a) No. Chapter 5 of the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS), specially section 1.5 stipulate that political appointees are not required to be vetted unless requested to do so by the President.

b) Falls away.

Reply:

Yes. The threat landscape of cybercriume is evolving rapidly and is increasingly becoming a national security concern. Cyberthreats have grown at an alarming rate over the past two years. This is partly due to an increase in remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, it is imperative to ensure the protection of state information and improve the cybersecurity posture.

The State Security Agency (SSA) is therefore currently putting measures in place to enhance cybersecurity, whilst striving to ensure territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitutional order. Furthermore, the SSA is strengthening the provisioning of ICT Security Solutions and Services capabilities to organs of state for protection and securing National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) and related systems.

Implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework (NCPF) strategic objectives is underway, which amongst others include the following:

• building capability and capacity to address cybercrime and to promote cybersecurity;
• building the integrated cyber capacity and capability;
• finalising the Cybersecurity Bill and draft regulations with relevant provisions on NCII;
• finalising the National Cybersecurity Strategy;
• developing and implementing cybersecurity awareness programmes; and
• collaborating and cooperating with regional and international strategic partners to respond to cybercrime and cybersecurity incidents.

Reply:

Yes. The State Security Agency is aware of operations where fraudulent Home Affairs documents are being distributed. The operations relate to unlawful and fraudulent manufacturing and distribution of fraudulent identification documents. These operations are attributed to the organised crime syndicates, which involve some Home Affairs officials.

As part of its counterintelligence mandate, the State Security Agency monitors risks relating to the integrity of the Department of Home Affairs documents and shares relevant information with the department of Home Affairs and also with the Security Cluster, of which the Department of Home Affairs is a member.

Reply:

a) Ligwa Advisory Services was contracted on 1 November 2021 to conduct forensic investigations into the SSA. The forensic investigators utilised the period between November 2021 and February 2022 to undergo induction, and to set up infrastructure required to commence investigations and to collect information. The forensic investigation officially commenced in March 2022, with 26 cases currently being examined. The first reports are expected in mid-June 2022.

b) The SSA directorate responsible for the enforcement of discipline is ready to conduct disciplinary hearings against any member implicated by the forensic investigations. The SSA is closely working with the Investigating Directorate (ID), National Prosecuting Authority, and other law enforcement agencies and on receipt of the forensic reports, will immediately refer all illegal activities uncovered to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

Reply:

The Guidelines for the Heads of Department (HoDs) Performance Management and Development System (PMDS), were developed by the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME) and were linked to the HoD PMDS Directive which was developed by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). The Directive requires all Directors-General (DGs) in national departments and HoDs in provincial departments to enter into Performance Agreements with their Executive Authorities. The HoD PMDS processes align individual performance (40%) with organisational performance (40%) which are Annual Performance Plans, Auditor-General findings, and Key Government Focus Areas (KGFAs). The KGFAs address areas of Supply Chain, Diversity and Transformation, Integrated Governance, Regional and International Integration as well as Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS). Furthermore, a department's performance accounts for 60% of the assessments of the accounting officers, with the objective of ensuring alignment between individual performance and that of a department.

The DPME has completed the assessment of departments through various reports such as the Biannual Reports, but has not yet conducted an exercise to establish a direct link between the performance of DGs to that of departments. The department has identified the need to review the current HoD PMDS, to amongst others, ensure alignment between the PDMS of Ministers and that of DGs. The review will also need to focus on a significant shift towards outcomes based approach to planning, monitoting and evaluation. It is once we have aligned the approach to Annual Persformance Plans (APPs) and PMDS to enable an all round outcomes based performance that we will also evaluate the relationship and interplay between the performance of heads of department and the relevant departments.

Thank You.

Reply:

Given the information at my disposal my Office, Media Development and Diversity Agency and Brand South Africa does not have any commercial contracts with the Government of the Russian Federation and/or any other Entity based in the Russian Federation since 1 April 2017.

Thank you.

Reply:

The Office of the Premier: Northern Cape

1. (a) Mr. R Palm, the HoD of Northern Cape Sports, Arts and Culture is suspended.

(b) Mr. Palm is facing charges relating to fraud.

2. (a) Mr. R. Palm has been on suspension since September 2020.

(b) An amount of R R2 014 340.00 has been paid to Mr. Palm since his suspension.

The Office of the Premier: KwaZulu Natal

1. (a) Dr GG Sharpley, the HoD of KwaZulu-Natal Public Works is on precautionary suspension.

