Questions and Replies
28 September 2022 - NW2460
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) was requested to investigate circumstances that led to it receiving a payment of R8 million; if so, (a) who requested the investigation, (b) what (i) processes were followed to engage the SIU and (ii) what is the reason for the engagement with the SIU not being done by the National Commissioner of the SA Police Service who serves as its Accounting Officer?
Reply:
(a)(b)(i)(ii) The Special I investigating Unit (SIU) will be in a better position to respond to this question.
Reply to question 2460 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
SF MASEMOLA
Date: 22-09-2022
Reply to question 2460 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 27/09/2022
28 September 2022 - NW2442
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the South African pavilion at the Dubai World Expo that was held during the period 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, what (a) were the daily statistics for the total number of (i) visitors per country to the specified pavilion and (ii) enquiries that were made and (b) was the nature of the enquiries in each category?
Reply:
The lead department for the South African Pavilion at the Dubai Expo was the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. As per reply to Question no 2340, tabled on 6 July 2022, it is suggested that the Honourable member redirect his question to the relevant Minister.
(a) to (b) Not applicable
28 September 2022 - NW2453
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether, given that a 9 mm Glock Pistol issued to a member of the City of Cape Town’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) was reported stolen to the Bellville South Police Station under case member CAS179/3/2020, and then allegedly in June 2022 recovered from the ceiling of a member of the City’s SIU (details furnished), the specified firearm has been retrieved by the SA Police Service (SAPS); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified firearm was handed over by the City of Cape Town to SAPS for investigation and ballistic tests; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
27 September 2022 - NW3261
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he has been informed that at the High Court in Kimberley, Northern Cape, the administration for Letters of Authority only assists members of the public until 12h00, takes two-hour lunch breaks and knocks off at 15h00; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The allegations in the question are untrue. It should be noted that the Master’s Office: Kimberley is open for the public from 7h45 – 12h15 and again from 13h45 – 15h30. Officials however, have lunch break 13h00-13h45 and remain in the office until 16h15 (as per normal working hours).
The time between 12h15 and 13h00 as well as between 15h30 and 16h15, is utilized for attending to administrative, office work and attend to the members of the public that are still in the office.
No public is assisted during the lunch break period, as the office does not want a situation in the office, where a female official sits alone with members of the public during the lunch break (13h00 – 13h45), to avoid possible intimidation or harassment allegations.
Any complaints suggesting the contrary should be brought under the attention of the Head of the Office, Mr Craig Davids, and will be investigated immediately.
27 September 2022 - NW3198
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)On what date did he attend the last meeting of any structure outside the Government in order to receive recommendations on the deployment of personnel in his department and/or entities reporting to him. (2) whether any appointments to his department and/or entities reporting to him were discussed during his attendance at any private forum and/or external structures to the Government; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the details of appointments that were discussed, and recommendations received and (b) other Government matters were discussed during the last meeting of any such forum?
Reply:
All appointments in the department are subject to open recruitment and selection processes and are not subject to Minister having meetings outside the public sector.
---00O00---
27 September 2022 - NW2529
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) With regard to the SA Mobile Library Project which was established in 2005 to improve the literacy levels in primary schools and supported by her department, (a) what is the distribution ratio of the operative mobile libraries for each province and (b) how are they divided up in terms of rural-urban accessibility; (2) whether there are schools which these mobile libraries do not visit; if not, why not; if so, are such schools equipped with their own internal libraries with sufficient books; (3) whether there are any plans to have more of the schools make use of mobile libraries to house their own libraries at school; if not, why not; if so, what total number of schools?
Reply:
The questions asked have direct implications for the work of the Members of Executive Council (MECs) of Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), and not the Minister of Basic Education. The Hon Member is therefore advised to submit the questions to the MECs for education in PEDs.
27 September 2022 - NW3358
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What measures have been put in place to accommodate children living with disabilities in early childhood development (ECD) centres as there is a shortage of ECD practitioners and schools for children living with disabilities?
Reply:
According to the Children's Act, it is expected that all Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes that provide services to children with disabilities must have specialised training to provide quality ECD services that will benefit those children. In line with this, training of ECD practitioners, in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), has a module that looks at working with children with disabilities. Over and above this, the Department is funding Uhambo, which is a disability organisation which continues to support and capacitate practitioners in stimulating children with different disabilities. In terms of inclusion, the developed infrastructure designs take into consideration the needs of children with disabilities. The Department has also begun reviewing the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy to establish gaps in regard to children in ECD living with disabilities. This will be used to capacitate ECD practitioners.
27 September 2022 - NW2904
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2335 on 15 July 2022, any disciplinary actions were taken against the responsible municipal officials at the Water Services Authorities and/or municipalities that did not adhere to their non-compliance letters issued by his department; if not, why not; if so, (a) what actions were taken and (b) at which Water Services Authorities. (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. No disciplinary action was taken by DWS against municipal officials that did not adhere to non-compliance letters issued by the DWS as the non-compliance letters were issued by the DWS against the Water Service Authorities not individual employees. The WSAs against whom non-compliance letters were issued are indicated in Annexure A.
2. In terms of the Constitution of South Africa, the Department has an obligation to provide support to local government and to exhaust all intergovernmental relations remedies prior to turning to the judiciary for relief. The Department therefore approached the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Municipal Infrastructure Agency and the South African Local Government Association to provide support and assistance to the Water Services Institutions that are struggling to develop and implement action plans. The Department monitors compliance against the implementation plans. Where these are not implemented or submitted despite support, the department will revert to administrative enforcement measures under the National Water Act. Where there are persistent and material breaches (offences) in terms of sections 151 of the National Water Act and 82 of the Water Services Act, the department will conduct criminal investigations to which may lead to criminal prosecution.
---00O00---
27 September 2022 - NW2779
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What number of water use licences for (i) new iron ore and (ii) manganese mines and/or plants in the Northern Cape have been submitted since 2016 but have not yet been processed, (b) what are the names of the individuals and/or companies that applied for the licences and (c) where are/will the mines and/or plants be located?
Reply:
There are two (2) Water Use Authorisations for Iron ore and Manganese mining activities currently in progress in the Northern Cape.
NO |
APPLICANT |
ACTIVITY |
PROPERTY DETAILS |
APPLICATION DATE |
STATUS |
1 |
Vumaste Resources March |
Iron ore and Manganese |
Land Parcel 54 of the Major Region KURUMAN (Portion 0 of the Farm March 54IM), |
2022/08/24 |
Finalising Assessment |
2 |
Japies Rus Minerale (Pty) Ltd |
Iron ore and Manganese |
Portion 1 of Land Parcel 668 |
2022/07/21 |
Initial assessment |
---00O00---
27 September 2022 - NW2623
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What number of educators were rated on the Integrated Quality Management System and/or the Quality Management System at (a) Level 1 which denotes Unacceptable, (b) Level 2 which denotes Acceptable, (c) Level 3 which denotes Good and (d) Level 4 which denotes Outstanding in each (i) post-level, (ii) province and (iii) academic year since 1 January 2010?
Reply:
The evaluation of educator performance in terms of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) and / or the Quality Management System (QMS) is a provincial competence as educators are employed by Provincial Education Departments (PEDs). Each PED evaluates and keeps a record of its educators on Post Levels 1 - 4 in terms of the criteria applicable to the relevant Collective Agreement (IQMS was informed by Collective Agreement No. 8 of 2003 while the QMS is informed by Collective Agreement No.2 of 2020). The final performance scores of educators are collated, verified and consolidated within each PED.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has a monitoring and support role in the implementation of the performance management system.
The data required on the rating of educators on different post levels since January 2010 should therefore be requested from each province.
27 September 2022 - NW2537
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Police
What are the reasons for the delays around the investigation into case number CAS 317/3/2022?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
27 September 2022 - NW3077
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What progress has been made regarding his commitment to residents in Limpopo that they would have access to adequate running water in their homes by September 2022?
Reply:
The Nandoni-Nsami Pipeline Project consists of Construction of two (2) bulk water pipelines to provide water to Giyani and the greater Malamulele areas as well as a pump station at the Nandoni Water Treatment Works to supply water to the pipelines.
The 33.98km out of 40.50km of the Nandoni-Nsami line has been completed. There have been several delays with Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipe delivery. To date, 21.32km out of 26.58km the Nandoni-Malamulele pipeline has been laid. The project is left with chambers, pressure testing, Luvhuvu crossing and some finishing touches.
