Reply:

The Presidency, including the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, has established a coordinating and monitoring mechanism for the implementation of recommendations and referrals arising from the investigations of the SIU.

The recommendations, referrals and actions of the SIU fall into five categories. These are (1) referrals for criminal investigation and prosecution to the National Prosecuting Authority, (2) referrals for disciplinary processes against officials implicated in wrong-doing to the accounting officers of affected departments and organs of state, (3) referrals for the restricting of suppliers of goods and services who have been implicated in wrongdoing, (4) recommendations for systemic reforms to financial controls, governance and related issues to prevent future occurrences, and (5) the recovery of money through the Special Tribunal.

The implementation environment is therefore highly complex, affecting law enforcement agencies, accounting officers across the three spheres of government and state-owned entities, and those departments mandated to perform oversight. These include the departments of Public Service and Administration and Cooperative Governance, which are responsible with overseeing disciplinary processes in the public service, and the National Treasury, which is responsible for restricting suppliers to government.

The first phase of establishing this coordinating and monitoring mechanism has been completed. This has involved information gathering, business process mapping and problem-solving engagements with the departments and entities central to the implementation of SIU recommendations. This work has produced detailed business process maps of the current implementation ecosystem and has revealed several opportunities for enhancements.

A centralised database has been created of all available information on the implementation of the recommendations, together with a prototype dashboard and analytical capability.

The enhancements that will be tackled in Phase 2 include aligning and standardising data protocols, establishing norms and standards in relation to recommendations, defining escalation procedures where inadequate performance is detected, automating data sharing and reporting processes between the different entities using digital technologies, and formalising structures for cooperation and problem solving.

Phase 2 will be implemented over a 12-month period starting in October 2022.

As part of Phase 1, the Presidency has collated and analysed information from the SIU, National Treasury, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Public Service and Administration and Department of Cooperative Governance. The outcomes of this exercise have been used to produce a first monitoring report, which was presented to SCOPA on 6 June 2022.

As part of the Phase 1 activities, the Presidency has analysed various datasets to identify performance issues.

For example, as a result of the Presidency-led process, the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer set up interventions to speed up processes with the entities with the largest numbers referrals for restricting suppliers.

This intervention to improve coordination and monitoring of SIU recommendations is one part of a broader wave of action to build state capability to eradicate state capture, corruption and fraud in South Africa.

 

Reply:

Section 199(1) of the Constitution provides that the security services of South Africa consists of a single police service. Furthermore, in terms of Section 205(1) of the Constitution, the national police service must be structured to function in the national, provincial and, where appropriate, local spheres of government.

The National Commissioner is, in terms of Section 207 of the Constitution, responsible to control and manage the police service, in accordance with the national policing policy and directions of the Minister of Police. Section 207(4) of the Constitution, further provides that a provincial commissioner is responsible for policing in his or her province, as prescribed by national legislation and subject to the power of the National Commissioner to exercise control over and manage the police service.

The Minister of Police does not have policing powers and therefore cannot assign or transfer the responsibility of the National Commissioner to control and manage the single national police service to a member of the provincial Executive Council or to a Municipal Council.

Such transfer will be inconsistent with the provisions as contained in Chapter 11 of the Constitution, and accordingly, invalid.

The proposed change in the existing legal position will require amendment to the relevant provisions as contained in Chapter 11 of the Constitution.

Government does not have a policy on devolving policing powers to provinces as SAPS is a national competency.

However there is an Integrated Model of Policing Policy to operationalise the policy direction outlined in the National Development Plan and the 2016 White Paper on Policing for a professional and accountable police service, that is underpinned by prudent and efficient use of resources and the use of smart, modern policing approaches.

An integrated police service would act as a single collective voice for policing, helping to strengthen governance and accountability in all spheres of government, and ensure optimal coordination and alignment across the three spheres of government. An integrated approach would:

• enhance visibility and efficiency;
• ensure the most efficient use of resources;
• strengthen outcomes around building safe and resilient communities;
• address inconsistencies associated with the fragmented nature of policing at national and local levels, including the lack of uniform implementation of national policing standards across the board; and,
• provide a basis for the standardisation of policing approaches in order to ensure efficiency and value for money.

Reply:

Given the severe economic and social challenges our country is facing, government has been working with social partners towards consensus on the key tasks that we need to undertake together to address these challenges.

While all of the constituencies represented in the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) – government, organised business, organised labour and the community constituency – share common objectives, they represent different interests, which must be taken into consideration.

The negotiations are continuing in earnest. We have almost finalised a ‘Framework for a Social Compact in South Africa’. The foundation of the social compact is a recommitment to the accelerated implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

These negotiations have not prevented government from forging ahead with the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and far-reaching economic reforms in key network sectors.

Social partners are working towards finalising priority interventions on energy, transport and logistics, expanding infrastructure investment, support for SMMEs, fighting crime and corruption, social protection and expanding public employment programmes for the unemployed.

We remain committed to achieve a sustainable, inclusive and responsive social compact to support and accelerate our economic recovery.

Reply:

Since the Interim Constitution came into effect in 1994, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been responsible for a national protection service.