(b) Dr GG Sharpley is facing charges relating to allegation of misconduct regarding the appointment of the consultant compliance officer. His continuous precautionary suspension is due to the fact that during the recent proceedings the Presiding Officer made a ruling in favour the Employer following the point in limine his legal representative had raised.

 

2. (a) Dr GG Sharpley, has been on suspension since November 2020.

(b) An amount of R2, 346,238.00 has been paid to Dr GG Sharpley since his suspension.

The Office of the Premier: Free State

1. (a) Mr N Mokhesi, the HoD of Free State Human Settlements is on precautionary suspension.

(b) Mr N Mokhesi is facing charges relating to misconduct – tender irregularities

2. (a) Mr N Mokhesi, has been on suspension since June 2020.

(b) An amount of R3 412,484,00 has been paid to Mr N Mokhesi since his suspension.

 

The Office of the Premier: Free State

1. (a) Mr SS Mtakati, the HoD of Free State Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation is on precautionary suspension.

(b) Mr SS Mtakati is facing charges relating to misconduct – tender irregularities

2. (a) Mr SS Mtakati, has been on suspension since May 2021.

(b) An amount of R1 978 533, 00 has been paid to Mr SS Mtakati since his suspension

The Office of the Premier: Mpumalanga

1. (a) Mr K Masange, the HoD of Mpumalanga Human Settlements is on suspension.

(b) Mr K Masange is facing charges relating to gross negligence

2. (a) Mr K Masange, has been on suspension since April 2021.

(b) An amount of RR1 308 568,15 has been paid to Mr K Masange since his suspension.

The Office of the Premier: Mpumalanga

1. (a) Ms BS Nkuna, the HoD of Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison is on suspension.

(b) Ms BS Nkuna is facing charges relating to serious offence

2. (a) Ms BS Nkuna, has been on suspension since June 2021.

(b) An amount of R1 196 064, 31 has been paid to Ms BS Nkuna since her suspension.

The DPME received the following responses from provincial Offices of the Premiers with regards the DGs and or HoDs on suspension.

a) Limpopo, Western Cape and Gauteng indicated that there are no DG’s nor HoD’s on suspension, as a result the provinces submit a nil report to the afore-mentioned question as raised by the National Assembly.

b) Eastern Cape and North West – None

Thank You.

Reply:

The current audit process is that the Office of the Auditor-General has access to Financial, Procurement and Performance matters. The only part of the financial information that the office of the Auditor-General does not have access to is source information that relates to the identity of sources and their specimen signatures. However, arrangements are in place to assure the office of the Auditor-General of controls in such cases in terms of the Audit Strategy. This implies Internal Audit will verify source-related financial and performance information. In the Audit Strategy for the financial year end 2021-2022, the following areas are included in the Internal Audit Plan that the Office of the Auditor General will rely on:-

1. Operational expenditure and any other financial-statement line item that affects the covert expenditure e.g. Accounts Payable.
2. Audit of performance information (Covert operations and others as agreed).

The automatic audit qualification relates to the high inherent risk due to the nature of the environment. This means that the level of assurance that can be given by the audit is lower than in the case of other audits due to the significant inherent risk relating to the sensitivity of the environment. The combined assurance between the Office of the Auditor-General and Internal Audit is aimed at improving the access of the Office of the Auditor-General to the financial records of the SSA so as to ensure proper financial oversight.

In terms of section 3(a) of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act, 1994 (Act 40 of 1994) the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) receives reports from the Auditor-General  (AGSA) on the affairs of the State Security Agency and reports thereon to Parliament.  After obtaining such report from the AGSA, the JSCI considers the financial statements of the State Security Agency, any audit reports issued on those statements and any reports issued by the AGSA on the affairs of the State Security Agency. In order to perform its functions, the JSCI may in accordance with sections 3(i) – (l) of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act, 1994 (Act 40 of 1994):

(i) request the AGSA to explain any aspect of a report;

(ii) deliberate upon, hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and make recommendations including on the administration and financial expenditure of the State Security Agency;

(iii) consult with the Minister regarding the performance of the functions of the JSCI in terms of the above mentioned Act; and

(iv) consider and report on the appropriation of revenue or moneys for the functions of the State Security Agency.

Accordingly, the ambit of the oversight of the AGSA over the State Security Agency, and whether this is sufficient, is the subject of discussion between the Minister and the JSCI.