The project started on 07 March 2016 with an initial completion date of 09 November 2020. This could not be realised due to several unforeseen circumstances. The adjusted practical completion date is 14 March 2023.
The Water Service Authority (WSA), the Mopani District Municipality is also implementing additional reticulation to 55 villages that are supplied from the Giyani Water Treatment Works. Reported current progress with the reticulation project is as follows:
---00O00---
27 September 2022 - NW2752
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) On what date was the tender for the beautification and maintenance of the gardens surrounding the Booysens Magistrate Court issued and did the specified tender close, (b)(i) what total number of bidders responded to the tender and (ii) which bidder won the tender, (c) what is the (i) duration and (ii) value of the tender, (d) what are the payment conditions for the tender, (e) on what date did the successful bidder officially commence with work and (f) what are the terms, conditions and minimum standards for the tender and how are they monitored for compliance?
Reply:
a) The beautification of Booysens Magistrate Court was not advertised on tender. The Booysens Magistrate Court’s procurement section requested quotation using the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Justice Yellow Pages (JYP) system to invite Central Supplier Database (CSD) compliant suppliers. Request for quotation was opened on 10 June 2022 with the closing date of 17 June 2022.
b) (i) The total number of bidders that responded to the request for quotations is seventeen (17), all bidders attended the site briefing meeting.
c) (ii) The winning bidder was Lenong M (Pty) Ltd.
d) (i) The duration of the contract is three (3) months.
(ii) The value of the service is R71 300.00.
e) Payments are only processed once the work has been completed and validated by the Court Manager, partial payments are made on monthly basis for the duration of the service.
f) The winning bidder commenced work on 15 August 2022, the delay for commencement of work was due to insufficient tools of trade and labour resources required to implement works needed.
g) The minimum standards were as follows:
- Gardening services for the entire court yard (back yard, front yard and all sides including weed removal at parking lots.
- Cutting of all overgrown lawn, grass fields within the court yard.
- Services include pruning, removal of weeds, tree felling and trimming, lawn stems at perimeter fencing.
- Using of weed killer on paving, paths and driveways.
- Supplier to provide their own working tools and labours.
- Removal of weeds and to see clear on the walk pathway.
- Supplier to ensure gardening is carried out bi-weekly every month.
- Ensure to remove all rubble waste from site and disposal thereafter.
- Bidder to inform the Court Manager prior coming to site to carry out the service in order to ensure that Court serves are not disturbed due to noise.
The terms and conditions were as follows;
- Quotations should be submitted on or before closing date as specified in the request for quotation.
- Quotes must include delivery.
- Quotation should indicate the validity period.
- Quotation should indicate the delivery period.
- All prices should be firm for the duration of the quotation.
- Quote should be strictly to specification.
- If bidder is VAT vendor, VAT number must be on quote.
- All quotations above R300 000.00 will be evaluated on 80/20 performance point system.
Monitoring for compliance is done by the Court Management of Booysens Magistrate Court through physical assessment and verification to ensure that the work, which is carried out on site, is per the specification issued out during request for quotation.
27 September 2022 - NW3015
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
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 Chetty with copies of all such documents and (b) what are the reasons that the Government documents were provided to each structure?
Reply:
The department periodically develops and reviews policies and this process involves extensive consultations with external stakeholders and the broader public. As such, draft policies are gazetted for public to provide comments.
Once departmental policies are finalised, the documents are gazetted and published on DWS website thus becoming public documents.
a) All policies of the Department can be accessed on the official website www.dws.gov.za
---00O00---
27 September 2022 - NW2411
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, with regard to his department’s report that 22 211 out of 143 824 applications for protection orders were granted in the 2018-19 financial year, and in light of the evidence that indicates that the figures for domestic violence, including femicide, are alarmingly high, there is a plan to electronically roll out a system to (a) capture applications and (b) issue protection orders which is linked to the police, health and social development systems; if not, why not; if so, what (i) is the date of the of the roll out and (ii) are the further relevant details?
Reply:
a) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development already has a functional integrated electronic repository for domestic violence protection orders. During 2018/19 financial year, an Integrated Case Management System for Domestic Violence (ICMS: DV) was introduced in all district courts to capture applications for protection orders. This system monitors the flow of these applications in the court system. It further provides for disaggregated sets of data metrics to analyse trends per court, whilst giving a quantitative performance of each province.
In 2021/22 financial year, the Department commenced with the alignment of the ICMS: DV Module to the Domestic Violence Amendment Act, 2021 (Act No. 14 of 2021) and the Draft National Directives for the management of this repository. The Draft National Directives were published for public comments on 15 June 2022 and the inputs thereto are being considered for incorporation.
It might also be worth-indicating that in the previous financial year, the Department further commenced with the development of the Online System for Applications for Protection Orders in line with the Domestic Violence Amendment Act, 2021 and its Draft Regulations. The plan is to integrate the Online System with the ICMS: DV as soon as the final Regulations are released. This is to ensure that the domestic violence systems are in sync, coherent and seamless in operations throughout the court system. The closing date for public comments was 14 July 2022 and it is anticipated that the Domestic Violence Regulations will be finalized and submitted to the Minister for approval.
b) The link of the ICMS: DV to key participating Departments is planned to commence in the next financial year (i.e. 2023/2024) as part of the next phase of development. The integration will be housed in the Integrated Justice System (IJS) Transversal Hub where key criminal justice role-players congregate to exchange data.
i. The systems integration between the participating Departments will commence in 2023/2024 financial year as part of Phase 2 of the project, and the rollout thereof is planned for a year later.
ii. Phase 2 of the project will start after the following activities for Phase 1 are completed:
- The upgrade of the Department’s Data Centre and migration of the systems to the new Infrastructure so as to ensure the stabilization and optimisation of the environment as part of the recovery process from the Ransomware Attack;
- The incorporation of the requirements in the e-Judiciary Workspace to ensure integration of the administration and judicial functions in domestic violence; and
- The procurement and incorporation of the Digital signature solution for the Judiciary.
The Phase 1 activities are expected to be finalised before the end of this financial year.
END
27 September 2022 - NW2955
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 999 on 21 April 2022, in which he indicated that the Kwezela Colliery and his department have agreed that the company will appoint an independent qualified environmental consultant as prescribed in the directive to develop sustainable rehabilitation plan, the independent consultant was appointed as agreed upon with the Kwezela Colliery; if not, why not; if so, who has been appointed to develop the plan; (2) whether a final rehabilitation plan was submitted on or before 30 April 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (3) who was appointed and given the responsibility to execute the rehabilitation plan in the (a) Klein Olifantsriver and (b) Wilge River. (4) whether the rehabilitation plan was approved by his department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The Biodiversity Company was appointed by Khwezela Colliery to develop and implement a Rehabilitation Plan.
(2) The Rehabilitation plan was submitted before 30 April 2022. However, the plan needed to be reviewed and amended to include the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) inputs and was subsequently submitted to the department on 04 August 2022.
(3) The Biodiversity Company was appointed by Khwezela Colliery to develop and implement a Rehabilitation Plan for the Klein Olifants and Wilge Rivers.
(4) The Rehabilitation Plan was approved by the department.
---00O00---
27 September 2022 - NW2956
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 999 on 21 April 2022, the rehabilitation has now started, as it is now six months after the incident; if not, why not; if so, what is the status of the progress that has been made with regard to the rehabilitation. (2) what are the (a) full relevant details of the rehabilitation plan and (b) timelines for the rehabilitation in the two rivers; (3) whether he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with the details regarding the progress of the rehabilitation of the two rivers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with details indicating whether the natural process of rehabilitation has started based on the reports provided to him by the rehabilitation company; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. As indicated in response to Question no 2955, an amended rehabilitation plan was submitted on 4 August 2022 to include inputs from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency. The approved rehabilitation plan entails deliverables of the project which are categorised into three (3) phases namely:
- Phase 1: Low Flow Eco Status Report
- Phase: 2: Development of Rehabilitation Actions from Phase 1
- Phase 3: Monitoring and Final Report
Implementation of Phase 1 of the rehabilitation plan has commenced, and the Khwezela Mine has appointed qualified team of specialists. The appointment of the team fulfils one of the requirements of the directive issued by this Department. Other key matters that the mine has made progress on include the following:
- Commencement with the first round of monitoring and this has been completed on 19 August 2022 the results have been distributed and the specialist team is working on the results.
