Questions and Replies
18 March 2024 - NW134
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Given that her department has designed support measures for youth-owned businesses through the Small Business Development Agency, in a quest to cultivate an enterprising culture amongst the youth, what (a) has been the direct successes of the Entrepreneurship in Schools Programme and (b) total amount has her department spent on the running of the specified programme?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
(a)&(b)The Entrepreneurship in Schools programme is a partnership that involves a lot of private sector stakeholders. The owner and custodian are PrimeStars, the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) arm of Prime Media. Other partners include the following: SAPPI, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), EOH, Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies, Omnia, 3M, AECI, Safripol, Mulilo, BTE Renewables, Richfield, University of Johannesburg, Raizcorp, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Zutari, Women’s Development Business, Buhle Waste, Proudly SA, Uber, Tourvest Travel Services, Protea Hotel Marriot, Sizwe IT, Versapak, Airlink, Nando’s and Lift.
IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH
Since the inception of the programme, the Seda has supported seventy-six thousand nine hundred and ninety-one (76 991) beneficiaries with a budget spent of R3 million as per table below:
NO |
FINANCIAL YEAR |
NO OF BENEFICIARIES |
BUDGET SPENT |
1. |
2019-2020 |
12,030 |
500,000 |
2. |
2021-2022 |
11,513 |
500,000 |
3. |
2022-2023 |
13,218 |
500,000 |
5. |
2023 -2024 |
13,109 |
500,000 |
|
TOTAL |
76,991 |
3,000,000 |
The programme makes use of the cinema infrastructure to expose Grade 9 to 12 learners and Educators to entrepreneurship through an entrepreneurial education movie aimed at empowering and entertaining secondary school youth about entrepreneurship and starting their own businesses. The theme changes every year, but the focus is always on encouraging business ideas that will solve existing social, environmental and health problems.
The programme has two main components: creating awareness about entrepreneurship and financial literacy (hence the big number at the beginning) and the competition which culminates into a bootcamp at the end of the year.
The total number of schools that benefited from the programme over the six-year period are six hundred and twenty six (626). The role of Seda is as follows:
- Assists with the running and judging of the final competition as “investor pitching” including master classes on “technology and innovation” and “pitch preparation”.
- Provide top three winners with access to relevant Seda support. These potential entrepreneurs would have much more refined ideas, stronger business cases, knowledge, and experience, to work with, to be guided through the process of setting up a business, if necessary, with partners over 18 years of age, in a schedule that does not jeopardise their schooling.
- Seda is committed to assist all the beneficiaries of the programme and they are encouraged to visit Seda branches to turn their ideas into businesses.
STATUS OF THE PROGRAMME TO DATE FOR 2023/2024 FINANCIAL YEAR
- Thirteen thousand one hundred and nine (13 109) learners and two hundred and five (205) educators were exposed to entrepreneurial education film.
- 98% of the beneficiaries were Africans and the gender representation was as follows: 57% of females benefited from the programme whereas males were 43%.
- Learners were encouraged to enter the competition and adjudication of the entries took place. Ten (10) teams were selected and participated in a boot camp that took place on the 8-11 December 2023. The dragon’s den was hosted on 11 December 2023 at Protea Hotel, Wanderers in Johannesburg to choose the three viable business ideas.
- The Step-Up 2 A Green Start-Up National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards ceremony was hosted on 12 December 2023 at Nedbank Rivonia in Sandton. The Minister of Small Business Development, Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, graced the event with her presence and delivered the keynote address.
- The finalists comprising of twenty-eight (28) learners and nine (9) educators were awarded with over R4 million in prizes which included bursaries, incubation, entrepreneurial programmes, shopping voucher, application development, seed funding and tablets. These came from the different sponsors of the programme that are listed above. The finalists represented Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.
- A team of three learners from Leap Science and Maths in Alexandra, Gauteng were announced as overall winners of the 2023 Step Up 2A Green Start Up National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards for their business solution of producing of eco-brick which was made from recyclable materials such as plastic, paper or glass brought together by a little cement. Those eco bricks will be used to build houses for those in need and address the challenges related to inadequate housing, pollution, unemployment and poverty within their community and the country as whole.
- The second winner was from Mehlwana Secondary School in Ogies, Mpumalanga. They introduced a way of collecting waste through smart bins. These bins are paired with a mobile app that automatically alerts service provider when the bins reach the full capacity and ready to be collected.
- The third winner was from Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School in Kempton Park, Gauteng, their business idea centered on sustainable construction for those in need by using repurpose recyclable materials into wall panels to build houses.
UPDATES ON 2022 WINNERS
- The first-place winner was Sibusisiwe Comp Tech High School from Umbumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal. The idea was to create an affordable source of energy using eco-friendly coal sourced from marula nuts. The Eco Trio received R20 000 from the Youth Start Foundation to start a business. They started a business of nut processing in January 2023, this entails converting marula nut into coal.
- The second-place winner was Leap Science and Maths High School from Alexandra in Gauteng. The idea was to make use of the recycled paper to create “eco log bricks” as an alternative to coal used for fire. The eco log brick making business was not implemented as planned due to lack of resources. As both first and second place winners are still in grade 12 this year, after writing their exams, the Seda branches (eThekwini and Johannesburg) will train them on basic business skills and assist them to turn the idea into a business.
- The third-place winner was Buhlebezile Secondary School from Thokoza in Gauteng. The idea was to extract raw materials from electronic devices, reselling precious metals and repurposing the plastic waste into tar used for road construction. The team completed their matric in 2022 and each member received a degree bursary from Richfield Institute to the value of R112 000. Both students are studying at Richfield Institute and have applied to Johannesburg Business School of Entrepreneurship Development Programme to study further.
IMPACT OF THE PROGRAMME TO ALUMNI
- Gontse Selaocoe is the owner of All Day Jam based in Orange Farm in Johannesburg which employ 5 people. Mr Selaocoe took part in the programme in 2017 when he was in Grade 11 and made it to Top 10. He contacted Seda for assistance, he was assisted with product testing, marketing assistance and he participated on the art of pitch for funding competition. He was one of the winners of 2022 Seda National Pitch for Funding Champion in which he received the R500 000.
- Palesa Machaka is the owner of Coiggy (Pty) Ltd – Fintech company with 2 employees. Primestars supported her on her journey, offered resources to start her business and referred her to relevant network. Coiggy (Pty) Ltd is a fintech start-up company with the aim of fostering financial savviness amongst the youth in Southern Africa – by revolutionising the use of loyalty programmes and breaking stereotypes around saving and investing money. This company planned to redefine the financial ecosystem, making financial services more secure and inclusive for all, from a township to global scale.
- Brian Mlambo is a CEO of Akha Ventures. Akha Ventures is at the forefront of championing digital transformation in Africa. Rooted in a profound dedication to the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises, the company serves as an indispensable ally to SMEs, ensuring they are equipped with the pivotal tools and insights required to flourish in today's digital era. This unwavering commitment to transformation has borne tangible results, with Akha Ventures successfully aiding over 5,000 businesses in establishing their digital presence and organizing, more than 100 business-centric events, including insightful masterclasses and fireside chats which has enabled them to build a database of over 35,000 SMEs in South Africa in 5 years.
18 March 2024 - NW260
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the SA Police Service of the Cape Town Central Police Station referred the case against a certain organisation and person (names furnished), with reference number CAS 33/11/2022, on 12 September 2023 to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision to prosecute; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date will the docket be referred for a decision to prosecute; if so, what is the decision of the NPA?
Reply:
Find reply here
18 March 2024 - NW231
Gericke, Mr V to ask the Minister of Police
[*23][Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is more than quota (Rule 137(8))] Considering the prevalence of the protection fee rackets run by gangster syndicates, particularly in Cape Town, to demand money from businesses to allegedly protect such businesses' interests, what (a) intelligence does Crime Intelligence Operations have on the operations of these protection fee rackets and (b) plans of action does the SA Police Service have in place to stamp out this practice?
18 March 2024 - NW208
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) is the total number of (i) commercial farmers and (ii) black commercial farmers in the Republic and (b) size of the commercial farmland is owned by the black commercial farmers?
Reply:
a) (i) Commercial Farmers: 40 122 (Source: Stats SA Commercial Census of Agriculture, 2017).
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA’s) definition of category of farmers:
- Micro Income <R1 million;
- Micro+ R1 million>Income<R2,25 million;
- Small R2.25 million>Income<R13,5 million;
- Medium R13,5 million>Income<R22,5 million; and
- Large >R22,5 million.
Information is not categorised according to race.
(ii) There are no reliable figures on black commercial farmers yet. The Producer/Farmer Register in 2021 registered 95 501 farmers. African farmers compared to other racial groups make up 89 975 of the registered number.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD’s) definition of category of farmers registered is as follows:
- Smallholder R50<R1 million form 59 282;
- Medium-scale(R1 million><R10 million) form 434;
- Large -scale(R10 million><R50 million) form 111; and
- Mega Farmer(>R50 million) form 67.
The Land Audit of 2017 reveals that out of the 181 532 individuals who own farms and agricultural holdings, 40 494 African individuals own land. Whites are the majority owners, forming 95 673 of the total. The report does not reveal the breakdown of turnover per race.
b) The Stats SA Commercial Census of Agriculture, 2017 reveals that there is 46,4 million hectares of land i.e. 36,5 million hectares of commercial grazing land and 7,7 million hectares of commercial arable land.
According to the Land Audit of 2017, Africans own 1 314 873 hectares out of the total of 37 078 289 hectares. White individuals have 26 663 144 hectares of land.
However, the information is not categorised by turnover and race on the same plane so that it can depict black commercial farmers.
18 March 2024 - NW133
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(1)What (a) has been the total annual budget of the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) since its inception and (b) total amount of the specified budget has been allocated towards assisting youth-owned businesses; (2) what criteria were used in the process of approving and/or granting loans and other financial assistance to youth-owned businesses; (3) whether have been any youth-owned businesses that were denied any grants or financial assistance in the specified period; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the reasons?” NW139E
Reply:
I have been advised that:
1. Since its inception in the 2021/22 financial period, the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) was allocated a budget of:
(a) R296 459 000,
(b) As at 19 February 2024, sefa had disbursed R152 597 678 to 44 Youth-owned businesses under the Youth Challenge Fund.