Yours Sincerely,

__________________________

Mr Mondli Gungubele, MP,

Minister in The Presidency

Date:

 

 

Reply:

The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) was established as a committee of Cabinet by the Cabinet in its meeting of 15 March 2020 to coordinate government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The NCCC makes recommendations to Cabinet on measures necessary to manage the pandemic.

The NCCC continues to perform this function since, although the national state of disaster has been lifted, the COVID-19 pandemic is unfortunately not yet over.

As a Cabinet committee – which, like all other Cabinet Committees, was established to support the work of Cabinet in whichever form the Executive deems most practical or useful – the existence of the NCCC is not dependent on a national state of disaster being in operation.

Reply:

(1) Noting the extension given to Statistics South Africa for the completion of Census 2022, what are the implications of the funding that was set aside for the exercise;

At this stage Stats SA still envisages to be within the budgeted funds for the Census Programme. The major costs that will be incurred as a result of the extension are vehicle hire, salaries for field staff and IT related costs. Due to the challenges experienced with data collection systems and recruitment, data collection did not commence as planned and was implemented in a staggered manner. As a result, expenditure for the previously mentioned items have been below what was budgeted. Accordingly reduced expenditure is expected for 21/22 and higher expenditure is expected for 22/23. As the bulk of these activities will be straddling the end of the financial year there could be a possibility that allocated funding would need to be rolled over. Engagements with National Treasury have begun in this regard.

2

(2) whether there has been an increase of the budget; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, with what amount has the budget increased?

No increase has been tabled for the Census budget. Close monitoring is in place and a reassessment will be done as Stats SA gets close to completing the census data collection to assess if any additional resources are required to deal with the tail end in this regard.

Thank You.

Reply:

There were no incidents of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault cases reported in the past three financial years, and the status quo remains since 1 April 2021 to date in my office.

Thank You.

Reply:

Description	Deputy Minister	Office of the Deputy Minister	Total
a. Catering	0	58,292.60	58,292.60
b. Entertainment	0	0	0
c. Accomodation	250, 570.48	1,078,702.87	1,329,273.35
TOTAL	250,570.48	1,136,995.47	1,387,565.95

Thank You.

Reply:

(a) According to the National Treasury 2020-21 annual report on non-compliance with payment of suppliers within 30 days, only eight national departments paid all their invoices within the stipulated 30-day period. During the 2020-21 financial year, out of 41 national departments, 33 national departments experienced challenges in paying all their valid invoices within 30 days.

The 2020-21 annual report in comparison to the 2019-20 annual report, highlights an improvement in the following departments, in terms of decreasing the number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid:

• Cooperative Government
• Home Affairs
• International Relations and Cooperation
• Public Works including PMTE
• Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
• Employment and Labour
• Justice and Constitutional Development

Although the department of Public Works and Infrastructure (including PMTE) reflected the highest improvement, it also reflected the highest number of invoices still at hand as at the end of 2020/2021 financial year.

In comparison to the 2019/2020 annual report, the following departments regressed in the number of invoices paid after 30 days

• Mineral Resource and Energy
• Police
• Water and Sanitation

The department of Water and Sanitation reflected the highest regression in the number of invoices older than 30 days not paid and also recorded the highest number of invoices at hand as at the end of 2020/2021 financial year.

As at the end of the 2020-21 financial year the following two departments contributed to 95% of invoices older than 30 days and not paid i.e. the Department of Water and Sanitation including trading account (56%) and the Department of Public Works including Property Management Trading Entity (39%).

From the provincial perspective, as at the end of 2020/2021 financial year, the Gauteng province recorded 20 911 invoices, which is 50% of the total number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid. This is followed by the Eastern Cape province with 12 651 invoices i.e 30% of outstanding invoices. Although the Gauteng province contributed the highest number of unpaid invoices, the Eastern Cape Province recorded the highest Rand Value in this regard. The other provinces that contributed to invoices older than 30 day and not paid are North West (9%), KwaZulu Natal (5%), Free State (3%) and Limpopo (2%).

Whilst the DPME has been monitoring the performance of government on payment of suppliers in line with the 2015 Cabinet mandate, it is the mandate of the National Treasury to ensure that the government departments and entities adhere to their financial obligations in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and regulations. Treasury Instruction Note Number 34 requires departments to implement manual or electronic systems and processes that will enable departments to track invoices from the time they are received at the relevant cost centres to the time that a payment is made.

