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29 February 2024 - NW152

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Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether the case between a certain person (name and details furnished) and the Road Accident Fund as the defendant was closed; if not, what are the reasons that the case is still open; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what amount was paid to (a) the specified person directly, (b) to her attorneys or (c) into a trust fund?

Reply:

This is a represented claim and Road Accident Fund is not allowed to give details of the claim to Parliament as is deemed personal as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”).

The Road Accident Fund will contact the claimant / attorney to address any queries relating to the claim.

29 February 2024 - NW146

Profile picture: Moore, Mr S J

Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether, with reference to question 3359 on 8 November 2023, he will furnish Mr  S  J  Moore with a list of the names of (a) local and (b) provincial governments where his department has laid criminal charges regarding noncompliance with the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 (i) in the 2022-23 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2023; including the status of each case in terms of the (aa) verdicts, (bb) pleas and (cc) fines in each case?

Reply:

Table one (1) and two (2) below provides criminal cases opened by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) during the 2022/23 financial year and from 1 April 2023 to date, respectively. The tables include the names of local and provincial governments charged for non-compliance with the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 and the status of the criminal cases verdicts, pleas, and fines.

Table 1: Criminal cases opened from 1 April 2022 31 March 2023

No

Assignment Level

Sector (a)(b)

DWS ECMS Case ID

SAPS CAS Number

Accused name(s) (Transgressor/Case Title)

(aa)(bb)(cc) 

1

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

31011

207/02/2023

Discharge on substandard effluent into Huis River by Zoar WWTW, Kannaland Local Municipality, Zoar RE/78: Breede/Gouritz

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality. 

2

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

30575

185/11/2022

Mogalakwena Wastewater Management Facilities, Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Mokopane town and Mahwelereng location: Limpopo

The criminal investigation is underway. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality. 

3

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

29187

327/04/2022

Steelpoort Wastewater Treatment Works, Greater Tubatse/Fetakgomo Local Municipality, Steelpoort: Olifants

 The criminal case is under investigation.

4

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

29179

CAS 333/10/2022

Pine Ridge pump station, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

A criminal case was opened, and investigations were completed. The case docket was handed to DPP for decision. DPP currently working on finalising the charge sheet.

 

5

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

29178

CAS 72/08/2022

Sehlakwane Peatland, Sekhukhune District Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

The criminal case is under investigation. 

6

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24851

25/10/2022

Emakhazeni Local Municipality Belfast Pump Station, Emakhazeni Local Municipality, Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works: Olifants

The criminal case is under investigation. 

7

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

24778

203/10/2022

Metz Dam, LP Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sekororo: Olifants

Investigation concluded and the case docket referred to NPA for decision. 

8

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24702

CAS 24/10/2022 and CAS 665/08/2020

Emalahleni Local Municipality-Thubelihle Waste treatment Works, Emalahleni Local municipality: Olifants

A criminal case was opened, and investigations were completed. The case docket was handed to DPP for decision. DPP currently working on finalising the charge sheet.

Furthermore, The Department has also initiated administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

The Department is also considering obtaining a court interdict against Emalahleni Local Municipality for non-compliances at Rietspruit WWTW, Riverview WWTW, Thubelihle WWTW Kriel WWTW. The Department has already consulted with a Counsel regarding the court interdict.

 

9

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

19178

123/02/2023

Khutsong, Kokosi, Wedela & Welverdiend Waste Water Treatment Works, Merafong Local Municipality: Vaal

 No improvement at the works as spillages persist. Criminal case was opened in February 2023. Criminal investigations are underway. Environmental Management Inspector collected the Case Docket from SAPS on 09 May 2023 for further investigations

10

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

16662

344/10/2022

City of Tshwane Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works: Limpopo

 The case is still under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

11

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

16489

264/10/2022

Dennilton WWTW - Collector System (Sewage overflow), Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Moutse Mall Uitspanning 38 JS: Olifants

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality. 

Table 2: Criminal cases opened from 1 April 2023 to date.

No

Assignment Level

Sector (a)(b)

DWS ECMS Case ID

SAPS CAS Number

Accused name(s) (Transgressor/Case Title)

(aa)(bb)(cc)

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

31178

CAS 53/08/2023 & 54/08/2023

Sewage spillages in Matlakeng near Zastron, Mohokare Local Municipality, Township of Matlakeng near Zastron: Orange

The criminal investigation is underway.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

30558

CAS 139/11/2023

Sewage overflow at Cnr. Dirk Winterbach &, Marone Street, Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality, Burgersfort: Olifants

Previous case CAS 327/04/2022 Burgersfort was reinstated and is awaiting prosecutor decision. New matter will be investigated.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

30416

CAS 419/11/2023

Maluti-A-Phofung Loca Municipality-Phuthaditjhaba: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

29226

CAS 263/11/2023

Siyabuswa Wastewater Treatment Works, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, Siyabuswa Wastewater Treatment Works: Olifants

A criminal case was opened, and investigations were completed. The case docket has been handed to DPP for decision.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24974

388/11/2023

Tshiame WWTWs, Maluti-A-Phofong, Tshiame WWTWs: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24874

CAS 136/11/2023

Motetema WWTW, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Motetema WWTW: Olifants

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24873

CAS 121/11/2023

Groblersdal WWTW, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Groblersdal WWTW: Olifants

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24811

CAS 190/11/2023

Moganyaka Waste Water Treatment Works, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Moganyaka waste water treatment works: Olifants

The criminal investigation is underway. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24801

CAS 50/11/2023

Kestell WWTW under Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, Kestell WWTW: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24738

CAS 389/11/2023

Harrismith Wastewater Treatment Works, Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, Unknown: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

24389

 

Cornelia Wastewater Treatment Works, Mafube Local Municipality, Cornelia Wastewater Treatment Works: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

22928

CAS 88/11/2023

Elliot collector system, Chris Hani District Municipality, Elliot: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

Investigation underway. Administrative action has also been taken against the Municipality.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

21230

CAS 127/01/2024

Namahadi WWTW, Mafube Local Municipality, Namahadi WWTW: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

North-West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

21127

CAS 76/08/2023

Percy Steward WWTW, Krugersdorp Municipality (Mogale City), Portion 21 of the farm Sterkfontein 173 IQ: Limpopo

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

20336

CAS 59/05/2023

Rebone Ponds, Mogalakwena Municipality, Steiloop: Limpopo

The criminal investigation is underway. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

19447

CAS 151/11/2023

Ephraem Mogale LM Marble Hall WWTW: Olifants

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

19220

CAS 229/11/2023

Modimolle Mookgophong LM: Modimolle Town Sewage Overflow from Manholes, Modimolle Mookgophong Local Municipality, Unknown: Limpopo

The criminal investigation is underway. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

19052

CAS 12/12/2023

Alice Pump Stations, Amathole District Municipality, Raymond Mhlaba LM: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

Investigation underway. Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

19031

CAS 127/09/2023

Johannesburg Water - Zandspruit Sewage Pumpstation, Mr N. Mukwevho: Limpopo

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

17630

CAS 93/01/2024

Villiers Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), Mafube Local Municipality: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

17213

CAS 404/10/2023

Malamulele Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe DM: Olifants

A criminal case was opened, and investigations were completed. The case docket has been handed to DPP for decision.

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

17107

TBC

Tweeling Waste Water Treatment Works: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

16801

CAS 100/11/2023

Bloemhof WWTW, Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Bloemhof: Vaal

The case is still under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

16502

CAS 112/08/2023

Thabazimbi Waste Water Treatment Works, Thabazimbi Local Municipality, Portion 5 of the farm Donkerpoort 344 KQ: Limpopo

The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

14599

CAS 45/09/2023

Koffiefontein WWTW, Letsemeng LM, Koffiefontein: Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

14561

CAS 116/09/2023

Lindley WWTW, Nketoana Local Municipality, -: Orange

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

CAS 55/10/2023

Ekurhuleni Municipality: Olfiantsfontein WWTW

Crocodile West/ Marico

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office  

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

CAS 139/11/2023

Sekhukhume District: Moganyaka

Olifants

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office  

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

CAS 139/11/2023

Sekhukhume District Municipality: Burgersfort

Olifants

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office  

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

CAS 108/08/2023

Hlelo Lunathi: Hendrina

Olifants

Case reopened due to recommendation of Public Prosecutor

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office  

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

CAS 10/10/2023

Mopani District Municipality: Hoedspruit Network & WWTW

Olifants

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP

 

CAS 404/10/2023

Mopani District Municipality: Giyani WWTW

Levuvu/ Letaba

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Limpopo

Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

CAS 230/07/2023

Lephalale Local Municipality: Paarl WWTW

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

CAS

62/7/2023

423/7/2023

City of Johannesburg Metro: Bushkoppies and Goudkoppies WWTW

Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The criminal case is under investigation. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

 

TBC

Fezile Dabi DM / Ngwathe LM: Koppies WWTW

Vaal

Criminal case was opened against the Municipality. The Department has also taken administrative enforcement action against the Municipality.

---00O00---

29 February 2024 - NW72

Profile picture: Mbabama, Ms TM

Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to her reply to question 789 for oral reply on 29 November 2023 and her department’s strategy for expanding poultry farming in the Republic, (a) what percentage of the grant component in the Blended Finance Scheme is aimed at assisting small and mediumsized poultry producers to enter the sector, thus breaking the barriers caused by high input costs such as feed that accounts for almost 70% of production costs?

