Questions and Replies
14 October 2022 - NW2770
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of extension officers in each (i) farm and (ii) province, (b) ratio of extension officers in each (i) commercial, (ii) emerging commercial, (iii) smallholding and (iv) subsistence farm in each (aa) province and (bb) district?
Reply:
(a) (i) Extension Practitioners (officers) are allocated to districts and not placed per farm.
(ii) The number of Extension Practitioners (officers) per Province is as follows:
PROVINCE |
NUMBER OF EXTENSION PRACTITIONERS |
Eastern Cape |
496 |
Free State |
115 |
Gauteng |
119 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
522 |
Limpopo |
310 |
Mpumalanga |
146 |
Northern Cape |
43 |
North West |
181 |
Western Cape |
60 |
TOTAL |
|
(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv) The current Extension Practitioners are not allocated according to the specified producer categories; hence no ratio is available.
(b)(aa) Ratio per Province
The current ratio of Extension Practitioners to farmers is based on the July 2021 General Household Survey (GHS) by Statistics South Africa which measures the number of households practicing agriculture and is therefore not specific to categories of farmers. The Ratio of Extension Practitioners (officers) to farmers per province (as of September 2022) is outlined below:
PROVINCE |
Ratio |
Eastern Cape |
1:1162 |
Free State |
1:1672 |
Gauteng |
1:2896 |
KwaZulu -Natal |
1:1216 |
Limpopo |
1:2058 |
Mpumalanga |
1:3085 |
Northern Cape |
1:1097 |
Northwest |
1:809 |
Western Cape |
1:977 |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
1:1 663 |
The estimated number of farmers as the GHS (July 2021) and the number of Extension Practitioners (officer) per province are shown on the table below:
PDAs |
Number of Extension officials |
Total number of Extension Officials |
Number of households per province |
% Of households involved in agriculture |
Estimated # farmers [GHS 2021, StatsSA] |
Extension to farmer ratio (current) |
|
Managers |
Extension Practitioners |
||||||
EC |
31 |
496 |
527 |
1 725 000 |
33% |
576 150 |
1 162 |
FS |
11 |
115 |
126 |
952 000 |
20% |
192 304 |
1 672 |
GP |
8 |
119 |
127 |
5 384 000 |
6% |
344 576 |
2 896 |
KZN |
60 |
522 |
582 |
3 111 000 |
20% |
634 644 |
1 216 |
LP |
11 |
310 |
321 |
1 684 000 |
38% |
638 236 |
2 058 |
MP |
41 |
146 |
187 |
1 399 000 |
32% |
450 478 |
3 085 |
NC |
8 |
43 |
51 |
363 000 |
13% |
47 190 |
1 097 |
NW |
31 |
181 |
212 |
1 308 000 |
11% |
146 496 |
809 |
WC |
8 |
60 |
68 |
2 021 000 |
3% |
58 609 |
977 |
TOTAL |
209 |
1 992 |
2 201 |
17 947 000 |
17% |
3 086 884 |
1 663 |
(b) (bb) The breakdown of Extension Practitioners (officers) per District excludes Managers.
Province |
Number of Extension Practitioners per district |
Province |
Number of Extension Practitioners per district |
1. Eastern Cape |
5. Western Cape |
||
Sarah-Baartman |
35 |
Cape Winelands |
12 |
Amathole |
153 |
Little Karoo |
6 |
Chris Hani |
74 |
Swartland |
5 |
Joe Gqabi |
31 |
Cape Metropole |
8 |
O.R. Tambo |
116 |
Garden Route |
9 |
Alfred Nzo |
87 |
Northwest |
6 |
Total |
496 |
Overberg |
7 |
Central Karoo |
5 |
||
Provincial office |
2 |
||
Total |
60 |
||
2. Free State |
6. North West |
||
Provincial office |
9 |
Bojanala |
55 |
Xhariep |
14 |
Dr Ruth S Mompati |
42 |
Mangaung |
23 |
NMM |
58 |
Thabo M |
32 |
Dr Kenneth Kaunda |
26 |
Lejwe L |
21 |
Total |
181 |
Fezile D |
16 |
||
Total |
115 |
||
3. Gauteng |
7. Northern Cape |
||
Germiston |
40 |
John Taolo Gaetsewe |
12 |
Pretoria |
41 |
Frances Baard |
7 |
Randfontein |
38 |
ZF Mgcawu |
8 |
Total |
119 |
Namakwa |
7 |
Pixley ka Seme |
9 |
||
Total |
43 |
||
4. KwaZulu-Natal |
8. Mpumalanga |
||
Amajuba |
46 |
Bohlabela |
34 |
Ugu |
50 |
Ehlanzeni |
29 |
Ethekwini |
33 |
Gert Sibande |
33 |
uThukela |
29 |
Nkangala |
50 |
uMkhanyakude |
52 |
Total |
146 |
King Cetshwayo |
73 |
9. Limpopo |
|
Zululand |
71 |
Capricorn |
72 |
Umzinyathi |
38 |
Mopani |
53 |
Ilembe |
45 |
Sekhukhune |
59 |
Harry Gwala |
41 |
Vhembe |
93 |
Umgungundlovu |
44 |
Waterberg |
33 |
Total |
522 |
Total |
310 |
GRAND TOTAL |
1 992 |
14 October 2022 - NW2915
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
In view of the fact that the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) is mandated to invest in, regulate and transform the social housing sector, and that the authority has also been increasing its capacity to deal with non- compliance, what (a) are the details of the (i) interventions that have been implemented to increase the capacity of the SHRA in order to deal with non-compliance and (ii) cases of non-compliance that SHRA has managed and (b) total amount that has been lost through non-compliance cases thus far?
Reply:
(a)(i) To strengthen the SHRA’s regulatory role and to build a sector that is capable of delivery and management of social housing at the level of scale and form required, the Compliance, Accreditation and Regulation (CAR) Operational Framework was reviewed. Implementation is underway, with the SHRA aiming to increase its internal capacity and reduce the past reliance on consultants. Organisational capacitation of key personnel including resources to provide more in-depth compliance monitoring and a Regulations Manager and to increase in-house capacity when dealing with issues of regulatory enforcement and non-compliance, in line with section 12 provisions contained within the Social Housing Act 16 of 2008 are being implemented.
(a)(ii) Cases of non-compliances which have escalated for enforcement relates to the following institutions:
- Free State Social Housing Company: Placed Under Administration.
- Troyeville Housing Cooperative: Placed under Administration.
- Communicare: Allegations of maladministration have been made against the institution, and the finalisation of a forensic investigation is imminent.
- Housing Association East London (Belgravia): Failure to meet compliance conditions has resulted in a downgrading of accreditation status. There are suspected grounds of maladministration, and a forensic audit has been approved.
- Urban Scape Rentals: Failure to meet compliance conditions has resulted in a downgrading of accreditation status. There are suspected grounds of maladministration, and a forensic audit has been approved.
(b) Irregular expenditure incurred in the past five years pertain to investing in projects that fell outside a restructuring zone, which has since been declared and regularised. The remaining irregular expenditure relates to a single grant recipient (TBGI) amounting to R26.7 million which is being dealt with by implementing the court judgement to recover the funds – a loss cannot be established at this stage.
There have been no funds lost through non-compliance, as most non-compliance has been limited to the submission of documents. Three institutions are about to be taken through regulatory enforcement and forensic investigations are to be conducted. These are Housing Authority of East London (HAEL), Urban Scape and Communicare. The extent of maladministration and if funds have been lost, can only be ascertained when these investigations are concluded.
14 October 2022 - NW3271
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) percentage and (b) number of public hospitals have (i) a psychiatrist, (ii) clinical psychologists, (iii) occupational therapists and (iv) child psychologists; (2) what is the (a) current vacancy rate at all public hospitals for the specified healthcare specialists and (b) total cost per annum to fill the specified vacancies; (3) what (a) number and (b) percentage of public health facilities offer mental health services?
Reply:
The National Department of Health is still working with the Provincial Departments of Health to source the full details required by this Question. A full report and response will be furnished to the Honourable Member and Parliament as soon as the information has been collated from all the Provinces.
END.
14 October 2022 - NW3235
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What kind of impact has load shedding had on public (i) hospitals and (ii) clinics that do not have electricity backup facilities since 1 January 2022 and (b) which provinces are affected the most?
Reply:
a) (i) Hospitals
All public hospitals have backup generators. Backup generators are only meant to run as backup for 2 to 3 hours for life saving equipment in emergency areas. Service delivery therefore gets negatively affected in areas which are not powered by generators.
(ii) Clinics and Community Health Centres (CHCS)
Backup power in the form of generators is available in 42% of clinics and 86% of CHCs nation-wide.
- Impact of load shedding on PHC facilities that do not have backup power.
- The electronic Health Patient Record System works on electrical power and during power failures staff cannot retrieve patients files and patients have to wait until power is on thus increasing patient waiting times
- Patients physical examination and deliveries becomes impossible in dark consulting rooms resulting in unnecessary referrals of patients to hospitals.
- Water interruption due to the water pumps in reservoirs requiring electricity to function.
- Telecommunication break down affecting receiving calls from communities and contacting call centre for ambulance.
(b) Provinces that are affected the most:
Clinics: The Table below indicates that only Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have more than 70% coverage with regard to backup power in clinics.
District |
Total number of clinics |
Facilities have backup electricity |
Average % scored |
ec Eastern Cape Province |
723 |
145 |
20% |
fs Free State Province |
202 |
32 |
16% |
gp Gauteng Province |
326 |
267 |
82% |
kz KwaZulu-Natal Province |
580 |
418 |
72% |
lp Limpopo Province |
452 |
113 |
25% |
mp Mpumalanga Province |
226 |
88 |
39% |
nc Northern Cape Province |
124 |
24 |
19% |
nw North West Province |
259 |
80 |
31% |
wc Western Cape Province |
175 |
88 |
50% |
Average / Total |
3067 |
1288 |
42% |
- 1288 out of 3067 Clinics has backup electricity
- 1779 clinics do not have backup electricity
Community Health Centres: The Table below indicates that only Free State Province (36%) has less than 70% coverage with regard to backup power in community Health Centres.
District |
Total number of CHCs |
Facilities having backup electricity |
Average % scored |
ec Eastern Cape Province |
41 |
34 |
82% |
fs Free State Province |
10 |
4 |
36% |
gp Gauteng Province |
38 |
34 |
90% |
kz KwaZulu-Natal Province |
21 |
20 |
94% |
lp Limpopo Province |
26 |
20 |
77% |
mp Mpumalanga Province |
55 |
48 |
88% |
nc Northern Cape Province |
30 |
26 |
85% |
nw North West Province |
47 |
43 |
92% |
wc Western Cape Province |
48 |
42 |
87% |
Average / Total |
316 |
272 |
86% |
- 272 out of 316 CHCs has backup electricity
- 44 CHCs do not have backup electricity
END.