- Commencement with the eco status assessment and reconnaissance surveys. The surveys entail systematic screening of the water resources through recording characteristics found in the water resources and recommended actions based on the results obtained.
- Furthermore, a workshop on updating the rehabilitation plan with the specialist panel will be held on 15 September 2022. Specialist workshop on 1st and 2nd round of monitoring will be held October 2022.
(2) The relevant details of the rehabilitation plan are outlined in the Gantt chart attached as Annexure A with an indication of timelines. It is envisaged that implementation of the rehabilitation plan will be completed by 2027.
(3) Provision of the “details regarding the progress of the rehabilitation of the two rivers” can be obtained by submitting a request to the Departmental chief information officer as guided by PAIA.
(4) Provision of the “details indicating whether the natural process of rehabilitation has started based on the reports provided to him by the rehabilitation company” can be obtained by submitting a request to the Departmental Chief Information Officer as guided by PAIA.
---00O00---
27 September 2022 - NW2198
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the target to establish an additional 80 sexual offences courts in the 2022-23 financial year, (a) where will the courts be established and (b) what progress has been made in respect of the establishment of each of the specified courts?
Reply:
a) During this financial year the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has planned to establish eighty (80) sexual offences courts (SOCs) in terms of section 55A of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No. 32 of 2007) (the Act). This will be the first batch of the section 55A SOCs established in line with the resource specifications of the Regulations relating to Sexual Offences Courts. Many of these courts have been drawn from a pool of courts previously referred to as the MATTSO Sexual Offences Courts in order to bring them into compliance with section 55A of the Act, which requires all sexual offences courts to be established at courts designated by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, by way of notice in the Gazette. Below is the list of the planned eighty (80) sexual offences courts:
Regional Divisions |
Sexual Offences Courts to be established |
No. of SOCs |
Eastern Cape |
Dimbaza, East London, Port-Elizabeth |
3 |
Free State |
Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Brandfort, Ficksburg, Harrismith, Koffiefontein, Kroonstad, Ladybrand, Parys, Phuthaditjhaba, Thaba’Nchu, Welkom, Wepener, Zastron |
15 |
Gauteng |
Benoni, Booysens, Kagiso, Krugersdorp, Palm Ridge, Pretoria, Pretoria North, Randfontein, Roodepoort, Tembisa, Tsakane, Vereeniging |
12 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
Durban, Umlazi, Empangeni, Madadeni, Ntuzuma Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Scottsburgh |
8 |
Limpopo |
Giyani, Mahwelereng, Mankweng, Morebeng, Sibasa |
5 |
Mpumalanga |
Ermelo, Middleburg, Mbombela, Piet Retief, Secunda Mdutjana, Thulamahashe |
7 |
Northern Cape |
Kimberley, Upington, Springbok, Kathu, Kuruman Barkley West, Colesburg, Galeshewe, Fraserburg Kakamas, Postmansburg |
11 |
North West |
Potchefstroom, Ga-Rankuwa, Klerksdorp, Rustenburg Moretele, Mmabatho, Tlhabane |
7 |
Western Cape |
Atlantis, Bredasdorp, Cape Town, Khayelitsha Mitchells Plain, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Parow, Plattenberg Bay, Thembalethu, Worcester, Wynberg |
12 |
TOTAL |
80 |
However, this list is not cast and stone as the caseload of sex crimes in a particular court is often unpredictable.
b) What progress has been made in respect of the establishment of each of the specified courts?
- I have received a letter of concurrence from the Chief Justice for the designation of nine (9) courts for the regional divisions where the 80 sexual offences courts will be established in terms of section 55A(2)(a) of the Act;
- In terms of section 55A(2)(b) of the Act, the National Director of Public Prosecutions has also responded in writing to the letter of the Minister in support of the designation process;
- The National Guidelines for the Establishment of the section 55A Sexual Offences Courts were developed with the judiciary, National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid South Africa and the civil society organisations, and were approved by the Minister. The Guidelines include a Checklist to verify resource compliance with the Regulations relating to Sexual Offences Courts;
- The Provincial Heads have submitted signed Checklists for the resourcing of each court falling under their respective provinces;
- A draft Gazette Notice for the designation of courts has been vetted by the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor, and is awaiting Minister’s approval. The SOCs will be established as soon as the Gazette Notice is published, as required by the Act.
END
27 September 2022 - NW2283
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether his department has a budget for training regarding child maintenance; if not, why not; if so, (a) will he provide Ms A M M Weber with the curriculum used for training and (b) how often does the training take place; (2) What number of (a) legal practitioners, (b) magistrates and (c) maintenance officers are (i) fully trained and (ii) knowledgeable regarding the Maintenance Act, Act 99 of 1998?
Reply:
1. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (the Department) does allocate the budget for the training of officials in child maintenance and such budget is allocated to the Justice College which is the official training business unit of the Department.
a) However, the Department cannot provide a curriculum used for the training on the Maintenance Act, 1998 (Act No.99 of 1998) (the Act) as the training is conducted in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) which provides the training materials and the facilitators. This collaboration was necessitated by the need to ensure that the same training messages is communicated to both Prosecutors who are deemed Maintenance Officers in terms of section 4(1) of the Act and the Maintenance Officers appointed by the Department in terms of section 4(2) of the Act. It must be indicated that the Justice College has human resource capacity constraints to conduct this training since the recall of Senior Lecturers who were Magistrates back to the bench. It is in this light that Senior Maintenance Prosecutors (SMP) of the NPA have facilitating the training coordinated by the Justice College and also they extend the training in the Provinces to the officials of the Department as and when training is coordinated by the NPA.
Although there is no formal curriculum on the Act, the Department conducts a number of education and training interventions to close the gaps and up skill the officials in the front line on support services that assist in performance and investigations in terms of the Act. The first training is conducted on Maintenance Online Trace and Track (MOTT) System which includes training on the system used to track and trace personal and financial details of parties. The second training conducted is on the Maintenance Integrated Case Management System (Maintenance ICMS) which enables Clerks of the Maintenance Courts to capture performance and process based information. This also delves on the relevant sections of the Act. The former training is conducted by the officials of the OCFA and also includes education on the Protection of Private Information (POPI) Act, 2013 (Act No.4 of 2013) (POPI Act) and section 205 Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977) (the CPA).
b) Training coordinated by the NPA is conducted on an annual basis. This training is always extended to the Maintenance Officers and Investigators appointed by the Department. However, as the NPA will be reviewing its curriculum in respect of training on the Act during the current financial year (2022/2023), Justice College has coordinated the training for court officials who need training in all the Regions for the current financial year (2022/2023). A training schedule has been issues and it will be facilitated by the two Senior Maintenance Prosecutors of the NPA and specifically targets Maintenance Officers and Maintenance Investigators across all the Regions.
2. b) (i) and (ii) A total of 2022 magistrates were trained by the South African Judicial Education Institute from 2012 to date across the different provinces regarding the Maintenance Act, Act 99 of 1998.
c) (i) It must be noted that no training evaluation has been conducted in respect of the impact of current training curriculum which is offered by the NPA as it has been indicated that the current training is dependent on the training conducted by the NPA because of the capacity challenges of Justice College. The engagements between the role players will include discussions on the review of the training materials by the NPA and the development of training materials for maintenance investigations. These discussions will include how and the frequency of external evaluation of the impact of this training.
ii) As responded above, no training evaluation has been conducted.
In conclusion, it is worth mentioning that the NPA is currently in a process of reviewing its curriculum on the Act, and one working session was already held on 19 May 2022 with Senior Maintenance Officers internally. Subsequent working sessions to involve the OCFA which is the business unit responsible for coordinating complaints management, performance, policy, stakeholder management and systems interventions with internal role-players in respect of Maintenance Services and the Justice College. Furthermore, the OCFA and NPA National Coordinator of the Senior Maintenance Officers are due to meet with the Justice College to discuss how to improve the current training arrangement and focus areas. This will include discussions about training evaluation as already alluded.