Reply:

The Blended Finance Scheme grant allocation is 100% aimed at supporting black producers and entrepreneurs along the agricultural value chain of prioritised commodities. Poultry is one of the commodities prioritised in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and as such support to qualifying and bankable small and medium sized poultry producers will always receive priority. The grant allocation is not ring-fenced in percentage per commodity; the total allocation is intended to be used to support all prioritised commodities in the AAMP.

29 February 2024 - NW55

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Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the latest status update on the (a) labour tenancy claim and (b) relocation agreement between Mafube Coal Mine and the Mabhena family in Mpumalanga; (2) what progress has been made since the matter was referred to the Land Claims Court in terms of section 18(7) of the Land Reform (Labour Tenants) Act, Act No 3 of 1996, by officials from her department; (3) whether there has been any recent communication between her department and the affected families; if not, on what date can her department be expected to provide a briefing to the affected family and assist them in addressing the challenges they are currently facing; (4) what interim arrangements of support is her department providing to the family regarding their grievance of vandalised graves?

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) served the Mafube Coal Mine with section 17 notices under the Land Reform Labour Tenants Act, Act No 3 of 1996 (LTA). The landowners requested DALRRD to certify the relocation settlement. However, in terms of section 8 of LTA, only the Court can certify relocation of a labour tenant and determine if it is equitable redress. DALRRD working with the office of the Special Master of Labour Tenants (SMLT) is in the process of referring the labour tenancy claim to court.

(b) DALRRD has been presented with the relocation agreements signed by the Mabhena family and others by Mafube Coal Mine. The agreements were inconsistent with section 8 of LTA; hence the matter is being referred to court for a declaratory order if both parties agree.

2. The Mabhena family and others have signed the LA1 form to request legal representation from Legal Aid – South Africa (LASA). The application is being processed by the State Attorney and LASA.

3. Yes, DALRRD is in constant communication with the affected families and the latest meeting was in December 2023 including planned meetings to take place between the affected families, Department, SMLT and LASA in March 2024.

(4) None, since the matter of vandalized graves was never reported to DALRRD. However, DALRRD will investigate the allegations.

29 February 2024 - NW4

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3435 on 22 November 2023, she will furnish Ms T Breedt with an exact date and/or updated time frame for the tabling of the new Animal Welfare Bill in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, who is responsible for the drafting of the new Bill; (2) whether, since her reply to the specified question on the specified date, a tender has been issued for the drafting of the new Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will furnish Ms T Breedt with a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed with the University of Pretoria for the drafting of the new Animal Welfare Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) by what date will the Animal Welfare colloquium take place, as referred to in the minutes of the Animal Welfare Working Group, dated 10 July 2023, and previously agreed to by her department and (b) under whose auspices will the colloquium be convened; (5) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

(1) No. It is not possible to determine the exact time frames due to the various processes that have to be undertaken prior to the introduction of a Bill to Parliament. As indicated in the reply to question 3435 on 22 November 2023, the first draft is expected to be completed by March 2024 and the Bill will follow the normal legislation-making process including processing through the relevant Directors-General Cluster System; conducting a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment; constitutional certification by the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor and obtaining Cabinet’s approval to gazette for public comments. Once the comments have been addressed, Cabinet’s approval will be sought for tabling the Bill to Parliament.

(2) No. DALRRD will not proceed with tenders for the drafting of the Animal Welfare Bill, the Bill is being drafted within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The Department has previously responded that it added additional internal capacity in the form of three state veterinarians who are handling the animal welfare portfolio and therefore there is no need for the advertisement of a tender for the drafting of the Bill.

(3) No, because no Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the University of Pretoria for the drafting of the new Animal Welfare Bill.

(4)(a) No date has been confirmed for the Animal Welfare colloquium; this will form part of the consultation process as indicated in response to part (1) above.

(b) DALRRD.

(5) No.

29 February 2024 - NW52

Profile picture: Nolutshungu, Ms N

Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

What is the (a) total number of cases (i) received and resolved since the establishment of the Road Accident Fund Call Centre, and (b) breakdown of cases that have been waiting for more than five years to be resolved?

Reply:

The Customer Relations Management (CRM) solution is not a claims processing solution, but a customer contact solution that provides communication platform with claimants and other stakeholders, where claimants can interact with the RAF to enquire and follow up all claims related matters. The CRM solution intends to centralise and optimize all queries handling and become a central point for all key communication information.

(a)(i) Since inception of, a total of 201,663 cases were recorded within the Contact Centre. Of these, 193,640 cases were successfully resolved, resulting an overall resolution rate of 96.02%.

(b) None, CRM has been in operation for the past seven months to record, monitor and resolve claim related queries and complaints.

 

29 February 2024 - NW143

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)How has the National Health Laboratory Service expanded the toxicology capacity in the forensic chemistry laboratories in (a) Cape Town, (b) Johannesburg and (c) Pretoria; (2) (a) what progress has been made in expanding the services of the Durban Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (FCL) to include toxicology testing and (b) by what date is it envisaged that the Durban FCL will be able to start toxicology analysis?

Reply:

According to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS):

1. The NHLS is currently in the process of procuring additional analytical equipment and all vacant positions are being filled to ensure an effective staff complement.

a) Cape Town: the NHLS is in the process of procuring additional instruments to increase testing capacity;

​b) Johannesburg: a new building has been identified that will accommodate further expansion of the Johannesburg FCL and the procurement of new analytic instruments is underway for the Johannesburg FCL; and

c) Pretoria: new positions have been created in the new Pretoria laboratory, toxicology section, and the posts are currently being filled. All new toxicology samples will be referred to the new facility while the existing one focuses only on processing backlogged toxicology samples only.

2. (a) The NHLS is still in the process of identifying a suitable facility for the Durban Forensic Chemistry Laboratory that would accommodate a new toxicology section;

(b) the Durban FCL will start with toxicology testing as soon as the laboratory has relocated to a new suitable premise.

END.

29 February 2024 - NW15

Profile picture: Buthelezi, Ms SA

Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Considering that the Blue Drop report showed that water supply systems across the Republic need an additional 400 qualified persons, consisting of 203 technical staff and 197 scientists, what plans has his department put in place to create internships emanating from the critical vacancies?

Reply:

The shortfall referenced in the Drop Reports are shortages in technical skills at municipal level and it may be that the posts are filled but the staff involved are not appropriately qualified or registered. It is important to note that as much as half of the current shortage of process controllers could be addressed by training of existing staff to enable certification, rather than hiring new staff. The personnel issues are identified as one of the underlying main causes of poor performance in terms of the drop reports.

During the recent Summit held on 18 and 19 Jan 2024, this aspect was raised, and it was clear that there is a direct correlation between performance and availability of skills. The Summit was also attended by of the Energy & Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the Water Service Institutions of South Africa and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) which all assist in the development of the necessary skills required in the Water Services Sector. These institutions all presented initiatives to assist municipalities to address some of the aspects around skills and capacity. The Department of Water Sanitation has also requested EWSETA to provide funding for training of process controllers (water and waste treatment works).

National government cannot legally hire staff or interns on behalf of municipalities. Therefore, the municipal leadership must prioritise the filling of positions with appropriately qualified staff and budget for this from revenue.

---00O00---

29 February 2024 - NW22

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

What measures has his department put in place to ensure that logistical woes, such as operational challenges and equipment failures at ports, do not impede the ability of the Republic to trade and export products, as was the case across three provinces in 2023?

Reply:

A well-functioning transport and logistics system is vital to unlock the opportunities presented by trade, to grow the SA economy and create jobs.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) supports efforts by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) to address challenges at ports and find permanent and systemic solutions. A workstream has been put in place by DPE and the Presidency with the private sector, which enables skilled personnel to assist with improving the country’s logistics systems. the dtic attends the oversight meetings convened by the Presidency.

Companies from time to time approach the dtic with specific challenges relating to a shipment of cargo. the dtic engages Transnet on these in order to resolve them.

The DPE will be best placed to provide information on the measures taken to date to address the challenges and the progress made.

-END-

29 February 2024 - NW145

Profile picture: Moore, Mr S J

Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 3359 on 8 November 2023, he will furnish Mr S J Moore with a list of the names of (a) local and (b) provincial governments that have been issued with (i) Notices of Intention to issue a directive and (ii) directives for the contravention of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 (aa) in the 2022-23 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation, in terms of its regulatory role, issues notices of Intention to issue a directive and directives for the contravention of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998. Tables 1(a) and 2(b) below provide a list of issued (i) Notices of Intention to issue a Directive and (ii) Directives (aa) in the 2022-23 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023.