2. The YCF provides support to youth start-up businesses/enterprises that meet the following criteria:
- Are between the age of 18 to 35 years.
- Majority youth-owned with at least 51% youth shareholder/s.
- Registered with Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and be prepared to register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
- 100% South African owned.
- Are adequately involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business, with at least one or more of the members being full-time employees of the business, especially the main applicant.
- Prepared to participate in Business Development Support (BDS) and mentorship (pre and post).
- Commercially viable, sustainable, and feasible business idea.
3. Yes, there has been applications that were declined for funding for youth-owned businesses due to a number of specific reasons listed below:
- Incomplete applications.
- Adverse credit record.
- Application above the maximum funding threshold.
- Lack of off-take agreements.
- No identified market.
- Lack of financial statements for existing businesses.
- Commercial viability.
- Youth ownership not being clear.
- Non-compliance with industry regulatory requirements.
Letters of decline were sent to the applicants stating the reasons why their applications were declined or could not be processed further with some of the applications advised to contact the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) for business support. The applicants are advised to re-apply once all the issues listed above are sorted. Some of the applications have been reallocated to the Township Rural Economic Programme (TREP) as it was relevant to them.
18 March 2024 - NW268
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) How does her department intend to address financial irregularities and missing funds within some communal property associations (CPAs) and (b) what mechanisms will be put in place to prevent such issues in the future; (2) regarding the need for a more aggressive approach, what specific timelines and milestones will her department set to ensure a swift and effective turnaround in the current state of CPAs?
Reply:
(1)(a) Communal Properties Associations (CPAs) are supported to present annual reports and financial statements at the Annual General Meeting of its members.
In instances where allegations of financial mismanagement are reported investigations are done by the department and where necessary, the CPA can be put under administration.
(b) Proper training of all CPA members including their executive committee on governance, business development and financial accountability is necessary.
2. Firstly, engagement with CPAs across the country gave us a thorough appreciation of where challenges are in each of the CPAs (2022/23).
Following these engagements, a training program is duly developed to strengthen weaknesses.
Mediation is also central in austerity in the management of conflicts and look at possible actions in isolating disputes.
Timelines will differ based on each CPA and its challenges.
18 March 2024 - NW56
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)What is the latest update on the referral made by the Republic to the World Trade Organisation on 27 July 2022 concerning the European Union's (EU) import restrictions on South African citrus fruit due to false codling moth (FCM); (2) if no progress has been made since the referral, what actions are being taken to follow up on the matter and update farmers in this regard; (3) on what date (a) does she envisage following up on the matter and (b) will she update the farming community who export to the EU; (4) what (a) have been the cost implications for the farmers exporting to the EU since the implementation of the FCM treatment measures and (b) has the Government done to alleviate the costs implications? NW57E
Reply:
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
1. South Africa (the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) continued with the consultation process at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in September 2022. This is a technical process where South Africa poses technical questions regarding the False Coding Moth (FCM) conditions to the European Union (EU). South Africa did not close dialogue with the EU and several engagements between South African and European counterparts continued throughout 2023 on technical as well as political levels up to the level of the Presidency.
2. Since no amicable resolutions were achieved, South Africa is considering to continue with the WTO dispute resolution process.
(3)(a) The government intends to lodge a dispute at the WTO. The consultation process and preparatory work has been done between government and the industry. The WTO case could not continue yet as the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) had to first take place from 26 to 29 February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After this meeting the relevant Departments will reflect back on the possible options to that take matter further.
(3)(b) DALRRD is in continuous discussions with the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) and the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF) who represent the majority of citrus export producers.
(4)(a)(b) The actual cost implications would be known by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), as government does not have access to this information. The database that is being utilised by International Trade Promotion does not have the 2023 Trade data available.
18 March 2024 - NW209
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to land restitution claims that were settled by the return of land to the claimants, what total number of the specified claims are governed by (a) communal property associations and (b) trusts?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has registered 666 Communal Property Associations for governance of the land restitution claims that were settled by the return of land to the claimants.
b) DALRRD has registered 319 Trusts for governance of the land restitution claims that were settled by the return of land to the claimants.
18 March 2024 - NW215
Mkhwebane, Adv BJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What (a) are the full details and extent of the investigation conducted by the members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) on the rape case opened at the Woodstock Police Station under case number 53/2/2022 and (b) total number of witnesses have been interviewed; (2) whether the specified members of SAPS were informed of the new evidence that has since emerged; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) measures have they taken to follow up on the mater and (b) are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
18 March 2024 - NW220
Peacock, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Police
[4] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is more than quota (Rule 137(8))] Considering that the ratio of police personnel to the population is not at the level that is desired in accordance with international standards, what plans has he put in place since 1 April 2023 for additional human resource capacity for the SA Police Service?
Reply:
Find reply here
18 March 2024 - NW247
Halse, Ms T to ask the Minister of Police
[46] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is more than quota (Rule 137(8))] With reference to the critical shortage of SA Police Service officers at the Ladybrand Police Station in the Free State, what are the relevant details of the (a) total cost of hosting the Festive Season Inspection Roadshow in Ladybrand in December 2023 and (b) tangible benefits, such as increased staff complements, that the hosting of the specified Roadshow has brought to the residents of Ladybrand?
18 March 2024 - NW135
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(1)With reference to her reply to question 4157 on 8 January 2024 regarding mechanisms in place to encourage and make provisions for youth entrepreneurship and addressing youth unemployment, wherein she mentioned that the Youth Challenge Fund had approved loans to the value of R227 798 265 to 66 youth-owned businesses and that it had disbursed a total of R150 348 036 to 42 youth-owned businesses, what (a) are the full, relevant details, including names and locations, of the (i) 66 and (ii) 42 youth-owned businesses that received loans and/or other funds and (b) total amount did each specified business receive; (2) what are the full, relevant details of how her department intends to recoup the loans?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
1. At the time of consolidating the response to the Parliamentary question 4157, funding applications for 66 youth-owned businesses were approved and funding was disbursed to 42 youth-owned businesses. Since the data is captured on a live system, as of 19 February 2024 71 youth-owned businesses have been approved for funding to the tune of to the tune of R228 730 052,79, and 44 youth-owned businesses received funding to the tune of R152 597 677,84 as per the attached spreadsheet.
2. The fund is implemented by the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) on behalf of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), then sefa processes are followed to approve and disburse the funds to eligible applicants. The approval of applications takes place at the Credit Committee level, once approved, the contracting (legal process) takes place between sefa Officials and the client and then the loans are disbursed. After disbursements, the client’s file is handed over to the Post Investment Monitoring (PIM) Department. In the case of equipment or machinery purchase, when the supplier delivers, the Investment Officer (IO) or the PIM official are present at the client’s premises to verify that the goods are being delivered as per the paid invoice. Within thirty days post the disbursement, PIM conducts client visits to ensure that the business continues to function in line with what was agreed upon and approved by the Credit Committee. When the loan repayments are due, PIM raises instalments, through the Collections Department, and collects payments from clients’ accounts via the debit orders.
18 March 2024 - NW57
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total cost of waste perishable fruit exports between 2019 and 2023, specifically at export destination delivery points due to port challenges and Ukraine-Russian conflict and (b) status update on the latest measures in place to expedite farmers' exports at ports and minimise losses for our farmers?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) does not have information on the cost of waste perishable exports resulting from port challenges and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, there doesn’t appear to be any significant post export losses, judging by non-conformity reports we receive regularly from the European Union and other export destinations.
b) The role of DALRRD and its assignee, the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is inter alia to ensure that farmers’ produce are harvested on time, appropriately packed and sent to ports for final export procedures where the PEPCB ensures that produce is correctly loaded, and vessels certified. Availability of port space and port efficiency as well as related logistics at the ports is the responsibility of the Department of Transport (Transnet).
15 March 2024 - NW233
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, following the Republic’s decision to approach the International Court of Justice to charge Israel with genocide and seek provisional measures to stop the ongoing genocide in Palestine, she had any engagements with the United States, Britain, Germany and other European countries in which the specified countries threatened to limit their trade relations with South Africa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the engagements?
Reply:
Engagement with the US
At the request of the USA, a telecon with Minister Pandor was initiated by the United States (US) Secretary of State, Mr Antony Blinken, on 25 January 2024. The purpose of the telecon was to discuss South Africa-US bilateral relations, with a specific focus on the state of global affairs, including a reflection on the Genocide Case between South Africa and Israel that was before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague.
The discussion considered the potential outcomes of the ruling and how the two countries should work jointly to ensure the smooth continuation of relations after the ruling, which the Court had delivered on Friday, 26 January 2024.
As such, no threat was issued by Secretary Blinken regarding our future trade relations with the US and both Principals reinforced the need to refocus attention on the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in key areas of common interests, such as trade, investment, energy, climate change and the JET-P. This sentiment was also reiterated in a press statement released by the US State Department following the telcon on 25 January 2024.
Engagement with the EU
Following the request from the European Union Delegation to South Africa, Minister Pandor had a friendly and engaging meeting with EU Ambassadors on 12 February 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss matters of common interest to both South Africa and her Strategic Partner, the European Union. The Minister used the opportunity to do a global scan of the current geopolitical environment and the importance of sustainable peace and prosperity across the world. It is also at this meeting that the Minister contextualised South Africa’s approach to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Minister used the recent European Parliament’s debate “on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation” as a case in point. The Minister further stated that this debate underscored the imperative of adhering to international law together with peace enforcement through established global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council. South Africa has condemned the killing and kidnapping of Israelis by Hamas, however, the disproportionate reaction by Israel cannot be justified. It is against this background that South Africa approached the ICJ. Powerful countries have a responsibility to sit down with both Palestine and Israel to define an outcome that will lead to lasting peace, security and statehood for both, the Minister further remarked.
No other Western European countries were engaged separately on the ICJ hearings on Palestine.