14 October 2022 - NW3086
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)Whether, he will furnish Mr M J Cuthbert with a list of legal service providers who have rendered legal services on a consultancy and/or other basis to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) since the 2021-22 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he will furnish Mr M J Cuthbert with a list of lawyers and/or law firms that are part of the NLC’s selection panel of legal practitioners that are regularly used for legal matters involving the NLC; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The National Lotteries Commission has furnished me with a response to the question.
It provides a list of law firms. I have requested that additional details be provided in respect of the specific matters covered in each of the specific briefs given to each law firm. Attention is also drawn to the reply to Parliamentary Question 606.
The reply of the NLC is attached hereto. A supplementary reply will be tabled if warranted, once the further information I have requested has been received.
-END-
14 October 2022 - NW3002
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he and/or his department submitted a policy review document and/or any other government policy document to structures outside of the Government, either to private and/or external structures or structures of any political affiliation during the past five years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) will he furnish Mr M S Malatsi with copies of all such documents and (b) what are the reasons that the Government documents were provided to each structure?
Reply:
The Department of Correctional Services did not submit a policy review document and/or any other policy document to external structures or structures of any political affiliation during the past five (5) years.
a) Not applicable.
b) Not applicable.
END
14 October 2022 - NW3276
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the (a) total number of hospital beds that are available for mental health illness patients and (b) breakdown of the beds in each province; (2) what is the total number of (a) mental health related admissions and (b) public healthcare facilities? NW4034E
Reply:
1. (a) There are 14004 number of beds available for mental health patients
(b) The following table reflects the details in this regard, according to the Provincial Departments of Health:
Breakdown of the beds in each province
Table 1.
Province |
Total beds |
Eastern Cape |
1816 |
Free State |
927 |
Gauteng |
2478 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
3028 |
Limpopo |
1569 |
Mpumalanga |
329 |
Northern Cape |
344 |
North West |
1446 |
Western Cape |
2067 |
TOTAL |
14004 |
2. (a) The information from the District Health Information System indicates that there were 131 837 mental health separations (admissions) during 2021.
(b) There are 328 public mental health facilities in the country
Stand-alone specialized psychiatric hospitals |
Psychiatric units attached to general hospitals |
Facilities listed to conduct 72-hours assessments |
24 |
40 |
264 |
END.
14 October 2022 - NW3233
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What are the details of the alleged fraud and corruption pertaining to procurement of goods and equipment at the Tembisa Hospital, (b) which offices are implicated in the alleged fraud, (c)(i) who are the persons responsible in the specified offices and/or departments and (ii) whom do they report to, (d) what actions has his department taken with regard to intervention and (e) what has been the consequences to date for persons involved in the specified corruption?
Reply:
The Gauteng Provincial Department of Health is working with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the issues at the Tembisa Hospital. The matter is being dealt with by the Province. The SIU has also made a statement on this already. We therefore await the outcome of this investigation by the SIU.
END.
14 October 2022 - NW3066
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
a) What is the status of her department’s Alexandra Human Settlements Progress Report on the title deeds and / or transfer of restorable properties and (b) by what date will her department finalise the specified report.
Reply:
(a+ b) The National Department has referred the matter to the Gauteng province and will provide a detailed and final reply as soon as the information is obtained.
14 October 2022 - NW2608
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(1) Whether, with reference to a letter addressed to the board chairperson of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in which the Office of the Auditor-General identified irregularities relating to the employment contract and employment conditions of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the MDDA, she will furnish Ms T Bodlani with a copy of the advertisement which called for the application for the position of CFO; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what is the status on the filling of the vacancy of the CFO at the MDDA; (3) what plans does she have to (a) correct the alleged violations of (i) the Media Development and Diversity Agency Act, Act 14 of 2002, and (ii) the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Act 75 of 1997, and (b) address the finding of irregular expenditure as a result of noncompliance with the specified legislation? NW3124E
Reply:
Find here: Reply
14 October 2022 - NW2888
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)What total amount has been invested in the foundry and/or mini-mill industry by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) since 2010, (2) will he furnish Mr M J Cuthbert with an itemised list for each (a) year and (b) individual investment; (3) what is the debt to equity proportions for each investment; (2) what amount has been written off in the same period (a) for each investment and (b) in total?
Reply:
The IDC has approved R14,4 billion of funding in the Foundry and/or mini mill industry since FY 2010, in the following forms: industrial loans of R5,99 billion, equity of R8,44 billion and grants of R4m.
In addition, the IDC provided guarantees of R5,5 billion to companies in the sector.
A supplementary reply will be submitted shortly, with additional information.
-END-
14 October 2022 - NW2846
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
1) Whether, with reference to the perceived ambivalence of the Government towards Informal Settlements and poor development of implementation and capacity mechanisms, there has been any proactive programmes her Department initiated to tackle this, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details thereof; 2) Whether she has found that the specified programmes have been successful in dealing with the deficiencies that surround the construction of viable housing; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme was instituted in terms of section 3(4) (g) of the Housing Act, 1997 (Act No. 107 of 1997), (The Housing Act) and is reffered to as the National Housing Programme: Upgrading of Informal Settlements. The programme seeks to facilitate the structured in situ upgrading of informal settlements as opposed to relocation to achieve, tenure security, health & security and empowerment etc.
In 2019/2020, the National Department of Human Settlements in consultation with the National Treasury introduced the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG), this was an attempt by the Department to ensure that there is a focus on the upgrading of informal settlements projects within the sector. The main objective of the Grant was to strengthen the policy in relation to the Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme, for both provinces and metropolitan municipalities. The Grant seeks to ensure the provision of basic services such as water, electricity, roads, stormwater, refuse removal and sanitation services to households.
To support the implementation of the Grant, a total budget of R14.7 billion was reprioritised from the Human settlements Development Grant (HSDG) and Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) in 2020/21 and 2021/2022. The funds were set aside to support the upgrading of 231 000 households in informal settlements over the medium-term.
2. In terms of finding out whether the identified programmes have been successful in dealing with the deficiencies that surround the construction of viable housing, it must be noted that the introduction of the dedicated Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant was in 2019/2020 and actual implementation started during the 2021/22 financial year, thus it is still too early for the Department to pronounce on the success or failure of the Grant in dealing with the deficiencies that surround the construction of viable housing. However, the non-financial performance of the programme in provinces and municipalities was provided and reported that 610 informal settlements were upgraded by provinces and 674 by metropolitan municipalities during the 2021/22 financial year. Furthermore, a total of 21 075 sites were provided with basic services such as electricity, water and sanitation by provinces and a total of 3 596 sites by metropolitan municipalities in 2021/22.
14 October 2022 - NW3102
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Since 1 January 2020, what (a) total number of corruption cases have been found in all state hospitals throughout the Republic, (b) are the relevant details of the specified corruption cases and (c) was the total amount in each such case; (2) what (a) total number of disciplinary hearings were conducted and (b) was the outcome in each specified case in the specified period? NW3808E
Reply:
The following table reflects the details as received from the Provincial Departments of Health
EASTERN CAPE |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
02 |
Yes |
Nil |
02 |
01 Dismissal |
01 Disciplinary on progress |
||||
FREE STATE |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
05 |
Yes |
R24 259 970.00 |
1 |
Disciplinary case – employee was dismissed, 4 still under investigation |
GAUTENG |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
21 |
Yes |
R2 752 210.85 |
0 |
0 All the 21 still under investigations |
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
04 |
Yes |
R5 610 244.85 |
04 |
1 awaiting sanction. 1 dismissed. 2 still pending. |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
21 |
Yes |
R2 864 840.00. |
04 |
02 officials 3 month without pay |
01 Written warning |
||||
01 official dismissed |
||||
02 officials resigned before hearing. The remaining cases are is still pending. |
||||
LIMPOPO |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 Limpopo confirms that the cases they have are for Fraud not corruption. |
MPUMALANGA |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
09 |
Yes |
R 58 380 442.25 |
09 |
09 cases involved 9 people whose matters were finalized and 5 are pending sanctions. |
NORTHWEST |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
7 |
Yes |
R27 328 762 |
2 |
The two (2) disciplinary actions were for the Corruption cases, wherein One (1) was given two months without salary sanction, and the other One (1) was dismissed. Five (5) still in the investigation process. |
WESTERN CAPE |
||||
1(a)Total No. Corruption Case |
1(b)Corruption Case |
1(c)Total Amount |
2(a)No. of Disciplinary Case |
2(b) Outcome |
07 |
Yes |
R357 954.80 |
17 |
6 Dismissal |
2 Final written warning |
||||
1 written warning |
||||
8 Disciplinary hearing in progress The 7 corruption cases involved 17 people, of which 9 were concluded and 8 still outstanding. |
Information on the Northern Cape Province will be furnished as soon as it is received.
END.
14 October 2022 - NW3091
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What total number of community service (a) doctors and (b) nurses have not been placed for the 2022 cycle; (2) what (a) total number of community service (i) doctors and (ii) nurses have had their contracts terminated in each province and (b) are the reasons for the termination; (3) (a) what plans are in place to absorb the doctors and nurses and (b) will the department consider allowing the private sector to absorb community service doctors in order to complete their community service years in cases where community service doctors have either had their contracts terminated as a result of budgetary constraints and/or have not been placed?
Reply:
1. (a) According to the Internship and Community Service Programme all eligible applicants who met the requirement for allocations and submitted their application on time we all allocated. However, the following community service doctors were excluded due to the reasons provided in the respective columns:
2022 Annual Cycle - Applicant who was not placed during allocation phace - Doctors and Nurses |
|||||||||
|
Field of Study |
Already placed in previous cycle |
Applicant deceased |
Applicant declined allocation |
Late - Applications |
Moved to a future cycle - availability date outside current cycle |
Future cycle - based on Institutions and Provinces feedback |
Removed from Allocation - Based on Institutional Feedback |
Grand Total |
Community Service |
Medical Practitioner |
3 |
|
74 |
6 |
50 |
20 |
1 |
154 |
|
Professional Nurse |
53 |
1 |
24 |
27 |
119 |
10 |
|
234 |
Grand Total |
|
56 |
1 |
98 |
33 |
169 |
30 |
1 |
388 |
2022 Midyear Cycle - Applicant who was not placed during allocation phace - Doctors and Nurses |
|||||
|
Field of Study |
Applicant declined allocation |
Late - Applications |
Moved to a future cycle - availability date outside cycle |
Grand Total |
Community Service |
Medical Practitioner |
11 |
7 |
1 |
19 |
|
Professional Nurse |
|
8 |
|
8 |
Grand Total |
|
11 |
15 |
1 |
27 |
2. (a) The table below indicate the total number of (i) doctors and (ii) nurse applicants who was placed in the 2022 cycle’s but terminate their allocation after placement.