27 September 2022 - NW2530
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) With regard to the SA Mobile Library Project which was established in 2005 to improve the literacy levels in primary schools, what total number of mobile libraries, assisted by her department, are currently in operation throughout the Republic; (2) what total number of mobile libraries currently require maintenance in order to operate efficiently; (3) what is the staff capacity for the mobile libraries; (4) what total number of books is each mobile bus equipped with; (5) what total number of schools are the mobile libraries visiting currently?
Reply:
The questions asked have direct implications for the work of the Members of Executive Council (MECs) of Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), and not the Minister of Basic Education. The Hon Member is therefore advised to submit the questions to the MECs for education in PEDs.
27 September 2022 - NW2882
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Health
(1)With reference to investigations into deaths in all state mortuaries, in what total number of the deaths (a) in the (i) 2018-19, (ii) 2019-20, (iii) 2020-21 and (iv) 2021-22 financial years and (b) from 1 April 2022 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, the specified death occurred due to (aa) motor vehicles and (bb) drownings; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter
Reply:
1. The table indicates total number of deaths by Province
Province |
(a)((i) 2018/19 |
(a)((ii) 2019/20 |
(a)((iii) 2021/22 |
(a)((iv) 2022/23 |
(a)01 April 2023 to date |
Eastern Cape |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Free State |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Gauteng |
17940 |
18324 |
16243 |
20221 |
9392 |
KwaZulu- Natal |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Limpopo |
4658 |
5008 |
4406 |
5416 |
2439 |
Mpumalanga |
4892 |
4949 |
4994 |
5098 |
2246 |
Northern Cape |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Northwest |
1256 |
1225 |
1194 |
1423 to date |
|
Western Cape |
5666 |
5824 |
5362 |
5965 |
2416 |
Province |
(aa) Motor vehicle |
(bb) drownings |
Eastern Cape |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Free State |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Gauteng |
602 |
102 |
KwaZulu- Natal |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Limpopo |
701 |
45 |
Mpumalanga |
10108 |
1201 |
Northern Cape |
outstanding |
outstanding |
Northwest |
2045 |
318 |
Western Cape |
5 917 |
804 |
2. No. I will not make a statement on this matter.
END.
27 September 2022 - NW2650
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether any decision has been made by the National Prosecuting Authority on whether any prosecution will be instituted in respect of case number CAS109/09/2021 opened at Parkweg Police Station about alleged financial crimes committed within the administration of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality; if not, what is the reason for the failure to take such a decision; if so, (a) on what date was the decision made and (b) what progress has been made in the prosecution process to date?
Reply:
The Specialised Commercial Crime Unit in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Free State on 14 July 2022 declined to prosecute because there were no prospects of a successful prosecution. The facts did not disclose any criminal conduct, and the municipality was advised to proceed with the matter internally.
END
27 September 2022 - NW2975
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, in the pursuit to avoid Day Zero in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, the Nelson Mandela Bay University was consulted to do research on alternative water resources to mitigate against the drought; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the research. (2) whether any research was conducted by his department on water infrastructure and alternative measures in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality to avoid Day Zero; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Nelson Mandela Bay University (NMU) has not been approached to carry out any research on alternative water resources to mitigate against the drought. The NMBM conducted its own research as guided Department of Water and Sanitation Algoa Reconciliation Strategy which was used to develop the NMBM Drought Mitigation Plan (DMP). The NMU is however a stakeholder at the NMBM Joint Operations Centre (JOC) where the DMP is reported which the university can provide their comments and inputs.
2. Yes, my Department has conducted the Algoa Reconciliation Strategy since 2011, which aims to reconcile bulk water sources with water requirements over a planning period of at least 25 years to prevent the risk of a water shortages. An annual update of the strategy, called the Status Report, is done which describes the status of the Algoa Water Supply System (WSS) in terms of bulk water infrastructure, water resources, current and future water requirements and yield balance, and recommended interventions and other actions.
One of the key recommendations have been made through the Algoa Reconciliation Strategy was that the NMBM should complete implementation of the Nooitgedacht Coega Low Level Scheme Phase 3 which will provide an additional 70Ml/day potable water to the NMBM. This project will be commissioned at the end of September 2022. Further recommendations of the Reconciliation Strategy were:
- That the Metro should continue with the implementation of re-use schemes to meet the water demands of the Coega Special Economic Zone
- Ensure implementation-readiness for implementation of reuse schemes from the Fish Water Flats WWTW and the planned Coega WWTW; within the constraints of available development funds
- Proceed with planning for a potable reuse scheme, which should be preceded by a pilot scheme; and implementation of the 15Mℓ/d Coega seawater desalination scheme
- Update the comparative costs and potential impacts of raising the Kouga and the Guernakop Dams against investing in a desalination plant as a long-term augmentation option, considering that an EIA application for a 60Ml/d desalination plant has already been granted to CDC by DEA. This should be dependent on the updated yields, once the updated Algoa WSS model is available.
- Evaluate the Lower Sundays River Return Flows scheme at a more detailed reconnaissance level. This should be followed by a Feasibility-level Study by NMBM and considered as one of the next interventions to be considered for implementation. Consideration should be given to treating the water for industrial-quality use; and the municipality should timeously establish whether this scheme is worth pursuing further.
- Implement Water Use Efficiency / Water Conservation Water Demand Management projects to reduce the demand for water
- The Kouga LM should continue with groundwater evaluations and implementation of groundwater schemes, particularly those schemes that can easily integrated into the existing Water Supply System infrastructure. Groundwater initiatives undertaken by Kouga LM will further aim to make the various small towns less reliant on surface water supply. Potential groundwater yields should be updated when additional information becomes available.
---00O00---
26 September 2022 - NW3030
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister in the The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities:
Considering that the youth unemployment rate is higher than the national average, and that the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2022 states that the unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 years was 63,9% and 42.1% for those aged 25 to 34 years, while the current official national rate stands at 34,5%, (a) what has her Office done to address the specified statistics and (b) how is (i) the agenda for the creation of youth employment opportunities being mainstreamed to all relevant government departments and (ii) her Office aiding the creation of youth development initiatives that related to the demands of the South African job market?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
23 September 2022 - NW3073
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Given that a cast number of marine protected areas (MPAs) are vital fishing areas for indigenous and traditional fishing communities, what (a0 procedures are followed in order to consult with communities as part of the process of declaring and area an MPA and (b) criteria are used to determine if an area should be protected?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
23 September 2022 - NW3072
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
In light of how deep sea mining interferences with the carbon storage and climate regulation funanction, what is the policy position of her department on deep-seabed mining ?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
23 September 2022 - NW3050
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What proactive measures have been taken to prevent imminent damage as a result of above-normal rainfall during the months of spring in the (a) Eastern Cape and (b) Western Cape, with particular focus on townships and/or informal settlements?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
23 September 2022 - NW2994
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
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 C H H Hunsinger with copies of all such documents and (b) what are the reasons that the Government documents were provided to each structure?
Reply:
When Government wants to propose labour reforms, such proposals will have to be submitted to NEDLAC for discussion. NEDLAC is a statutory body made-up of organised business, organised labour, community constituency and government representatives; and the law requires that proposals with socio economic impact must be tabled at NEDLAC for discussion. Such proposals at times culminate into the labour law reforms, which will require legislation amendments.
All our legislative amendments go through parliamentary processes before developing into law. A good example of such legislative amendments becoming law in the last five years is the Employment Equity Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the National Minimum Wage Act amongst others. Currency, organised business and organised labour have submitted proposals at NEDLAC for discussion. Should these proposals necessitate labour law reforms, the reforms will go through all the Parliamentary processes and Honourable Hunsinger will know of such proposals.
END
23 September 2022 - NW2769
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1) What (a) is the breakdown of labour inspectors who are allocated in each (i) province and (ii) district in the agricultural sector, (b) number of farms were visited by each inspector in each province in the past 10 years and (c) were their findings and actions that were taken to address the specified findings; (2) (a) how is his department addressing the issues in the farming sectors with organised agriculture and farm workers if there are no labour inspectors allocated specifically for the farming sector and (b) on how regular a basis does he engage with the organised agriculture to address all labour issues on farms in each year; (3) will he furnish Mr N P Masipa with the minutes of such meetings and/or engagements with both organised (a) agriculture and (b) labour? NW3356E
Reply:
1(a) and (b). Number of inspectors and inspections
Province |
Number of inspectors |
Number of inspections |
Eastern Cape |
208 |
36140 |
Free State |
188 |
9000 |
Gauteng |
402 |
1075 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
423 |
3783 |
Limpopo |
171 |
8088 |
Mpumalanga |
155 |
5158 |
Northern Cape |
43 |
3076 |
North West |
129 |
7233 |
Western Cape |
218 |
6953 |
REPLY: 1(c) Findings and action taken
The following were the contraventions found across all the legislations:
Employment Equity Act No 55 of 1998 Provisions contravened:
- Section 24 – appointment letter not signed by the CEO. EE Managers not appointed with the required resources and budged.