The budget for the VIP protection services, which accounts for less than 2% of the total SAPS budget, includes:

• Provisioning of comprehensive protection to the President and Deputy President of the Republic, former Presidents and former Deputy Presidents, visiting Heads of State and spouses;

• Provisioning of comprehensive protection to 62 national dignitaries (28 Ministers, 34 Deputy Ministers, Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Chairperson of the NCOP, Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP) and 124 provincial dignitaries (9 Premiers, 9 Provincial Legislature Speakers, 9 Provincial Legislature Deputy Speakers and 87 MECs), as well as ad hoc and foreign dignitaries that visit South Africa;

• Provisioning of comprehensive protection to the Chief Justice, Former Chief Justice, Constitutional Courts Judges, Judge Presidents and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

It is a well-established principle in jurisdictions across the world that the state should provide adeuqate protection to officials whose personal safety may be at risk by virtue of the positions they occupy.

Reply:

The following advisory panels, advisory councils, committees and commissions have been established since 2018:

Panel, Council, Committee or Commission	Responsible department
1. Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution	Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services
2. Presidential Economic Advisory Council	National Treasury
3. Presidential Advisory Council on Investment	Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
4. Presidential Commission on Climate Change	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
5. Presidential State Owned Enterprises Council	Department of Public Enterprises
6. Working Group on Disability	Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

The following have been closed on completion of final reports:

Panel, council or committee	Responsible department
1. Commission of Inquiry into the South African Revenue Service	Department of Justice and Correctional Services
2. Commission of Inquiry into the Public Investment Corporation	Department of Justice and Correctional Services
3. High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency	State Security Agency
4. Expert Panel on July 2021 Unrest	The Presidency

Secretariat support for panels and councils, together with responsibility for their costs, resides with the relevant lead departments.

The information regarding the establishment of panels, advisory councils and commissions is in the public domain as there are media releases that indicate the names of the appointees, dates of appointment and terms of reference on the Presidency website.

The costs incurred by the Presidency with respect to the Expert Panel on the July 2021 Unrest was R530,231. Details on the costs incurred for the other bodies may be sourced from the relevant departments.

Reply:

a) GCIS can confirm that the Imbizo Centre and Cape Town Radio station are not operating due to technological infrastructure challenges. We have set aside in our current baseline a budget over the next three years to refurbish the Imbizo centre. With the available budget, it is envisaged that the refurbishment will be completed in the 2024/2025 financial year.

b) The costs to address the GCIS technological infrastructure challenges is estimated to be R10m. GCIS’s current budget is unable to absorb its costs. A funding request to address various GCIS Information and Communication Technology has been submitted to the National Treasury. The operational cost plans and timelines will only be committed once the departments have received a positive response from the National Treasury.

Thank You.

Reply:

I am ready to cooperate with any investigations on this matter and will answer whatever questions the investigators ask of me. The law must be allowed to take its course and due process needs to be followed. I have made every declaration required of me since my first election to public office in 2014 and will continue to fulfil those obligations.

Reply:

I am ready to cooperate with any investigations on this matter and will answer whatever questions the investigators ask of me. The law must be allowed to take its course and due process needs to be followed.

Reply:

I am ready to cooperate with any investigations on this matter and will answer whatever questions the investigators ask of me. The law must be allowed to take its course and due process needs to be followed.

Reply:

I am ready to cooperate with any investigations on this matter and will answer whatever questions the investigators ask of me. The law must be allowed to take its course and due process needs to be followed. I have furthermore declared every gift provided me during the course of tenure as Deputy President and President as required by law.

Reply:

I am and will remain committed to the fulfilment of my oath of office. I do not intend to address these matters in a piece-meal fashion and will ensure the investigations currently under way have my full cooperation. The law must be allowed to take its course and due process needs to be followed.

Reply:

As I indicated in my address during the Presidency Budget Vote, we are working in earnest to conclude our negotiations on a social compact.

The engagements are taking place within the context of NEDLAC, which is a statutory forum for social dialogue.

We set ourselves the ambitious target of 100 working days to signal the urgency with which we need to find common ground on difficult issues that have wide-ranging implications for our economy. While all social partners share the same goals of inclusive growth and employment, there are differing views on how to achieve those goals.

 

We are determined that the social compact should be substantial and meaningful and make a real difference to the trajectory of our economy. We are therefore pushing ahead to achieve an agreement that is inclusive and lasting.

Reply:

The promotion of national symbols and the construction of monuments are important for building a common identity and advancing national unity.

The flag project, as with all programmes of government departments, is informed by the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is itself based on the electoral mandate of this administration. These programmes are reflected in departmental budget votes, which are extensively debated in Parliament.

In view of the current fiscal pressures and public concern, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture directed his department to review the flag project.

Government will continue to work to ensure that its programmes and associated expenditure are informed by the priorities of the MTSF and the broader interests of the country.

Reply:

Government is committed to the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which is a series of measures to accelerate economic recovery and create employment. The plan was developed with important contributions from social partners and expert advisers through bodies like the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

Localisation is one of several tools in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to improve the dynamism of the economy, promote investment, develop new markets, transform the economy, promote equitable spatial development and contribute to the development of a capable state.

Localisation is pivotal in stimulating growth and transformation. It is about creating an enabling environment for inclusive growth, deepening the country’s industrialisation base and creating targeted transformation measures. It seeks to expand the economy to include more participants and to ensure that more parts of the population, including women, young people, black South Africans and the rural poor, can contribute to and benefit from growth.

The government’s approach is to make use of the entire policy toolkit including industrial policy, trade policy, localisation policy and social policy to drive growth.

We have already seen some of the results of this approach. In agro-processing, we have seen an investment of R1.7 billion by the SA Poultry Association as part of the Poultry Master Plan. In the automotive sector, we have seen a R3 billion investment by Ford Motor Company of South Africa and a R10 billion investment by Mercedes Benz to expand plants in Port Elizabeth and East London. In primary minerals processing, Komatsu SA has made a R300 million investment in an engine remanufacturing plant.