The DPME continues to monitor and report on this issue through its established monitoring tools. To this end, it has been engaging with the worst performing departments to find sustainable solutions to their challenges. Efforts are currently underway to facilitate implementation of support measures in the department of Water and Sanitation, Public Works and Infrastructure, and the Eastern Cape Province.

Thank You.

Reply:

In the financial year 2020/2021, the Presidential Hotline (PH) received a total number of 9305 cases. In 2021/2022, up to the end of the 3rd Quarter, the PH received a total of 4693 cases.

Since its inception in 2009, the Presidential Hotline has always solely dealt with service delivery matters. Service delivery issues are often intertwined with governance issues and therefore not disaggregated when accounting or reporting on cases received. In relation to corruption cases, these are referred to the Office of the Public Service Commission as the DPME does not have the investigative capacity.

REPLY: Question 2

a) Once a complaint has been assigned to a department, it is expected that it must be resolved within the 25 working days as prescribed by the DPSA. Each stakeholder manager within DPME (Presidential Hotline) tracks and monitors cases assigned to departments using the Reporting platform portal to see if the number of open cases is reduced. Stakeholder managers also use spreadsheets to track performance as well as to inform departments on any outstanding complaints. Monthly feedback reports are shared with departments in order to provide a snapshot of how they are performing (resolving complaints) as well as any outstanding matters for investigation.

(b) They obtain feedback via telephone or email.

Phone: If the complainant is requesting for information on government services, such information is provided immediately at the point of contact (by the call centre agent).

Email: Once a complex case has been completed by the investigating Department, feedback is provided to the complainant via email.

NB: The method of feedback is dependent on the choice made by the complainant on how they would prefer to be contacted.

Mostly, feedback is provided telephonically. However, the DPME is able to monitor whether feedback was indeed provided to the complainant and this is done through the Customer Satisfaction Surveys.

Thank You.

Reply:

The mandate of State Security Agency is to provide timely intelligence to government on domestic and foreign threats or potential threats to national security across the country, including in the three mentioned cities. Hence the SSA directed by various legislative prescripts plays a supportive role to law enforcement agencies through the provision of intelligence on threats posed by gang activities to the country’s national security with emphasis on the following:

• The nature and extent to which gangs threaten the economy, human welfare and sovereignty.
• The nature and extent to which gangs contribute to the manifestation of corruption.
• The nature and extent of relationships between gangs and organised crime syndicates.
• The efficacy and functionality of the state’s anti-gang policies and interventions.

The SSA, through the Intelligence Coordinating Committee (ICC), shares information with South African Police Service Counterintelligence for further investigation on identified or potential perpetrators to guide law enforcement on ensuring successful prosecution. Hence, the SSA supports investigations and mitigation strategies to address transnational organised and syndicated criminal activities, as well as their causal factors.

The countering strategy is to focus on the extent to which organised crime undermines good governance, sabotages the State’s economy and threatens the welfare of communities and sovereignty.

Reply:

(a)(b)(c)(i)(ii)

The mandate of State Security Agency is to provide intelligence to government on domestic and foreign threats or potential threats to national security across the country as a whole that includes major cities. Hence, the SSA directed by various legislative prescripts plays a supportive role to law enforcement agencies through the provision of intelligence on the threat posed by organised crime syndicates, racketeering and gangsterism to the country’s national security with emphasis on the following:

• The nature and extent to which organised crime syndicates and gangs threaten the state’s economy, human welfare and sovereignty.
• The nature and extent to which organised crime syndicates and gangs contribute to the manifestation of corruption.
• The nature and extent of relationships between gangs and organised crime syndicates.
• The efficacy and functionality of the state’s anti-gang policies and interventions.

The SSA, in partnership with various law enforcement agents and stakeholders (both public and private) makes use of technologies to counter the extent to which organised crime undermines good governance, sabotages the State’s economy and threatens the welfare of communities and sovereignty.

Technologies include those prescribed by the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act (RICA) 70 of 2002, the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) 38 of 2001, and security monitoring systems installed throughout the country, including in major cities.

Reply:

While dealing with counterfeit goods falls mainly within the mandate of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the nature of the challenges to address it necessitates a holistic government approach and this is where the State Security Agency plays its part.

The SSA’s approach to the illicit economy is guided by its mandate and the provisions of the National Strategic Intelligence Act No 39 of 1994, namely:

• Section 2 (1) (a) – identify any threat or potential threat to national security and supply intelligence regarding any such threat to NICOC

• Section 2 (1) (b) – relates to the counterespionage responsibility

• Section 2 (1) (c) – relates to assistance to other departments.