- Section 16 and 17 – attendance registers not indicating the designated groups represented by the committee members.
- Section 19 - analysis conducted post the development of the EE plan. Barriers not a true reflection of what is happening in the company
- Section 20 – EE plans do not show reasonable progress towards transformation in line with goals and numerical targets set by employers.
Basic Conditions of Employment Act No 75 of 1997 and National Minimum Wage Act provisions contravened:
- Section 9: Ordinary hours of work
- Section 10: Overtime
- Section 16: Pay for work on Sundays
- Section 25: Maternity Leave
- Section 29: Written Particulars of Employment
- Section 31: Keeping of records
- Section 32: Payment of remuneration
- Section 33: Information about remuneration
- Section 66: Powers to question and Inspect
- Section 67: Co-operation with Labour Inspectors
- Various sections in the Sectoral Determinations 9:
- National Minimum Wage: Section 4(5): Non-payment of National Minimum Wage
Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act of 2002 provisions contravened:
- Section 5 - Duty to contribute read with section 9 Payment of contribution to Unemployment Insurance Commissioner and refund;
- Section 7: Deduction of employee’s contribution
- section 9- Payment of contribution to Commissioner and refund; and
- section 12 – interest of late payment
- Section 13 – penalties and default
- section 56 – Failure to register, submit declarations and make contributions to the Fund
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act of 1993 provisions contravened:
- Section 80: Failure to register and furnish particulars with the DG
- Section 81: Failure to keep records
- section 82: Failure to furnish returns of earnings
- section 86: Employer fail to pay assessments to the Commissioner
- Section 87: Failure to pay assessments and other moneys.
Occupational Health and Safety no 85 of 1993 provisions contravened
- General Safety Regulation 2(1), GSR 2(3)
- Administrative safety regulations
- COVID 19 -3(1), COVID 19 -3, COVID 19 -9, COVID 19- 3(7)
- Hazardous Chemical substances 9
- Environmental Regulations for Workplaces 9, ERW 6
- Electrical Installations Regulations 7(1)
- Facilities Regulations 2
- Ergonomics regulations
Actions taken to address findings:
Intervention |
Activities |
Advocacy |
|
Inspections |
|
Enforcement |
|
(2) (a) how is his department addressing the issues in the farming sectors with organised agriculture and farm workers if there are no labour inspectors allocated specifically for the farming sector and (b) on how regular a basis does he engage with the organised agriculture to address all labour issues on farms in each year;
REPLY:
(a) All the inspectors of the Department conduct inspections in the Agricultural Sector. The inspectors are specialists and conduct inspections in line with their disciplines.
(b) Inspectors incorporate an element of advocacy whenever they carry out inspections, therefore, engagements happen on a continuous basis
(3) will he furnish Mr N P Masipa with the minutes of such meetings and/or engagements with both organised (a) agriculture and (b) labour?
REPLY:
There are no separate minutes as engagements happen during the inspection itself.
23 September 2022 - NW2924
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What (a) has he found to have been the effect of the inception of the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work in March 2022 on reported incidents of violence and harassment in the workplace and (b) are the details of how his department has tracked the effect of the code on the workplace?
Reply:
a) In relation to the effect of the inception of the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the workplace (Harassment Code) in March 2022 on reported incidents of violence and harassment in the workplace, it is too early to assess the impact of this Code on the reported incidents. It is important to highlight that the Employment Equity Act (EEA) empowers both the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the Labour Court to deal with unfair discrimination disputes, inclusive of all harassment cases.
Noteworthy is that, the primary objectives of this Harassment Code are to align our national laws with the provision of the ILO Convention, 190 that the country has ratified on 29 November 2021; and also to provide employers and employees, including the trade unions with practical guidelines on how to develop and implement workplace harassment policies and practices.
Therefore, we need to allow the employers in consultation with employees an opportunity to develop and implement workplace harassment policies and practices as required by section 60 of the EEA and this Code.
In order to raise awareness and educate employers and employees on the contents of the Code, the department together with the CCMA conducted EE workshops in all nine provinces from 17 August to 15 September 2022. In addition, the department has developed and published the Harassment Code pamphlet in all 11 official languages to ensure access to the majority of the population.
Thereafter, at the end of the first year of the implementation of the Code in March 2023, department together with the CCMA will then analyse the number of the harassment cases reported at the CCMA and based on the outcome, the department will then be able to assess the effect or impact of this Code on the labour market.
b) About the tracking of the effects of the Harassment Code on the workplace, the tracking will be done through the analyses of the number of harassment disputes/ cases referred to the CCMA and the Labour Court at the end of March 2023.
END
23 September 2022 - NW3069
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What measures have been put in place to ensure that farm workers have access to vital services such as the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration?
Reply:
1. The CCMA is in the third year of the operationalisation and implementation of ‘The Imvuselelo - The Revival - The 2020/2021-2024/2025 CCMA Strategy’ which commenced on 01 April 2020.
2. The 2022/2023 CCMA Annual Performance Plan (APP) outlines the programmes and activities to be implemented towards the achievement of the strategic intent of the Strategy.
3. The CCMA has identified the Agricultural sector as one of the five (5) targeted vulnerable sectors to be capacitated during the life cycle of the above-mentioned Strategy.
4 The CCMA is delivering on its 2022/23 Advocacy Campaign Plan in the North-West Province, which includes the following -
- The CCMA has partnered with the Department of Employment and Labour (“the Department”) to raise the awareness of farmworkers on their labour law rights and responsibilities.
- The delivery of Radio Talk-shows through various Community Radio Stations and the SABC stations as and when invited and agreed upon.
5. Furthermore, the CCMA delivers training and capacity building initiatives in line with section 115(3) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995.
6. In conclusion, the CCMA is implementing various initiatives /interventions to bring its services closer to the vulnerable groups throughout the country with a view to empowering them regarding their rights and responsibilities under the applicable labour laws of the country.
______________________________________________________________
23 September 2022 - NW3131
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What total number of strikes occurred in the labour market industry and/or sector in the past five years?
Reply:
The honourable member should be aware that the Department of Employment and Labour is responsible of collecting strike and lockouts data on regular basis. The results are published in the annual Industrial Report through the Department’s website (www.del.gov.za)
Regarding the request, our recent publication reflects the strike data trends over the past five years. We noted a decline in strike statistics from 2018 to 2021 while it increased from 2017 to 2018. Wage increase, bonus and compensation benefits are reported by employers as the main cause of strike.
By industry, our strikes analysis illustrates the community industry (that includes the government -public sector) was the most affected as compared to other industries over the past five years.
Despite the evolving COVID-2019 pandemic in 2021, almost all industries in the country except the utilities and construction industries were affected with the peaceful labour disputes. However, the preliminary strike analysis in 2022 shows the country recorded 47 strikes from January to September 2022. About 62% of the total strikes were from the community and 17% of strikes were from the manufacturing industry (The annual report will be published later in 2023).
END
23 September 2022 - NW3071
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
By what exact date will labour inspectors’ vacant posts be filled?
Reply:
I am sure the Hon. Member has the appreciation of some targets that aren’t static, those that keep on moving. The filling of vacancies happens to be one of those moving targets. So, you have targets like that, where you can perform and make progress towards achieving them but you just cannot stop them from fluctuating. There is always constant staff turnover, it is therefore impossible to provide an exact date by which vacancies would be filled.