2022 Community Service applicants who terminated their contracts |
||||||||||
Field of Study |
ECP |
FSP |
GAU |
KZN |
Lim |
MPU |
NCP |
NWP |
WCP |
Grand Total |
Medical Practitioner |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
10 |
||||
Professional Nurse |
8 |
11 |
3 |
22 |
||||||
Total |
8 |
0 |
15 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
32 |
(b) The main reason why applicants terminated their contracts was medical and personal reasons. Also 1 death in Limpopo Medical Officer.
(3) (a) The Department is ensuring that all Statutory community service posts for both doctors and nurses are absorbed within the Provincial Equitable Share and the Human Resources Training Grant (HRTG) Budgets
(b) Currently only Organs of State (i.e. South African Health Product Regulator Authority (SAHPRA), National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and Office of Health Standard Compliance (OHSC) are included in accommodating community service doctors and nurses. The model to accommodate the private health sector to absorb community service doctors and nurses will be explored during the review of the Community Service Policy that is on course.
END.
14 October 2022 - NW2859
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Which intervention has her department taken to ensure that houses that were built in ward 4, Ubuntu in Victoria West in 2022, are completed and (b) what disciplinary measures have been taken against the contractor for the incomplete project?
Reply:
a ) The Northern Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements has advised that it has directed the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to conduct a forensic investigation in order to determine all the relevant facts and reasons for the project not being completed and the mitigation measures required. The investigation has been completed by the NHBRC and a report referred to the Petitions Committee in the province for consideration. Once the report has been considered, the provincial department will take the required measures against the said contractor as recommended by the NHBRC and the Petitions Committee.
b) No disciplinary measures have been taken by the provincial department as yet pending the outcome and recommendations of the NHBRC and the Petitions Committee.
14 October 2022 - NW3092
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she has found that the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan is aligned to other programmes such as Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme, AGRI BEE and Blended Finance in its implementation; if not, why is there no such alignment to the specified; if so, how is the alignment envisaged?
Reply:
Yes, the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) is aligned with the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme (CASP), AGRI BEE and Blended Financial Scheme (BFS).
The envisaged approach is for the project approval process of the mentioned programmes to incorporate the AAMP’s strategic commodities and align to both National and Provincial Value Chain strategies of the AAMP. Furthermore, the Integrated Programme and Project Management methodology, which aims to align all relevant programmes and projects, including CASP at a project approval level will be introduced.
14 October 2022 - NW3250
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Health
On what date is it envisaged the Taylor Bequest Hospital in Matatiele, which is without basic tools, will be equipped?
Reply:
The National Department of Health is in consultation with the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health to establish the issues that the Honourable Member is raising in this Question. The full report and response will be furnished to the Honourable Member as soon as the full details are received from the Province.
END.
14 October 2022 - NW617
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister in the Presidency
What (a) is the total budget for the Presidential Employment Stimulus for graduates who were employed to conduct condition assessments in parliamentary villages, (b) total number of interns were employed and (c) is the period of employment?
Reply:
The Presidency does not have a program of graduates employed to conduct condition assessments in Parliament Villages under the Presidential Employment Stimulus.
Thank You.
14 October 2022 - NW3056
Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What measures have been put in place to recruit and permanently employ (a) fieldworkers and (b) data capturers?
Reply:
No measures have been put in place to recruit and permanently employ fieldworkers and data capturers as the department does not employ fieldworkers and data captures.
14 October 2022 - NW3065
Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What total (a) number of low cost houses has she had to demolish and rebuilt as a result of poor workmanship and (b) amount has been spent on this? NW 3705 E
Reply:
Three, Gauteng, Kwa Zulu Natal and Northern Cape responded to Parliamentary Question 3065 as follows:
1. Gauteng
- The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements does not have houses to be demolished because of poor workmanship. The construction of houses/units are done in stages, e.g., foundation, wall plate, roof, and completions. These stages are also used as payment milestones for each stage completed and compliant. If non-compliance or incompleteness is observed during inspection, no approval is granted until the snags are fixed.
- No additional amount is spent because houses are still under construction and would be fixed before approval is granted to the next milestone.
2. Kwa Zulu Natal
a) The Department enrols all new developments with NHBRC, which acts as a quality assurer and keeps a register of contractors. When poor workmanship is identified, it is reffered to the contractor to repair at own cost.
The Department has embarked on a programme to repair units with structural damages that were constructed in the earlier years of the housing development programme. The units were constructed prior to the enrolment with NHBRC. 10 368 units have been rectified under this programme.
b) The amount spent for the rectification of 10 368 units was R976 521 000.
3. Northern Cape
- There has not been any houses demolished and repaired in the Northern Cape.
- No expended has been incurred in the Province for repairs.
14 October 2022 - NW2489
Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1) (a) What (i) is the total number of employees of her department who are currently working from home (ii) the number of such who employees have special permission to work from home and (iii) are the reasons for granting such special permission and (b) on what date will such workers return to their respective offices; (2) Whether she will make a statement on the matter.
Reply:
(1) (a) (i)
No employees of the department are currently working from home, this is in line with section 4 of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Circular 38 of 2022 (29/06/2022): REPEAL OF THE REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL OF NOTIFIABLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS, which states that ‘Departments are required to ensure that all employees return to normal work conditions with no restrictions.’
(1) (a) (ii)
Not applicable.”
(1) (a) (iii)
Not applicable
1) (b)
Not applicable
(2)
A statement on the matter will not be made as employees have returned to the office at 100% capacity, in line with Circular 38 of 2022.
14 October 2022 - NW3268
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
What (a)(i) total number of additional (aa) ventilators, (bb) beds and (cc) medical equipment was purchased by his department during the peak of COVID-19 and (ii) was the total cost in each specified case and (b) has happened to all the additional equipment?
Reply:
The National Department of Health is still working with the Provincial Departments of Health to source the full details required by this Question. A full report and response will be furnished to the Honourable Member and Parliament as soon as the information has been collated from all the Provinces.
END.
14 October 2022 - NW3085
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)Whether, with reference to the legal expenses of the National Lottery Commission (NLC) regarding litigation involving service providers since 1 March 2021, he will furnish Mr M J Cuthbert with a list of the (a) various parties litigated against and (b) legal fees for litigation involving current and/or former NLC staff; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) What (a) total number of persons are employed in the legal division of the NLC and (b) are their duties?
Reply:
The National Lotteries Commission has furnished me with a response to the question.
It provides a list of various parties litigated against and legal fees for litigation. I have requested that additional details be provided in respect of the specific matters covered in the legal briefs.
For the supplementary reply on legal costs, I am requesting that the NLC compiles a record of the following:
1. Total legal and consultancy costs of the various matters involving the Ministry, including but not limited to:
- Litigation on the appointment of acting chairperson
- Litigation on disclosure of information and appointment of forensic investigators,
- Litigation on appointment of board
- legal or consultancy advice sought on power of Minister or the dtic in relation to the Board, including its removal
- legal or consultancy advice sought on the disclosure of beneficiary information
- legal or consultancy advice sought on the appointment of the forensic firm by the dtic; and the appointment of the SIU by the President
- media consultancy or lobbying costs involving matters relating to the Ministry or the dtic
- legal or consultancy cost in relation to disciplinary proceedings commenced by the Minister against members of the Board
2. Total legal and consultancy costs of the various matters involving any member of parliament
3. Total legal and consultancy costs of the various matters involving any journalist or media house or SANEF.
The new Board is currently reviewing the legal costs of the NLC. I will request the Board to consider that the review should cover whether legal costs of the extent covered in the reply below is justified; and to adjust the future NLC Budgets based on the outcome of the review.
In respect of the legal department of the NLC, I will be requesting the Board to commission a review of the work actually done by the Unit and each specific member of the Unit and to evaluate the outcome of such review.
The NLC advises as follows in respect of the questions:
“(1) The matters initiated by the NLC constituted 25% of litigation matters pursuant to section 10(3) of the Lotteries Act, 1997 (Act No. 57 of 1997).
(1)(a) List of all the parties litigated against:
- NLC / Boitumelo Mafonjo
- NLC / Yanga Mvakwa
- NLC / Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition
- NLC / Ithuba Holdings & 2 Others
(1)(b) Matters instituted against the NLC by current and/ or former staff:
- Mzukisi Makatse / NLC
- Tshililo Ndonyane / NLC
- Khomotso Aphae / NLC
- Sello Qhina / NLC
- NUPSAW obo Members / NLC
- Ithuba Holdings / Lotto Star & Others
- Katleho Malatsi / NLC & 4 Others
- Phillemon Letwaba / NLC & SKX
(2)(a)&(b) The Legal and Investigation Services Division, comprises of a staff complement of seven (7) employees - structured as follows:
a) Position |
b) Duties |
1 x Executive Manager: Legal |
The incumbent is responsible for strategic legal direction and the effective and efficient management of the Legal and Investigations Division. The incumbent oversees the Commission’s legal compliance and management of legal risks, fraud risks as well as contractual risks. Provides legal support and advisory services to the NLC and the NLC Board in executing its functions as per the Commission’s enabling legislation. Ensures safe and adequate whistleblowing arrangements are in place. |
1 x Legal Manager |
The incumbent provides operational and credible legal advice to all Commission’s divisions to ensure that legal challenges are avoided, and legal and fraud risks are mitigated. Ensures the efficacy of legislation, practical implementation of all legislative prescripts and manage litigation when it arises whilst anticipating and acting against legal risks facing the Commission and provide general legal support to the Commission. Ensures that all investigations are conducted in an independent, objective and credible manner. Manages the whistleblowing arrangements. |
1 x Legal Specialist |
Provision of general legal advice, legal and advisory support to the Commission. Conduction of education and awareness interventions and drafting of all contracts of the Commission. Monitoring and reporting of divisional risks (monthly & quarterly reporting). |
1 x Senior Legal and Forensic Specialist |
The incumbent investigates all fraud and corruption and any other activities that undermine the Commission’s regulatory and grant making mandate in order to ensure prosecution/civil recovery and associated disciplinary action / relevant consequence management. Monitors trends of impropriety and flags it for the respective divisions. Conducts fraud education and awareness as well as alerts to NLC stakeholders. Identifies and reports control weaknesses to appropriate management and identifying areas within the Commission. Collaborative engagements with law enforcement agencies for when there is alleged or actual acts of impropriety. |
1 x Forensic Officer |
The Forensic Officer is responsible for investigating all allegations of fraud and corruption. Conduction of education and awareness relating to fraud and trends. Reports cases to law enforcement agencies. Drafts investigation reports. |
1 x Administrative Assistant |
Renders administrative support to the Commission’s investigation unit. |
1 x Executive Assistant |
Incumbent is responsible for providing secretarial, clerical, administrative support and general office duties in order to ensure that services in the Legal Services Division are provided in an effective and efficient manner.” |
-END-
14 October 2022 - NW3179
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)What specific socio-economic metrics does the Government use to assess whether the policy of broad-based black economic empowerment has been successful since it was introduced 19 years ago; (2) whether the specified metrics include changes in the (a) absolute number of black people living below the upper-bound poverty line, (b) proportion of the population of the Republic comprising black people living below the upper-bound poverty line, (c) absolute number of black people who are unemployed, including those who have given up looking for a job and (d) black unemployment rate, including those black people who have given up looking for a job; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The South African Government is mandated to effect redress in the interests of equity, as embodied in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act no. 108 of 1996). The Constitution, 1996 laid the foundation for a coherent and an inclusive economy of all its citizens. Section 9 of the Bill of Rights, in the Constitution, promotes equality in all facets of life, inclusive of the economy. An inclusive economy will only be possible if the South African economy builds on the full potential of all persons and communities across the length and breadth of our Country.