We have seen significant success in the textile industry where government has implemented 100% designation, requiring entities such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to purchase all of its uniforms from local producers.

While the evidence suggests that our localisation efforts are on the right path, the challenge of growth and employment is nevertheless challenging and complex. Contributions to the public discourse on how we improve our efforts, including those by the Centre for Development and Enterprise, should be encouraged and welcomed.

Reply:

Phase 1 on provision of immediate humanitarian relief focuses on addressing the immediate needs within affected communities. This includes search, rescue and recovery operations, burial assistance, death certificates, post-mortems, health services, psychosocial support, temporary shelter, food, personal essentials and emergency water supply.

Phase 2 on stabilisation and recovery interventions focuses on short term measures to repair and rebuild public infrastructure and facilities. This includes water, sanitation, stormwater and drainage infrastructure, electricity infrastructure, roads and bridges, rail networks, telecommunications infrastructure, health facilities, solid waste infrastructure, school infrastructure and human settlements. It also includes the provision of housing support and provision of social relief of distress grants.

For the details of the implementation plans, I refer the Honourable Member to the presentation by the Department of Cooperative Governance to the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery on 23 May 2022.

The coordination of efforts by relevant stakeholders is the responsibility of the Minister of

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) as per the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002). Each organ of state is responsible for interventions across the phases as per their respective mandates.

The Communication and Community Mobilisation Task Team led by the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) is responsible for communicating progress to the public. Updates are also being provided through existing platforms across the spheres of government.

Reply:

No motivation for a proclamation has been submitted to the Presidency by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The SIU has indicated that it has not received any allegations on this matter, and will follow-up with the Municipality for details and to assess if the allegations fall within its mandate.

Reply:

The Constitution sets out the role of the Chief Justice. Section 165(6) indicates that the Chief Justice is the head of the judiciary and exercises responsibility over the establishment and monitoring of norms and standards for the exercise of the judicial functions of all courts. He or she also heads the Constitutional Court, our apex court.

Section 174(1) of the Constitution requires that persons appointed as judicial officers be fit and proper persons, and that those appointed to the Constitutional Court must also be South African citizens. Section 174(2) further requires that the judiciary must reflect broadly the racial and gender composition of South Africa and that this must be considered when judicial officers are appointed.

These are among the factors that were relevant to my choice of who should be the next Chief Justice.

In addition, I considered the great value in ensuring continuity and certainty in the leadership of the judiciary, and the important role the judiciary plays in ensuring trust and faith in state institutions.

I had the benefit of the inputs of all political parties represented in Parliament, and the contents and outcomes of the interviews conducted by the Judicial Service Commission, who were consulted as required by the Constitution. The Constitution does not give primacy to any of those entities and persons that I am enjoined to consult.

I exercised my Constitutionally granted discretion, taking into account all factors, in coming to the determination that Justice Raymond Zondo is the best person to be our next Chief Justice.

Reply:

The role of the COVID-19 Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) is to advise the Minister of Health with regards to managing cases of COVID-19 in the health system, interventions to control the spread of the disease, communication strategies, the research agenda and the economic impact on the health system.

The MAC develops advisories on specific issues in response to requests from the Minister for guidance on a particular issue or in response to new knowledge and developments as the pandemic evolves.

Following submission of an advisory to the Minister of Health, the Minister directs the response to the advisory which may include:

• activation, processing and implementation through internal departmental processes;

• engagement with other internal and external stakeholders;

• tabling at the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) or Cabinet for deliberation and decision making.

In reaching decisions, the NCCC relies on contributions from numerous sectors and other stakeholders. While decisions are guided by scientific advice and evidence, additional social, economic, legal and behavioural considerations are also taken into account.

Reply:

The President has signed performance agreements with Ministers and Deputy Ministers to assist in the fulfilment of Section 91(2) of the Constitution, which states: “The President appoints the Deputy President and Ministers, assigns their powers and functions, and may dismiss them.”

The performance agreements provide clear guidance to Ministers and Deputy Ministers on their responsibilities and performance indicators. This enables the President to more effectively evaluate the fulfilment of these responsibilities, and, together with the Deputy President and respective Ministers and Deputy Ministers, identify measures to address areas of concern.

While these performance agreements and the process of assessment are matters between the President and the respective Ministers and Deputy Ministers, copies of these agreements have been made public. They are available on the Government website at: www.gov.za/ministers-performance-agreement

Reply:

At the beginning of the Sixth Administration, on the occasion of the Budget Vote of the Presidency 2019/20, I said that public policy that must be evidence-based and effectively coordinated.

The Presidency established a Public Sector Policy Development and Research Network in March 2020 as a platform to capacitate policy practitioners on the use of evidence in policy making. This network is represented by policy practitioners, researchers and legal services from national and provincial government, and municipalities will be included in the near future

The Presidency, through the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), has an Evidence Mapping System that assists departments with mapping research work and evidence from a wide range of credible sources.

The National School of Government offers training to officials on evidence-based policy making and the National Policy Development Framework.

Finally, the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System assists in ensuring that early drafting of policies, Bills and Regulations are supported by relevant evidence.

Reply:

Mechanisms are in place that address the grievances of Directors-General.

Section 35 of the Public Service Act, 1994, as amended, provides for procedures in respect of grievances of employees in the Public Service, including Heads of Department.

Subject to the above, grievances of Heads of Department are handled in terms of Chapter 10 of the Senior Management Services (SMS) Handbook. This specifies the procedural stages to address the grievance of a head of department either to the relevant executive authoirty or the Public Service Commission directly.