23 September 2022 - NW2923
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Considering the 2022 SweepSouth Report on Pay and Working Conditions for Domestic Workers and the department’s recent domestic worker seminar in Atteridgeville, (a) how will the issues regarding exploitation, abuse and underpayment raised in the seminar be addressed in relation to the issues raised in the SweepSouth Report, (b) where can domestic workers alternatively report issues related to exploitation, abuse, and underpayment besides at his offices and/or the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, (c) what is the turnaround time for the reported issues to be addressed, (d) what measures are in place to provide mental health services to domestic workers, and (e) how could the cost of the mental health services be supplemented to prevent it from causing additional financial strain on domestic workers?
Reply:
a) The Department conducts pro-active and re-active inspections daily which includes inspections in the domestic workers’ sector. This also enables us to respond to complaints that are reported to the Department in various ways. Labour Inspectors when conducting inspections are able to check if the employer complies with the employment laws which includes compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act, to ensure that workers are not exploited.
The Department further ensures that exploitation is dealt with through enforcing compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, in particular the Sectorial Determination 7, that deals with conditions of employment in the Domestic Sector.
b) The Department of Employment and Labour and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), have jurisdiction to deal with issues of national minimum wage. Workers can therefore report any matter to a local Labour Centre of the Department. Where possible however, the workers can also report to their local trade union offices who will assist in reporting the cases to the Department and the CCMA.
c) The Inspection and Enforcement Services Branch, from when a complaint is received at Client Services, has 90 days to finalise the matter. To this end, the labour inspect will investigate the complaint and may conduct an inspection. An enforcement notice would be issued.
d) The Department does not provide mental health services. Government hospitals make provision for free mental health services.
e) The matter is not applicable to the Department as per our response in (d)
23 September 2022 - NW3216
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1)What steps is his department taking to lower the unemployment rate amongst women, especially young women, in view of the finding by Statistics South Africa that a woman is more likely to be without a job than a man and that the unemployment rate amongst women was 37,3%, compared to a total unemployment rate of 32,9% in the third quarter of 2021; (2) whether his department is taking any action towards integrating more women into the workspace; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department actively assists woman to help them to secure employment.
The table below reflects the number of work seekers registered by gender for the period April 2022- August 2022
|
Female |
Male |
Eastern Cape |
16 462 |
10 603 |
Free State |
8 544 |
7 399 |
Gauteng |
30 088 |
28 423 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
17 448 |
15 853 |
Limpopo |
9 173 |
5 423 |
Mpumalanga |
9 877 |
10 581 |
Northern Cape |
5 234 |
4 283 |
North West |
6 637 |
5 976 |
Western Cape |
13 435 |
9 992 |
Online |
9 478 |
5 308 |
Total |
126 376 |
103 841 |
The table below reflects the number of work seekers provided with employment counselling by gender for the period April 2022- August 2022.
|
Female |
Male |
Eastern Cape |
6 272 |
3 364 |
Free State |
3 443 |
2 122 |
Gauteng |
10 634 |
7 763 |
Kwa Zulu Natal |
7 470 |
4 601 |
Limpopo |
7 345 |
3 665 |
Mpumalanga |
5 812 |
4 404 |
Northern Cape |
2 154 |
1 842 |
North West |
3 741 |
2 268 |
Western Cape |
4 538 |
2 203 |
Total |
51 409 |
32 232 |
The table below reflects the number of work seekers that have been placed into employment opportunities by gender for the period April 2022- August 2022.
|
Female |
Male |
Eastern Cape |
1 614 |
1 535 |
Free State |
769 |
660 |
Gauteng |
2 315 |
1 921 |
Kwa Zulu Natal |
1 628 |
1 225 |
Limpopo |
3 806 |
1 983 |
Mpumalanga |
1 293 |
756 |
Northern Cape |
605 |
591 |
North West |
551 |
607 |
Western Cape |
1 050 |
751 |
Online |
2 |
1 |
Total |
13 633 |
10 030 |
The Department of Employment and Labour has gone a long way in terms of gender responsive recruitment. We have taken a conscious decision and effort to meet our employment equity target in improving recruitment of women. We have moved from 45% of SMS positions occupied by women during 2019/20 to 49,7% as at the end of March 2022.
2. In relation to any action being taken by the department toward integrating more women into the workspace, the department has recently developed and published a critical EE policy instrument, the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace (Harassment Code) on 18 March 2022. The primary objective of this Code is to provide both employers and employees with fundamental guidelines on how to prevent, eliminate and manage all types of harassment incidents in their workplaces. All types of harassment are forms of unfair discrimination that constitute barriers to women and prevents them from accessing equal employment opportunities, their right to equality and fair labour practices in the workplace.
In addition, through the EE amendments in the EE Amendment Bill that is pending the President’s assent into law, the Minister of Employment and Labour will be empowered to regulate sector specific EE targets intended to accelerate the rate of employment of women into strategic decision-making positions in various organisations. These policy interventions are aimed at enhancing the economic empowerment of women, their economic inclusion and active participation in the economic recovery strategies and programmes.
22 September 2022 - NW3006
Spies, Ms ERJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Whether she and/or her Office 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 she furnish Ms E R J Spies with copies of all such documents and (b) what are the reasons that the Government documents were provided to each structure?
Reply:
My office did not submit a policy review document and or other government policy document to structures outside of Government either private or political affiliations during the past five years.
_________________________
Approved by Minister
Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, MP
Date………………………..
22 September 2022 - NW2803
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Regarding the project for 10 000 youths to scan the archived documents of his department, what will be the respective roles of his department and the Department of Employment and Labour in the appointment process; (2) what process will be put in place to ensure that the application and appointment process is transparent and subject to parliamentary scrutiny? NW3396E
Reply:
1. Roles of the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour are outlined hereunder:
Department of Home Affairs:
- Project Plan including, project costs, deliverables and milestones. This was submitted by DHA to National Treasury on 26 August 2022.
- Drafting and compiling the advertisements;
- Exercising oversight role through weekly meetings with officials working on the project from the Department of Employment and Labour.
- Monitoring and assessing the process on the response handling process which includes assessing response per role through the online portal of the Department of Employment and Labour, email as well as its walk-in centres. This further includes monitoring of the process in terms of the principles of fairness and transparency which is obtained through ensuring access to unemployed youth graduates in rural and township areas;
- Accountable for the final selection process which includes shortlisting and interviews;
- Appointment, overseeing the signing of the contract as well as the administration of payment of the unemployed youth graduates; and
- Overseeing administrative processes for the unemployed youth graduates e.g leave, training etc.
Department of Employment and Labour
- Providing Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) – portal for online applications.
- Running the advertisement on its website; and
- Monitoring the number of applications per role and providing weekly reports to the DHA in terms of numbers of applications received on its online platform as well as the walk-in centres.
2. The acquisition process will be guided by the following principles:
- Fairness and transparency;
- Inclusivity of Females (60%) and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs);
- Open to unemployed youth across the country; and
- Ensure accessibility as the applications will be received through walk-in centres, Labour Centres and on digital platforms.
END
22 September 2022 - NW2611
Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)With reference to allegations that his department spent R300 million to pay certain companies (names furnished) to upgrade the Home Affairs National Identification system to an automated biometric identification system, but that it was never completed (details furnished), what steps has his department taken to recover the amounts it has paid with nothing to show, (2) whether his department intends to claim damages due to nonfulfillment of the contract; if not, why not; if so, what are the time frames in this regard; (3) what disciplinary action has his department taken internally against its (a) employees and (b) managers who (i) oversaw the contract for over a 5-year period without reporting non-performance and (ii) authorised payment to the specified company and/or its subcontractors despite no work being completed? NW3127E
Reply:
1. There has been a deliberate misinformation campaign on this ABIS issue and we were shocked to read a headline on a Sunday paper that claimed that Home Affairs has blown R300 million. Another one followed a few days later and claimed that the amount that has been blown is R450 million rand. It looks like there was a competition to misinform. On 2 August 2022 I did address this matter in my media response to these claims and outlined that an amount of R113 million was spent on hardware which is still in our possession and the warranty of the hardware is still valid. R110 million was spent on software that the project is still using and EOH delivered project services worth R56 million. The Department has outlined the steps it was taking to recoup its money in the form of penalties from EOH for not completing the project on time, as stipulated in the original contract. That legal process is on-going.
2. In relation to the current service provider for the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), the department has already invoked penalty clauses for missing delivery deadlines.