The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, 2003 (Act No. 53 of 2003), as amended, defines ‘broad-based black economic empowerment’ as: “the viable economic empowerment of all black people, in particular women, workers, youth, people with disabilities and people living in rural areas, through diverse but integrated socio-economic strategies that include, but are not limited to -
(a) increasing the number of black people that manage, own and control enterprises and productive assets;
(b) facilitating ownership and management of enterprises and productive assets by communities, workers, co-operatives and other collective enterprises;
(c) human resource and skills development;
(d) achieving equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce;
(e) preferential procurement from enterprises that are owned or managed by black people; and
(f) investment in enterprises that are owned or managed by black people”.
(2) The introduction of ‘broad-based’ criteria is intended to ensure that the impact of policy is not confined to opportunities only for black entrepreneurs. The impact of policy on living standards (including persons living in poverty) and on employment (measured by the quality and quantity of jobs), are therefore also relevant.
A number of broad-based investment vehicles addresses socio-economic development matters such as
- provision of bursaries to students, which assist with increasing employability of the individuals and helps to grow the pool of skills that can drive higher growth, and thus higher incomes and jobs numbers
- rolling out of education support (eg teaching of numeracy at primary schools), laying the basis for better technical skills
- health-care services (such as HIV-Aids education) to discourage risky behaviour and stigmatising HIV positive persons
- rural development which assists with sustainable livelihoods
- job creation schemes and
- measures to improve living standards for members of communities.
The Department is currently undertaking research that can assist to quantify the impact of broad-based BEE policies on the above.
-END-
14 October 2022 - NW2869
Chabangu, Mr M to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
In light of the high crime rate in the Republic, what plans has his department put in place to build more correctional facilities?
Reply:
The department is currently undertaking the below listed projects to address inmate accommodation
PROJECT |
COMMENTS |
The repair and upgrade of the Integrated Security System at Emthonjeni Youth Facility to restore 288 bed spaces |
Progress is at 85% and completion is estimated for March 2023 |
The upgrading of Parys Correctional Facility to provide an approximate of 250 beds |
Construction is at 55%, completion is estimated for 03 April 2023. |
The upgrading of the Burgersdorp Correctional Facility to a new generation Facility to provide an approximate of 500 beds |
Site was handed over to contractor in April 2022, construction is in the initial stage with an estimated completion of June 2026 |
The upgrade of the Litchenburg Correctional Facility to provide an approximate of 500 bed spaces |
Design is at advanced stage, department in discussions with Local Municipality on supply of bulk services. |
Construction of Richards Bay Correctional Facility with an approximate 1000 bed spaces |
Consultants have been appointed by Department of Public works and Infrastructure and are busy with planning on all three projects. |
Construction of Kirkwood Correctional Facility with an approximate 500 bed spaces |
|
Construction of a new facility at Leeuwkop with an approximate 1500 bed spaces |
END
14 October 2022 - NW2632
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
With reference to the measures announced by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa in his Energy Response Plan, which include enabling Eskom to procure power from existing power generators with installed solar panels, what (a) progress has his department and Eskom made to ensure that the process to grant the necessary approvals and waivers is simplified to enable procurement from power generators and (b) number of approvals and waivers have been granted to date?
Reply:
Eskom has applied to procure from existing generators on a Standard Offer basis. The DMRE has processed the request and it is currently receiving NERSA’s attention for concurrence.
13 October 2022 - NW3270
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the (a) ratio for physio and/or biological to psychiatric and/or psychological healthcare services in public health facilities nationally and (b) breakdown of the ratio in each province; (2) what is the ratio for physio and/or biological to psychiatric and/or psychological healthcare workers in the Republic?
Reply:
The National Department requests the Honourable Member to rephrase the question in a clear manner for the Department to assist in responding. The question is not clear and it is difficult to provide a response.
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3306
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)By what date will the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) home visit ban, which was instituted at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, be lifted; (2) whether Sassa has done an assessment of their offices countrywide to assess personnel needs; if not, why not; if so, what total number of vacancies does Sassa have in each office in each province; (3) what are Sassa’s plans to capacitate its offices in order to address the (a) endless queues and (b) staff shortages?
Reply:
1. SASSA has returned to providing full services, within its capacity, since the lifting of the State of Disaster. There is no “ban” in place with regards to home visits.
2. As from 2021/2022; SASSA has done the assessment in terms of critical posts required to ensure that its operation and service delivery are not compromised; It must also be recorded that SASSA is undergoing transformation process whereby its businesses are reviewed for organizational effectiveness, responding to 4th Industrial technology requirements and to be in line with the current Strategic Plan 2020/2021 to 2024/2025. As a result of the above mentioned project, SASSA has established the Critical Post Committee which is responsible to ensure that critical posts are identified and funded. The identified critical posts would be presented to the Executive Committee for consideration and approval at the beginning of each financial year. In 2021/2022 there were 251 critical posts filled 2022/2023 financial there are 118 critical posts approved for filing, and in case the post becomes vacant within a financial year it would be replaced if it meets the description/criteria of being critical.
In view of the above mentioned processes, SASSA is able to manage the risks of ensuring that on one hand, service delivery is not compromised, and on the other hand, the filling of posts is based on needs until the Business Process Re-Engineering and organizational structure are in place with minimal or no labour challenges/disputes. Lastly, SASSA has the total of 7 642 filled posts as at 31August 2022.
3. (a) At present SASSA is experiencing slightly higher than normal applications in some of their offices, which may be as a result of the lower uptake during the COVID pandemic. Load shedding, which affects both network connectivity and other system availability also negatively impacts on the speed at which a client can be assisted.
As mentioned, front line staff are considered as critical posts and are prioritised for filling, however this is subject to available resources.
SASSA has also implemented an online application portal which aims to relieve some of the pressure on the queues in local offices.
(b) With regard to shortages of capacity, please note that critical posts are filled, and SASSA has not implemented a moratorium in filling posts. In the event an official vacates a posts; replacement is sourced with immediate effect, subject to recruitment processes. However, as with all other government departments, and the overall attempts by government to manage the public sector wage bill, the compensation of employees budget of SASSA are also subject to these reviews and has been cut significantly over the past few years. As mentioned, SASSA has prioritised front line staff over other posts in an attempt to continue to provide optimal services.
13 October 2022 - NW3154
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What number of (a) bursaries and (b) scholarships have been awarded for the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme in each of the past five financial years; (2) what is the (a) total number of students in the specified programme for 2022 and (b) breakdown of the specified members in each province; (3) what is the (a) total cost of the programme, (b) breakdown of the cost in each province, (c) total amount to be transferred and (d) breakdown of the amount in each province?
Reply:
1. The following is the status of awarding of bursaries and scholarships for the (8) Provincial Departments of Health participating in the Nelson Mandela Fidela Castro Medical Collaboration Programme.
- 2017/2018 no bursaries and scholarships were awarded
- 2018/2019 no bursaries and scholarships were awarded
- 2019/2020 only Northwest awarded four (4) bursaries
- 2020/2021 no bursaries and scholarships were awarded
- 2021/2022 no bursaries and scholarships were awarded
2. (a)-(b) There is a total number of 702 students in the specified programme for 2022 also broken down in tables below:
Table 1 below indicates that a total of 103 students were integrated into the Universities in South Africa in July 2022.
Table1: Students integrated in 2022 into South African Universities
Province |
UCT |
UL |
UP |
SMU |
WITS |
WSU |
Total |
EC |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
8 |
FS |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
GP |
5 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
17 |
KZN |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
13 |
LP |
3 |
14 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
24 |
MP |
4 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
5 |
5 |
24 |
NC |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
NW |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
13 |
SA |
8 |
20 |
23 |
16 |
17 |
19 |
103 |
Table 2 below indicates that a total of 466 students were integrated into the Universities in South Africa in July 2021 and are currently completing their programme.
Table 2: Students integrated in 2021 and in Universities 2022
Province |
SMU |
SU |
UCT |
UFS |
UKZN |
UL |
UP |
Wits |
WSU |
Total |
EC |
2 |
|
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
5 |
25 |
FS |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
GP |
12 |
5 |
5 |
12 |
20 |
1 |
10 |
52 |
6 |
123 |
KZN |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
13 |
7 |
44 |
LP |
12 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
17 |
11 |
9 |
37 |
15 |
114 |
MP |
7 |
4 |
3 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
10 |
22 |
6 |
72 |
NW |
8 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
6 |
3 |
8 |
14 |
10 |
57 |
NC |
5 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
|
29 |
SA |
50 |
20 |
21 |
42 |
60 |
25 |
48 |
151 |
49 |
466 |
Table 3 below indicates that 94 students are repeating some modules in 2022 in South African Universities.
Table 3: Students repeating in 2022
Province |
UCT |
UL |
UP |
SMU |
WITS |
WSU |
SU |
UFS |
UKZN |
Total |
EC |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
FS |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
9 |
GP |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
KZN |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
20 |
LP |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
13 |
MP |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
NC |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
NW |
1 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
19 |
SA |
3 |
6 |
12 |
13 |
25 |
10 |
6 |
12 |
7 |
94 |
Table 4 below indicates that 37 students are currently in Universities in Cuba Universities.