Departmental support is central to the SSA’s function and entails the provision of intelligence on any threats or potential threats to national security that fall within the functions of a department of State, and include the provision of intelligence needed by such a department in order to neutralise the threats.

The SSA’s focus is on a strategic level to determine and advise on the nature and extent of the risks posed by the illicit economy to South Africa’s economic well-being, and to evaluate the strategic implications of the illicit economy for the state’s national interests, -security and -power. Intelligence inputs are provided for in the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) that identifies intelligence priorities. The SSA has identified illicit trade and illicit commodities as a risk in its Departmental Intelligence Estimate of 2021.

Consequently, the focus is on economic security of which a major part is to determine the threats and provide early warning on the nature and extent of the risks that the illicit economy and economic crimes pose to South Africa’s economic well-being, and to evaluate the strategic implications of the illicit economy as stated above. Hence, the SSA’s role is to conduct operational activities and provide intelligence support in the mitigating of economic crimes and illicit economic activities in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

The SSA only considers illicit economy activities for purposes of collection and analysis when such activities are evaluated to represent a significant threat to: (i) South Africa’s economy (ii) the welfare of its citizens, (iii) and/or the legitimacy and continuity of the democratic state.

The SSA will continue to support interdepartmental processes at a national level with the aim of addressing the illicit economy. The main function of the SSA in these interdepartmental initiatives is to provide policy- and operational intelligence support in line with its departmental function when requested by other departments. One such area of cooperation in which the SSA is an active participant relates to mitigating risks posed by vulnerabilities at Ports of Entry and the borderlines that are exploited to transfer counterfeit goods. Vulnerable ports are continuously monitored and tactical operations are conducted on illegal shipments, consequently, transgressors are apprehended and dealt with through the various law enforcement agencies that have executive powers. The SSA also shares information with the Border Management Authority (BMA).

Further, the SSA endeavours to improve skills training amongst its intelligence officials to carry out financial investigations and to increase the use of financial information in all relevant investigations.

The illicit economy will also remain a priority for engagements with foreign counterparts to ensure processes are in place for effective and efficient exchange of information. The SSA has prioritised the illicit economy, including the issue of counterfeiting, in various past engagements of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services in Africa.

Reply:

In terms of section 18(2) of the Intelligence Services Act, 2002 “a member may be discharged from the Agency or demoted by the Director-General if, after a hearing in the prescribed manner as to his or her fitness to remain in employment or to retain his or her rank or grade, the Director-General is of the opinion that such member is guilty of misconduct.” However, there are other sanctions that the Director-General may impose in respect of a member who has been found guilty of misconduct, as provided for in Regulation 14 of Chapter XVIII of the Intelligence Services Regulations, 2014.

When a member of the SSA is found to have committed financial misconduct that has resulted in financial loss for the Agency, the matter is referred to the relevant law enforcement Agency for investigation, as contemplated in section 86 of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, read with Regulation 4 of the Treasury Regulations.

Reply:

The Statistics Act, that is Act No. 6 of 1999, directs the Minister to publish the date of the census by notice of a gazette. In line with previous practice, the Office of the Minister and Deputy Minister has been working closely with Stats SA to publicise the census since the 100 day countdown and the launch of the census. They have each led numerous census publicity activities in various areas with media in tow to ensure maximum participation from the public in the sourcing of fieldworkers at large.

The Statistics Act is very clear on the responsibilities of the Minister in that the Minister may not interfere with the powers of the Statistician-General in executing the Act. The Office of the Minister is thus not involved in the operational aspects of recruitment of fieldworkers for the census as well as the sourcing and acquisition of vehicles. Stats SA has no shortages of tablets and have made adequate provisions for all fieldworkers.

Thank You

Reply:

a) The National Planning Commission (NPC) functions as an independent think tank and an advisory body to the Presidency. It is administratively supported through the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evalaution (DPME), and the Minister in the Presidency responsible for DPME acts as the Chairperson of the NPC, and signs a performance agreement with the President which includes the Commission’s deliverables. As such, the Commission is not a government department or component, and Commissioners serve on a part time basis, and do not each sign an individual performance agreement.

b) The performance of the NPC is planned and reported as part of DPME’s strategic plan and annual performance plan. In this regard, the NPC submits quarterly and annual reports to DPME in line with applicable prescripts. For the Commission’s 5-year term of office 2015-2020 the NPC has submitted a Handover Report to the President. The process to appoint successor Commissioners of the NPC will be concluded in due course. The reports of the NPC can be found at www.nationalplanningcommission.org.za/publications_reports

Thank You.