Table: 1(a): Notices issued in 2022/2023 Financial Year (aa)

No

  1. List of names on Notices issued
 

Responsible Office (Water Management Area)

(a)&(b)

Government Sphere

Facility Name

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Remainder of ERF 1, Worcester, Breede Valley Municipality, Remainder of ERF 1, Worcester: Breede/Gouritz

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Clanwilliam wwtw, Cederberg Municipality, Clanwilliam wwtw: Berg/Olifants

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Vredesvallei Wastewater Treatment Works Kai! Garib Local Municipality, Riemvasmaak: Orange

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Malfunctioning Pump Station, George Municipality, Eden Pump Station: Breede/Gouritz

 

North West Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Thaba Tshwane Voortrekkerhoogte,, Department of Defence Force , Pretoria town and townlands 351JR: Limpopo

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Kenton on Sea, Ndlambe Local Municipality, Keanton on Sea WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Glen Grey Hospital WWTW, Department of Health, Lady Frere: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, Ms MM Mathebela, Weltevreden Water Treatment Works: Olifants

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Noupoort WWTW, Umsobomvu Local Municipality, Unknown: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Loeriesfontein Wastewater Treatment Works, Hantam Local Municipality, Loeriesfontein Farm: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Calvinia Wastewater Treatment Works, Hantam Local Municipality, Calvinia Farm: Orange

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage overflow near Pine Ridge new RDP houses, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Leeuwpoort 283 JS: Olifants

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Victoria West Oxidation Ponds, Ubuntu Local Municipality, Ubuntu LM: Vaal

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Hertzogville Oxidation Ponds, Tokologo Local Municipality, Hertzogville Oxidation Ponds: Orange

 

North-West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Zinniaville Estate (service delivery, water supply and sewage leak complaints), Rustenburg Local Municipality, Zinneaville Estate in Rustenburg: Limpopo

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Breede Valley Local Government, Wim Du Toit, Remaining Extent of Farm 381 Rawsonville, Wim Du Toit, Remaining Extent of Farm 381 Rawsonville: Breede/Gouritz

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Norvalspont Wastewater Treatment Plant., Umsobomvu Local Municipality, Dapperfontein, Farm number 79, Portion 53: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

De Aar Water Treatment Works, Emthanjeni Local Municipality, Farm Paarde Valley: Orange

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Emalahleni Local Municipality, The Municipal Manager: Mr H.S. Mayisela, Klarinet sewer pump station, Emalahleni Local Municipality: Olifants

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Willowvale Hospital WWTW, Dr. Wagner, Willowvale Hospital WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Carolusberg Wastewater Treatment Works, Nama-Khoi Local Municipality, Farm Carolusberg: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Springbok WWTW, Nama-Khoi Local Municipality, Farm Springbok: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Port Nolloth WWTW, Richtersveld Local Municipality, Farm Port Nolloth: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Concordia WWTW, Nama-Khoi Local Municipality, Farm Concordia: Orange

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Leeu Gamka Transnet Houses, Transnet, Leeu Gamka Transnet Houses, Transnet, Leeu Gamka Transnet Houses: Breede/Gouritz

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Portion 17 of Farm Klip Heuwel 410, Mr. Thinus Kershoff, Amandel Plaas: Breede/Gouritz

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

De Doorns Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), Breede Valley Municipality, Erf Number: RE/799: Breede/Gouritz

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Villiersdorp Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), Theewaterskloof Municipality, Portion 7 of the farm Radyn No. 24: Breede/Gouritz

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Robertson Wastewater Treatment Works, Langeberg Municipality, ERF Number: RE/2: Breede/Gouritz

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Nmakgale 464 Shakes Street, Mopani District Municipality, Nmakgale 464 Shakes Street: Olifants

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Ga Segonyana LM - Kuruman sewage overflows, Ga Segonyana Local Municipality, Kuruman town: Vaal

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Afrimat - Demaneng (Pty) Ltd, Katarien Deysel (Ops Manager - Diro Mine), Rust en Vrede, Portion 1 of Farm Mashwening 557: Vaal

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Molengroff Pump Station, Mopani District Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Leeuwfontein Wastewater Treatment Works, Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Flag Boshielo WTW, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Sekhukhune District Municipality, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Sekhukhune District Municip, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Sekhukhune District Municipality: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Emalahleni local municipality, Mr Sizwe Mayisela, Emalahleni Local Municipality: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dullstroom WWTWS, Emakhazeni Local Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Siyanqoba RDP Housing Settlement, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Leeuwpoort: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Siyabuswa Wastewater Treatment Works, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, Siyabuswa Wastewater Treatment Works: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Bronkhorspruit Sewer Pipeline next to Godrich Flour Mill, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Bronkhorspruit Pipeline Next to Godriich Four Mill: Olifants

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Oil Stench around Lindo Park, Kiner Park and Koedespoort, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Derdepoort 327 JR: Limpopo

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Blinkpan Sewer Pump Station, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Blinkpan Sewer Pump Station: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Kiewiet Street, Komati, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Komati: Olifants

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Laingvile WWTW (Sewage Overflow), Saldanha Bay LM, St Helena Bay: Berg/Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Pine Ridge pump station, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sehlakwane Peatland, Sekhukhune District Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, : Olifants

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sol Plaatje LM Overflowing Manhole on 72 Study Street in Kimberley , Sol Plaatje Local Municipality , Fabricia: Vaal

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Carnarvon WWTW, Kareeberg Municipality, Carnarvon 353: Orange

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Tsolo, Eskom CNS, Eskom, Tsolo, Eskom CNS: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

De Aar Water Treatment Works, Emthanjeni Local Municipality, Farm Paarde Valley: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Williston WWTW, Karoo Hoogland LM, Williston Farm: Orange

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Disposing of raw sewerage into the stormwater drainage at Corner Hoop Street and Kort Stree, Emthanjeni Local Municipality, De Aar: Orange

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dipaleseng Local municipality, Nthorwane/Greylingstad WWTW, Dipaleseng Local Municipality, Dipaleseng Local Municipality Nthorwane/Greylingstad WWTW: Vaal

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Bergsig WWTW, Nama Khoi , Bergsig: Orange

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sekhukhune sewer network, Sekhukhune DM, Oosthuizen vervoer: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Emakhazeni Local Municipality 34 Rotterdam Street, Municipal Manager, Unknown: Inkomati_Usuthu

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Addo WWTW and pump station, Sunday's River Local Municipality, Addo : Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Metsimaholo Local Municipality (Oranjeville Manhole overflowing into Vaal Dam), Metsimaholo Local Municipality, Unknown: Vaal

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Victor kanye local municipality-Manhole next to willow brook shopping centre, Victor kanye local municipality, manhole overflow next to willow brook shopping centre: Olifants

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Hankey Waste Water Treatment Works, Kouga Local Municipality, Jeffery's Bay: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Perdekop Wastewater Treatment Works, Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality, Unknown: Vaal

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Kathu WWTW, Gamagara LM, John Taolo Gaetsewe DM: Vaal

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Ilinge Wastewater Treatment Works, Chris Hani District Municipality, : Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Siloam Wastewater treatment works, , : Limpopo

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Hlanganani Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) , Vhembe District Municipality TS Ndou, Nwaridi River: Limpopo

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Chris Hani DM - Tarkastad WWTW, , : Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Makana LM - Rini WWTW, Makana Local Municipality, Portion 8 of Tempe: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Port Alfred WWTW, Ndlambe Local Municipality, Port Alfred WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Table: 1(b): Directives issued in 2022/2023 Financial Year (aa)

No

  1. List of Names on Issued Directives
 

Responsible Office (Water Management Area)

(a)&(b)

Government Sphere

Facility Name

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Emalahleni Local Municipality_Siyabonga Sewer Pump Station, Mr Selate Matlejwana, Emalahleni Local Municipality: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Emalahleni Local Municipality_Klarinet Pump Station, Mr Selate Matlejwana, Emalahleni Local Municipality: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Klipspruit WWTW, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Bulpan : Olifants

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mogalakwena Wastewater Management Facilities, Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Mokopane town and Mahwelereng location: Limpopo

 

KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mtunzini Waste Water Treatment Works, King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Umllazi River: Pongola/Mtamvuna

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Nompumelelo hospital WWTW, Department of Health, Nompumelelo Hospital WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Emalahleni Local Municipality, The Municipal Manager: Mr H.S. Mayisela, Klarinet sewer pump station, emalahleni Local Municipality: Olifants

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

KLIP RIVER POLLUTION, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Klip River: Vaal

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Leeu Gamka Transnet Houses, Transnet, Leeu Gamka Transnet Houses, Transnet, Leeu Gamka Transnet Houses: Breede/Gouritz

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sky City, Cosmpolitan, E RESIDENTIAL TOWNSHIP ON PORTION 2, 31, 32, 33, 56, 57 & 58 OF THE FARM RIETSPRUIT 152 I.R waterval: Vaal

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage flowing from 8 Spekboom Street in Lephalale, Lephalale Local Municipality, Onverwacht 503 LQ: Limpopo

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Ledibeng Eco Estate Manhole, Ledibeng eco estate, Ledibeng Eco Estate: Limpopo

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Campbell package plant, Vhembe district Municipality, Campbell Township: Limpopo

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Ga Segonyana LM - Kuruman sewage overflows, Ga Segonyana Local Municipality, Kuruman town: Vaal

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Goudkoppies WWTW, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan, Goudkoppies WWTW: Vaal

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Grootvlei WWTW, Dipaleseng Local Municipality, Dipaleseng Local Municipality Grootvlei WWTW: Vaal

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Pollution of Kliprivier at R59 bridge Eikenhof (White Foam), Unknown, Zwartkop JES 143 IR: Vaal

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Thohoyandou WWTW, Vhembe District Municipality, All Pump Stations: Limpopo

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Pine Ridge pump station, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sehlakwane Peatland, Sekhukhune District Municipality, Unknown: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Cypress Sewer Pump Station (Sewage overflow), Emalahleni LM, Tambotie Street Kriel WWTW: Olifants

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Biaba ponds Nzhelele, Vhembe Municipality, Biaba ponds Nzhelele: Limpopo

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

MOTETEMA WWTW, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, MOTETEMA WWTW: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

GROBLERSDAL WWTW, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, GROBLERSDAL WWTW: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

MARBLEHALL WWTW, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, MARBLEHALL WWTW: Olifants

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Addo WWTW and pump station, Sunday's River Local Municipality, Addo : Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Vilakazi Pump Station, Emalahleni LM, Emalahleni LM: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Kriel -Ganala Waste Water Treatment Works, Emalahleni Municipality, Ganala Kriel WWTW: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Clewer Sewage Spillages, Emalahleni LM, Brugspruit: Olifants