Number of students in Cuba in 2022
Province |
Number |
Eastern Cape |
0 |
Free State |
0 |
Gauteng |
8 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
8 |
Limpopo |
5 |
Mpumalanga |
5 |
Northern Cape |
2 |
North West |
9 |
Total |
37 |
3. (a) Total cost of the Programme
Costs for Cuba
This is a Scholarship Programme which is jointly funded by both Governments. The fixed cost per student per year, depending on the Rand/Dollar Exchange Rate at the time of transfer, is reflected below:
- Preparatory (one year) : $2000.00 per students
- 1st – 5th Year (per student) : $5000.00
- Stipend (per student per year) : $2400.00
- Additional costs include two return flight tickets during six years and additional flight ticket in case of death of immediate family member. The tickets cannot be costed as it also depends on the Rand/Dollar Exchange at the time.
The Expanded Training Programme (ETP) which is wholly funded by the South African Government is reflected in the table below:
Table: 5
Level |
Tuition Fees |
Meals and Accommodation |
Ave. cost Med. Ins. |
Stipend |
TOTAL |
Preparatory |
$6000.00 |
$6022 |
$450 |
$2400.00 |
$14, 872.00 |
1st – 2nd Year |
$12, 500 |
$6022 |
$500 |
$2400.00 |
$21, 422.00 |
3rd – 4th Year |
$11, 500 |
$6022 |
$500 |
$2400.00 |
$20, 422.00 |
5th Year |
$13, 500 |
$6022 |
$600 |
$2400.00 |
$22, 522.00 |
Costs for integration in the local Universities
Tuition fees charged by South African universities during the integration since inception until 2018 varied from one university to another. After the agreement was signed with local universities, the cost of integration per student has been standardised since July 2018 and adjusted according to annual Consumer Price Index. Students have to be in the clinical training platform for 18 months. This translates to three (3) semesters. Additional costs include transportation of the final year students to local universities which depends on the mode of transport and distance to the university.
- July 2018 – June 2019 : R231 325.00 (R115 662.50 per semester).
- July 2019 – June 2020 : R241 734.63 (R120 867.31 per semester).
- July 2020 – June 2021 : R252 612.68 (R126 306.34 per semester).
- July 2021 – June 2022 : R260 696.28 (R130 348.14 per semester).
- July 2022 – June 2023 : R277 641.54 (R138 820.77 per semester).
(b)(c)(d) The information below indicates total cost by provincial breakdown, by number of students and amount to be transferred by each province to South African University for the specified period.
Eastern Cape Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
25 |
R3 450 967.01 |
8 |
R 2 208 618.88 |
R 5 659 585.89 |
Free State Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
1 |
R138 038,68 |
2 |
R552 154,72 |
R690 193,40 |
Gauteng Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
120 |
R 16 564 641,60 |
17 |
R 4 693 315,12 |
R 21 257 956,72 |
KwaZulu Natal Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
43 |
R5 935 663,24 |
13 |
R3 589 005,68 |
R9 524 668,92 |
Limpopo Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
112 |
R 15 460 332,16 |
24 |
R 6 625 856,64 |
R 22 086 188,80 |
Mpumalanga Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
68 |
R 9 386 630,24 |
24 |
R 6 625 856,64 |
R 16 012 486,88 |
Northern Cape Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
30 |
R4 141 160,40 |
3 |
828 232,08 |
R4 969 392,48 |
Northwest Department of Health
FOURTH COHORT - Third Semester- July to December 2022 |
FIFTH COHORT - First & Second Semester - July 2022 to Jun 2023 |
||||
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Total No of Students |
Total Cost |
Grand Total to be transferred |
|
57 |
R7 868 204,76 |
13 |
R3 589 005,68 |
R11 457 210,44 |
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3234
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Following his visit to Kalafong Hospital after the reported xenophobic attacks against patients assumed to be foreign nationals and patients who did not carry identification documents, (a) what is the outcome of his visit to the specified hospital and (b) how did hospital management take accountability for the flouting of security requirements and expectations?
Reply:
1. The Minister of Health conducted site visit to the hospital on Thursday, 01 September 2022, and interacted with facility management to assess the impact of protests on health service deliver, local SAPS authorities to understand their role in enforcing the court interdict and leaders of the Operation Dudula to understand their concerns.
a) During this meeting an agreement was reached that the protests should end with immediate effect, and all concerns should be raised through proper channels, instead of protests action that will affect service delivery. The protest was called-off.
b) After Kalafong hospital management was alerted of the disruption of free access to the hospital, hospital security and SAPS members were deployed to ensure free access to the hospital.
2. Secondly, the hospital management applied for an urgent court interdict against the protesting organization. A Court interdict preventing disruption to free access to the hospital was subsequently granted.
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3502
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) total amount does his department owe to the (i) Walter Sisulu Local Municipality and (ii) Senqu Local Municipality and (b) is the age analysis of the monies owed in each case; (2) what (a) are the specific details of the buildings in respect of which his department owes the specified municipalities and (b) is the use of each specified building; (3) whether his department has any plans to address the debts; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the details of his department’s plan and (b) is the time frame in which the debts will be settled?
Reply:
The response is as follows, according to the Eastern Cape Province Provincial Department of Health
QUESTIONS |
RESPONSES |
1. What (a) total amount does his department owe to the (i) Walter Sisulu Local Municipality and (ii) Senqu Local Municipality and (b) is the age analysis of the monies owed in each case; |
a) (i) Walter Sisulu Municipality - R6 147 567 (b) Age analysis:- Current R 205 831 30 Days R 1 739 086 60 Days R 168 002 90 Days R 533 722 120 + Days R 3 500 926 Amount under dispute R2 200 400 (not included above) a) (ii) Senqu Municipality - R3 956 314 b) Age analysis:- Current R 695 501 30 Days R 589 036 60 Days R 560 980 90 Days R 483 178 120 + Days R1 627 619 |
2. What (a) are the specific details of the buildings in respect of which his department owes the specified municipalities and (b) is the use of each specified building; |
2. (a and b) Walter Sisulu Municipality Hospitals Aliwal North Hospital - Aliwal North Burgersdorp Hospital - Burgersdorp Jamestown Hospital - Jamestown Steynsburg Hospital - Steynsburg St Francis Hospital - Aliwal North Clinics Khayamandi Clinic - Steynsburg Venterstad Clinic - Venterstad Maletswai Clinic - Aliwal North Poly Clinic - Aliwal North Nurses Home Venterstad Clinic Nurses Home - Venterstad Under dispute Eureka Clinic - Burgersdorp Oviston Satellite Clinic - Oviston Acc 10 - Dept. of Health Hilton Clinic - Aliwal North Old Prison - Burgersdorp Town Clinic 2. (a and b) Senqu Municipality Hospitals Cloete Joubert Hospital Empilisweni Hospital Lady Grey Hospital |
3. Whether his department has any plans to address the debts; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the details of his department’s plan and (b) is the time frame in which the debts will be settled? |
3. (a) Funding recently received – mid-September 2022. Amount authorised 05/10/2022 and awaiting disbursement as indicated below: - Walter Sisulu Municipality - R6 142 115 Senqu Municipality - R2 666 843 3.(b) Remaining amounts as follows are in the process of being paid: Walter Sisulu Municipality- R5 542 Senqu Municipality – R1 289 47 |
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3239
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to her reply to question 2319 on 16 August 2022, (a) on what date is her department planning on submitting the joint bid to the National Treasury and (b) how far is the process on the development of the Draft Sector Strategy?
Reply:
(a) on what date is her department planning on submitting the joint bid to the National Treasury.
- The joint bid was tabled to National Treasury on the 28th of July 2022.
- The department is expecting a response from the National Treasury anytime in the month of November 2022.
The aim of the joint bid is to:
- Source funding to leverage and expand on employment of social service professionals to address social ills which are adversely impacting the country and society.
- Source funding to employ social service professionals from the current pool of unemployed social service graduates.
Various government departments participated in the joint bid process, and these are:
- 9 Social Development Provincial Departments.
- South African State Security Agency.
- Department of Basic Education.
- Department of Correctional Services.
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
- South African Police Service.
- Department of Health.
(b) how far is the process on the development of the Draft Sector Strategy?
1. The Draft Sector Strategy was developed in the financial year 2021/2022.
2. The following government departments participated in the drafting of Sector Strategy:
- 9 Social Development Provincial Departments.
- South African State Security Agency.
- Department of Basic Education.
- Department of Correctional Services.
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
- South African Police Service.
- Department of Health.
3. The Draft Sector Strategy will serve before Cabinet before the end of financial year 2022/2023.
13 October 2022 - NW3290
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has been informed that the Health Professions Council of South Africa has refused to refund examination fees that it has charged repeat candidates (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what measures have been taken to rectify the issue?
Reply:
The Department has been informed that the Health Professions Council of South Africa is currently processing refunds for candidates that paid and were scheduled to take both components of the medical professions board examination (Theory and OSCE) but ended up taking only OSCE component.
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3408
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What total number of vaccines have (a) expired and (b) been destroyed as a result of expiry, since the initial purchase of the vaccines; (2) what is the breakdown of the total amount, including transport and storage fees, that it actually costs when a vaccine has expired and must be destroyed; (3) what total amount has it cost the Government to date to destroy (a) Johnson & Johnson and (b) Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines due to the (i) specified vaccines reaching expiration dates and (ii) vials being unsealed?
Reply:
1. No vaccines have been destroyed as a result of expiry from the central storage managed by the National Department of Health.
2. When it becomes necessary to destroy vaccines due to expiry at the central storage level, there will be two cost elements resulting in a total cost per vial:
(i) Distribution from the central warehouse to the waste management sites:
Pfizer: R16.24 to R20.49 per vial of 6 doses - depending on the vaccine distributor.
J&J: R14.90 to R14.94 per vial of 5 doses - depending on the vaccine distributor.
(ii) Cost of destruction, which is estimated to be between R18 and R25 per kilogram.
Pfizer: A tray of 195 vials weighs approximately 1.2kg - therefore, R0.11 to R0.15 per vial
J&J: A shipper of 480 vials weighs approximately 3kg - therefore, R0.11 to R0.16 per vial
(iii) Estimated total cost of destruction per vial:
Pfizer: R16.35 to R20.64 per vial of 6 doses
J&J: R15.01 to R15.10 per vial of 5 doses.
3. (a)-(b) (i) Zero Rands in central storage. The province bears the cost of destroying expired vaccine doses at a facility level. The waste disposal is integrated into the normal waste disposal contracts and is generally costed by weight. It will be difficult to calculate the cost for vaccines only as the waste would include other medicines.
(ii) The province bears the cost of destroying opened vials. As these doses are disposed of together with the needle and syringes in yellow sharps containers (i.e. normal waste for any immunization programme) it is once again difficult to determine the cost for the vaccines alone as these vials, syringes, and needles will generally be mixed with other sharps disposed of at a facility level.
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3486
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister Public Service and Administration
What total number of (a) public servants in each (i) national and (ii) provincial department have been found to be conducting business with the State as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) such public servants hold senior positions within the Public Service?