15 March 2024 - NW590
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to her reply to question 103 on 22 February 2023, what are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price paid for each vehicle purchased by her department for (i) her and (ii) the Deputy Minister since 8 May 2019?
Reply:
There were no new vehicles purchased by the department for the Minister and Deputy Minister since 8 may 2019. The Deputy Minister vehicle was the last to be acquired on 13 December 2018, refer to the detail information below.
What is the (a) make
(i) Mrs AM Motshekga, MP Minister
- BMW
- Mercedes Benz
(ii) Dr MR Mhaule MP Deputy Minister
- BMW
- AUDI
(b) Model
(i) Mrs AM Motshekga, MP Minister
- 535i
- GLE 500
(ii) Dr MR Mhaule MP Deputy Minister
- 530i
- 3.0 Q7 TDI Quattro
(c) Year of Vehicle Manufacture
(i) Mrs AM Motshekga, MP Minister
- 2014 : BMW Sedan
- 2016 : Mercedes-Benz
(ii) Dr MR Mhaule MP Deputy Minister
- 2018 : BMW Sedan
- 2018 : AUDI Q7
(d) Price
(i) Mrs AM Motshekga, MP Minister
- BMW : R769,022.76
- Mercedes-Benz : R849,900.00
(ii) Dr MR Mhaule MP Deputy Minister
- BMW : R833,488.41
- Audi : R1,015,702.05
(e) Vehicles purchase date
(i) Mrs AM Motshekga, MP Minister
- BMW : 25 September 2014
- Mercedes-Benz : 26 October 2016
(ii) Dr MR Mhaule MP Deputy Minister
- BMW : 28 March 2018
- Audi :13 December 2018
15 March 2024 - NW479
Mhlongo, Ms N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) are the reasons that his department is delaying in plugging residents of Middelplaas Emoyeni section Ward 83204031, Mpumalanga 324, Nkomazi Local Municipality to the grid, (b) was the initial time frame put in place by his department to complete the project and (c) are the reasons that there has been no communication regarding new time frames put in place to complete the project and finally plug the community to the grid to collect the much needed revenue?
Reply:
The structure of the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) within the department requires municipalities to apply for funding to electrify their prioritised areas through Integrated Development Plans (IDP). In the 2021/22 financial year, the department received an application from Nkomazi Local Municipality to electrify Middleplaas area, which was successfully funded and implemented by the municipality. It is worth noting that Emoyeni was not part of the submitted application.
Therefore, should the municipality prioritise Emoyeni and applies for funding in future, the area will be considered for funding and implementation in line with INEP application processes.
15 March 2024 - NW226
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1) Whether he has established the reasons why the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) failed to prosecute the cases referred for prosecution by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what measures, checks and balances has he and/or the NPA put in place to prevent an ongoing failure by the State to prosecute the specified crimes?
Reply:
(1)
As a point of departure, we wish to draw the attention of the honourable Minister to the fact that the NPA is required to present on a continuous basis progress made in TRC matters to the Justice Portfolio Committee. The latest presentation can be made available to Mr B N Herron if he has not been privy thereto.
Specifically, regarding the “Cradock 4” matter a fully motivated request for the reopening of the inquest was submitted to the Minister which led to the Minister’s announcement on 5 January 2024. The NPA submitted in the application that new evidence consisting of primarily the amnesty applications and evidence obtained during the evidence during the TRC amnesty hearings of several SAPS Security Branch members and not placed before the two previous inquests rendered a reopening of the inquest in the interest of justice. This is especially important that finality and closure is brought to the families of the deceased who have waited decades for the truth of who murdered their loved ones.
(2)
As to measures, checks and balances TRC matters has since September 2021 been prioritised within the NPA, resulting in the creation of a separate TRC Component, within the office of the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (DNDPP) Adv RJ de Kock.
Pertaining to capacity at national level a Special Director and a National TRC co-ordinator were appointed to assess the progress on all TRC matters and account directly to the DNDPP. There is strict monitoring and accountability.
Dedicated prosecutors and investigators were appointed within the divisions to specifically deal with TRC matters to expedite investigations and decisions. Deviation was obtained from DPSA for prosecutors to be appointed on a contract basis for a period of three years.
An audit of all outstanding matters migrated to the divisions in 2019 were done. It was important to gauge as to how far the investigation had progressed, what was outstanding, and provide a time frame for investigations to be finalised. Decisions in matters are made by the Directors of Public Prosecutions and submitted to the national office where it is carefully assessed, and due consultation and further engagement takes place where required. The NDPP retains her powers of review regarding all decisions. This is important to ensure checks and balances.
Additional matters emanating from the TRC were identified, and provided they had not prescribed, were referred formally for investigations to DPCI. Thereafter they were referred to DPPs for appointment of prosecutors to guide investigations.
Certain matters were identified for fast tracking. Factors considered were age of the matter, age of witnesses/persons of interest, availability of dockets or inquest records etc.
There are regular meetings and updates to the families, as per the instructions of the NDPP. There is also ongoing involvement of relevant stakeholders and government departments.
Accountability sessions are a joint initiative between NPA/DPCI to drive progress on TRC matters. There has been a demand and increase in sessions for upskilling of both prosecutors and investigators in relation to TRC matters.
At National level, comprehensive reports are submitted monthly where progress from all divisions, are accurately gauged. Accountability is stressed. Divisions are held to account. Interventions are staged in non-performing divisions. DPCI/NPA interactions and workshops are critical in so far as training/evaluation and progress is concerned.
15 March 2024 - NW603
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
With reference to his reply to question 186 on 22 February 2023, what are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price paid for each vehicle purchased by his department for (i) him and (ii) the Deputy Minister since 8 May 2019?
Reply:
(i) Vehicle purchased for Minister Mantashe since 08 May 2019
- Make: BMW X3 s Drive 20i
- Model: GO1 X 3 s Drive 20i SAV (16DP)
- Year of Manufacture: 2023
- Date of purchase: 31 March 2023
- Price: R768, 030.00
(ii) Vehicle purchased for the Deputy Minister Dr Nkabane since 08 May 2019
- No vehicle purchased for the Deputy Minister to date March 2024
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
15 March 2024 - NW404
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) In view of the high incidence of lawlessness and violence in schools, such as at J G Meiring High School and Primrose Primary School, and considering the fact that provincial education departments are in the process of appointing school governing bodies, what are her department’s plans to ensure that the school governing bodies (SGBs) that will be elected will enhance the safety and security of the learners and teachers at schools across the Republic; (2) what plans does her department have in place to ensure the newly elected SGBs will contribute to policy and decision making that will transform and/or decolonise our education landscape, since her department has over the years devalued it and made it inferior among the world’s standards?
Reply:
The DBE will work with PEDs to ensure the implementation of section 19 of SASA, which expects of the PEDs to have a programme to train SGBs. Part of the training! will be on keeping schools safe for learners and teachers.
The DBE will ensure the implementation of section 18A of SASA, which expects of PEDs to have in place a Code of Conduct of the School Governing Body, aimed at establishing a disciplined and purposeful school environment, dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of a quality governance structure at a public school.
Furthermore, PEDs will be monitored that they have a programme to—
- provide introductory training for newly elected governing bodies to enable them to perform their functions. This training will include SGB roles and responsibilities and the importance of having a mission that is in line with the PED vision; and
- provide continuing training to governing bodies to promote the effective performance of their functions or to enable them to assume additional functions. The training will amongst other areas cover policy development by SGBs.
The DBE will also support PEDs to take Representative Council of Learners to play a role in contributing to school safety and security.
Schools will be required to involve the parents in ensuring that schools are safe for learning and teaching.
15 March 2024 - NW464
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What criterion is used by her department to appoint tour guides and (b) at what point does her department and the Department of Transport liaise before tour guides are appointed?
Reply:
(a) I have been informed that the Department is not responsible for the appointment of tourist guides. The appointment of tour guides is a provincial competency.
(b) Not applicable
15 March 2024 - NW223
Nkosi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Considering the fact that the Republic handed over the BRICS chair to the Russian Federation on 1 January 2024, (a) what are the expectations and/or priorities that the Republic has for continued collaboration within the BRICS framework and (b) how does the Republic plan to leverage its experience gained during its chairmanship to contribute to the ongoing initiatives within BRICS under the leadership of the Russian Federation?
Reply:
a) South Africa advances its national priorities and national interests through mutually beneficial BRICS cooperation, shaping a multipolar world and driving global governance reform to be more fair, just, inclusive and representative. The Russian Federation chairs BRICS in 2024 under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security”. The Chair's priorities for 2024 include 1) Strengthening the BRICS Strategic Partnership based on continuity and consensus, 2) Enhancing the BRICS role in addressing major issues on the global agenda, 3) Forging partnerships with emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs), 4) Contributing to the social, economic, investment, innovative and human development of BRICS countries, and 5) Enriching people-to-people cooperation and raising mutual cultural awareness. The Chair's theme and priorities build on existing BRICS cooperation and continue the implementation of BRICS strategies, action plans and cooperation frameworks as well as BRICS Summit and Ministerial declarations. Implementation of the outcomes of the Johannesburg II Declaration continues in 2024 including the further development of a BRICS Partner Country model and the consideration of the use of local currencies, payment systems and platforms. A particular focus for 2024 is the full incorporation of new members into all BRICS cooperation tracks, including in BRICS structures such as the BRICS Business Council, BRICS Think Tanks Council, BRICS Women's Business Alliance and the newly established BRICS Youth Council.
(b) The strategic leadership of the rotational Chair of BRICS is implemented in close consultation and consensus with other BRICS members. South Africa continues to play a significant role in the advancement of mutually beneficial BRICS cooperation outside of its tenure as Chair of BRICS during 2023. South Africa will closely support the Chair in the implementation of the outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit, including the further development of a Partner Country model and the consideration of the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms before the XVI BRICS Summit to be hosted by the Russian Federation in October 2024. South Africa will also work with all BRICS members to maintain the momentum on recent BRICS initiatives including meetings of BRICS Ministers responsible for Women and BRICS experts on persons with disabilities, the operationalisation of the BRICS Youth Council, BRICS Digital Economy Working Group, BRICS Working Group on Nuclear Medicine and BRICS Think Tank Network for Finance, the establishment of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competences with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the development of a BRICS Sport Cooperation Framework and workshops on the mutual recognition of BRICS qualifications to name but a few. South Africa also looks forward to engaging with new BRICS members on opportunities for mutually beneficial BRICS cooperation as result of the historic decision on membership expansion taken during the XV BRICS Summit.