3. The ABIS contract is milestone based meaning that once certain milestones are completed the department is duty bound to pay for the cost of the milestone. It must be noted that the recommendations of the forensic audit which was presented to the Portfolio Committee are being implemented. Names of those involved in any wrongdoing have been submitted to the Hawks, and other law enforcement agencies. Home Affairs has already opened a criminal case against certain individuals at the Pretoria Central Police Station on 5 March 2021. The case number is CAS 145/3/2021.
END
22 September 2022 - NW2733
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether, with reference to the University of Pretoria that has recently increased its registration fees by around 50%, his department intends to set a benchmark which would prevent institutions of higher learning from implementing exorbitant fee increases, which many South Africans cannot afford; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? MEMORANDUM FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION 2733 DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2/09/2022 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29 OF 2022 Mrs N I Tarabella Marchesi (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation: [ê457] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is in excess of quota (Rule 137(8))]: Whether, with reference to the University of Pretoria that has recently increased its registration fees by around 50%, his department intends to set a benchmark which would prevent institutions of higher learning from implementing exorbitant fee increases, which many South Africans cannot afford; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3302E REPLY: In March 2016, the Minister requested the CHE to advise him on a “framework for managing future university fee structures through which increases should be developed and agreed upon”. The CHE undertook the work in two phases: the first phase to make recommendations for increases for the 2017 academic year, and the second phase to recommend a framework for the longer term. The Department with the support of Universities South Africa (USAf) established a Working Group in 2019 and has developed a first draft of a proposal towards a national framework for regulating fees. The proposed proposal towards a framework outlines the background and need for a fee regulation framework as well as the advice received from the CHE to the Minister in 2017. However, the framework requires further engagements with the Minister. Work is currently continuing on the draft policy framework in 2022, aiming for a final framework and three-year agreement to be approved by the Minister by December 2022.
Reply:
In March 2016, the Minister requested the CHE to advise him on a “framework for managing future university fee structures through which increases should be developed and agreed upon”. The CHE undertook the work in two phases: the first phase to make recommendations for increases for the 2017 academic year, and the second phase to recommend a framework for the longer term.
The Department with the support of Universities South Africa (USAf) established a Working Group in 2019 and has developed a first draft of a proposal towards a national framework for regulating fees. The proposed proposal towards a framework outlines the background and need for a fee regulation framework as well as the advice received from the CHE to the Minister in 2017. However, the framework requires further engagements with the Minister. Work is currently continuing on the draft policy framework in 2022, aiming for a final framework and three-year agreement to be approved by the Minister by December 2022.
22 September 2022 - NW2732
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation:
Whether, with reference to a surge in the number of calls received by the SA Depression and Anxiety Group from students who are experiencing mental health challenges in relation to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in view of the shocking number of student suicides that are witnessed in the Republic, his department has taken any steps to capacitate institutions of higher learning to deal with the crises; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
The Department acknowledges the surge in the number of students who are experiencing mental health challenges, especially in relation to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the number of student suicides that are reported. The Department regards addressing mental health is part of a holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of staff and students. Therefore, the Department is funding HIGHER HEALTH to the tune of R20,604 million (2022/3); R27,530 million (2023/4); R28,440 million (2024/5) and R29,714 million (2025/6) to implement a comprehensive and integrated programme promoting health and well-being of students and staff additional to the allocated budget in the baseline for each institution.
HIGHER HEALTH is the implementation arm of the Department to implement a comprehensive and integrated programme promoting health and wellbeing of students across South Africa’s public universities and TVET colleges and provide on-campus support to PSET institutions in 7 priority areas:
Mental Health, as seen in the diagram is central to the approach. HIGHER HEALTH is skilled in facilitating both first and second curriculum activities in the form of peer-to-peer education and in-classroom interventions through the integration of general health and wellness, addressing the wide range of social and health challenges experienced by staff and students. It is done at all campuses of universities and TVET colleges.
HIGHER HEALTH provides psycho-social support services through several means, including: (1) pro-active screening; (2) prevention and awareness programmes (3) organised programmes such as first-thing-first and second curriculum activities (4) the HIGHER HEALTH toll-free helpline, and (2) through interventions provided by on-campus and off-campus counselling and clinical psychologists. HIGHER HEALTH's activities also include focussed campus activities, campus radio programmes and peer support mechanisms. HIGHER HEALTH has set up campus and community radio stations to engage young students routinely on matters related to specific Sexual and Gender Based Violence and mental health as a matter of priority. There is also HIGHER HEALTH's 24-hour toll-free helpline available in all 11 official languages. The line offers health, wellness and psychosocial risk assessment toolkits for early screening, empowerment and referral related to gender-based violence, mental health, HIV, TB and other matters.
This year, over 14 000 students accessed the various HIGHER HEALTH models of psychosocial support. Academic stress and anxiety (30%), general stress and substance abuse (22%) depression and suicide (18%) and sexual, physical and emotional abuse (19%) present the main reasons for accessing support care. The Honourable Member also asked what are the relevant details in each case. Information on individual reported cases are captured by institutions and HIGHER HEALTH, and reported in aggregated form to the Department's University Branch. Information on each case is confidential and cannot be shared.
INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES
All universities and TVET Colleges have measures in place to raise awareness, offer guidance and advice and support students and staff through Campus Services and Student Support Services. These include, but are not limited to: workshops or presentations during orientation weeks and during various parts of the year for students; roadshows; training; production and dissemination of brochures and other literature for the university community; and information on institutional websites.
The Department plays an oversight role, monitoring institutions to ensure that institutions take full responsibility for addressing health and well-being of students and staff on their campuses.
22 September 2022 - NW2767
Winkler-Lidgett, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether his department is considering visas on arrival particularly from the priority tourism markets of the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) timelines, (b) time frames, (c) milestones and (d) deadlines in this regard; (2) whether his department is considering digital nomad visas, particularly from the priority tourism markets of the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) timelines, (b) time frames, (c) milestones and (d) deadlines in this regard; (3) what are the (a) criteria and (b) conditions of extension of tourism visas?
Reply:
1. There is no provision for visas on arrivals in the current Immigration Act. The Department can therefore not issue visas on arrival.
2. In his State of the Nation Address on 14 February 2022 the President announced that he had appointed former Department of Home Affairs Director-General, Mr Mavuso Msimanag to Review the Visa Regime.
I therefore request the Honourable Winkler to await outcomes of the report.
(3)(a) An application for a visitor's visa not exceeding a period of three months shall be accompanied by-
- a statement or documentation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit;
- a valid return air flight ticket or proof of reservation thereof; and
- proof of sufficient financial resources.
(3)(b) An application for a visitor's visa exceeding a period of three months shall, in addition to complying with the requirements mentioned above, be accompanied by a police clearance certificate. The proof of sufficient available financial resources shall be in the form of a recently bank certified statement, for the last three months.
END
22 September 2022 - NW2534
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with regard to early indications that up to 40% of all work, study and retirement permits might have been fraudulently obtained and/or issued by his department, his department will consider freezing all permits in order to review them; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The report from the Ministerial Review Committee was received by the Department, which outlined areas for further investigation. The report’s main recommendation is that a Multi-Disciplinary Task Team be appointed to conduct an in-depth investigation into the identified areas. The appointment of the Multi-Disciplinary Task Team is at an advance stage. The Task Team is to consist of experienced senior counsels, forensic investigators, Data analyst and other related skills. The team will conduct a deep-dive investigations.
The Multi-Disciplinary Task Team will provide advice on all permits issued fraudulently.
END
22 September 2022 - NW3001
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she and / or her 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 she furnish Mr M S Malatsi with copies of all such documents and (b) what are the reasons that the Government documents were provided?
Reply:
To the best of our knowledge, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not submitted any policy review document and/or any other government policy document to structures outside of the Government, nor to private and/or external structures or structures of any political affiliation during the past five years. a) There are no documents to be furnished as the Department has no information in respect to any of these matters.
22 September 2022 - NW2723
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation:
With reference to his department’s Draft Policy for the Recognition of South African Higher Education Institutional Types published on 8 August 2022, how will technical and vocational education and training colleges be classified since the draft policy only refers to universities, university colleges and higher education colleges?
Reply:
The Policy for the Recognition of South African Higher Education Institutional Types will have no bearing on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. The policy is directed at higher education institutions only. The TVET colleges will remain as they are and
operate in the same manner they are operating currently. However, my Department is working on improving articulation between TVET colleges and universities and the introduction of Higher Education Colleges and University Colleges by institutional types policy should add impetus
towards that improvement.