Reply:
a) Based on information obtained from the Central Supplier Database (as at the end of July 2022) and compared to information on the Personnel Salary System (PERSAL), 119 public service employees are registered on the Central Supplier Database with the purpose to tender for business with the State.
However, these 119 employees are not necessarily conducting business with the State. It is possible that some of the employees on the list may have resigned in the meantime, or that they belong to categories that are exempt from this prohibition (such as traditional leaders), or are serving as directors on boards of entities in an official capacity. In terms of Regulation 13(c) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, employees may conduct business with the State, if they are doing so in an official capacity. Section 8 of the Public Administration Management Act extended the prohibition to special advisors.
To determine whether these employees are indeed conducting business with the State, the name list was shared with the respective departments, requesting them to verify if the employees are still in service, if they are conducting business with the State (be it in a private capacity or in an official capacity) and if any steps are taken against transgressors. In formal letters to the heads of these implicated departments, the DPSA requested the departments to provide monthly feedback on progress made regarding the identified cases, starting from 1 July 2022. The responses of departments received are indicated in the section under (i)). On 7 June 2022, the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA)), Police and National Prosecuting Authority convened a workshop for the implicated departments on how to proceed with investigating and prosecuting these cases.
(i) National departments: There are 29 public servants who have been found to be possibly conducting business with the State:
- Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development - two public servants
- Correctional Services - six public servants
- Employment and Labour - one public servant
- Higher Education and Training - two public servants
- Home Affairs - two public servants
- International Relations and Cooperation - one public servant
- Justice and Constitutional Development - two public servants
- Mineral Resources and Energy - two public servants
- South African Police Service - four public servants
- Public Service and Administration - two public servants (One was found to be a Special Advisor)
- Public Works and Infrastructure - one public servant
- Science and Innovation - two public servants (both were found to be serving in various Boards as representative of the department)
- Trade, Industry and Competition - one public servant (the official is representing the DTIC at its entity, COEGA)
- Transport - one public servant
(ii) Provincial departments: There are 90 public servants who are possibly conducting business with the State:
Eastern Cape has 16 public servants
- Education - nine public servants
- Health - four public servants
- Office of the Premier - one public servant
- Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture - one public servant
- Transport - one public servant
Free State has 6 public servants
- Education - four
- Health - one
- Provincial Treasury - one
Gauteng has 7 public servants
- Education - two
- Health - four
- Human Settlements - one
KwaZulu-Natal has 16 public servants
- Agriculture and Rural Development - one
- Education - four
- Health - six
- Transport - five
Limpopo has 12 public servants
- Co-operative Governance Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs - two
- Education - five
- Health - five
Mpumalanga has 19 public servants
- Community Safety, Security and Liaison - one
- Education - seven
- Health - eleven
North West has 1 public servant
- Health - one
Northern Cape has 11 public servants
- Agriculture Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform - two
- Economic Development and Tourism - one
- Education - three
- Health - five
Western Cape has 2 public servants
- Education - one
- Health - one
2. In provincial departments, three (3) public servants on senior management level (positions ranging from Salary level 13 to 16) were found to be possibly conducting business with the State. In National departments, eight (8) public servants held senior positions. As indicated, the figure is still to be verified with the affected departments.
End
13 October 2022 - NW3357
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) is the ambulance-to-population ratio in George in the Western Cape and (b) plans have been put in place to provide more ambulances to George and other areas in the Southern Cape area?
Reply:
a) In the Western Cape resources are deployed based on District and Sub-District level rather than Local Municipalities. In this case they deploy resources to the Garden Route District. The population for the Garden Route District is 622 000. This equates to 0.3 ambulances per 10 000 population. The ambulance allocation per sub-district is as follows:
George 3
Knysna 2
Plettenberg Bay 2
Uniondale 1
Dysselsdorp 2
Oudtshoorn 2
Calitzdorp 1
Ladismith 1
Heidelberg 1
Riversdale 2
Mosselbay 2
b) The reality is that without a significant increase in the budget for compensation of employees the Western Cape province is unable to increase the number of ambulances. The Province is however, deploying several other initiatives to augment service delivery. These include:
- Community-orientated Emergency Care underpinned by the Emergency First Aid Programme
- Augmentation of provincial services with contracted private ambulance service
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3475
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the fact that the first National Resources Strategy review was published in 2004 and the second in 2013 and that legislation stipulates that the National Resources Strategy must be reviewed every five years, on what date will the third review of the strategy be published as irregular monitoring and strategising results in the mismanagement of water resources services and infrastructure?
Reply:
The NWRS-3 will be finalised and approved on 31 March 2023 as outlined on the Department’s Annual Performance Plan.
The Department is currently conducting public consultation workshops on the draft National Water Resource Strategy 3 (NWRS-3) as required by the National Water Act (NWA). Call for public consultation was done through the Gazette Notice which was published on 27 July 2022 under Notice 47133. After public consultation, the document will be updated based on the comments received from various stakeholders and a final document will be submitted to Cabinet for approval.
While there has been a delay in finalising and publishing the NWRS-3, the NWRS-2 is still being implemented by the Department, it’s entities as well as the entire water and sanitation sector stakeholders. Therefore, the Department has not neglected its responsibility to protect, use, develop, conserve, manage and control the country’s water resources.
---00O00---
13 October 2022 - NW3467
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)What remedial measures will he and/or his department implement to (a) overcome the systematic parole delays and (b) ensure the strengthening of the parole and monitoring system in order for parolees to adhere to their parole conditions; (2) whether his department has engaged with community members through programmes to secure a partnership with the community as an addition to the monitoring system; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) The Department has implemented the following remedial measures to strengthen the parole system:
- Ongoing training is provided to the Case Management Committees (CMCs) and Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPBs) as they are responsible for case management and consideration process. The training focuses on parole policy procedures, decision making tools and calculation of release dates amongst others.
- The CMC compile Correctional Sentence Plan (CSP) for all offenders serving sentences of longer than 24 months. The CSP spell out the interventions proposed to address the needs and risks of an offender that were identified during an assessment of the offender.
- Quality assurance teams were established at the Management/ Regional and Head Office (Directorate Pre-Release Resettlement) to assist with the improvement of the quality of profiles submitted to CSPB, National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) and the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services for consideration for possible placement on parole.
(1)(b) Monitoring and supervision of Probationers, Parolees and Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) is a human capital-intensive activity. The day to day monitoring is enhanced through allocation of resources for physical monitoring, office consultation, telephone monitoring where applicable, community service and programme attendance. In 2021/2022 a total of five hundred and eighteen (518) vehicles were allocated to community corrections offices within the regions to ensure successful monitoring in all areas.
The monitoring category for every offender under the system of Community Corrections is determined by the predicted risk of offenders from High (minimum 8 contacts), Medium (minimum 4 contacts) and Low Risk (minimum 2 contacts). Parolees attend sitting either every six months/ frequently depending on their length of their sentence to review their status, behaviour, reclassify or referred for intervention.
The establishment of 219 offices, 57 satellite offices and Service Points for easy access of services contributes positively to the compliance with conditions, ensure visibility and strengthening of the monitoring system.
(2) Yes, an integrated approach at District level and national department enables continuous consultations with traditional leaders, counsellors and relevant department to ensure that they assist the department during reintegration process to accelerate and augment monitoring. Partnerships were formalised with Traditional Councils at each Community Corrections Office, and Traditional Councils offices are used as community service centres, where parolees and probationers render services as part of their conditions of parole. Community establishments such as schools, churches, police stations, and other public spaces are used as service points to enhance the monitoring systems
The Department of Correctional Services has the community reintegration programme in place for networking and social profiling of communities and identification of stakeholders who can assist in the monitoring and supervision of parolees and probationers.
END
13 October 2022 - NW3210
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, in view of the important role that advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) play in national and international health care (details furnished), what are the reasons that (a) the Government is not making more of a concerted effort to train more ANPs in an attempt to address the Republic’s health care system which continues to struggle with a shortage of doctors and (b) more posts that fully utilise the capacity of qualified APNs in the Republic are not prioritised in the Republic’s healthcare system?
Reply:
a) Training of specialist nurses, as referred to as ANPs in the question here above, has always been a priority for the national and provincial departments of health. Accordingly 11 118 Clinical ANPs have been trained between 2017 and 2021. In addition all public colleges have prioritised ANP as part of new programmes which commenced in January 2020. Accordingly with finalisation of accreditation processes by the Council of Higher Education ( CHE) it is anticipated that public nursing colleges will continue to produce ANPs.
In terms of the statement “attempt to address the Republic’s health care system which continues to struggle with a shortage of doctors” it is to be noted that doctors and nurses, including specialist nurses, have different scopes of practice and can thus not replace each other.
(b) All posts for health professionals including those that utilize the capacity of qualified APNs in the Republic’s healthcare system are prioritised to ensure that the required health skills mix is provided in all the levels of care.
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3483
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What are the details of his department’s response to the recent calls by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa for healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics to be exempt from load-shedding as it poses risks to patients; (2) whether he has found that patients are being adversely affected by the blackouts; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) to what extent and (b) what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
1. Firstly, the National Department of Health has identified a priority list of health facilities that require an urgent exemption either from Eskom or local municipalities. The list has been submitted to both Eskom and local municipalities for approval. Secondly, my department is currently conducting a due diligent exercise for the installation of solar panels at all our health facilities as a second or third power back-up mechanism (first being generators and second being Uninterrupted Power Supply).
2. Refer to response above.
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3108
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) total number of assessment doctors who have been contracted by the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) have been assigned to service the areas of (i) George, (ii) Riversdale, (iii) Knysna, (iv) Mossel Bay and (v) Plettenberg Bay as at 1 June 2022 and (b) is the number of (i) new and (ii) existing Sassa beneficiaries who are currently on the waiting list to see a Sassa-contracted assessment doctor in the specified areas?
Reply:
a) As of 1 June 2022, the WC Region had a total of 7 provincially Contracted assessors, who may be shifted across areas of need should they agree. The table below reflects the current distribution of contracted doctors servicing the areas of George, Rieversdale, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay:
Service Area |
No. of Servicing Dr/s |
i) George |
1 |
ii) Riversdale |
1 |
iii) Knysna |
1 |
iv) Mossel Bay |
1 |
v) Plettenberg Bay |
1 |
(b) If a client is reapplying for a lapsed disability grant (usually a temporary grant which has lapsed), the application is treated as new. Unfortunately SASSA’s information system does not segregate booked clients as new applicants or active beneficiaries.