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mazista Package Plant, Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality - Mr RJ Mogale, Farm 86: Limpopo

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Davel Wastewater Treatment Works, Msukaligwa Local Municipality, Davel WWTW: Vaal

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Rebone Ponds, Mogalakwena Municipality, Steiloop: Limpopo

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Kai! Garib Municipality - Rooiberg Dam, Kai! Garib Municipality, : Orange

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Middleburg WWTW, Chris Hani District Municipality: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Amersfoort Waste Water Treatment Works, Dr Pixley Isaka Seme Local Municipality: Vaal

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Ilinge Wastewater Treatment Works, Chris Hani District Municipality, : Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Lady Frere Main Pump Station, Chris Hani District Municipality: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Tweeling waste water treament works : Vaal

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dennilton WWTW - Collector System (Sewage overflow), Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Moutse Mall Uitspanning 38 JS : Olifants

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Vleifontein Oxidation Ponds, Acting Technical Manager E.F Chauke, Vhembe District Municipality: Limpopo

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Wesselsbron and Monyakeng Sewage Spillage, Nala LM, Monyakeng: Vaal

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Koffiefontein WWTW, Letsemeng LM, Koffiefontein: Vaal

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Chris Hani DM - Tarkastad WWTW : Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Elliotdale Waste Water Treatment Works: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

Table: 2(a): Notices issued in 2023/2024 Financial Year (bb)

No

  1. List of names on Notices issued
 

Responsible Office (Water Management Area)

(a)&(b)

Government Sphere

Facility Name

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage spillage at 11 Buitekant Street, Brandfort, Masilonyana Municipality, Brandfort, Buitekant: Vaal

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Nkomazi Local Municipality: Malelane Extension 8 Township, Mr. Xolani Timothy Mabila, Malelane Extension 8 Township: Inkomati_Usuthu

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Stellenbosch waste water treatment works, Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch wwtw: Berg/Olifants

 

North West Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Construction of Mayibuye Primary School on a wetland, Gauteng Department of Education, Erf 2326 Commercia Extension 34 Township Tembisa: Limpopo

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Knysna Knysna Municipality Main Sewer Line, Knysna Local Municipality, Erf 3503 (Rem), Knysna: Breede/Gouritz

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Albertinia Watewater Treatment Works, Hessequa Local Municipality, Erf RE/2, Riversdale: Breede/Gouritz

 

KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Henley Dam, Umgeni Water, Farm Zwaartkop Bantu Location 4669 Subdivision 12, Piietermaritzburg: Pongola/Mtamvuna

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sol Plaatjie Sewer Infrastructure on 28 Central Road, Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality, Beaconsfield: Vaal

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mopani District Municipality Raptors View Wildlife Estate Pump station, Mopani District Municipality, To be confirmed: Olifants

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage spillages in Matlakeng near Zastron (CAS 53/082023, Mohokare Local Municipality, Township of Matlakeng near Zastron: Orange

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Witsand Wastewater Treatment Works, Hessequa Local Municipality, Port Beaufort 484/65, Swellendam, Hessequa Local Municipality, Port Beaufort 484/65, Swellendam: Breede/Gouritz

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Jansenville Wastewater Treatment Works, Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, Jansenville: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Rietbron WWTW, Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, Rietbron: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Gauteng Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dam with a Safety Risk Willem Brummer Dam, Msukaligwa Local Municipality, Spitzkop 276 IS: Vaal

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mashaeng Wastewater Treatment Works, Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Remainder of Groenfontein 881: Orange

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Cookhouse WWTW, Blue Crane Route Local Municipality, Great Fish River (Somerset East): Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Umgeni Water board, Umgeni Water Board, Pietermaritzburg: Pongola/Mtamvuna

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Venterstad Wastewater Treatment Works, Joe Gqabi District Municipality, Barkly East: Orange

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Govan Mbeki Local Municipality - Leslie, Leandra, Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, TRichardt: Olifants

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Discharge on substandard effluent into Huis River by Zoar WWTW , Kannaland Local Municipality, Zoar RE/78: Breede/Gouritz

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Illegal dumping at near Theewaterskloof Dam causing pollution, Theewaterskloof, Theewaterskloof Municipality: Breede/Gouritz

 

Free State Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Green Drop score less than 30% Caledonspoort WWTW, Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Caledonspoort: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Green Drop score less than 30% Dordrecht WWTW, Chris Hani District Municipality, Dordrecht: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% Koppies WWTW, Ngwathe Local Municipality, Koppies: Vaal

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% Thabong WWTW, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Free State, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Free State: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% Van Stadensrus WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Mangaung: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% BFN-Bloemdustria WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, BFN-Bloemdustria: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% BFN - Northern Works (WWTW), Mangaung Local Municipality, Mangaung : Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% Oppermansgronde WWTW, Letsemeng Local Municipality, Green Drop score less than 30%: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% Fauresmith WWTW, Kopanong Local Municipality, Fauresmith: Orange

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Lebowakgomo Wastewater Treatment Works, Capricorn District Municipality, Capricorn District Municipality: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Tecroveer (Pty) (Ltd), Tabile Mapekula, Klipspruit Wastewater treatment plant: Olifants

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Thohoyandou P West manhole, Vhembe district Municipality, 665 Mphephu Drive: Limpopo

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Witpoort Oxidation Ponds, Lephalale Local Municipality, Witpoort: Limpopo

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Swartdam Wastewater Treatment Works, Moretele Local Municipality, Farm Haakdoornfontein 55JR/3: Limpopo

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mothotlung Wastewater Treatment Works, Madibeng Local Municipality, Farm Hoeksfontein 247IQ/4: Limpopo

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Woodbridge island Koeberg pump station Milnerton, City of Cape town, Woodbridge Island Milbnerto Koeberg pump station: Berg/Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

MOTETEMA WWTW, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, MOTETEMA WWTW: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

GROBLERSDAL WWTW, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, GROBLERSDAL WWTW: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Moganyaka Waste Water Treatment Works, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Moganyaka waste water treatment works: Olifants

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Pniel & Wemmershoek WWTW, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, Dwarsriver : Berg/Olifants

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Winburg Wastewater Treatment Works: Vaal

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Zonderwater Correctional Services, Zonderwater Correctional Services: Olifants

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dr Beyers Naude LM - Steytlerville WWTW, Unknown, Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dr Beyers Naude LM - Willowmore WWTW, Dr Beyers Naude LM,: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Disposing of raw sewerage into the stormwater drainage at Corner Hoop Street and Kort Street, Emthanjeni Local Municipality, De Aar: Vaal

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Vuwani Wastewater Treatment Works: Limpopo

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Green Drop score less than 30% Hoopstad WWTW, Tswelopele Local Municipality, Tswelopele: Vaal

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Efata Special School WWTW, Dept of Education, Mthata: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

Table: 2(b): Directives issued in 2023/2024 Financial Year (bb)

No

  1. List of Names on Issued Directives
 

Responsible Office (Water Management Area)

(a)&(b)

Government Sphere

Facility Name

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage spillage at 11 Buitekant Street, Brandfort, Masilonyana Municipality, Brandfort, Buitekant: Vaal

 

Inkomati/Usuthu CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage overflow from a manhole opposite railway line bridge, Mkhondo Local Municipality, Ethandukukhanya, Piet Retief: Inkomati_Usuthu

 

Inkomati/Usuthu CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage overflow at Phoswa Pump Station, Mkhondo Local Municipality, Ethandukukhanya, Piet Retief: Inkomati_Usuthu

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sol Plaatjie Sewer Infrastructure on 28 Central Road, Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality, Beaconsfield: Vaal

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Jansenville Wastewater Treatment Works, Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, Jansenville: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Fish Kill at Setumo Dam near Mahikeng , Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Molopo River: Vaal

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Discharge on substandard effluent into Huis River by Zoar WWTW, Kannaland Local Municipality, Zoar RE/78: Breede/Gouritz

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Witpoort Oxidation Ponds, Lephalale Local Municipality, Witpoort: Limpopo

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage overflow at Cnr. Dirk Winterbach &, Marone Street, Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality, Burgersfort: Olifants

 

Northern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

De Aar Water Treatment Works, Emthanjeni Local Municipality, Farm Paarde Valley: Orange

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Zeekoegat Wastewater Treatment Works, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Portion 142 Zeekoegat 296 JR: Limpopo

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Giyani WWTW, Mopani District Municipality, Giyani: Olifants

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mokopane WWTW, Mogalakwena Municipality, Mokopane WWTW: Limpopo

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Drakenisg Military Base WWTW, Department of Public Works, Limpopo, Drakensig, Hoedspruit: Olifants

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Percy Steward WWTW, Krugersdorp Municipality (Mogale City), Portion 21 of the farm Sterkfontein 173 IQ: Limpopo

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Amathole District Municipality-Bedford WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Nthabiseng Wastewater Treatment Works: Limpopo

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mankweng WWTW: Limpopo

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mhinga WWTW/ Oxidation ponds: Limpopo

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Setsoto Local Municipality, -, Clocolan WWTW: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Thaba Nchu WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Moroka, Stationview, Bultfontein and Seroalo Pump Stations: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Oviston Wastewater Treatment Plant, Joe Gqabi Municipality, Barkly East: Orange

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Amalinda Central WWTW, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Amalinda Central WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Efata Special School WWTW, Dept of Education, Mthata: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

---00O00---

29 February 2024 - NW54

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Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4227 on 2 January 2024, he will furnish Mr M J Cuthbert with a (a) full list of companies under each of the investment sectors listed in Table 1 and (b) breakdown of each company, split by debt or Equity, for each investment sector?