15 March 2024 - NW395
Yabo, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) is the total number of inappropriate and unsafe ablution facilities and (b) progress has her department made in replacing such inappropriate and unsafe facilities?
Reply:
(a) What is the total number of inappropriate and unsafe ablution facilities?
- In 2018, the Department of Basic Education launched the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE-2018) initiative.
- This programme initially identified 3 898 schools dependent on basic pit toilets. Additional 809 were identified during the process of monitoring.
- 867 schools did not proceed to implementation, after initial assessment, because they either had appropriate sanitation facilities, OR only needed maintenance; and therefore did not meet the SAFE criteria; OR were on Private land and could not be developed further; OR schools closed due to low learner enrolment.
(b) What progress has her department made in replacing such inappropriate and unsafe facilities?
- 3 379 schools proceeded to implementation, and 3 003 of these schools have been provided with appropriate sanitation.
- DBE plans to complete the balance of the schools in the 2024/25 financial year due to National Treasury budget cuts during 2023/24 financial year.
15 March 2024 - NW322
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(1)Whether, considering the participation of the delegation of the Republic in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 that took place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 15 to 19 January 2024, her department bore the financial responsibility for the expenses of its representatives in terms of (a) accommodation, (b) air travel, (c) ground transportation and (d) any other ancillary expenses; if so, what are the relevant details in terms of the (i) total cost and (ii) breakdown thereof; if not, (2) whether the specified expenses were covered by funds received from the National Treasury; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department as follows:
1) Yes
(1)(i) Total cost R 1 893 441
(1)(ii) Cost breakdown:
Minister |
Ministry Support Staff |
Departmental Staff |
|
(a)Accommodation |
R 75 960 |
R 396 920 |
R 473 290 |
(b)Air Travel |
R 85 927 |
R 75314 |
R 73 045 |
(c)Ground Transport |
R 137 315 |
R 274 630 |
R 297 740 |
(d)Local Shuttles |
R nil |
R 1600 |
R 1700 |
(2) Yes, the trip was covered by funds from the National Treasury, it was funded from the Voted Funds of the department.
Thank you
15 March 2024 - NW465
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What (a) are the requirements set by her department for a person to qualify for appointment as a tour guide and (b) checks and balance mechanisms are in place to ensure that applicants processed by her department comply with the specified requirements; (2) Whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with a copy of the application form used by her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) How are the tour guides monitored by her department to ensure the safety of the tourists in their excursions with the tour guides around the Republic?
Reply:
(1)(a) I have been informed that the Department of Tourism is not responsible for the appointment of tour guides. The appointment of tour guides is a provincial competency.
(1)(b) and (2) and (3) Not Applicable
15 March 2024 - NW100
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether, with reference to the SA Post Office Business Rescue Plan that was adopted in December 2023, he will furnish Mrs N W A Mazzone with (a) a list of branches that are due to close in each province and (b) the (i) total number and (ii) current positions of employees who will face retrenchment in each (aa) branch and (bb) province; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
a) list of branches that are due to close:
Gauteng (Most of Gauteng and Vaal Triangle) |
17 |
Northern region (North Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West) |
41 |
Western region (Western Cape, Northern Cape) |
28 |
Eastern region (Eastern Cape) - |
24 |
Central (Free State, North West) |
104 |
KwaZulu-Natal (KwaZulu-Natal) |
21 |
TOTAL |
235 |
The Joint Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) are not prepared to share the actual list of branches as it stands to be amended whilst the process of liaising with landlords is in progress and the possibility of branch relocations are at hand. Once the list is finalised, same will be provided.
(b) The BRPs have advised that they cannot disclose the proposed number of employees that will face retrenchment as the Section 189A facilitation process conducted by the CCMA is underway. The disclosure of a proposed number prior to the conclusion of the facilitation process jeopardizes the course of action.
Thank you
15 March 2024 - NW359
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether all leaners have been placed in schools for the 2024 academic year; if not, (a) what (i) is the status of learners who were not placed in schools at the beginning of the 2024 school year, (ii) total number of learners are still awaiting placement and (iii) are the reasons that learners have not yet been placed and (b) on what date is it envisaged that all learners will be placed in schools; if so, what are the full, relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
Learners of parents who accepted placements as allocated by PEDs are in schools. Entry grades learners have been placed.
(a)(i) A majority of learners was placed during the school closing of 2023. PEDs continued to place learners at the beginning of 2024 school year, especially those that were not part of the admitting province. (a)(ii) The statistics of these learners are changing on a daily basis, as the learners get placed. The actual data is managed by PEDs. |
(a)(iii) Some learners followed their parents to areas that are economically viable. Some parents refused placements, as they were not of their schools of choice, even though their schools of choice were full.
(b)(i) Learners should be placed before the end of term. The DBE is monitoring progress closely and getting regular feedback from provinces. |
15 March 2024 - NW394
Adoons, Ms NG to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) is the extent of functionality of the Quality Learning and Teaching Committee structures and (b) total number of the specified structures have been established in schools?
Reply:
(a) All provinces have established QLTC structures, with the exception of the Western Cape Province. Functionality is informed by programmes that are implemented in each province. The DBE has shared programmes for implementation through the Provincial QLTC structures and the District QLTC Structures.
The challenge is that where QLTCs have not been established, they have not been incorporated as part of the SGBs. The DBE is taking advantage of the 2024 SGB elections to re-establish and strengthen QLTCs; and ensure that they are both functional and have programmes in place. The number of functional QLTC structures in each province is provided on teh table below.
(b)
NAME OF PROVINCE |
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS WITH QLTC STRUCTURED |
NUMBER OF FUNCTIONAL QLTC STRUCTURES |
Eastern Cape |
5 283 |
2 030 |
Free State |
1 026 |
718 |
Gauteng |
2 400 |
326 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
5 898 |
1 769 |
Limpopo |
3 038 |
1 880 |
Mpumalanga |
1607 |
769 |
North West |
1 564 |
866 |
Northern Cape |
289 |
104 |
Western Cape |
0 |
0 |
14 March 2024 - NW493
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether the Hospital and Emergency Centre Tracking Information System (HECTIS) that has been introduced by his department, is now available in all hospitals; if not, (2) whether HECTIS is still piloted at certain hospitals; if not, why not; if so, (a) which hospitals have used the HECTIS system and (b) what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. No, the Hospital and Emergency Centre Tracking Information System (HECTIS) is not available in all hospitals. The system has only been implemented by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health. It has not been implemented in any other province as it is not part of the national Emergency Medical Services Plan.
2. (a) HECTIS is not in a pilot phase. It has been successfully integrated into a total of 64 health facilities in the Western Cape in both hospitals and Primary Healthcare facilities (see annexure showing HECTIS Sites List).
(b) HECTIS is a web-based hospital and emergency centre tracking information system. The system was developed as an in-house custom-built system by an emergency physician from Mitchells Plain Hospital in the Western Cape for their internal processes. It is a Clinician driven innovative healthcare technology initiative, focused on improving the management and efficiency of Emergency Centres.
END.
14 March 2024 - NW471
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What total number of persons have been admitted to (a) the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, (b) the King Edward VIII Hospital, (c) the Addington Hospital and (d) surrounding hospitals in eThekwini as a result of contaminated water; (2) what is the breakdown of the total number of (a) children and (b) elderly persons admitted as a result of contaminated water?
Reply:
1. According to the KZN Department of Health, the responses are as follows:
(a) There were no persons admitted at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital due to contaminated water
(b) There were no persons admitted at King Edward VIII Hospital due to contaminated water.
(c) There were no persons admitted at Addington Hospital due to contaminated water.
(d) There were no persons admitted at surrounding hospitals in eThekwini due to contaminated water.
(2) According to the KZN Department of Health, there were (a) no children and (b) no elderly persons admitted as a result of contaminated water.
END.
14 March 2024 - NW218
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether his department had solved the problem of long queues and denial of service on reaching the counter after a long time in the queue; if so, what (a) is the average waiting time for service, (b) measures are in place to check that those who are waiting in the queue will indeed be served without being asked to come back on another day, (c) was being done to ensure that the ticket allocation system is working smoothly and reliably 100% of the time, (d) control measures are in place to ensure that the system is the best it can be and (e) surveys are undertaken to ascertain any improvements should and must occur to satisfy the Batho Pele principle; if not, (i) which of the above are not being done and (ii) why; 2) what has been his findings on citizen satisfaction with the service provided by his department?
Reply:
(1)(a) The average waiting time inside an office is calculated per service as different types of services follow different process flows. Where all systems are working and the offices do not experience load shedding, which now affects network coverage in the offices, the average waiting period for pre-booked services is 7 minutes; for birth, marriage, and death services is 10 minutes and 15 minutes for walk-in services.
(1)(b) There is constant monitoring of the queues to check that those who are waiting in the queue will indeed be served without being asked to come back on another day. The queues are divided into product categories and floor/ queue walkers check the queues at regular intervals to see if clients are eligible to apply for the enabling documents and if so, have the correct supporting documents. This is to avoid clients queueing for long periods only to be turned back for not having the correct supporting documents. The total number of clients on the queue at any given time is also reported to management for resource planning purposes. Each official is allocated a specific period to process an application to keep up with the demand on the booking system and clients in the offices.
(1)(c) The ticket allocation system only operates on ID or passport numbers which are validated against the National Population Register before a ticket is issued to a client. This helps to eliminate illegal blocking and selling of slots by agents.
(1)(d) ID numbers or passport numbers are used as unique identifiers by the system. A valid cellphone number or email addresses is required from clients for verification purposes and sending the reference numbers. The system is able to detect any duplicate active booking.