Reply:

The President of the Republic has not entered into any agreements with any vaccine manufacturers. Such agreements are entered into by the relevant line department.

Reply:

The appointment of members of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Commission) is regulated in terms of the Commission on Cultural, Linguistic and Religious Communities Act, Act 19 of 2002 (“the Act”).

As required by section 11(4) of the Act, the members of the Commission that I appointed on 7 June 2019 were from the names submitted to me by the Selection Panel.

The following persons were appointed by the Minister of Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) as members of the Selection Panel in terms of Section 11(1)(d) of the Act:

1. Professor Sihawukele Ngubane (Chairperson)
2. Hosi Nwamitwa II
3. Dr Wally Mongane Serote
4. Mr Ashwin Trikamjee
5. Mr Marlene Bethlehem
6. Father Tseko Rakeketsi
7. Ms Marah Louw (Did not participate in the process due to ill health)

The Selection Panel, after concluding the interviews, submitted a list of 22 persons. According to Section 9(1) of the Act, the Commission consists of a Chairperson appointed by the President and no fewer than 11 and no more than 17 other members appointed by the President. After consideration of the list of the names provided by the Selection Panel, I appointed the current 13 members of the CRL Commission:

1. Prof Luka David Mosoma
2. Ms Sheila Khama
3. Ms Tsholofelo Mosala
4. Mr Sicelo Emmanuel Dlamini
5. Dr Oscarine Nokuzula Mdende
6. Prof Pitika Ntuli
7. Dr Sylvia Mmamohapi Pheto
8. Dr Muneer Abduroaf
9. Ms Nomalanga Tyamzashe
10. Ms Ramokone Tryphina Kgatla
11. Adv Richard Botha
12. Mr Mandla Langa
13. Mr Renier Schoeman

Reply:

a) Particulars of the members of the CRL Selection Panel are as follows:

NAME	INTEREST GROUP	CAPACITY
Professor Sihawukele Ngubane	Academic (Language)	Chairperson
Hosi Nwamitwa II	Traditional Leadership Sector	Member
Dr Wally Mongane Serote	Culture and African Religion	Member
Mr Ashwin Trikamjee	Religious Communities (Hindu)	Member
Ms Marlene Bethlehem	Religious Communities (Jewish)	Member
Father Tseko Rakeketsi	Religious Communities (Christian)	Member
Ms Marah Louw*	Culture (Artistic Communities)	Member

B) In terms of section 9 of the CRL Rights Act, the President appoints the chairperson and no fewer than eleven (11) and not more than seventeen (17) persons as members. Persons recommended to the President by the CRL Selection Panel for appointment as members of the CRL Commission in terms of section 11(3)(d) are listed below:

NAME & SURNAME	CATEGORY
1. Prof. Luka David Mosoma	Religion
2. Ms Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva	Culture
3. Ms Sheila Khama	African Religion (Traditional healer)
4. Ms Tsholofelo Mosala	Youth/Culture
5. Mr Sicelo Emmanuel Dlamini	Language (Persons with disability)
6. Dr Oscarine Nokuzula Mdende	African Religion (Traditional Healer)
7. Prof. Pitika Ntuli	Religion (SACC)
8. Dr Sylvia Mmamohapi Pheto	Tradition
9. Dr John Mphaphuli	Religion
10. Rasta Sipho Mantula	Religion (Rastafarian)
11. Mr Mxolisi Eshwell Zwane	Language
12. Dr Muneer Abduroaf	Religion (Muslim)
13. Rev. Micah Mhlupheki Nthali	Religion
14. Mr Phumlani Victor Mzobe	Youth/Culture
15. Ms Nomalanga Tyamzashe	Culture
16. Ms Ramokone Tryphina Kgatla	Language
17. Adv Richard Botha	Culture
18. Dr Leshabela Herbert Maduane	Culture & Language (Academic)
19. Dr Johannes Gogome Tshifularo	Tradition
20. Mr Mandla Langa	Culture
21. Inkosi Sydney Xolile Ndevu	Tradition
22. Mr Renier Schoeman	Religion

* Ms Marah Louw did not participate in the process due to ill health.

Reply:

No. I have received correspondence from the leaders of political parties represented in Parliament and the Judicial Service Commission, as required by the Constitution.

Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, requires the President as the head of the national executive, after consulting leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly and the Judicial Service Commission, to appoint the Chief Justice.

For the purpose of promoting transparency and encouraging public participation, I invited the public to nominate suitable persons to be considered for the appointment as Chief Justice. I appointed a Panel of eminent persons with relevant experience to shortlist candidates from the list of nominees.

As required by the provisions of the Constitution, I have consulted the leaders of the political parties represented in the National Assembly and the Judicial Service Commission on the candidates I identified from the shortlist for the appointment of the Chief Justice. This process has been concluded as I have received the responses from the political parties’ leaders and the Judicial Service Commission.

Reply:

No such correspondence was received.

Reply:

In the wake of the July 2021 civil unrest, I appointed an Expert Panel to critically review the security services’ handling of those events. Among other things, the panel recommended the appointment of suitable persons into the leadership of the security services.

On 25 February 2022, I announced the termination, by mututal agreement, of the contract of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole with effect from 31 March 2022.

On 28 February 2022, I announced the appointment of Ambassador Thembisile Majola as the Director-General of the State Security Agency with effect from 1 March 2022.

On 31 March 2022, I announced the appointment of General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as the new National Commissioner of the South African Police Service.

Reply:

I have not expressed dismay at anything the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation has done in fulfilment of her mandate.