Reply:

The IDC’s investment portfolio in terms of exposure, is currently at R98.9 billion, made up of R65.7 billion (66%) in Debt and R33.2 billion (34%) in Equity. Debt investments are those that are classified as Solely Payments of Principal and Interest (SPPI) and Equity investments are classified as Non-SPPI. The Mining Sector comprises the most significant exposure at 38%, followed by Chemicals (17%) and Energy (12%). Details are as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1: IDC Portfolio Per Sector

 

Full list of companies under each of the investment sectors listed in Table 1

-END-

29 February 2024 - NW17

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport

Considering that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has, on numerous occasions, failed to deal with and provide answers to the issue of its abandoned buildings, which have over the years become a haven for criminals in the area, what plans does her department have to ensure that the abandoned buildings are secured and cannot be used to endanger those living in areas that surround it?

Reply:

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has no record of what could be deemed abandoned buildings in its property portfolio. Where properties are either unoccupied or not optimally utilised, there are various strategies being applied to either refurbish or prepare such properties for possible development proposals from the open market. This process is ongoing. In cases where properties are earmarked for development, PRASA signs development leases with 3rd party developers for redevelopment as part of the commercialisation strategy to address unoccupied properties.

29 February 2024 - NW53

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Makesini, Ms M to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether he has taken any steps about the prevalence of pit toilets still being used by the residents in Wasbank, Ward 1, Endumeni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what time frames has he put in place to completely eradicate pit toilets in Wasbank?

Reply:

The Endumeni Local Municipality, Ward 1 is made up of rural areas and a town called Wasbank. The town consists of a fully functional water supply and flush toilet systems inside the dwellings. The town does not have a conventional Wastewater Treatment Works but consists of conservancy tanks / septic tanks that are emptied by the municipality when full.

The uMzinyathi District Municipality is currently implementing the Endumeni Sanitation Project in the rural areas of Ibusi, Thelaphi, and Ruigterfontein. The project is intended to eradicate the sanitation backlogs in Endumeni Local Municipality Ward 1. The Endumeni Sanitation Project commenced on 08 March 2023 and is targeted for completion on 08 March 2024.

---00O00---

29 February 2024 - NW120

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Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What steps will her department take to ensure that agriculture in the Republic will benefit from the new satellite technology for agriculture; (2) what steps will she take to ensure that her department has the necessary skills and understanding of the new technology to guide the agricultural sector of the Republic to be more productive and competitive in the world markets; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. The Department already capitalizes on remote sensing capabilities offered by satellite technology, such as the Sentinel-Hub, to analyze agricultural lands. This technology provides insights into crop planting frequencies, moisture levels, and burn scars, employing various data standards including true colour composite, false colour composite, the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), False Colour Urban composite, the Normalised Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and Short-Wave Infrared composite (SWIR). These tools enable the monitoring of agricultural practices, vegetation health, and environmental changes, thereby supporting precision agriculture.

2. Through the strategic use of satellite and the deployment of drone technologies, the Department seeks to address current challenges and harness opportunities for growth and innovation within the sector. Recognizing the critical role of skilled personnel, the Department has a cadre of GISc professionals across all provinces, adept in leveraging remote sensing data for agricultural assessment and planning. To stay at the forefront of technological advancements, the Department has initiated a drone program aimed at augmenting satellite data with ultra-high-resolution imagery. This initiative includes training a new cohort of drone pilots, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and facilitating the integration of remote sensing products into actionable agricultural insights. Furthermore, the Department is committed to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the South African agricultural sector on the global stage. By harnessing satellite data and advancing high-resolution remote sensing technologies, the Department aims to empower emerging farmers with precision agriculture techniques. These efforts are geared towards optimizing resource use, improving yield, and reducing operational costs through targeted application of fertilizers and pesticides.

3. No.

29 February 2024 - NW142

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

What (a)(i) is the current backlog of blood analysis at the Johannesburg Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, (ii) measures have been put in place to address the backlog and (iii) is the total number of blood analyses that are conducted on each day in the specified facility and (b) by what date will the backlog be eradicated?

Reply:

According to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS):

a) (i) Blood Alcohol tests are conducted at all four Forensic Chemistry Laboratories in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. These test requests comprise the bulk of services delivered by the FCLs (more than 80% of all test requests received). The blood alcohol tests are supposed to be tested within 90 days from the time the samples are registered in the testing laboratory. Any test that has not been completed and authorised within 90 days is classified as backlog. There are no backlogs recorded at the Durban FCL and backlogs that were previously reported at the Cape Town and Pretoria FCLs have been cleared. The remaining backlog in blood alcohol tests is recorded at the Johannesburg FCL and is currently at 35,176 cases.

(ii) The Measures taken to eradicate the backlog include the following:

  • Additional space and analytic instruments have been acquired at the new Pretoria laboratory that accommodates the Pretoria Blood Alcohol section.
  • New samples for blood alcohol testing are referred to the Pretoria laboratory to reduce the number of samples referred to the Johannesburg laboratory.
  • Shift systems are in use for analysts at the Johannesburg FCL and a 30.5% reduction in the backlog has been achieved from 01 April 2023 to 31 January 2024.
  • A new building has been identified that will accommodate further expansion of the Johannesburg FCL and the procurement of new analytic instruments is underway for the Johannesburg FCL.

(iii) Blood alcohol samples in the Forensic Chemistry Laboratories are processed in batches of 150 samples per week per analyst. Each test is processed on two separate instruments as required for quality purposes and additional fluoride analysis is performed to confirm the validity of the sample. On average, 4000 samples are completed per month.

 

b) The backlog is expected to be cleared by over 8 months from 01 March 2024, with the current staff and instrument capacity.

END.

29 February 2024 - NW138

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Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the latest update on the production status of African Horse Sickness vaccines by the Onderstepoort Biological Products; (2) whether all horse owners and/or veterinary doctors who had placed vaccine orders from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023 have received their orders; if not, (a) why not, (b) what challenges are causing delays and (c) what measures are being taken to ensure timely vaccine (i) production and (ii) delivery to farmers for animal vaccination; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Production preparations for 2024 have commenced and 8 400 doses of African Horse Sickness vaccines have recently been released for the market.

2. No. However, most customers who confirmed their backorders have received what they ordered.

(a) The Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) system does not keep backorders. for more than 4 months, clients are expected to confirm or cancel. Some clients canceled, and some confirmed their orders.

(b) Delays are due to the breakdown of the freeze drier.

(c) OBP is servicing the current freeze drier.

(i) OBP will take delivery of a freeze drier in the second half of 2024 and is in the process of finalizing the procurement of another freeze drier. OBP is also inestigating contractual manufacturing opportunities.

(ii) OBP intends to make product available prior to the commencement of the vaccination season. All cooperatives and veterinarians will be kept informed about the status of vaccine availability monthly.

28 February 2024 - NW30

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Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

(1)What (a) is the status of students who were rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and (b) were the reasons for rejection; (2) what is the total number of (a) appeals that have been lodged by students that were rejected by NSFAS for the 2024 academic year, (b) the specified lodged appeals that were resolved and (c) the resolved appeals that resulted in NSFAS agreeing to pay for the specified academic year?

Reply:

1. (a) 131 528 applications have been rejected for the 2024 academic year. Their status remains at rejected.

(b) The applications were rejected due to not meeting either the financial or academic eligibility criteria.

2. (a) NSFAS has received 1495 appeals to date.

(b) NSFAS has not started working on the appeals yet. NSFAS applications closed on 15 February 2024. The team has been working on expediting the processing of applications.

(c) No appeals have been resolved yet.

28 February 2024 - NW73

Profile picture: Smalle, Mr JF

Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What is the current total number of (a) fire rescue disaster personnel and (b) rescue swimmers (i) at each disaster centre (ii) in each province; (2) on what date was the last disaster audit done on capabilities of disaster centres with regard to (a) readiness, (b) capacity, (c) training and (d) qualification(s); (3) whether her department has any memorandums of understanding in place with any nongovernmental organisations and/or nonprofit organisations that relate to disaster responses; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date was each memorandum of understanding signed with each specified organisation and (b) what liability cover is in place in respect of each memorandum of understanding? NW74E

Reply:

Question 1 (a)

The department of COGTA has initiated fire services capacity assessments which is updated on annual basis with all the Provincial Disaster Management Centres across the Country. The current total number of fire rescue disaster personnel are as follows:

Provinces

Number of fire rescue members 

Western Cape

1 452

Free State

481

Gauteng

3 538

Eastern Cape

938

KwaZulu-Natal

1 125

North West

650

Limpopo

482

Mpumalanga

478

Northern Cape

88

Question 1 (b) (i) and (ii)

Eastern Cape

10

Free State

27

North West

23

Gauteng

197

Western Cape

69

Limpopo

0

Mpumalanga

37

Northern Cape

0

KwaZulu-Natal

205

 

Question 2 (a) (b) (c) (d)

The Department performs annual Urban Search & Rescue capacity assessments within the Provinces as part of its efforts to ensure the establishment as well as development of a sustainable Urban Search & Rescue capacity within the country. 

The last capacity assessment in terms of (a) (b) (c) (d) was performed in the Mpumalanga Province on 25 October 2023. 