(1)(e) The Department undertook the Home Affairs Customer Satisfaction Survey during the 2022/2023 financial year. The objectives of the study were to assess citizens’ perceptions and satisfaction level of services provided by the DHA, identify and document main problems in service delivery of the Department, document service areas which needs improvement and provide appropriate recommendations to the management of Home Affairs on ways in which service delivery in the selected study areas could be improved. The implementation plan for this study was developed and recommendations are currently being implemented.
(2) The findings of the 2022/2023 survey were as follows:
For Citizens’ perceptions and satisfaction level of services provided by the DHA
- In summary, the 2022/2023 customer satisfaction research findings are a mixture of positive and negative news regarding DHA service delivery efforts across all service centers
- 96% of the customers surveyed endorsed the DHA pricing structure as affordable.
- When asked about the likelihood of recommending the DHA offices they visited using a scale where those who would recommend were captured as promoters, those neutral would be passives whilst those who would not recommend would be detractors. The majority of respondents (i.e. 82%) were DHA promoters whilst 6% were detractors, giving a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 76%. The higher the NPS is the healthier the brand. The main reasons mentioned by the minority that would not recommend DHA across all customer segments were poor customer service, slow customer service, and bad staff attitude.
- Friendliness of Home Affairs officials was highlighted as the biggest challenge.
- Most of the customers were serviced on the same day, however there were some who had to visit the Home Affairs more than once for the same service. For those who were not serviced on the same day their reasons were due to long queues, not having all the required documents and the system being offline.
- The findings show a general improvement in queue management, with an increase of the scores across the different customer interaction points.
- The DHA was generally praised for effectiveness – i.e. its capability to deliver expected output; and criticised for lack of efficiency.
- The findings indicate that most DHA customers visit the DHA offices for the application of birth certificates and smart IDs.
For Customer Satisfaction Score (CSI)
- Customer Satisfaction Score for each service channel was generally high with scores above 70%. However, harbours and airports had the highest satisfaction score of over 90% whereas refugee centers had the lowest score of 73%.
- Inaccessibility, waiting in unmanaged queues for long hours, and unwelcoming staff attitude emerged as the most popular barriers to service excellence at Home Affairs offices. These also include the ability of staff to resolve queries, wait to get attention, and fair treatment.
Overall, DHA online processes were rated relatively high. However, lack of speed, particularly regarding receiving documents, and the payment process, emerged as the most popular barrier to online service excellence.
END
14 March 2024 - NW594
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
With reference to his reply to question 83 on 11 April 2023, what are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price paid for each vehicle purchased by his department for (i) him and (ii) the Deputy Minister since 8 May 2019?
Reply:
Office |
Financial year |
(a) Make |
(b) Model |
(c) Year Model |
(d) Cost |
(e) Purchase date |
Minister |
2019/ 2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2020/ 2021 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2021/ 2022 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2022/ 2023 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2023/ 2024 |
Audi |
Q5 TDI Quattro |
2023 |
R799,999.01 |
31/10/2023 |
|
Deputy Minister |
2019/2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2020/2021 |
Audi |
Q5 TDI Quattro S Line |
2020 |
R 748 353.50 |
18 October 2021 |
|
2021/ 2022 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2022/ 2023 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N.B
- The Minister and Deputy Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour were appointed to their portfolios on 01 June 2019. (Refer to applicable date above: Q83 (iv)
- Minister- did not purchase any car up until a Jeep Grand Cherokee that he was using experienced mechanical problems, and in 2023 got replaced by Audi Q5 TDI.
- DM- used an Audi A6 2.0 TDI which ended up being uneconomical to repair, and it got replaced by Audi Q5 Quattro, in Pretoria.
14 March 2024 - NW490
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What steps has his department taken to fight the increase of identity theft cases in the Republic, where innocent individuals are left in debt due to their identities being fraudulently issued by officials within his department to persons with ill intent who use it to open credit accounts?
Reply:
Innocent individuals who find themselves in debt due to identity theft are informed by the creditors of their debts and if disputed, they are advised to report the matter to the SAPS for further investigation.
The Department has online verification services whereby any member of the public when applying for identification in the Department, the document is verified online to ensure authentication of the owner of the identity to be issued.
Banks have online verification platforms whereby they can verify the legitimacy of the fingerprints of the clients as they are linked to DHA systems.
All reported cases of corruption involving officials are analysed and investigated. Cases reported with elements of fraud and corruption are referred to SAPS for further handling.
If misconduct is detected, the case is referred to Employee Engagement for disciplinary processes.
The Department has also embarked on Awareness Campaigns regarding identity on both Internal and External platforms.
END
14 March 2024 - NW457
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)What number of (a) new-comer asylum applications have been processed in each refugee reception centre from quarter 1 to quarter 3 of the 2023-24 financial year and (b) applications were (i) granted refugee status and (ii) rejected as (aa) unfounded and (bb) manifestly unfounded; (2) what number of (a) asylum files have been processed through the funded backlog project of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, (b) the processed files have been granted refugee status and (c) backlog files processed have received a final rejection; (3) whether any of the rejected applications have been appealed through a judicial appeal at the high court; if not, why not; if so, what number from each refugee reception centre has been appealed through a judicial appeal?
Reply:
(1)(a) In the period 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023 the Department processed 15 047 newcomer applications.
(1)(b)(i) 877 cases were granted status
(1)(b)(ii) (aa) 5009 Cases were adjudicated as Unfounded.
(bb) 8415 Cases were adjudicated as one of the Manifestly Unfounded categories for SCRA review
(2)(a) The total number of processed files for the Backlog Project is 10 890.
- Hearings conducted: 3 910
- Notices sent for No Shows: 894
- Paper determinations: 167
- No Show decisions: 406
- Family Joining decisions: 201
- Cancellations/ Withdrawal: 5 312
(2)(b) Of these processed files, 3 872 were rejected.
(2)(c) Of these processed files, 713 were granted refugee status.
(3) Of cases processed and finally rejected, some Appellants have launched Judicial Reviews in terms of Rule 53 of the Uniform Rules of Court. The total number of appeals under review is: 78
- Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre: 59
- Musina Refugee Centre: 5
- Durban Refugee Centre: 9
- Gqheberha Refugee Centre: 3
- Cape Town Refugee Centre: 2
END:
14 March 2024 - NW144
Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether he will furnish Mr S J Moore with a detailed list of ongoing (a) Regional Bulk Infrastructure and (b) Water Services Infrastructure Grants projects which have (i) exceeded original budget expectations and (ii) gone beyond the estimated construction time since 1 April 2023; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The purpose of the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), to develop new, refurbish, upgrade and replace ageing bulk water and sanitation infrastructure of regional significance that connects water resources to infrastructure serving extensive areas across municipal boundaries or large regional bulk infrastructure serving numerous communities over a large area within a municipality. The Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) facilitates the planning and implementation of various water and sanitation projects to accelerate backlog reduction and enhance the sustainability of services, especially in rural municipalities.
Although comprehensive planning is done by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) together with municipalities prior to the implementation of RBIG and WSIG funded projects, a myriad of challenges arise during implementation which result in unavoidable delays such as:
- Inability of municipalities to contribute their share of funding for water and sanitation projects that should be co-funded by the DWS RBIG Grant and the municipalities’ own funding
- Supply Chain Management challenges in municipalities often result in delays in procurement of required professional services and commencement of projects
- Poor performance of contractors, couples with inadequate project management capacity in municipalities often leads to lengthy litigation processes which also bring projects to a halt
- Projects are often brought to halt by communities with demands for employment opportunities or construction mafia with demands for 30% of contracts
- Non-payment of contractors by the municipalities or non-payment of workers by contractors
- Inclement weather conditions also contribute to delays in ongoing projects
Details of projects gone beyond the estimated construction time since 1 April 2023 are indicated in Annexure A.