As of 20 September 2022 the number of clients awaiting an assessment, in the listed areas, is indicated in the table below:
Service Area |
Clients Awaiting Assessment |
i) George |
985 |
ii) Riversdale |
None |
iii)Knysna |
None |
iv) Mossel Bay |
747 |
v) Plettenberg Bay |
None |
Total |
1 732 |
13 October 2022 - NW3229
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) total number of applications for the Social Relief of Distress Grant of R350 (i) are still pending and (ii) have been rejected in the past six months, due to alternative sources of income of the applicants and (b) are the reasons that the CashSend payment option is still not being utilised?
Reply:
(a)(i) The table below provides an indication of the number of clients who have applied for the provision and the number of clients who are on a pending status, per month from April to August 2022.
Period |
Total Applications |
Pending Status |
April |
8 148 777 |
- |
May |
10 602 246 |
- |
June |
11 369 799 |
- |
July |
11 823 675 |
455 836 |
August |
12 179 270 |
97 766 |
All clients for the months of July and August who are still on a pending status are new clients who applied late in the respective month. The processing of their applications takes a bit longer as it includes additional first-time validations, such as the verification with Home Affairs for identification purposes etc.
(a)(ii) There are various reasons why clients are declined when applying for the grant, however, all of these reasons can be attributed to indicators that the clients may have a source of income.
These include being employed within government (checks against the Persal, Persol and GEPF databases), support received through NSFAS, accommodation within a government facility (such as a prison) and other indicators of employment such as employer’s contributions to UIF on behalf of the employee and or payment of taxes to SARS. In addition, the bank accounts of applicants are also checked to confirm whether or not there were funds above the threshold flowing into the account during the month.
The table below indicates the total amount of people who were declined on a monthly basis since April to August 2022:
Period |
Total Declined |
April |
3 303 085 |
May |
4 793 365 |
June |
4 390 526 |
July |
5 645 976 |
August |
4 648 389 |
The table below shows the number of declines that relate specifically to the bank account checks that indicates whether or not the applicant has had a flow of funds above the threshold into their bank account relative to the month of assessment.
Period |
Total Declined |
Declined due to bank account checks |
April |
3 303 085 |
2 700 752 |
May |
4 793 365 |
4 030 211 |
June |
4 390 526 |
3 496 046 |
July |
5 645 976 |
4 902 655 |
August |
4 648 389 |
4 358 023 |
(b) The cash send option is still used and is an active payment method for client payment.
The same process, as with bank account verification (where bank account details are verified and linked directly to the applicant) is also followed for cellphone numbers.
Thus, cellphone numbers provided by clients for the payment of the provision are also subjected to identity and cell number verification processes.
This entails that SASSA needs to ensure that the client (identity number) and the cellphone number can be directly linked to each other. This will typically also be true when a client followed a RICA process for his/her cellphone.
This process has been concluded and all cash send payments where SASSA was able to directly link the cellphone number to the client was concluded.
The table below indicates the figures of cash payments made for the month April 22 to July 22.
Period |
Clients who requested Cash Send |
Successfully Verified (Linked client to Cell Number) |
Client could not be linked to Cellphone Number |
Clients Paid |
% Paid |
April |
240,507 |
70,316 |
170,191 |
70,316 |
100% |
May |
380,548 |
101,967 |
278,581 |
101,967 |
100% |
June |
385,062 |
104,109 |
280,953 |
104,109 |
100% |
July |
401,405 |
100,165 |
301,182 |
100,165 |
100% |
Where clients applied for cash send and whose cell phone number failed verification, they will have to provide SASSA with a bank account where SASSA is able to pay their money into as these clients typically have not followed the RICA process and it would be a risk to Government to pay these clients without definitive linkage between the client, their ID number and cellphone number.
13 October 2022 - NW3459
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)What (a) number of times has his department been sued for crimes committed by repeat offender parolees in the past five years and (b) amount in Rand has his department paid in the specified cases; (2) whether there are any mechanisms in place to make the citizens of the Republic aware of their rights in instances where parole boards fail to do their investigation of parolees effectively; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the mechanisms?
Reply:
(1)(a) number of times has his department been sued for crimes committed by repeat offender parolees in the past five years |
(1)(b) amount in Rand has his department paid in the specified cases; |
13 |
NIL |
2. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) utilises various communication methods, including key messages, video-clips, publications, pamphlets, website, social media, community outreach, media engagement, marketing and advertising, events and other opportunities, to support efforts to make citizens aware of their rights.
It is evident that communication effort and consistency have over the years yielded positive outcomes in raising public awareness on DCS main functions. These are attributed to the continued educational programmes that DCS has constantly embarked on over the years to highlight its main functions to South African citizens through various media platforms i.e TV and radio.
Though the awareness of the functions of DCS to rehabilitate and re-integrate offenders into society started on a low base, continuous and purposive communication succeeded in increasing the level of awareness in these areas.
Informed by research, programmes such as Yobe, CorreXions and community outreach programmes were put together and seem to have contributed in showing increased awareness of the role of DCS over time.
Changing public opinion or views takes time. This is clearly seen from the trended data on DCS indicators that have been tracked over time.
Case Management Committees (CMC compile Correctional Sentence Plans (CSP) for all offenders serving sentences of longer than 24 months. The CSP spells out the interventions proposed to address the needs and risks of an offender that were identified during an assessment of the offender. These interventions are implemented and monitored over the duration of the sentence and inform the basis for the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPBs) granting or declining Parole for any given offender. It must be noted that CSPB’s are not responsible for monitoring Parolees serving their sentences outside the bounds of a correctional facility as this is a function carried out by Community Corrections in the Department.
The day to day monitoring of Parolees by Community Corrections is conducted by allocation of resources for physical monitoring, office consultation, telephone monitoring where applicable, community service and programme attendance. The nature and frequency of monitoring an offender is based on their specific profile. Any violators of Parole conditions are sanctioned and where the gravity necessitates they are returned to continue serving their sentences in a Correctional Facility.
END
13 October 2022 - NW3356
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
Which of the recommendations that were made to his department by the AuditorGeneral in the 202122 financial year were (a)(i) implemented and (ii) how were they implemented in each case and (b)(i) not implemented and (ii) what are the reasons that they were not implemented?
Reply:
The Auditor-General ‘s (AGSA) audit on National Department of Health (the department) for 2021-22 was concluded on 27 September 2022 which is when the final version of the audit reports were issued to the department. The timing of the parliamentary question preceded the issuing of the final version of the audit report to the department by AGSA. Furthermore, the department has just tabled its Annual Report 2021/22 that includes the 2021/22 AGSA’s Audit Report with recommendations. The departments Annual Report 2021/22 is also scheduled to be presented at the Portfolio Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, 14 October 2022.
The department is currently coordinating the process of ensuring that all the AGSA’s audit findings and recommendations are supported by proper management action plans to address the findings.
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3346
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)With reference to the dysfunctional sewerage plant that was pouring raw and contaminated sewerage into the Elands River, upon which thousands of persons rely for water for irrigation and daily use and which is spreading water borne diseases like Cholera, Dysentery and Hepatitis and many other diseases in the process, what interactions are being held with other departments, in particular the Department of Water and Sanitation, to assess and mitigate health disasters; (2) whether water sources are checked and tested to assess the (a) possible increase in COVID-19 and (b) the spread of other diseases; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what measures are in place at a provincial level to regularly assess the water quality and other potential disease risks in vulnerable communities; (4) what number of patients in each district in Limpopo have been treated for possible water borne diseases in the past 12 months?
Reply:
1. Interactions are being held with other departments. Municipal Health Services Departments, led by Environmental Health Practitioners, with other sector Departments such as Department of Water and Sanitation in those areas of jurisdiction jointly assess potential health hazards and risks.
The Department of Health has developed the National Environmental Health Norms and Standards that further guides Municipalities on roles they should play to ensure that communities are not exposed to unsafe water including development of Municipal Water Quality Monitoring Plans against which routine water sampling is conducted. The National Department of Health further encourages and support Municipalities in conducting health Education to the communities affected including providing all other Municipal Health Services.
2. (a) Yes, wastewater is tested. Domestic water sources are not tested because SARS-CoV-2 is not spread by water.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Durban University of Technology started testing wastewater for SARS-COV-2 in mid-2020, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Municipalities.
As a result, interested laboratories formed the South African Collaborative COVID-19 Environmental Surveillance System Network (SACCESS). The aim of the SACCESS is to create a network of stakeholders (including laboratories and municipalities) capable of testing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 by standardised methodology to support tracking of the COVID-19 pandemic across South Africa.
Results of wastewater based testing for communicable diseases in influent sewerage reflect the health status of the population, and proves helpful in monitoring effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 is not transmitted by wastewater and untreated wastewater influent is not regarded as infectious for SARS-CoV-2. Data from testing of wastewater has been made available in South Africa through the NICD-led South African ‘SACCESS’ network and has contributed to developing COVID-19 response plans.
(b) Municipalities’ environmental health services are required to develop water quality monitoring plans in accordance with the National Environmental Health Norms and Standards for Environmental Health. These plans include, monthly domestic water quality monitoring plans including water borne diseases environmental surveillance, include cholera monitoring amongst others.
3. District and Metropolitan Municipalities’ environmental health services are required to develop water quality monitoring plans in accordance with the National Environmental Health Norms and Standards for Environmental Health. These plans include, the requirements for monthly domestic water quality monitoring supplies in terms of microbiological and chemical quality of water for fitness for human consumption for water services and non-water services authorities.
Sampling is focused on water supplies that are likely to pose risk to human health.
In the event of non-compliance with water quality standards, sampling frequency is increased (for example to 4 (four) samples per month).
Monitoring of water sources is accompanied by the necessary community education.
(4) The following information is supplied by the Limpopo Department of health. The most recent period for which data is available is August 2021 – July 2022.
Below is a table that indicates the number of cases of water-borne diseases that were treated:
Table: Diarrheal cases by district for last 12 months from Aug 2021 to Jul 2022 District
District |
Waterborne disease |
Number of case treated |
Capricorn |
Cholera |
0 |
shigellosis |
1 |
|
Typhoid |
2 |
|
Mopani |
Cholera |
0 |
shigellosis |
0 |
|
Typhoid |
0 |
|
Sekhukhune |
Cholera |
0 |
shigellosis |
0 |
|
Typhoid |
0 |
|
Vhembe |
Cholera |
0 |
shigellosis |
0 |
|
Typhoid |
2 |
|
Waterberg |
Cholera |
0 |
shigellosis |
0 |
|
Typhoid |
0 |
|
Total |
5 |
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3359
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What total number of (a) applications for the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant were declined because of the Grant qualification threshold and (b) appeals were successfully processed in the past year?
Reply:
(a) The table below shows the number of declines that relate specifically to the bank account checks that indicates whether or not the applicant has had a flow of funds above the threshold into their bank account relative to the month of assessment.