 Question 3

The Department has no active MOUs with NGOs/Non-profit organizations dealing with rescue disasters, as these are typically entered into on a Provincial and Municipal level with NGOs/NPOs at the initial face of operations. However, the Department is exploring the possibilities of such MOUs and have referred a recent request for partnership with an NGO through to the CoGTA Legal Services for a legal opinion. The Department is also in the process of having it's Urban Search & Rescue Governance Framework gazetted, which, in line with the Disaster Management Act (No 57 of 2002) calls for the active participation of all stakeholders, including the private sector, NGOs, technical experts, communities, traditional leaders and volunteers, in disaster risk and response planning and operations. 

End.

28 February 2024 - NW74

Profile picture: Smalle, Mr JF

Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

With reference to subdivision 4(c) of her reply to question 3220 on 13 November 2023, how does her department establish the exact capacity available and what is needed for the department to react to a situation in the event of a national disaster?

Reply:

In relation to the exact capacity available in each Province and what is required to react to national rescue disasters, the Department performs annual assessments of Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) capacity within Provinces, which includes provision of funding for training and development for purposes of establishing and maintaining sustainable USAR capacity within Provinces.

The NDMC will in the new financial year initiate a process for the development of National USAR standards for the South African USAR teams accreditation process. The standard will identify specific roles and responsibilities for each Urban Search and Rescue activity included in the operational plans of the various USAR teams participating in disaster response efforts. It will also provide mechanisms to determine the level of implementation of USAR activities according to the magnitude of the event or disaster and the capacity of the USAR team to deal with it. The standard will be introduced in all spheres of government, and it will also make provision for the development of USAR response systems for all government USAR teams involved in response, including the private sector, NGOs, and technical experts for the purpose of enhancing USAR capacity within the country.

The above initiatives will be aligned to the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), as South Africa is a signatory to the UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150 on "Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of International USAR Assistance" (2002) which underpins much of the actions taken by the Department in the areas of effective preparation, coordination and response to rescue related disasters.

I thank you.

28 February 2024 - NW31

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Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Following the allegations of corruption against a certain person (name and details furnished) and his subsequent leave or suspension, (a) what actions has he taken in the wake of the allegations, (b) what are the precise allegations against the specified person, (c) how have the allegations affected the daily running of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), (d) how does his department plan to solve the operational challenges and (e) who is the current acting chairperson of NSFAS?

Reply:

(a) what actions has he taken in the wake of the allegations,

On 10 January 2024 the NSFAS Board Chairperson, Mr Ernest Khosa informed the Board of his decision to take a leave of absence, and the Board, at the same meeting on 10 January 2024, decided to appoint an independent legal service provider to advise on the appropriate course of action. The firm Tshisevhe Gwina Ratshimbilani Inc. (TGR Attorneys) has been appointed and we now await their report.

(b) what are the precise allegations against the specified person,

The OUTA report contains recordings and transcripts of recordings of two meetings held allegedly between the Chairperson of the NSFAS Board, Mr Ernest Khosa and service providers to NSFAS. The report raised several allegations, including:

  • The Chairperson privately met with service providers under investigation by the board for irregular appointments.
  • The Chairperson allegedly received monetary benefits from service providers in exchange for facilitating appointments.
  • The Chairperson purportedly made decisions with service providers that were contrary to the ongoing board investigation.

(c) how have the allegations affected the daily running of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS),

The leave of absence of the Chairperson has resulted in vacancies within both the Board itself and some of its sub-committees. Nevertheless, the Board has taken proactive measures to address this situation by reallocating existing members to fill these vacancies, thereby ensuring the continuity of leadership and preventing any void in governance.

(d) how does his department plan to solve the operational challenges and

The Department’s role is to exercise oversite. In the process of fulfilling this role it has approved funding for NSFAS’ ICT needs and capacity challenges. Whilst these are being addressed the Board has identified experts who will assist with implementing the turnaround strategy of the entity. Through reports the Department is monitoring the implementation of the audit plan and mitigation strategies it has advised NSFAS to implement. Further it engages with stakeholders, such as TVET Colleges and Universities, on whom NSFAS depends for timeous provision of accurate data to address bottlenecks. In addition, the Department will be instituting a board evaluation programme to assess the board’s performance against key KPI’s including amongst others institutional governance, policies to support critical standard operating procedures and performance management.

(e) who is the current acting chairperson of NSFAS?

The current Acting Chairperson is Prof Lourens van Staden.

28 February 2024 - NW71

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Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What (a) progress has been made to relocate the Home Affairs office in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, (b) are the challenges causing the delay of the relocation project and (c) are the details of the service delivery benefits that his department will offer after relocation?

Reply:

a) In terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act of 2007 (GIAMA), the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is responsible for the sourcing of office accommodation on behalf of government departments. To that end the DPWI issued a bid for alternative accommodation in December 2018. Following the successful conclusion of the bid process, a contractor was appointed on 9 January 2020 to build a new office for the Department of Home Affairs.

b) In addition to the protracted procurement and contracting processes at DPW&I, it took time to obtain the necessary approvals for the building plans from the City of Cape Town. These challenges are now resolved and building works have commenced on site.

c) The new office will provide the community of Mitchells Plain with the full ambit of services available at any of the modernised Home Affairs offices. These include the issuance of Smart ID Cards, passports and the registration of births, marriages and deaths. In addition, the new office will address the health and safety issues raised in respect of the existing office infrastructure and will provide sufficient waiting area for clients as well as adequate working areas for the department’s officials.

END

28 February 2024 - NW27

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)What (a) number of (i) refugees and (ii) asylum seekers have been living in the Republic since 1 January 2024 and (b) is the breakdown of the countries the specified refugees and asylum seekers come from; (2) what number of foreign nationals are in possession of temporary refugee and/or asylum seeker documentation; (3) what is the current average time it takes before a decision is communicated to confirm or deny the status of a refugee and/or asylum seeker based on temporary documentation?

Reply:

(1)(i) Below is the total number of refugees (Section 24 holders) with a valid visa as at 1 January 2024:

Country

Total

Afghanistan

5

Algeria

3

Angola

21

Egypt

4

Burundi

2383

Benin

3

Bangladesh

169

Bahamas

1

Cambodia

1

Central African Republic

8

Chad

2

Cameroon

291

Congo

3739

DRC

19834

Comoros

1

Cuba

1

Eritrea

1317

Estonia

3

Ethiopia

13401

Palestine

30

Ghana

3

Guinea Bissau

10

Ivory Coast

17

India

2

Iran

1

Iraq

7

Jordan

3

Kenya

118

Liberia

45

Sri Lanka

9

Macau

2

Mali

3

Malawi

7

Morocco

1

Niger

3

Nigeria

7

Oman

1

Pakistan

5

Russia

9

Rwanda

918

Senegal

2

Sierra Leone

12

Solomon Islands

6

Somalia

20743

Saint Kitts and Nevis

1

Sudan

71

Swaziland

9

Sweden

1

Syria

39

Tanzania

25

East Timor

4

Togo

9

Türkiye

4

Uganda

407

Ukraine

2

Yemen

4

Zambia

51

Zimbabwe

3373

Total

67151

(1)(ii) Below is the total of Section 22 holders (Asylum seekers) with a valid visa as at 1 January 2024:

Country

Total

Afghanistan

10

Algeria

42

Angola

4

Egypt

88

Australia

1

Bahrain

2

Burundi

5228

Benin

10

Bangladesh

9239

Bahamas

5

Burkina Faso

11

Botswana

1

Bosnia

1

Central African Republic

2

Chad

1

China

13

Cameroon

735

Congo

3206

DRC

22298

Comoros

8

Colombia

1

Eritrea

823

Estonia

2

Ethiopia

25624

Gabon

7

Gambia

7

Palestine

3

Ghana

584

Guinea Bissau

4

Guinea

14

Croatia

1

Hungary

3

Ivory Coast

33

India

1846

Ireland

1

Iran

3

Iraq

1

Israel

3

Jamaica

2

Jordan

9

Kenya

396

Liberia

26

Libya

1

Lesotho

4

Sri Lanka

6

Mali

32

Malaysia

1

Malawi

627

Morocco

3

Mozambique

39

Mayotte

1

Nepal

76

Netherlands

1

Niger

153

Nigeria

1468

New Zealand

1

Pakistan

3249

Russia

1

Rwanda

807

Senegal

235

Sierra Leone

5

Somalia

4406

Saint Kitts and Nevis

1

Sudan

33

Suriname

1

Slovenia

1

Swaziland

2

Syria

13

Tanzania

226

Thailand

7

East Timor

2

Togo

5

Türkiye

7

Uganda

1785

Ukraine

2

Uruguay

1

Wallis and Futuna

1

Yemen

5

Zambia

100

Zimbabwe

3365

Total

86971

2. For the current financial year, the Department makes a first instance decision on average within 7 days with more than 90% of cases adjudicated within 30 days.

3. In terms of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA) on average, it takes 180 days to review all matters submitted to SCRA. Currently due to high volumes of matters designated as manifestly unfounded, fraudulent and abusive, SCRA has less than 50 cases which have exceeded 180 days.

The Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa (RAASA) is a tribunal and its adjudication and finalisation of appeal cases is a bit complex. Over the years, RAASA became inundated with appeals which escalated around the period 2008, leading to the current backlog.

Every appeal case with its complexities is adjudicated on its own merits and the time to finalise thereof differs from one case to the other. However, individual members of the RAASA conduct about 3-5 appeal hearings a day to eradicate the backlog and this is subject to the Asylum Seeker honouring the set down date.

END

28 February 2024 - NW175

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King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

What is the total number of students according to demographics of (a) race, (b) gender and (c) disability that each university has enrolled in each faculty in the 2024 academic year?