---00O00--
ANNEXURE A
Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant
Project name |
Original project cost |
Revised project cost |
Initial completion date |
Revised completion date |
Free State |
||||
Welbedacht Bulk water supply (Manguang pipeline) |
R500 000 000 |
R583 677 787 |
July 2021 |
March 2024 |
Tokologo bulk water supply Phase 2 of 3 |
R717 535 306 |
R717 535 306 |
December 2024 |
March 2026 |
Maluti-a-Phofung BWS Scheme(Sterkfontein WTW) |
R619 590 000 |
R619 590 000 |
March 2024 |
April 2025 |
Mohokare Bulk water supply (Rouxville) |
R300 000 000 |
R320 000 000 |
March 2020 |
June 2025 |
Mantsopa Water and Sanitation Intervention |
R17 660 652 |
No adjustment |
June 2023 |
October 2024 |
Construction of reversal gravity pipeline in Phuthaditjhaba and Harrismith |
R57 100 000 |
No adjustment (this should be N/A as per same categories below) |
March 2023 |
August 2024 |
Metsimaholo Bulk Sewer. (Upgrading of Denneysville WWTW) |
R164 499 946 |
R224 352 940 |
October 2019 |
March 2024 |
Mafube Bulk sewer phase 2 of 2 (Upgrading of Frankfort WWTW) |
R141 448 501 |
R164 858 228 |
June 2023 |
"TBC” Contractor terminated due to poor performance |
North West |
||||
Ratlou Bulk Water Supply: Phase 1a – Setlagole Water Supply |
R 146 600 000 |
R153 000 000 |
April 2016 |
November 2024 |
Mahikeng Bulk Water Supply: Upgrading of the Mmabatho WTW to 30 Ml/day |
R 185 500 500 (IRS - 2012) |
R449 700 000 |
October 2018 |
August 2025 |
Upgrade and Extension of the Brits Water Treatment Plant from 60 Ml/D to 80 Ml/D: Madibeng Bulk Water Supply |
R845 000 000 |
R800 000 000 |
31 Aug 2017 |
31 Aug 2024 |
Western Cape |
||||
Lamberts Bay Desalination Plant |
R89 812 568 |
Not yet determined |
Mar 2022 |
Not yet determined |
Provision of Dry sanitation toilets |
R 8 383 078 |
N/A |
June 2021 |
May 2022 |
Northern Cape |
||||
Upgrading of Noupoort sewer netwok |
R 22 398 854 |
N/A |
October 2022 |
February 2023 |
Refurbishment of Nababep waste water treatment works (Phase1) |
R 40 702 697 |
NA |
June 2025 |
NA |
RS028_Dawid Kruiper_Refurbishment of Kameelmond WWTW Upington |
R78 225 986 |
R78 225 986 |
22 September 2022 |
31 May 2023 |
RS029_Magareng_Warrenton Water Treatment Works |
R80 438 842 |
R122 917 873 |
22 April 2021 |
March 2025 |
Eastern Cape |
||||
Makana Bulk Water Supply (Phase 2) |
R133 286 055 |
R393 090 217 |
March 2021 (All phases) |
Phase 2, at a reduced scope - end of June 2024. |
Ndlambe Bulk Water Supply |
R161 000 000 |
R422 945 139 (Anticipated that the project cost might increase by another R50mil due to escalation. |
May 2015 |
March 2025. |
Xhora East Bulk Water Supply |
R258 541 304 |
R 576 687 000 (including co-funding). |
December 2022. |
May 2024 |
Ngqamakhwe Regional Bulk Water Supply |
R724 million |
R646 000 000 |
September 2023 |
September 2025 |
Sundays River Valley BWS (Paterson Project) |
R73 300 000 |
R101 792 000 |
March 2016 |
Phase 6 - 31 March 2024 Overall – 31 March 2025 |
Xonxa Bulk Water Supply |
R 413 017 890 |
R 657 663 506 |
August 2023 |
February 2025 |
Cluster 9 BWS project at Chris Hani DM |
R254 695 667 |
R485 700 000 |
November 2022 |
February 2024 |
Cluster 4 BWS |
R427 099 000 |
R 849 474 094 |
May 2020 |
February 2024 |
Cluster 6 BWS |
R323 952 670 |
R474 323 951 |
May 2023 |
January 2025 |
Mpumalanga |
||||
Driekoppies Phase 1a |
R424 000 |
No adjustments |
December 2023 |
June 2024 |
Sibange Phase 2 |
R186 600 |
No adjustments |
September 2022 |
February 2024 |
Water Services Infrastructure Grant
Municipality |
Project |
Original Budget |
Revised Budget |
Planned Completion date |
Actual completion date |
Free State |
|||||
Masilonyana |
Theunissen WC/WDM |
R18 800 000 |
R 20 403 462 |
June 2021 |
March 2024 |
Tokologo |
Dealesville Emergency Water Supply: Phase 3 |
R15 921 972 |
NA |
June 2020 |
June 2024 |
Tswelopele |
Bultfontein: Refurbishment of sewer pump station |
R11 552 960 |
NA |
April 2023 |
March 2024 |
Dihlabeng LM |
Upgrading of Clarens Water Treatment Works From 1 Ml to 4Ml/day |
R49 989 987 |
R59 314 755 |
February 2024 |
June 2024 |
Mantsopa LM |
Ladybrand: Construction of 6ML Reservoir & Pipeline |
R16 837 385 |
R16 837 385 |
December 2023 |
June 2024 |
Mantsopa LM |
Ladybrand: Construction of 3Ml Reservoir (Phase 2) |
R 13 459 632 |
R 13 459 632 |
December 2023 |
June 2024 |
Mantsopa LM |
Ladybrand: Re-Construction of Sewer Outfall Line |
R2 500 000 |
R2 500 000 |
December 2023 |
June 2024 |
Mantsopa LM |
Hobhouse: Refurbishment of a Weir |
R 2 053 181 |
R 2 053 181 |
December 2023 |
June 2024 |
Setsoto LM |
Upgrading of the Van Soelen Outfall Sewer in Ficksburg |
R39 994 762 |
R39 994 762 |
November 2023 |
June 2024 |
Phumelela LM |
upgrading of Outfall sewer line and revamping of pump station station #3 and WWTW in Warden/Ezenzeleni |
R22 001 373 |
R22 001 373 |
September 2023 |
June 2024 |
Nketoana LM |
20,34km Pipeline (250mm dia) from Lindley to Arlington |
R75 400 794 |
R75 400 794 |
June 2024 |
June 2025 |
Kopanong LM |
Bulk Water Supply in Trompsburg |
R19 000 000 |
R 22 000 000 |
June 2021 |
TBC |
Kopanong LM |
Water Supply Reddersburg |
R 13 534 058 |
No adjustment |
May 2017 |
TBC |
Kopanong LM |
Water Supply Bethulie |
R 6 500 000 |
No adjustment |
June 2021 |
TBC |
Kopanong LM |
Upgrading of Philippolis WWTW |
R 12 000 000 |
R 38 994 885 |
June 2021 |
TBC |
Mohokare LM |
Rouxville Abstraction Works |
R39 412 741 |
No adjustment |
July 2022 |
TBC |
Mafube LM |
Namahadi 12Ml Reservoir |
R36 904 336 |
No adjustment |
November 2022 |
May 2024 |
Majuba LM |
Mafube WC/WDM (Pre-paid Water Meters |
R15 000 000 |
No adjustment |
August 2023 |
March 2024 |
Metsimaholo LM |
Oranjeville WWTW Upgrade |
R61 938 621 |
No adjustment |
July 2022 |
TBC |
Ngwathe LM |
Refurbishment of pipelines from Parys WTW to Reservoirs 3 & 4 |
R24 691 873 |
No adjustment |
July 2022 |
January 2024 |
Ngwathe LM |
Construction of sewer line in Heilbron / Phiritona |
R8 604 802 |
TBC Contractor terminated due to poor performance |
December 2022 |
TBC Ngwathe LM must procure new contractor |
Ngwathe LM |
Heilbron – Elevated water tower and 3km water pipeline |
R18 720 677 |
No adjustment |
April 2023 |
March 2024 |
Moqhaka LM |
Kroonstad – 11th Avenue water pipeline and Bloemhoek Dam sluice gate |
R24 189 695 |
R25 022 859 |
August 2023 |
June 2024 |
Northern Cape |
|||||
ZF Mgcawu |
Kakamas: Water treatment works |
R 11 370 115 |
N/A |
March 2023 |
N/A due to fact that IA’s allocation was converted from schedule 5b to 6b |
Frances Baard |
Construction of Carters Ridge Pump station (Phase1) |
R 32 832 662 |
N/A |
November 2018 |
June 2021 |
Frances Baard |
Construction of Carters Ridge Pump station (Phase 2) |
R 25 966 926 |
N/A |
June 2021 |
July 2023 |
Frances Baard |
Provision of dry sanitation toilets |
R 8 383 078 |
N/A |
June 2021 |
May 2022 |
Eastern Cape |
|||||
Blue Crane Route Local Municipality |
Refurbishment of Cookhouse Water Treatment Works |
R18 799 060 |
N/A |
November 2023 |
September 2024 |
Chris Hani DM |
Chris Hani DM Cluster 7 Water Supply Scheme: Ngxogi Emadizeni Mantlaneni Xuka Entabeni Emantlwaneni Cefane Emafusini Mhlontlo KwaMhlontlo and Dwaleni/Matyeni Water Backlog Project |
R2 000 000 |
N/A |
July 2023 |
June 2024 |
Mpumalanga |
|||||
Thaba Chweu LM |
Refurbishment of the Lydenburg Waste Water Treatment Works |
R114 777 382 |
N/A |
June 2025 |
NA |
14 March 2024 - NW489
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) are the reasons that the Health Professions Council of South Africa demands that practitioners who are unemployed should pay their outstanding annual fees by 31 March 2024 and (b) interventions can his department make in this regard?
Reply:
According to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA):
(a) It is a legal requirement that all practising health professionals register with their Professional Council namely the HPCSA, South African Nursing Council, South African Pharmacy Council, Dental Technicians Council and the Allied Health Professions Council. The Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974) requires health professionals to register with the HPCSA before practicing. As section 17 of the Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974) states the following:
If the registrar is satisfied that the qualifications and the other documents submitted in support of the application satisfy the requirements of this Act, he or she shall, upon payment by the applicant of the prescribed registration fee, issue a registration certificate authorising the applicant, subject to the provisions of this Act or of any other law, to practise the health profession in respect whereof he or she has applied for registration, within the Republic.
The HPCSA legislation does not require that unemployed practitioners (non-practising) to pay registration fees. Infact a person not practising a health profession registrable with the HPCSA may apply for voluntary erasure from the register in writing before 31 March of the year that he/she wishes to be voluntarily erased in line with section 19 (1) (c) of the Act.
When the health professional decides to resume practice then a restoration fee is payable and the person could be restored to the register. There may be additional requirements such as continuous professional development, depending on the number of years the health professional is unregistered with the Council.
(b) There is no need for an intervention since there is no obligation on a non-practising health practitioner to registered with the HPCSA.
END.
13 March 2024 - NW274
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Considering that her department acknowledged in the National Land Transport Strategic Framework (2023-2028) that nearly 80% of the national road network has exceeded its 20-year service life structure design and, furthermore, based on National Treasury estimates more than R255 billion will be needed over the next three years to build, upgrade and maintain the Republic’s road transport infrastructure, what (a) plans does her department have in place to address the Republic’s ailing road infrastructure and (b) is the breakdown of the budgetary allocations for such restorations per annum?
Reply:
Following the rapid decline in the condition of Provincial and Municipal roads, the Cabinet retreat of 1 June 2022 then appointed SANRAL as the lead agent to support Roads Authorities in fixing their roads in an integrated way through Operation Vala Zonke programme. In order to effectively provide this support, the Minister of Transport launched Operation Vala Zonke as part of the build-up to Presidential Imbizo that took place on 12 August 2022.
a) As part of the National intervention, the Department did put forward a national plan for road refurbishment and rehabilitation, that is: (i) Availing of Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS) for all authorities to use; (ii) Handing over of Road Condition and Traffic Data for uploading into ITIS; (iii) support on Network Verification, Data upload and spatial map, (iv) Rollout of the National / Centralised Road Authority App for authorities and the public to report potholes; (v) Signing of MOUs between SANRAL and Provincial Road Authorities for technical support; (vi) Consideration and transfer of Strategic and Primary road network to SANRAL to enable SANRAL to reprioritise its existing non toll budget to address the immediate maintenance needs of some of the critical roads and (vii) Private Sector Involvement and Adopt a Road programme to enable various private companies to make contributions towards the maintenance and upkeep of roads through their Corporate Social Investment and claim for BEE Scorecards and obtain Tax deduction for such donation and (viii) Upgrading of low volume gravel roads using block paving bricks and Nano technologies to maximise jobs through labour intensive methods.