2. South Africa’s position on the conflict in Ukraine has been articulated on several occasions, most recently in my response to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly on 17 March 2022, where I stated the following:

“The international community needs to work together to achieve a cessation of hostilities and to prevent further loss of life and displacement of civilians in Ukraine. It needs to support meaningful dialogue towards a lasting and meaningful peace, which ensures the security and stability of all nations.

“As a country, we are committed to the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. We support the principle that members should refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states.

"That is why, at the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session, South Africa strongly urged all sides to uphold international law, including humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty as well.

“While there are people within our country and elsewhere that want South Africa to adopt a more adversarial position, our position seeks to contribute to the creation of conditions that make the achievement of a durable resolution of the conflict possible.

“Our approach is informed by an analysis of the causes of this conflict. This includes a view shared by many leading scholars, politicians and other people, that the war could have been avoided if NATO had heeded the warnings from among its own leaders and officials over the years that its eastward expansion would lead to greater, not less, instability in the region.

“While it is important to understand and articulate the causes of the conflict, and advocate for peace building measures, we cannot condone the use of force or violation of international law.

“We also need to recognise that coercive measures, such as sanctions outside of the legal prescripts of the United Nations, may serve to prolong and intensify the conflict.”

3. Many countries have diplomatic representation in South Africa. It is the practice of our government that when a diplomatic mission is hosting a key event, a Minister is assigned to represent our government.

This applies to all countries represented in South Africa. South Africa will continue with this diplomatic practice, which all diplomatic missions expect. The assignment of Ministers to these events is coordinated by State Protocol. This practice is also extended in all our diplomatic missions abroad when they are hosting such events.

Reply:

The introduction of lifestyle audits for Members of the Executive has taken far longer than originally anticipated. While we have begun with lifestyle audits for senior public servants, it is important that we extend this practice to Members of the Executive.

Much work has been done on the approach and methodology to lifestyle audits of Members of the Executive. However, the finalisation of this work is being held in abeyance pending the submission of the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. This is so that any additional measures required to strengthen Executive accountability and conduct can be considered holistically.

Reply:

The Red Tape Reduction Team (RTRT) has a mandate to identify priority reforms and work with other departments and agencies to simplify regulatory processes and unblock specific obstacles to investment and business growth. This is aligned to government’s commitment in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to “reduc[e] the cost of doing business…[through] regulatory changes that seek to optimise the regulatory environment”.

This includes what is often referred to as “cutting red tape”, namely the removal of unnecessary or excessively complicated regulations and inefficient administrative processes which not only create frustration but increase compliance costs, especially for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs.

The RTRT will work with and build on existing programmes to improve the business environment, in particular those run by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Department of Small Business Development.

Being based in the Presidency, the RTRT will take a whole-of-government approach to addressing some of the challenges faced, including working with sub-national spheres of government. The RTRT will accordingly play a supporting and coordinating role within government.

The terms of reference are being finalised, and will reflect the mandate described above.

Reply:

No request was received from Minister Mbalula for permission to travel to Ukraine.

 

Reply:

I have been informed of the following:

 

1. The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr BE Nzimande published the Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions (the Policy Framework) on 30 October 2020, for implementation by universities from the beginning of January 2022.
2. As the Policy Framework declares, it is based on the constitutional imperative assigned by the Founding Provisions of Section 6(2) and (4) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that:

“Recognising the historically diminished use and status of the indigenous languages of our people, the state must take practical and positive measures to elevate the status and advance the use of these languages.”

and

“The national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must regulate and monitor their use of official languages. Without detracting from the provisions of subsection (2), all official languages must enjoy parity of esteem and must be treated equitably.”

3. The publication of the policy framework followed extensive consultations with universities, a call for public comment, discussions at NEDLAC and a host of other stakeholders with interest in languages of South Africa. In addition, and as mandated by Sections 3 and 5 of the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997 as amended), advice was obtained from the Council on Higher Education (CHE)

4. The purpose of the policy framework is to:

• provide a framework for the development and strengthening of indigenous languages as languages of scholarship, teaching and learning and communication at higher education institutions;
• provide guidelines for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of institutional language policies;
• contribute to transformation in higher education with specific reference to universities through enhancing the status and roles of previously marginalised South African languages to foster institutional inclusivity and social cohesion.

5. The framework defines ‘indigenous languages’ as follows:

“Languages that have their heritage roots in Africa (also referred to as African languages in literature and some policy documents) and that belong to the Southern Bantu language family, where ‘Bantu’ is used purely as a linguistic term. An indigenous language is a language that is native to a region or country and spoken by indigenous people.”

6. In its Policy Statement (or statement of intent or objective) the Policy Framework declares that:

“This policy framework commits to the development and study of all official South African languages especially those which were historically marginalised, including the Khoi, Nama and San languages. Institutions are required to develop language plans and strategies indicating mechanisms they will put in place to enhance the development and promotion of indigenous African languages as centres of research and scholarship. [our emphasis]”

7. Since earlier this year (2021), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has received queries from some Afrikaans medium groups regarding the definition of “indigenous languages” contained in the Policy Framework. Notably, most of the queries came from the Honourable Dr Leon Schreiber, Democratic Alliance, MP.

8. The Department and the Minister have been consistent in the responses that the Policy Framework does not discriminate against any South African language, official or otherwise; and that the Policy Framework seeks to escalate the nurturing of multilingualism in the higher education system of South Africa. They have further stated that the Policy Framework seeks to promote and develop, in particular, the historically marginalised and underdeveloped South African languages as languages of scholarship in line with the constitutional imperative for the state to grant parity of esteem to all South African languages and make education available in the language of choice of citizens taking into consideration issues of equity and reasonable practicability.