Period (2022) |
Total Declined |
Declined due to bank account checks |
April |
3 303 085 |
2 700 752 |
May |
4 793 365 |
4 030 211 |
June |
4 390 526 |
3 496 046 |
July |
5 645 976 |
4 902 655 |
August |
4 648 389 |
4 358 023 |
(b) The following table provides the number of reconsiderations successfully processed (approved) in the previous year (2021/22).
Month |
Approved Reconsiderations |
August-2021 |
676 236 |
September-2021 |
496 445 |
October-2021 |
400 689 |
November-2021 |
294 649 |
December-2021 |
211 494 |
January-2022 |
258 309 |
February-2022 |
271 176 |
March-2022 |
215 092 |
13 October 2022 - NW3432
Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
Whether he has been informed that departments are delaying pension payouts to retired employees, while the human resource offices want bribes in order to fast-track payment which is due to retired employees; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps have been taken to uproot the corrupt practice?
Reply:
The Acting Minister for the Public Service and Administration is not aware of the alleged unethical conduct by some human resources offices who want bribes in order to fast-track payment, which is due to retired employees. Employees who are approached to pay bribes, should report that immediately to the SAPS, as it is a criminal offence.
The affected employees can report the alleged corrupt practice to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline 0800 701 701 which is managed by the Public Service Commission, for investigation.
In addition, on 23 September 2022, the Department of the Public Service and Administration (DPSA) issued Circular 47 of 2022, attached herein, on the exit procedure to assist human resources personnel responsible for exits in the Public Service.
Furthermore, the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) is collaborating with the National School of Government (NSG) to introduce a module aimed at improving and fast-tracking exits in the Public Service.
End
13 October 2022 - NW3149
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) total number of persons have unduly benefited from receiving social grants through fraud and/or corruption in the past 10 years and (b) is the breakdown of the number in each year; (2) what (a) amount was stolen by the individuals who unduly benefited from social grants in the past 10 years and (b) is the breakdown of the amount in each year?
Reply:
(1) a) For the period referred to in the parliamentary question from 2012/2013 to 2021/2022 financial year, 1174 persons were suspected to have unduly benefited from the social grant system leading to cases referred to law enforcement.
b)The breakdown of the number of persons who unduly benefited
No |
Year |
Beneficiaries |
Offic ials |
Money Lenders |
Other |
1 |
2021/22 |
- |
50 |
- |
- |
2 |
2020/21 |
17 |
20 |
- |
- |
3 |
2019/20 |
83 |
16 |
3 |
|
4 |
2018/19 |
73 |
52 |
1 CPS Official 6 Public Works Officials 5 Former SASSA Officials |
|
5 |
2017/18 |
38 |
195 |
53 |
7 private person 1 CPS |
6 |
2016/17 |
1 |
22 |
- |
3 Private Persons |
7 |
2015/16 |
9 |
337 |
5 Doctors 5 Private persons 3 Former SASSA Officials |
|
8 |
2014/15 |
- |
3 |
64 |
16 Private Persons 2 CPS Officials |
9 |
2013/14 |
- |
56 |
- |
|
10 |
2012/13 |
- |
10 |
- |
03 Former SASSA Official 15 Agents/Tout |
Subtotal |
221 |
761 |
120 |
72 Private persons |
|
TOTAL |
1174 |
2 a) The total potential loss is projected at R536 683 179.12. Some of the cases are not yet finalised to come to full determination of the actual loss.
b) The breakdown of potential loss in each year
No |
Year |
Potential Loss |
Budget Amount |
Loss as a % |
1 |
2021/2022 |
R 23 141 386.15 |
R 221,716,422,608.00 |
0.010% |
2 |
2020/2021 |
R 8 554 573.60 |
R 195,516,422,608.00 |
0.004% |
3 |
2019/2020 |
R 6 861 156.50 |
R 175,155,593,000.00 |
0.004% |
4 |
2018/2019 |
R 215 402 889.89 |
R 162,960,723,000.00 |
0.132% |
5 |
2017/2018 |
R 6 886 687.94 |
R 151,580,232,000.00 |
0.005% |
6 |
2016/2017 |
R 75 085 055.62 |
R 140,498,691,000.00 |
0.053% |
7 |
2015/2016 |
R 14 712 807.44 |
R 129,818,278,000.00 |
0.011% |
8 |
2014/2015 |
R 59 203 282.32 |
R 120,952,101,000.00 |
0.049% |
9 |
2013/2014 |
R 109 949 555.00 |
R 113,006,841,000.00 |
0.097% |
10 |
2012/2013 |
R 16 885 784.66 |
R 104,887,916,000.00 |
0.002% |
Total |
R 536 683 179.12 |
R 1,516,093,220,216.00 |
0.034% |
13 October 2022 - NW3205
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)How does his department intend to bridge the knowledge skills gap that is due to the fact that some of the drugs that are used in government hospitals for the management of haematology and oncology are between 20 and 30 years old and that, due to the use of the outdated drugs, specialist doctors who are training in government hospitals are not exposed to modern medicine practices, resulting in the doctors turning to the private sector in order to be exposed to training with access to adequate therapeutic options; (2) with approximately 70% of the Republic using the public health care system, what budget is available to ensure that modern treatment options are updated to the benefit of the people of the Republic?
Reply:
1. The National Department of Health (NDoH) is committed to improving the health status of all South Africans. The ministerially appointed National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) consider medications for inclusion on the Essential Medicine List (EML) based on priority conditions within the country, taking into consideration the clinical need, evidence of efficacy, quality, safety, affordability and implications for practice.
The review of medicines for inclusion on the EML and use in the public sector is a dynamic process, with disorders/medicines being reviewed continuously based on factors including the changing clinical need, emerging clinical evidence, availability of new medicines, price of medicines. This has been demonstrated with the approval of newer agents on the EML such trastrastuzumab and bortezomib in the management of breast cancer and are both available in the public sector.
Although a number of the agents used in the field of haematology and oncology are 20 to 30 years old, these agents are established effective therapies considered standard of care for particular indications in these fields.
Cost-effectiveness, affordability and security of supply of these newer agents is often the reason why they are not considered for use in both the private and public sectors.
The private sector is also often limited by the price of these newer agents, and may only be able to use them in situations where medical schemes cover portions of the costs, with large co-payments are made by individuals out of pocket. The availability of generic and biosimilar agents will promote competition driving down the prices of these newer agents for consideration for widespread public health use.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate trained clinicians in the fields of medical oncology and clinical haematology are exposed to modern therapeutic options. Additionally, exposure to use of these agents is often gained through work in clinical trials and access programmes.
2. Treatment options that are currently provided in the South African public sector are based on available evidence as described above.
The current budget for medicines is approximately R 20 billion, with an additional budget allocation per province for more modern therapeutic options in the National Tertiary Services Grant.
MEDICINE BUDGET |
|
R Thousands |
Main Budget 2022/23 |
Provinces |
|
Eastern Cape |
2,067,531 |
Free State |
1,020,160 |
Gauteng |
5,117,929 |
Kwazulu-Natal |
4,535,574 |
Limpopo |
1,499,518 |
Mpumalanga |
1,793,290 |
Northern Cape |
415,010 |
North West |
1,215,842 |
Western Cape |
1,876,983 |
Total |
19,541,837 |
END.
13 October 2022 - NW3160
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether the functionality of the (a) court recording technology and (b) closed-circuit television systems were fully functional in respect of each sexual offences court in the Republic on 1 June 2022; if not, what steps are being taken to restore the court recording technology and closed-circuit television to its full functionality; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) which sexual offences courts in the Republic are not benefitting from the services of a full-time specialist interpreter who has received training on child development and working with persons with a mental disability and (b) what plans are in place in order to ensure that each of the courts benefits from the services of a full-time specialist interpreter?
Reply:
1. I wish to acknowledge the challenges that the Department has in ensuring that the Court Recording Technology (CRT) and Sexual Offences Courts’ Systems (SOS), are fully maintained and functional. The Director-General and his Team are working very hard to restore functionality, ensure that relevant technology is available in courts, and ensure that courts are functional. Meetings with relevant Departmental officials, in the National and Provincial Offices, and the current service provider (Datacentrix), are held on a weekly basis to strategically discuss challenges and progress on the project.
a) As at 1 June 2022, there were 1 566 functional CRT machines (77%) and 548 non-functional machines (23%). As of 10 September 2022, 1 794 machines were fully functional (88%) as compared to 230 (12%) that are non-functioning.
b) The number of SOS, that were functioning on 1 June 2022, were 270 (67,8%), and 128 (32,2%), were non-functioning. As of 10 September 2022, 319 (80,2%) SOS were fully functioning, and 79 (19,8%) were not functioning.
Between July 2022 and August 2022, 50 SOS court rooms were upgraded from old to new technology (SOS), and in those courts, the systems are stable. 110 SOS court rooms have been identified for the next phase of the upgrade. The Project is anticipated to be completed by 31 December 2022, where-after all problematic SOS court rooms will be fixed.
The Alternative SOS Solution, that has been considered and is being used by some Provincial Offices, is an attempt to temporarily substitute the normal SOS in the Courtrooms by utilizing the below IT equipment:
- Video-Conferencing Capable Laptops – These devices are meant to connect the Intermediary room and the court room together utilizing two (2) laptops that have built-in camera, microphone and a wireless adapter to ensure that child victims can be both seen and heard during testimony by court participants, and most importantly recorded during the session.
- The other supporting equipment used are lapel microphones (clip-on microphone) for the child victim and headphones with a mouthpiece for the intermediary officer – these ensure sound is carried from both the intermediary officer and child victim into the court.
- The other supporting equipment used in the solution, is the conferencing speakerphones (conference microphone) – This is used to pass/communicate testimonies into the working CRT or alternatively used to record sound from the intermediary and other present court participants into an actively recording laptop via the built-in voice recorder app.
- The platform that is being used to connect the two rooms together is, MS Teams (other Video-conferencing platforms can be used but since this solution is being paid for in-house, that is why Kwa-Zulu Natal chose to use it).
- In closing, other video-conferencing solutions are currently being explored and tested and the above is subject to change, if other cheaper/ cost effective means are found to be stable and efficient.
2. I wish to inform you that the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2021 (Act No. 13 of 2021), does not specifically provide for the appointment of specialist interpreters. However, I wish to inform you as follows:
a) There are no posts created for Special Court Interpreter for the Sexual Offences Courts. Currently, the placement of interpreters in Sexual Offences Courts and matters involving children, people with disabilities and other vulnerable witnesses are mainly based on experience, character and demeanor of the Interpreter.
b) The Department, working closely with the Judiciary and Prosecutors, will design a programme that will be offered to Sexual Offences Courts’ Interpreters. This programme will focus on issues such as child development, needs of people with disabilities and complexities relating to sexual offences.