To date, the public has reported over 45 000 of potholes using the App for the repair of which has actively been monitored via central war room. The above process is creating much higher levels of accountability at all spheres of government regarding road network and its maintenance.
b) The breakdown of budgetary allocation provided by the Department for road restorations per annum over the MTEF is summarised in table below:
Table 1: The breakdown of 2023/24 to 2026/27 budgetary allocation
Authority |
2023/24 R’000 |
2024/25 R’000 |
2025/26 R’000 |
2026/27 R’000 |
SANRAL |
25 430 715 |
25 720 319 |
28 845 591 |
30 169 036 |
Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (supplementary fund to assist the 9 Provinces |
15 867 086 |
16 672 290 |
17 882 779 |
17 278 699 |
Total |
41 297 801 |
42 392 609 |
46 728 558 |
47 447 735 |
Though the Department does not have a mandate to address municipal roads, the Department do provide support to municipalities by inviting them to participate on the joint Vala Zonke Operations to fix potholes.
13 March 2024 - NW379
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to her reply to question 3312 for oral reply on 9 November 2023, wherein she indicated that there are a number of different subsidy models for taxis being considered and explored, what (a) are the full, relevant details of the subsidy model that is being considered for the taxi industry, (b) are the specific time frames for its implementation and (c) progress has been made to date?
Reply:
a) The referenced reply (to question 3312) stated that the Department is developing a public transport subsidy policy that will locate the subsidisation of minibus taxi users within the wider, multi-modal subsidy framework as part of the public transport funding reforms. This implies a move away from mode specific subsidisation to a subsidised network serviced by a combination of modes to minimise the cost of transport. Therefore, subsidy would be for public transport in general and not necessarily for taxis separately. The different models being considered includes the supply side, demand side and user targeting just to mention a few. Direct public transport subsidy applies exclusively to formalised public transport services and, in many cases, take the form of different types of contracting.
(b) The draft public transport subsidy policy has been published for public comments on the 23rd of February 2024 in Government Gazette 50176. The public consultation process will close on the 31st of March 2024 where after the Department will start the process of submitting the policy for Cabinet approval. Implementation will only commence once the final subsidy policy is approved by Cabinet.
(c) Refer to (b) above.
13 March 2024 - NW352
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) her, (ii) her department and (iii) officials of her department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?
Reply:
3.1 In respect of Qatar, Iran and Russia for the period that covers 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024, the reply is as follows:
a) Sponsorships
(aa) (i) Not applicable (aa)(ii) Not applicable (aa) (iii) Not applicable
(bb) (i) Not applicable (bb) (ii) Not applicable (bb) (iii) Not applicable
(cc) (i) Not applicable (cc) (ii) Not applicable (cc) (iii) Not applicable
b) Donations
(aa) (i) Not applicable (aa) (ii) Not applicable (aa) (iii) Not applicable
(bb) (i) Not applicable (bb) (ii) Not applicable (bb) (iii) Not applicable
(cc) (i) Not applicable (cc) (ii) Not applicable (cc) (iii) Not applicable
(c) Financial Transfers
(aa) (i) Not applicable (aa) (ii) Not applicable (aa) (iii) Not applicable
(bb) (i) Not applicable (bb) (ii) Not applicable (bb) (iii) Not applicable
(cc) (i) Not applicable (cc) (ii) Not applicable (cc) (iii) Not applicable
13 March 2024 - NW99
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
Given that the optimal management of the vehicle fleet of the SA Police Service (SAPS) is of utmost importance to ensure maximum mobility at all times and quick response times when required, (a) what changes were introduced under the reign of M. Gen Dibankwane in the SAPS and (b) how did the specified changes contribute to safer communities?
Reply:
Find reply here
13 March 2024 - NW88
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What is the total number of (a) detectives and (b) support personnel that are currently employed in the Graaff-Reinet Cluster Detective Services; (2) what (a) is the total number of (i) detectives and (ii) support personnel required to work in the Graaff-Reinet Cluster Detective Services according to the latest organogram and (b)(i) plans are in place to fill the empty posts and (ii) by what date in each case?
12 March 2024 - NW371
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the SA Social Security Agency office in Julius Tsolo Street, Khayelitsha in Cape Town, which has been closed since July 2022 due to renovations, (a) on what date will the renovations be completed (b) what are reasons that the renovations are taking so long to complete?
Reply:
a) It is important for the Honourable Member to note that SASSA is a tenant at the aforementioned premises that are owned by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Social Development. As the Honourable Member is aware, SASSA has temporarily relocated to Kuyasa Library to ensure continued service to the people of Khayelitsha.
SASSA is also working with local community-based organisations such as Khayelitsha Development Forum and Freedom To The Forgotten to find a long-lasting solution on this matter. In addition, SASSA has made an application to the City of Cape Town for the permanent use of the Kuyasa Library.
b) Refer to (a)
12 March 2024 - NW160
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to her reply to question 4207 on 2 January 2024, during what period of the month does her department update information received from the Department of Home Affairs; (2) with regard to overpayments made to SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries, what (a) is the total number of beneficiaries who received two and/or more wrongful SASSA grant allocations and (b) was the total monetary value in the (i) 2020-21, (ii) 2021-22, (iii) 2022-23 financial years and (iv) since 1 April 2023?
Reply:
(1) As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 4207, SASSA works closely with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on data validation and conducts monthly checks to confirm the life status of clients before a payment is generated. Payment is effected for clients who are confirmed to be alive, as per validation outcome.
The life status (proof of life) confirmation is sourced from DHA on the day that the payment file is created. If proof of life is confirmed, payment is included in the payment file and effected for that month. As soon as SASSA receives notice of death from DHA, payment is immediately cancelled and not included in the payment file for that month.
It is important for the Honourable Member to note that social grants payments are effected upon confirmation of proof of life by the Department responsible for this function, which is the DHA. It is incorrect to insinuate that SASSA knowingly pays social grants to deceased beneficiaries.
The activities and the period between payment extraction and payment date can be outlined as below: Using February 2024 payment as example:
- Fourth weekend of the month payment file is extracted (26-28 January 2024) – It must be noted that due to the controls and volumes of the payment file, the payment file is done over a weekend when there is no production work being processed.
- Payment file QA and approval on Monday (29 January 2024).
(2) It will be appreciated if the Honourable can clarify this question because SASSA does not have the data readily available.
12 March 2024 - NW5
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to her reply to question 4207 on 2 January 2024, what (a) total amount is owed to the State as a result of unrecovered grants from the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) paid to beneficiaries who were deceased at the time of the payment and (b) portion of the specified amount has SASSA found to still be recoverable; (2) whether she has found that SASSA and/or her department will be able to identify, what (a) total amount and/or (b) portion of the specified amount referred to is being held in the private bank accounts of deceased beneficiaries; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) as SASSA is a registered creditor of the deceased estate, what total amount is recoverable in cases where the (a) estate has been reported to the Master of the High Court and (b) grant payment of the deceased beneficiary had been accessed by using the SASSA-issued card; (4) whether she has found that SASSA and/or her department will be able to, without being a creditor to a deceased estate, recover grant payments paid to deceased beneficiaries via SASSA cards; if not, what steps will be taken to recover such funding; if so, in what way?
Reply:
(1) (a) Information provided to Question 4207, was for grant overpayments to Post Bank clients. Over the last three years grant overpayments to deceased Post Bank clients were as follows:
-
- 2021/2022 = R59 256 000
- 2022/2023 = R50 372 000
- 2023/2024 = R31 928 000
SASSA does not have data on other Banks readily available to provide statistics as requested above. A special script is required to extract the required data; which takes time to develop, execute and analyse for accuracy and to ensure this part of the question is responded to adequately.
(b) Considering that the above-mentioned grant overpayments were made to the most vulnerable members of society, SASSA’s ability to recover debt might be expensive than the debt itself. However, I must point out that each debt, irrespective of the amount, remains “recoverable “until it is s written off.
There are a number of questions and factors that can be considered when dealing with deceased grant beneficiaries to whom a grant was paid before SASSA received a notice of death from Home Affairs:
- Would it be economical to invest all the resources required to recoup a debt for one-month payment made to a deceased grant beneficiary?
- Does the deceased have an estate or the value of the estate is so small to claim against such that the full value of the grant may not be recovered?
- Would recovery cause undue hardship to his or her dependents?
(2) (a) and (b) Information on private bank accounts, such as balances within those accounts, is confidential information, to which SASSA dos not have access.
(3) (a) SASSA is not currently a registered creditor to any deceased estate. There is currently no system interface between SASSA and the Office of the Master of the High Court. When death occurs, the majority of Social Grant beneficiaries’ families make no effort to wind up an estate with the Office of the Master of the High Court (estates between R125,000 and R250,000) or with the Magistrates Office (estates below R125,000) as required by law. Therefore, if no “case file” is created no-one can register as a Creditor.
(b) All debts are considered “recoverable”, until National Treasury approves the write off. Hence the full amount referenced above is considered recoverable until this process is completed.
(4) It’s important to note that for the SASSA cards, funds are paid into a bank account at Postbank, which is governed by the same laws as any other bank account. SASSA with the assistance of National Treasury is investigating the possibility of all banks to return balances remaining in social grant beneficiary’s bank as a result of grants not withdrawn back to government. The technicalities and implications of this proposal are still under discussion.
12 March 2024 - NW316
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) is the breakdown of the total number of complaints that SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) has received relating to the duplication of identity document (ID) numbers for each of the different grants including the Social Relief of Distress Grant for every year since 2020 and (b) was the outcome of these complaints; (2) How many of the lodged complaints were due to ID fraud by (a) public servants outside her department, (b) SASSA employees and (c) employee of her department; (3) What mechanisms have been put in place to combat fraud at her department and SASSA?