9. Despite the above assurances, which are also contained in the Policy Framework, the Honourable Dr Schreiber, MP, has been persistent and adamant that the Policy Framework discriminates against Afrikaans.

10. In order to ensure that the said persistence does not distract from the above- stated constitutional imperative, the Department of Higher Education and Training has sought legal advice on the matter and communicated the fact to subsequent queries from the Honourable Dr Schreiber and members of the media. The legal opinion has been received and is being considered.

Reply:

 

The High Level Review Panel (HLRP) Report on the State Security Agency was handed over to the former Ministers of State Security for implementation.

The criminal and departmental investigations were initiated prior to the recommendations of the Panel in compliance with the law.

The criminal investigations were referred to the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation on 19 June 2018 and 29 July 2018. The referrals were made in compliance with section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004. An internal investigation using a multi-disciplinary approach was also

initiated on 5 December 2018 in compliance with the statutory obligations of the Accounting Officer in the Public Finance Management Act, 1999.

Pursuant thereto, allegations of corrupt networks activities in the State Security Agency were referred to the Investigative Directorate of the National Prosecuting Authority on 14 October 2020.

Furthermore, an independent forensic firm has been appointed to conduct a forensic investigation into allegations of malfeasance, corruption and criminality in the State Security Agency, which was launched on 8 November 2021.

Two external advocates were appointed in 2019 and 2020 to draft charge sheets and prosecute the disciplinary matters. The disciplinary hearings will convene in due course.

Reply:

 

The High Level Review Panel (HLRP) Report on the State Security Agency was handed over to the former Ministers of State Security for implementation.

With regard to Recommendation 2.4 of the Report, criminal and departmental investigations were initiated prior to the recommendations of the Panel in compliance with the law.

Criminal investigations were referred to the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation on 19 June 2018 and 29 July 2018. The referrals were made by the then Acting Director-General in compliance with section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004. An internal investigation was initiated on 5 December 2018 in compliance with the statutory obligations of the Accounting Officer in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, 1999.

Pursuant thereto, allegations of corrupt networks activities in the State Security Agency were referred to the Investigative Directorate in the National Prosecuting Authority on 14 October 2020. Furthermore, an independent forensic firm has been appointed with effect from 2 November 2021 to conduct a forensic investigation into allegations of malfeasance, corruption and criminality in the State Security Agency.

Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence receives briefings by the State Security Agency with regards to progress on these matters.

Reply:

 

Due to the position of the official in question and the sensitive nature of the enquiry, this is a matter that is best raised in the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI).

Reply:

 

Yes, Honourable Komane

Stats SA intends to roll out multi-modal data collection tools, namely (i) Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI), (ii) Computer Assisted Telephonic Interviewing (CATI) and (iii) Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). The latter is also referred to as face to face interviewing.

The CAWI and CATI modes allows us to collect and interact with the public remotely, hence we encourage all people/households and institutions to register to be enumerated on our data-free platforms (getcounted.statssa.gov.za) or call our Tollfree service (0800 110-

248) to help them register. This process triggers members of the public to share with us their contact details, which will aid us to engage them even remotely (telephonically- CATI)

Face to face has been undertaken during the last pilot (August 2021). The challenge has been the discomfort from the public to open their doors to the field staff. The level of restrictions imposed at a given time will determine the roll out of face to face (e.g., any restrictions from level. 3 and lower still allows us to conduct face to face- with appropriate PPE equipment.). Any higher levels of restrictions (level 4-5) will lead to the rescheduling/ delayed deployment of face to face).

We are aware of limitations in rural areas either due to literacy levels or connectivity challenges, hence we advocate that CAPI is still the best mode to reach all settlements and population groupings (homeless, transients, households and the institutionalized).

We therefore intend to use all these methods in rural areas. In areas/cases where these other two modes cannot be deployed, we intend to deploy face-to-face primarily with the appropriate levels of restrictions as determined/pronounced from time to time.

The approach will be to provide all our field staff with (appropriate PPE’s, face masks and sanitizers), in addition our training includes a module on adherence to Occupation, Health and Safety (OHS) measures/guidelines in line with COVID-19 regulations. This includes either conducting interviews in open spaces within, outside the dwelling unit or asking for telephone numbers and calling the respondent immediately thereafter via using the tablets (over the fence or otherwise).

Finally, we also have a workplace vaccination program, wherein we encourage our employees to be vaccinated by setting dates for vaccinations within our various national and provincial offices in collaboration with GEMS.

Thank You.

Reply:

Through the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDS) process, a number of infrastructure projects were submitted to the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency. The 276 projects received had an estimated value of R2.3 trillion. These projects were divided per sector, of which 71 were in human settlements, 64 in transport, 42 in water and sanitation, 33 in agriculture and agro-processing, 25 in energy, 7 in digital infrastructure and 34 in other sectors such as mining, tourism and environment.

In terms of the provincial spread, 57 are in KwaZulu-Natal, 40 in Gauteng, 38 in Eastern Cape, 37 in Limpopo, 23 in Western Cape, 18 in Mpumalanga, 16 for both the Free State and Northern Cape and 12 in North West. A further 19 projects cut across provincial borders and are classified as national.

These projects were evaluated by the various technical working groups and 50 were subsequently gazetted as Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) in line with the provisions of the Infrastructure Development Act (IDA), focusing on energy, digital infrastructure, water, transport, human settlements and agriculture and agro-processing. The balance of the 276 projects require further project preparation to progress them to bankability stage.