Reply:

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are an important delivery mechanism to accelerate infrastructure investments into the country. As such, the National Treasury has the core responsibility to regulate PPPs in the country. The central legislation governing the PPPs for National and Provincial Government is Treasury Regulation 16 to the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (PFMA).

Treasury Regulation 16.3.1 (a) is clear in its guidance that once a project is identified by an institution to be implemented as a PPP, the project has to be registered with the relevant Treasury. Thus, any infrastructure project registered with the Infrastructure and Investment Office, remains under the ownership or sponsorship of the relevant Department or Implementing Agent and not with the Presidency. SANRAL for example, is the Implementing Agent for all South Africa’s proclaimed National Road Network from National to Provincial and some selected regional routes, as applicable. SANRAL will thus be responsible for the necessary registration of possible PPP projects with National Treasury and the Department of Transport and will be responsible for the contractual arrangements as well.

Line function Departments, SOEs, Public Entities, Provincial Government Departments and Municipalities are responsible for managing procurement processes in line with the Public Finance and Management Act and Municipal Finance Management Act. The Presidency is not the custodian of information relating to the contracting of Service Providers for the infrastructure projects including Strategic Intergrated Projects.

With regard to the timeframes of the gazette projects of 24 July 2020 by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, it should be noted that all of these projects are at various stages within the infrastructure value chain of delivery. For example, a number a number of the Transport projects are completed, whilst a number of the Water and Sanitation projects, under SIP 19, are still in preparation stages. It is envisaged that projects in the preparation stages can take up to 36 months to reach conclusion of the relevant studies.

Great strides are being made with the SIP 20a, the Emergency/Risk Mitigation Power Purchase Procurement Programme (2000MW) where the preferred bidders are appointed and projects to be operational by mid-2022. While the DBSA only recently launched a Call for Proposals for SIP 20b, the Embedded Generation Investment Programme (EGIP), which opened on the 4th of August 2021 and will close 31st September 2021.

It is envisaged that the projects under the Social Housing Programme can be fully in construction within the next 18 months with 2 projects already reaching a completion rate of 65% to 70%, one social housing project completely refurbished and others to reach financial close within 12 months

The acceleration of those projects Gazetted on the 24th of July 2020 is being implemented in accordance with the Infrastructure Development Act, No. 23 of 2014 as amended where the Investment and Infrastructure office works closely with the relevant Departments in implementing Schedule 7 of the Act.

Thank you.

Reply:

(1)(a) It is unknown which Security Cluster Meeting is being referred to in this parliamentary question given that many meetings were held pertaining to the reports of racial tensions in areas such as Phoenix in Durban during the unrest in July 2021.

However, government is determined to address racial tension and concrete steps taken include the following:

• A task team has been established to fast track investigations into the killings, cases are currently being heard at the Verulam Magistrates’ Court. Investigations into the killings are ongoing. The South African Police Service is a lead department in this regard.
• Provincial Government took a decision to establish committees to facilitate dialogue between affected communities. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has also been roped in as schools are been affected by the racial tensions.
• Community dialogues are being facilitated by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Social Cohesion and Regeneration Council.

(1)(b) Given that the meeting being referred to in this parliamentary question is unknown, details of the stakeholders who attended the meeting cannot be stated with accuracy.

(2) Since the meeting referred to in this Parliamentary Question is unknown, intention on follow-up meeting cannot be state with accuracy.

Thank You.

 

 

Reply:

• Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has not concluded any work exchange and/or employment agreements with any entity of the Republic of Cuba and/or Cuban National from 2010 – 2011 financial year up to the 2020 – 2021 financial year.
• The Presidency has not concluded any work exchange and/or employment agreements with any entity of the Republic of Cuba and/or Cuban National from 2010 – 2011 financial year up to the 2020 – 2021 financial year.

Thank You.

Reply:

(1) Yes, a framework was developed.

(2) The President will perform reviews annually considering performance score cards developed by DPME. DPME will also submit Mid-Year reports concerning progress in the implementation of the Annual Performance Plans (APP’s) of Departments. This will serve as early warning systems to identify areas that are lagging behind against the targets set in the APP.

(3) The Mid-Year performance reviews on the APP’s are published on the website after approval by Cabinet.

(4)(a) The performance agreements signed by the Ministers have included the delegated functions to Deputy Ministers.

Thank You.