Reply:
The table below provides the number of official complaints received during the period 2020 until 2024; and the outcomes of the complaints.
Year |
Number of complaints |
Breakdown per grant type |
Outcome |
||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
106 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
40 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
119 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
424 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
256 |
|
|
(2) Thus far there’s no linkage of the lodged complaints on ID fraud with a) public servants outside the department, b) SASSA employees and c) employees of the department.
(3) The issue of “duplicate IDs” SASSA has identified two situations mainly affects older clients where two persons share the same ID number, unknowingly. These cases are not necessarily fraudulent, but in part the result of various legacy issues. Such matters are flagged and referred to the Department of Affairs for investigation and resolution.
(ii) Recently, the same issue of “duplicate IDs” is affecting those applying for the SRD grant. These are not necessarily duplicate IDs but some form of Identity theft. Fraudsters steal and use another person’s ID number and personal details to apply for the SRD grant; as well as open accounts with private banks, pretending to be the rightful owners of the ID.
When such cases are detected, SASSA will flag the applicant as fraudulent and require the applicant to provide a HANIS report to confirm their identity. SASSA is also implementing a system that will allow for these clients to digitally verify themselves through a facial recognition process. We however, cannot make the specific fraud prevention mechanisms public as this would weaken the mechanism and defeat their purpose. At high level, as part of the detective mechanism, we conduct compliance inspections and systems to detect any internal control deficiencies across the regions. As part of corrective mechanism, we conduct investigations and ensure that corrective measures are taken. Where necessary, members of the South African Police Service also assist in the investigation of fraud cases.
12 March 2024 - NW487
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What total number of child support grants were suspended due to the banking details of the grant beneficiaries not corresponding with those in the SA Social Security Agency system from 1 April 2023 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
SASSA suspended 81 687 Child Support Grants since 1 April 2023 up to 31 January 2024.
These grants were suspended because the banking details of grant recipients captured on the SASSA database did not correspond with details captured by their respective banks, indicating possible changes in the clients’ records. The suspension was implemented as per the provision of Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act (Act No. 13 of 2004), which requires clients/beneficiaries to ensure that their records are accurate and updated with the Agency.
12 March 2024 - NW372
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What total number of SA Social Security Agency offices have (a) defaulted in rental payment and (b) been closed due to the non-payment of rent in the last two years?
Reply:
a) At the time of this response, I have not been informed of any cases anywhere in the country where SASSA has defaulted on rental payments.
b) Refer to (a). SASSA has a system in place to manage ahead of time all office rentals to ensure no offices are closed due to non-rental payments. Hence, there has been no closure of any leased offices in the last two years.
12 March 2024 - NW62
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)(a) What is the total number of victims of gender-based violence (GBV) who have been assisted in each of the years since the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) opened (b) how were the victims assisted; (2) what (a) due diligence was done regarding the (i) call-centre operators and (ii) adjudication of the tender and (b) measures have been put in place to assist victims of GBV while the alleged contractual dispute between her department and Brilliantel is being sorted out?
Reply:
(1)(a) GBV Command Centre Statistics Report: 01 November 2013 – 31 December 2023 |
||
Date |
Telephone Calls Received |
GBV victims assisted |
01 JAN 2023 – 31 Dec 2023 |
65 311 |
5 845 |
01 JAN 2022 – 31 Dec 2022 |
40 700 |
3 086 |
01 JAN 2021 – 31 Dec 2021 |
65 490 |
5 036 |
01 JAN 2020 – 31 Dec 2020 |
136 940 |
5 954 |
01 JAN 2019 – 31 Dec 2019 |
59 800 |
1 955 |
01 JAN 2018 – 31 Dec 2018 |
64 680 |
3 015 |
01 JAN 2017 – 31 Dec 2017 |
12 020 |
4 048 |
01 JAN 2016 – 31 Dec 2016 |
71 040 |
1 816 |
01 JAN 2015 – 31 Dec 2015 |
64 820 |
2 214 |
01 JAN 2014 – 31 Dec 2014 |
7 607 |
940 |
01 NOV 2013 – 31 Dec 2013 |
1 997 |
325 |
TOTAL |
590 405 |
34 234 |
(b)The GBV Command Centre is a call-centre service that can be contacted by anyone who need assistance with issues of GBV or any issue relating to abuse or threat to personal safety, at any time of the day (24/7) and throughout the year.
Since inception, the GBV Command Centre is managed by qualified social workers registered with the SA Council for Social Service Professions. Depending on the nature of the call, the client is referred to the relevant services, including Health, SAPS and local NGOs that provides shelters for survivors of GBV
(2)(a)(i) and(ii) The awarding of the tender followed the prescripts in terms of the Public Finance Management Act and its regulations. This included amongst others, a compulsory briefing, a 2-stage shortlisting, verification and recommendation of bidders consisting of the Bid Evaluation and Bid Adjudication Committees. This was further strengthened through a requirement of submission of verifiable project qualifications and skills of the respective Project leaders of each bidder, and the submission of verifiable, written references of past provision of services by the prospective service providers.
(b) The Department has established a Project Steering Committee that meets on a weekly basis to measure progress in the implementation and roll-out of the GBVCC project. This is further assisted by a weekly meeting between the Director-General and the CEO of Brilliantel to further measure progress and resolve, any outstanding contractual or project delivery matters.
12 March 2024 - NW139
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
What portion of the amounts of (a)(i) R59 256 000 and (ii) R50 372 000 in the 202122 and 2022-23 financial years, respectively, has been recovered and (b) R31 928 000 has been recovered since 1 April 2023, where the SA Social Security Agency erroneously paid grants to deceased beneficiaries?
Reply:
a) (i0(ii)(iii) The reply to Question 4207, was for total grant overpayments of Post Bank clients. Data related to payments and debts, including recoveries, is housed on two different systems, and requires an extensive cross referencing of the two data sets to answer the question in its current form. This will also require remapping of data across multiple years.
With regard to recoveries, refer to the table below:
FY 2021-2022 |
FY 2022-2023 |
FY 2023-2024 |
R10,826,491.53 |
R17,900,226.07 |
R20,001,986.99 |
11 March 2024 - NW467
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)What is the total amount of public funds spent by the State in opposing the application seeking the North Gauteng High Court to declare the practice of cadre deployment unconstitutional and unlawful; (2) what are the reasons justifying the use of public funds to defend the policy of a political party?
Reply:
1. The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has spent no public funds in opposing the application seeking the North Gauteng High Court to declare the practice of cadre deployment unconstitutional and unlawful.
The DPSA opposed an application by the Democratic Alliance against the Minister for Public Service and Administration (the Sixth Respondent) in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, under case No 31418/2022, to declare Chapter IV of the Public Service Act 103 of 1994 to be inconsistent with the Constitution. The costs expended by the DPSA, to date in this regard, is R 450 340-00.
The High Court ordered that the Democratic Alliance pay the costs of the Sixth Respondent in this matter. The order is being appealed by the Democratic Alliance and if the Appeal is dismissed, the DPSA will recover the amounts so taxed.
2. Public funds were not expended by the DPSA to defend the policy of a political party.
The DPSA opposed the application by the Democratic Alliance against the Minister for Public Service and Administration in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, under case No 31418/2022, which sought to declare Chapter IV of the Public Service Act 103 of 1994 to be inconsistent with the Constitution, on the basis that-
- the Minister for the Public Service and Administration was cited by the Democratic Alliance as the Sixth Respondent;
- the Minister is responsible for the administration of the Public Service Act, 1994;
- the provisions of the Public Service Act were affected by the recourse sought by the Democratic Alliance in declaring the Act unconstitutional; and
- the DPSA was required to respond and place a case before the Court on the incorrectness of the allegation by the Democratic Alliance with regard to the unconstitutionality of the Public Service Act.
In this regard, the High Court found that there was “no valid constitutional attack” and the case of the Democratic Alliance must therefore be rejected.
End
11 March 2024 - NW442
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Apart from advocating for the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Amendment Bill [B28-2023], what practical and/or short-term measures has his department put in place to clamp down on subscriber identification module (SIM) card fraud?
Reply:
I was advised by ICASA as follows:
The Authority is mandated through section 68 of the Electronic Communications Act (“the ECA”) (Act No. 36 of 2005) as amended to regulate the numbering resources. However, the ECA does not empower the Authority to regulate SIM registration.
Noting the challenges experienced in the country wherein numbers are hijacked either through SIM swap fraud or number porting, the Authority has tightened the number porting regime by prescribing a porting procedure and a port validation process in Schedule A of the Number Portability Regulations of 2018.
Additionally, the Authority resolved to amend the Numbering Plan Regulations of 2016, by inserting a provision that mandates licensees to collect subscribers’ biometric data during activation of services.
These regulatory measures are intended to empower and protect the public when activating/porting their numbers and/or services with the telecommunications service providers. Nevertheless, the biometric data collection provision was deferred by the Authority for further consultation with stakeholders on the technical and functional specifications associated with the implementation of the biometric provisions.
The Authority has been consulting with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (“DOJ & CD”) on the review of Chapter 7 of RICA which places an obligation on telecommunications service providers, who are licenced by the Authority to register all SIM cards by verifying customer information. It also mandates telecommunications service providers to retain customer data, and to respond to lawful interception requests. Further, the Authority is addressing concerns that it does not have access to the RICA database which is managed by the DoJ & CD to monitor compliance.
The Authority is also in consultation with institutions that have successfully implemented the biometric verification system – South African Banking Risk Information Centre, the State Information Technology Agency and the Department of Home Affairs - to seek guidance regarding the development of a functional biometric system.
Furthermore, clarity is being sought from the Information Regulator regarding the application of the Protection of Personal Information Act (Act No. 4 of 2013) (“POPIA”) on the appropriate safeguards to protect personal information of the data subjects. This is to ensure that the Authority’s Numbering Regulations are not in conflict with the provisions of POPIA.
Thank you