The details of the 50 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) are contained in Government Gazette no. 43547 of 24 July 2020.

Reply:

In my address to the nation on 16 July 2021, I described the violence and destruction of the preceding days as an attempted insurrection that failed to gain popular support.

In that address I outlined some of the key features of this attempted insurrection, including:

• deliberate, coordinated and well-planned actions intended to cripple the economy, cause social instability and severely weaken – or even dislodge – the democratic state;

• the exploitation of the social and economic conditions under which many South Africans live to provoke ordinary citizens and criminal networks to engage in opportunistic acts of looting;
• economic sabotage through targeted attacks on trucks, factories, warehouses and other infrastructure necessary for the functioning of our economy and the provision of services to our people;

• attempts to inflame racial tensions and violence through social media, fake news and misinformation.

The characterisation of the unrest in these terms was based on reports and analysis received by the National Security Council, meetings with stakeholders, site visits to areas in KwaZulu-Natal affected by the violence and media reports of the events.

Reply:

The President of the Republic of South Africa has in terms of section 42A(3) of the Public Service Act,1994 (Proclamation 103 of 1994) delegated powers to the Minister of Home Affairs to deal with the possible precautionary suspension of the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Mr Qwebinkundla Qonde. This arises from adverse audit findings made by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) in an audit of the financial years 2018/19 and 2019/2020 of the National Skills Fund, where the DG is an Accounting Authority.

The DG, as required by the law, was afforded an opportunity to make representations before the decision could be taken on the matter. After considering the entire case, he was put on precautionary suspension to pave the way for the forensic investigations to be conducted without any form of disturbance or interference. It is important to note that each case needs to be considered on its own facts.

In terms of the Public Service Act and the PFMA the relevant and responsible Ministers are in a position to respond to the Ministry-specific questions. Furthermore, questions related to the Auditor-General can be posed directly to the Auditor-General as the Auditor-General is accountable to Parliament.

Reply:

All organs of state must develop sustainable regulatory measures for the control of COVID-19 beyond the state of disaster. Measures must be infused into policies and regulations to normalise COVID-19 preventative measures in the society.

The current measures contained in the regulations for dealing with the disaster in the context of the risk adjusted strategy remain necessary to limit the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once sustainable sectoral regulatory measures for COVID-19 response are in place or the need to invoke current extraordinary measures provided for under the state of disaster ceases, all the Regulations and Directions issued under the national state of disaster will cease to exist.

Accordingly, ongoing assessments by the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet will determine the satisfaction of conditions for terminating or allowing the state of disaster to lapse.

Reply:

Law enforcement agencies have arrested several individuals alleged to have been involved in the instigation and/or incitement of the violence that occurred in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021. These cases are now before the courts and the law must be allowed to take its course. Investigations by law enforcement agencies are ongoing. It would not be correct to pre-empt the outcome of these processes.

In addition, I have appointed a panel of experts led by Professor Sandy Africa to undertake a full analysis of the possible causes of the unrest and the response of our law enforcement agencies. I look forward to their report, which they have promised me will be ready at the end of the year.

Reply:

Government is committed to promoting economic recovery and returning the public finances to a sustainable position. Faster economic growth remains the most important determinant of fiscal sustainability, and private investment remains a key driver of that growth. For this reason, government is taking steps to promote both private and public investment.

The economy has started to recover in response to improved global conditions and the easing of lockdown restrictions – and in the months ahead, a mass vaccine rollout will support a full reopening of the economy. At the time of the 2021 Budget, GDP growth of 3.3 per cent was projected for 2021, although recent strong GDP outcomes have opened the possibility of a better growth outlook.

Government’s balanced and prudent fiscal strategy is designed to stabilise the public finances. For example, the 2021 Budget provided continued support to the economy and public health in the short term without adding to long-term spending pressures.

Capital spending remains the fastest-growing component of non-interest spending. The main budget primary deficit is projected to narrow from 7.5 per cent of GDP in 2020/21 to 0.8 per cent of GDP in 2023/24, and gross government debt is expected to stabilise at 88.9 per cent of GDP in 2025/26.

In addition to these fiscal measures, government is working to promote investment.

Operation Vulindlela, a collaboration between the National Treasury and the Presidency, is working with the relevant departments to address many of the structural impediments to investment, such as the high cost of doing business, low levels of competitiveness and a weak public‐sector balance sheet.

Addressing these can unlock large‐scale investment by the private sector to support inclusive growth and job creation.

Recent initiatives such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund are instruments to enhance collaboration and attract private‐sector investment. This is done through partnering with the private sector, multilateral development banks and development finance institutions to bolster investment capacity, expertise and financing.

The commitment to these initiatives was further solidified in the 2021 Budget, where it was announced that government will be providing initial support of R18 billion to the Infrastructure Fund over the medium term. Several collaborative projects under the Fund are already underway, including student housing, digital infrastructure and water infrastructure.

By carefully managing public spending, undertaking structural reforms and shifting public expenditure towards fixed investment, we have embarked on a path to reduce public debt in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Reply:

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is currently investigating several matters in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI) with respect to the National Lotteries Commission. Due to the fact that investigations are ongoing, there have as yet been no arrests, no charges have been brought against any persons, and no assets have been seized.

The SIU is preparing to refer evidence pointing to criminal action to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and to approach the Special Tribunal in order to freeze assets belonging to several individuals.

Due to the large number of matters identified for investigation, the SIU has divided the investigation into phases. The first phase, consisting of 14 investigation focus areas, is likely to be completed by 30 June 2021. The second and final phase of the investigation is likely to be completed by 31 December 2021.