22 September 2022 - NW3201
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Whether, in light of reported acts of obstetric violence, which can be regarded as a form of medical xenophobia, that is committed against female refugees and foreign nationals at public hospitals in Gauteng, her Office has provided any support to female refugees in respect of healthcare in any way; if not, why not; if so, (a) what plans are in place to work with the Department of Health to ensure that pregnant asylum seekers get the healthcare services they need, (b) how is her Office ensuring that public hospitals implement and adhere to the specified plans and (c) what are the penalties enforced on hospitals that are guilty of committing obstetric violence?
Reply:
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has developed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework and Plan that identifies clear Gender Based Violence and Femicide outcomes, indicators and time bound interventions that have to be implemented by various government departments and other stakeholders, including the Department of Health (DoH).
_________________________
Approved by Minister
Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, MP
Date………………………..
22 September 2022 - NW3029
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Considering that one of the resolutions at the National Gender-based Violence and Femicide Summit in 2018 was to establish a national, multisectoral co-ordinating body that will oversee the co-ordination and response to gender-based violence and survivor support within six months of signing the summit declaration, after more than three years, (a) how (i) far is her Office in the process to gain approval from Cabinet for the National Council on Gender-based Violence and Femicide Bill and (ii) did her Office execute the roles and functions of the council as set out in the specified Bill whilst awaiting approval and (b) what alternatives have been put in place in the event that the Bill is not approved?
Reply:
a) (i) The Department presented the Bill to Cabinet on 21 September 2022, and the Bill was approved and referred to Parliament.
(ii) Yes, the department did execute some of the roles within the mandate of the department.
Other oversight roles require the Council itself as it is the ultimate custodian of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and will have powers in line with the Bill.
To facilitate a coordinated multi-sectoral approach a END GBVF Collective was established. The END GBVF Collective has a platform that serves as the one stop centre for information pertaining to GBVF. The platform has room to grow and currently through the department and the DPME we are also establishing a knowledge hub that will house relevant information and best practices in line with priorities such as the GBVF social ill.
The department coordinated the development of the National Strategic Plan and the monitoring and evaluation framework for 2020-2024 and has provided oversight on the implementation of the National Strategic Plan since adoption by Cabinet in March 2020.
The department led the development of a comprehensive GBVF prevention strategy. The strategy is in place now and is being institutionalised to ensure implementation by multi-stakeholders.
b) In the event that the Council is not approved, the department will continue to strengthen the END GBVF Collective and revitalise the National Gender Machinery including the Gender, Youth and Persons with Disabilities joint forums.
The END GBVF Collective requires formalisation as it is currently a voluntary structure.
The END GBVF Collective, National Gender Machinery including the Gender, Youth and Persons with Disabilities joint forums will be used for ensuring a cohesive national response to the GBVF pandemic.
The Department will liaise with DPSA and National Treasury timeously to extend the contract period of the current serving secretariat until the Bill is finalised and accented into law and a Council is in place. This will ensure that the current state of coordination does not regress.
_________________________
Approved by Minister
Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, MP
Date………………………..
22 September 2022 - NW2635
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) Whether any security risk assessment has been performed on Home Affairs Information Technology systems, including operating systems, anti-virus and database security at all Home Affairs offices; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether the software licenses of the systems are up to date; if not, what is the (a) process and (b) timelines to get the licenses up to date; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department does vulnerability assessment and penetration tests from time to time. These are done by internal resources and also by external resources through the Internal Audit unit. The reports from these exercises are then shared with internal stakeholders like Application Management, Data Centre, and Networks. These reports come with findings of what needs to be fixed and by whom. The third party to do these vulnerability and penetration tests yearly is the Auditor General
2. The Department uses a variety of licences for different systems. These licences expire at different times based on when they were bought. The Department has not renewed licences for antivirus as there were delays in the procurement process of these licences. The specification has now been completed and approved by the Bid Adjudication Committee and is ready to be advertised.
END
22 September 2022 - NW2636
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with reference to the requirement that a South African father of a child born to a foreign mother has to produce a DNA test result to confirm parentage before the child can receive South African citizenship, a fee waiver process is in place for the fathers who are indigents and cannot afford the cost of the DNA test; if not, will he put such a fee waiver process in place; if so, what is the process to apply for a fee waiver?
Reply:
No, there is no waiver of fees process in place by the Department for the parents who cannot afford DNA tests, as the fees and tariffs hereto are administered by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). The National Health Laboratory Service is a South African national government institution established in terms of the National Health Laboratory Service Act 37 of 2000 to provide quality, affordable and sustainable health laboratory and related public health services to all public healthcare providers, other government institutions.
The Department however has a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health regarding registration of births at health facilities. The DHA and DOH are exploring the provision of providing paternity tests free of charge or at a minimal fee to indigent clients. This will be done within the current MOA between the two departments once modalities are finalised.
END
22 September 2022 - NW2804
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)With reference to his department’s briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on 12 July 2022 on the review of permits issued since 2014, which highlighted widespread fraud, fake users being created on the system, key logging and identity theft and that staff of his department was operating a visa fraud syndicate, with most of the alleged perpetrators still working in permitting to this day, what (a) is the timeframe to complete the in-depth investigation and (b) processes have been put in place to halt the fraudulent activity given that the outdated systems and corrupt staff remain in place; (2) whether the investigations will include staff who have left the department since the commencement of the investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether he will take steps to institute criminal charges against both current staff and former staff where prima facie evidence of criminal wrongdoing is found; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) The report from the Ministerial Review Committee was received by the Department, which outlined areas for further investigation. The report’s main recommendation is that a Multi-Disciplinary Task Team be appointed to conduct an in-depth investigation into the identified areas. The appointment of the Multi-Disciplinary Task Team is at an advanced stage. The Task Team is to consist of experienced senior counsels, forensic investigators, Data analyst and other related skills. The time frame to complete the investigation will be determined once the multi-disciplinary team is appointed following a procurement process.
(b) The following has been implemented:
Access control: All users have been requested to re-apply for user access to the Visa Adjudication System (VAS) to process permits and Visas online. This will limit abuse and access. Authorisation only granted to those approved to use the system to avoid ghost users
Fake users will be probed by the multidisciplinary team through data analytics/system analysis.
Legacy: DHA is in the process of implementing a new biometric information system called ABIS (Automated Biometric Information Sysem). The system will host information from the following: HANIS, NIIS, VAS and MCS.
Recommendations from the Nexia SAB&T investigation report on key loggers will be pursued by the Multi- Disciplinary Task Team.
(2) This will be determined once the Multi–Disciplinary Task Team has completed their investigation.
(3) This will be determined once the Multi- Disciplinary Task Team has completed their investigation.
END
22 September 2022 - NW2696
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Noting that he has put together a team of advocates to probe citizenship certificates issued since 2004, and that there is a preliminary report on the matter, what total number of Home Affairs officials have been implicated in the report; (2) which areas are hotspots for the issuing of illegal citizenship certificates; (3) what measures are being put in place to proactively curb the criminal behaviour; (4) whether such citizenship statuses will be revoked; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (5) what mechanisms will be used to track all illegal recipients? NW2880E
Reply:
1. The report from the Ministerial Review Committee was received by the Department, which outlined areas for further investigation. The report’s main recommendation is that a Multi-Disciplinary Task Team be appointed to conduct an in-depth investigation into the identified areas. The appointment of the Multi-Disciplinary Task Team is at an advanced stage. The Task Team is to consist of experienced senior counsels, forensic investigators, Data analysts, and other related skills. This is because the team will do deep-dive investigations and may end up preparing dockets, develop plans to trace people, prepare documents for possible DCs, go to court to recover Government documents obtained fraudulently, and where appropriate trace people who need to be deported. This team will provide the details of the implicated officials after the in-depth investigation has been concluded.
2. The report from the Multi-Disciplinary Task Team will determine the hotspots which will be investigated.
3. Once the Multi-Disciplinary Task Team has completed their in-depth investigation, a report on what measures must be put in place to curb the criminal behaviour will be provided and then implemented.
(4)&(5) The report will inform the Department on the process to follow to revoke illegally obtained citizenship and the information needed to trace the illegal recipients.
END