Reply:

The Department is not in a position to share current (2024) enrolment data as the data has not been validated and audited at the university level. Ordinarily university audits are completed around July, Audited Disability enrolment stats have been disaggregated by race and gender in the table below. Unfortunately, DHET does not categorise student data in terms of the faculty they are located in.

Year

2022

                     

Institution

Female

Female Total

Male

Male Total

 

African

Coloured

Indian

No Info

White

 

African

Coloured

Indian

No Info

White

 

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

42

31

1

1

12

87

61

27

4

1

16

109

Central University of Technology

94

2

 

 

3

99

87

5

 

 

4

96

Durban University of Technology

207

5

10

 

 

222

167

2

10

 

2

181

Mangosuthu University of Technology

36

 

 

 

 

36

23

 

 

 

 

23

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

195

29

3

 

36

263

168

25

4

 

36

233

North West University

337

9

9

1

196

552

197

8

4

1

141

351

Rhodes University

50

6

4

 

24

84

33

10

5

 

21

69

Sefako Makgatho University

8

 

 

 

 

8

17

 

 

 

 

17

Sol Plaatje University, Northern Cape

26

3

 

 

1

30

24

4

2

 

1

31

Tshwane University of Technology

88

1

 

 

3

92

107

 

 

 

5

112

University of  Fort Hare

4

 

 

 

1

5

6

1

 

 

2

9

University of Cape Town

80

49

18

106

100

353

104

31

18

99

71

323

University of Free State

124

8

1

 

51

184

114

7

2

1

41

165

University of Johannesburg

88

8

2

1

28

127

72

3

5

 

19

99

University of KwaZulu-Natal

271

5

43

 

12

331

195

7

23

 

3

228

University of Limpopo

107

1

 

 

 

108

84

 

 

 

 

84

University of Mpumalanga

1252

2

2

 

4

1260

798

3

2

 

2

805

University of Pretoria

115

16

22

1

140

294

114

7

23

1

156

301

University of South Africa

1201

133

115

34

361

1844

789

81

83

9

232

1194

University of Stellenbosch

54

52

14

9

191

320

31

39

11

14

160

255

University of Venda

28

 

 

 

 

28

41

 

 

 

 

41

University of Western Cape

150

112

8

2

17

289

104

87

8

2

13

214

University of Witwatersrand

379

52

91

 

188

710

299

23

72

 

141

535

University of Zululand

163

 

 

 

 

163

126

1

 

1

 

128

Vaal University of Technology

248

 

 

 

 

248

227

2

 

 

3

232

Walter Sisulu University

10

 

 

 

 

10

12

 

 

 

 

12

28 February 2024 - NW241

Profile picture: Stubbe, Mr DJ

Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency

With reference to the proposed separation of the State Security Agency into a domestic and a foreign service, by what date is it envisaged that budgets for the proposed entities will be drawn up?

Reply:

Currently, the State Security Agency (SSA) Budget is allocated according to the following Programmes:- 1) Administration, 2) Oversight and Control, 3) Domestic Intelligence, 4) Foreign Intelligence, 5) National Communication and 6) Intelligence Academy.

Therefore with few adjustments, it will be less complicated to draw up the budgets of the separated entities as soon as the Bill is promulgated into law. The National Treasury has been alerted to the possible separation of the entities and the need to make the relevant adjustment budgets.

REPLY COORDINATOR

Name :

Designation :

Contacts :

Recommended / Not recommended

___________________________

Ambassador Nozuko Bam

Acting Director-General: State Security Agency

Date:

Approved / Not Approved

________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni , MP,

Minister in The Presidency

Date:

28 February 2024 - NW132

Profile picture: Buthelezi, Ms SA

Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Given that the Auditor-General has reported that a total of 268 material irregularities on noncompliance and suspected fraud in municipalities resulted in R5,2 billion material financial losses in the 2021-22 financial year, and noting reports that 61 accounting officers in municipalities did not take appropriate action when the Office of the Auditor-General notified them of the material irregularities, which included referring matters to public bodies for further investigations, (a) what measures has her department put in place in collaboration with the National Treasury to ensure that municipalities hold such officers accountable and (b) how will her department ensure that the same mistake is not repeated in the financial years to come?

Reply:

a) The Local Government: Municipal Structures Act No. 3 of 2021 introduced section 79A which now makes it mandatory for each municipality to establish Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC). One of the key responsibilities of MPAC, is to review comments made by management in the audit action plan to address issues raised by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).

To support and strengthen the functioning of the MPACs, the Department established the MPAC and Council Committees Forum to support MPACs to perform their legislative responsibility. The discussion at the Forum is inclusive of matters relating to issues raised by the AGSA; investigation on Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful (UIF&W) expenditure in accordance with section 32 of the MFMA, read with s79A of the Municipal Structures Act. The Forum includes representatives from the National Treasury, SALGA, provincial departments responsible for local government, and the AGSA.

The implementation of the recommendations to address identified material irregularities are evaluated by the department as an integral part of assessing the adequacy of the audit action plans and progress on the implementation of the audit action plans. Engagements are also held with some of the MPAC provincial forums on their oversight role relating to issues raised by the AGSA.

Municipalities are required to refer identified material irregularities that are of a criminal nature to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. Progress in relation to investigations of the reported cases is provided by law enforcement agencies at the Local Government Anti-Corruption Forum (LGACF), which was launched by the Department as a coordination structure of anti-corruption efforts in the local government sphere. On an ad hoc basis, the AGSA is also invited to the LGACF to make presentations on material irregularities in local government and progress in relation to addressing the material irregularity findings.

b) The Department will collaborate with its key stakeholders, including the National Treasury, SALGA, provincial departments responsible for local government, and the AGSA, to identify municipalities with persistent non-compliance or lack of action for intervention, encourage MPACs to hold management accountable for poor performance and transgression.

End.

26 February 2024 - NW94

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

(1)In light of the fact that, on 15 December 2023, his department’s offices in Acacia Park closed and extensive work commenced on a beautification programme for the entrance of the Acacia Park Parliamentary Village immediately after the offices closed, what are the reasons that (a) the staff at his department’s office in Acacia Park were not made aware of the project prior to their departure and (b) an independent contractor has been contracted to undertake this project; (2) whether his department is paying for the beautification project; if not, who is paying for the project; if so, what are the details of the (a) total cost involved in the project and (b) programme from which the funds are being sourced or appropriated; (3) whether he has found that this is fiscal dumping as so little has been spent on the beautification of the Village itself; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

(1)

(a) The work that was implemented was programmed as part of the work packages that was agreed prior to the holiday session, and suitable time to implement was during December 2023 when many people were on holiday. The horticulture services form part of the preventative maintenance scope. Key areas were identified that required attention. Therefore this was not a new project but the continuation of their current services.

(b) The work was undertaken by the contracted facilities management company and not an independent contractor.

(2)

(a) The preparation of the area and groundwork was paid from the scheduled items allowed for in the corrective maintenance bill of qualities. The cost for the preparation and groundwork amounts to R136 420.00. The new plants are part of the supplemental planting that falls under preventative maintenance scope of the works. No additional remuneration is required for this item.

(b) The total facilities management contract is provided for under programme 6 of PMTE.

(3) The facilities management contract is 5 year contract, so funds are used within that period, so this cannot be classified as fiscal dumping, because the 5 year period has not yet come to an end.

26 February 2024 - NW93

Profile picture: Macpherson, Mr DW

Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)What is the average amount of water that Umgeni Water has provided to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality over the past 12 months, (2) whether the entity has challenges in providing the required amount of water to the municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the challenges?

Reply:

1.  The average amount of water provided by uMngeni-uThukela Water to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is summarised in the table below:

Month

Targeted Volume in kl/day

No. of days

Monthly Target in kl

Actual Supplied Volume in kl

Monthly Variance in kl

January

1 105 000

28

30,940,000

32,126,382

1,186,382

February

1 105 000

31

34,472,000

34,255,000

-217,000

March

1 105 000

28

31,136,000

32,126,382

990,382

April

1 105 000

31

34,472,000

34,255,000

-217,000

May

1 105 000

30

33,360,000

33,150,000

-210,000

June

1 105 000

36**

40,032,000

39,780,000

-252,000

July

1 011 000#

25

25,275,000

28,225,771

2, 950, 771

August

1 011 000#

31

31,341,000

34,769,031

3,428,031

September

1 011 000#

31

31,341,000

34, 971,532

3,630,532

October

1 011 000#

30

30,330,000

33,567,957

3,237,957

November

1 011 000#

31

31,341,000

34,799,924

3,458,924

December

1 011 000#

33*

33,363,000

38,019,751

4,656,751

TOTAL

   

387,403,000

410,046,730

22,643,730

*Mid-term: meter reading done at month end

**Financial Year End: meter reading done at month end

#Targeted volume for the 2023/2024 financial year reduced in order to ensure compliance with the raw water abstraction license.

2. uMngeni-uThukela Water has been able to provide eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with the required volume of water as stipulated in the Bulk Supply Agreement. However, there were four months wherein the actual volumes supplied were slightly below the targeted volumes.

During the year 2023, uMngeni-uThukela Water supplied eThekwini Metro with 410, 046, 730 kl which was 22, 643, 730 kl above the targeted supply volumes.

During the course of 2023, uMngeni-uThukela Water carried out planned maintenance as detailed in the table in Annexure A below:

---00O00---

ANNEXURE A

No

Details of Shutdown

Planned Date & Duration

Actual Completion Date

1.

Reservoir 3, Roof Rehabilitation.

Floor & wall lining and installation

07 August 2019 (39 Months)

10 January 2023

2.