Reply:

At the iftar dinner in Athlone on 6 May 2021, Mr Solly Noor handed the President an award from Global Islam Finance that Mr Noor had collected on the President’s behalf and a letter from Islamia College, where the event was held, thanking the President for his attendance.

No other gifts were received by the President at that occasion.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation that in her Oral Reply to the question posed by the Honourable Member on this matter, she indicated that the Department had brought a review application in 2018 to have the tender award reviewed and set aside, and to request the recovery of the money that had been paid to the service provider. As the Minister also indicated in her Oral Reply, the judgement is still awaited.

Ambassador Jerry Matjila, who was the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, is no longer an official of the Department, as the Employer-Employee relationship was terminated on 15 January 2021.

There is no intention to suspend Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.

Reply:

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigations are regulated in terms of the Special Investigation Unit and Special Tribunal Act, 1996.

According to this Act, the SIU is empowered to investigate serious malpractices or maladministration in connection with the administration of State institutions defined in the Act.

Section 1 of the Act defines State institution to “mean any national or provincial department, any local government, any institution in which the State is the majority or controlling shareholder or in which the State has a material financial interest, or any public entity as defined in section 1 of the Reporting by Public Entities Act, 1992 (Act No. 93 of 1992)”.

All final reports of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) received by my Office are therefore released to all affected State institutions to implement the recommendations of the SIU.

In the case of SIU making certain findings of wrongdoing against a particular professional based on evidence, the SIU refers this to the relevant professional body with recommendations regarding professional disciplinary action.

The said referral is accompanied by relevant evidence to enable the professional body to institute the recommended disciplinary action and hold the professional to account.

The SIU has established a function which will follow up with the statutory professional bodies or councils to establish whether the SIU recommendation is implemented.

The SIU also makes similar referrals to government where there is evidence of wrongdoing by any government official. In the latter case, a referral accompanied by evidence is sent to the Accounting Officer or Accounting Authority of the relevant state institution to enable the Accounting Officer or the Accounting Authority to institute disciplinary action and thus to hold the official to account.

In view of the above there is no need to develop a separate policy in this regard.

The SIU has found evidence of wrongdoing by five (5) professionals – all attorneys – since January 2011. In each case, referrals were made to the relevant professional body.

Reply:

I was not aware of the allegations at the time of the appointment of the person.

I am informed that the relevant internal processes of the political party concerned were followed with respect to these allegations, in line with the law applicable to such complaints by an employee as well as the political party’s policy on sexual harassment, and that this process was concluded.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans that the donation of personal protective equipment to Cuba was coordinated by the former South African Ambassador to Cuba, Amb Phatse Justice Piitso.

It was through his interactions with the Cuban Mission in South Africa that the former Ambassador got to know about the flight organised by the SANDF to collect its members and to carry personal supplies to SANDF members and South African medical students training and studying in Cuba. The arrangement was between the Embassy of Cuba and the donor.

This arrangement was made under the exceptional circumstances resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, which included limitations on commercial air travel.

This service would not be available to private organisations and individuals under normal circumstances.

Reply:

a) (i) Of the R364.4 billion in investment commitments announced by 71 companies at the 2019 SA Investment Conference, R69 billion (18.9% of the total value of announcements) has flowed into the economy as per reports received from companies.

(ii) 60 of the 71 companies are responsible for the flows of R69 billion.

(iii) This figure is based on quarterly updates received directly from the companies and reflect the status quo as at 31 January 2021.

b)

Sector	Number of Investments	Nature of investments
Advanced Manufacturing	4	New manufacturing facilities
		Factory upgrades and expansions
Agro-processing	7	Factory upgrades and expansions
		New manufacturing facilities
		Various new and expansion activities under poultry sector Master Plan
Automotive	10	Factory upgrades and expansions
		New manufacturing facilities
Infrastructure	6	Investment in upgraded and new infrastructure
Manufacturing	11	Factory upgrades and expansions
		New manufacturing facilities
		Expansion of productive capacity across different operations
		Various new and expansion activities under the Retail, Clothing, Textile, Leather and Footwear Master Plan
Mineral Beneficiation	11	Expansion and upgrading of existing mining operations
		New mines
		Investment in new and expansion of mineral processing capacity
Services	6	Investment in new datacentres
		Investment in new and upgrading of broadband infrastructure and services
		Investment in financial services
		Expansion and upgrading of existing facilities
Oceans Economy	1	New cruise terminal infrastructure
Oil and Gas	2	Investment in new and upgrading of oil & gas projects
Renewable Energy	2	Investment in small scale renewable energy projects
Tourism and Hospitality	8	Property development
		New tourism and hospitality projects
Funds	2	Investment in project financing
Collective Announcement	1	Investment in various types of activities

c) The 2019 investment announcements are at different stages of progress and implementation and include site clearances, installation of bulk infrastructure, commissioning of plant equipment, and factory launches. These activities are contributing to the creation of jobs and economic development across provinces.

Reply:

The High Court ruling to which the Member refers is on appeal as government is of the firm view that this decision should be appealed.

The nature of the pandemic is constantly changing and government’s caution, based on information available at the time was therefore entirely justifiable.

As a responsible government we consider it critical that we continue to have all options at our disposal should any of these prove necessary to combat the pandemic.

There is no intention to take any disciplinary action against the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on this matter. It was a collective decision of Cabinet to take all precautions necessary to limit transmission of the coronavirus and to limit the likely increase in the number of severe cases.