Maphephetheni Works & Inanda Dam Pumping Main 700mm dia. Butterfly Valve Installation

08 February 2023 (12 Hours)

08 February 2023

3.

Aqueduct 1 and 2 Rehabilitation following the April 2022 floods.

28 June 2022 (12 Months)

30 June 2023

4.

Avondale Pump Station

Replacement of the Inlet Control Valve

03 March 2023

(8 Hours)

03 March 2023

5.

Hazelmere Works

Installation of the Inlet Control Valve

31 March 2023 (24 Hours)

01 April 2023

6.

Verulam Pump Repairs

05 June 2023

(24 Hours)

05 June 2023

7.

Toti System Reservoir 1 Outlet valve replacement & PDT’s

24 May 2023

(12 Hours)

24 May 2023

8.

Northdene Pump Station: Installation of 700mm diameter steel

22 May 2023

(9 Hours)

22 May 2023

9.

Nagle Dam – New Intake Repairs

21 July 2023 (12 Hours)

21 July 2023

10.

Maphephetheni – Inlet Control Valve Repair

11 July 2023 (12 Hours)

11 July 2023

11.

Maphephetheni – Aqueduct 2 Isolation for penstock installation tunnel 6 - 7

11 July 2023 (12 Hours)

11 July 2023

12.

Maphephetheni – Aqueduct 2 Isolation for penstock installation tunnel 8

21 July 2023 (12 Hours)

21 July 2023

13.

La Mercy Pump Repairs

10 August 2023 (12 Hours)

10 August 2023

14.

357 Pipeline Relocation DN1400 tie-in

20 September 2023 (63 Hours)

23 September 2023

15.

257 Pipeline Relocation: DN 1000 tie-ins at Fairview Road

28 September 2023 (60 hours)

30 September 2023

16.

Northern Aqueduct – Replacement of Air Valves

22 September 2023 (9 hours)

22 September 2023

17.

Installation of the Isolation Plate on Aqueduct 2 at the Head of Works Durban Heights WW

04 October 2023 (24 Hours)

05 October 2023

18.

Removal of an Isolation Plate on Aqueduct 2 at the Head of Works Durban Heights WW.

21 November 2023 (18 Hours)

21 November 2023

19.

Wiggins HLPS Repair of the Cooling Water Pump System.

24 October 2023 (8 hours)

24 October 2023

20.

357 Pipeline Relocation DN1400 tie-in

18 October 2023 (60 hours)

18 October 2023

21.

257 Pipeline Relocation

DN 1400 tie-in

25 October 2023 (60 hours)

27 October 2023

22.

Relocation of DN 700, 54 Pipeline and tie-in to the existing pipeline along the N3 Durban route at Ashburton Interchange for SANRAL to complete the Construction of N3 Road.

14 November 2023 (72 hours)

17 November 2023

23.

Northern Aqueduct – Replacement of Air Valves

05 October 2023 (9 hours)

05 October 2023

26 February 2024 - NW84

Profile picture: Moore, Mr S J

Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 3359 on 8 November 2023, wherein he mentioned that, from 1 April 2023 to date, 23 Notices of Intention to Issue a Directive and five Directives were issued to non-compliant government spheres, he will furnish Mr S J Moore with a list of the (a) local, (b) provincial and (c) national government spheres and entities that the Directives were issued to; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The response provided by the Department regarding NA 3359 indicated that “From 1 April 2023 to date, the Department had issued 22 Notices of Intention to Issue a Directive and 5 Directives in response to identified contraventions related to the requirements stipulated under Section 19(3) and 22 of the National Water Act”.

The tables below provide details of 22 entities that have been issued Notices of Intention to Issue Directives, as well as 5 Directives issued to compel responsible entities to take remedial action aimed at ceasing, containing, and remedying the effects of pollution, among other objectives.

Table: 1

No

List of names on Notices issued

 

Responsible Office

(a)(b)&(c) Government Sphere

Facility Name

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Witsand Wastewater Treatment Works, Hessequa Local Municipality, Port Beaufort 484/65, Swellendam, Hessequa Local Municipality, Port Beaufort 484/65, Swellendam: Breede/Gouritz

 

KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Umgeni Water board, Umgeni Water Board, Pietermaritzburg: Pongola/Mtamvuna

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Venterstad Wastewater Treatment Works, Joe Gqabi District Municipality, Barkly East: Orange

 

Breede/Gouritz CMA

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Illegal dumping at near Theewaterskloof Dam causing pollution, Theewaterskloof, Theewaterskloof Municipality: Breede/Gouritz

 

Free State Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Caledonspoort WWTW, Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Caledonspoort: Orange

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Dordrecht WWTW, Chris Hani District Municipality, Dordrecht: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Koppies WWTW, Ngwathe Local Municipality, Koppies: Vaal

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Thabong WWTW, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Free State, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Free State: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Van Stadensrus WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Mangaung: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

BFN-Bloemdustria WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, BFN-Bloemdustria: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

BFN - Northern Works (WWTW), Mangaung Local Municipality, Mangaung: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Oppermansgronde WWTW, Letsemeng Local Municipality: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Fauresmith WWTW, Kopanong Local Municipality, Fauresmith: Orange

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Lebowakgomo Wastewater Treatment Works, Capricorn District Municipality, Capricorn District Municipality: Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Tabile Mapekula, Klipspruit Wastewater Treatment Works: Olifants

 

Limpopo Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Thohoyandou P West manhole, Vhembe district Municipality, 665 Mphephu Drive: Limpopo

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Swartdam Wastewater Treatment Works, Moretele Local Municipality, Farm Haakdoornfontein 55JR/3: Limpopo

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Mothotlung Wastewater Treatment Work, Madibeng Local Municipality, Farm Hoeksfontein 247IQ/4: Limpopo

 

Western Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Pniel & Wemmershoek WWTW, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, Dwarsriver: Berg/Olifants

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Government [National/Prov]

Zonderwater Correctional Services, Zonderwater Correctional Services: Olifants

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Hoopstad WWTW, Tswelopele Local Municipality, Tswelopele: Vaal

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Steynsrus WWTW, Moqhaka Local Municipality, Steynsrus: Orange

 

Table: 2

No

List of names on Directives issued

 

Responsible Office

(a)(b)&(c)

Government Sphere

Facility Name

 

Mpumalanga Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Sewage overflow at Cnr. Dirk Winterbach &, Marone Street, Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality, Burgersfort: Olifants

 

North West Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Zeekoegat Wastewater Treatment Works, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Portion 142 Zeekoegat 296 JR: Limpopo

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Thaba Nchu WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Moroka, Stationview, Bultfontein and Seroalo Pump Stations: Orange

 

Free State Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Oviston Wastewater Treatment Works, Joe Gqabi Municipality, Barkly East: Orange

 

Eastern Cape Regional Office

Local Government [WSA/WSP]

Amalinda Central WWTW, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Amalinda Central WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma

---00O00---

26 February 2024 - NW95

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

Given that for two or more years, the entrance of the Acacia Park Parliamentary Village grass on the piece of ground where the beautification programme commenced on 15 December 2023 was carefully cultivated and watered, what (a) are the reasons the grass was not carefully lifted and replanted in another area of the Parliamentary Village in desperate need of beautification, instead of being ploughed over with a tractor loader backhoe and turned into rubble that was then removed and (b) total amount of money was wasted cultivating the entrance only for it to be ripped up and discarded?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

(a) The grass was damaged and not suitable for re use, because the vehicles drove and parked all over the grass area. It is therefore planned to provide a parking area for vehicles adjacent to the security entrance.

(b) The service provider is compensated monthly to address the horticulture for the entire park. Based on expenditure per m2 for horticulture, an amount of R 3 384.16 was spent on the grass in question since the commencement of the project.

26 February 2024 - NW78

Profile picture: Khumalo, Dr NV

Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

What are the details of the (a) impact of the task team that was set up to deal with procurement challenges in each province since its establishment and (b) steps that she intends to take to address the lack of impact of the task team?

Reply:

(a) & (b). Only one Team was established and deployed in the Free State Province to assist in addressing the procurement challenges. The Team has made a remarkable positive impact in turning around the procurement challenges in the province, with an expenditure rate of above 70% that has been achieved as of February 2024.

The Department did not establish any other similar teams in other Provinces.

26 February 2024 - NW76

Profile picture: Khumalo, Dr NV

Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Whether her department has any plans in place regarding the state of the Free State province since the interventions her department has implemented are not reflecting any improvement in performance, particularly relating to the province’s delivery of housing units, which was at 3% in Quarter 2 of the 2023-24 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the plans?

Reply:

The National Department of Human Settlements has indeed taken proactive measures to address the challenges faced by the Free State Province, particularly regarding the delivery of housing units. The Department’s key interventions included:

  • Firstly we seconded an experienced individual who has previously worked with the National Department, to capacitate the Provincial Department’s Supply Chain Management Unit. This individual's expertise and experience have significantly contributed to improving operational efficiency within the Department.
  • Secondly, also seconding a Project Management Unit official to provide additional support and guidance to the Provincial Department. This collaborative approach has enabled the efficient coordination and execution of housing projects, thereby enhancing overall project delivery.
  • In addition to these interventions, the province has also made significant investments in planning activities, laying the groundwork for future housing developments.

The interventions implemented thus far have yielded promising results and ongoing efforts will continue to drive progress and ensure the provision of adequate housing opportunities for residents of the province. National Department of Human Settlements remains committed to supporting the Free State Province in addressing its housing delivery challenges and improving its performance outcomes.

26 February 2024 - NW35

Profile picture: Manyi, Mr M

Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

What measures (a) have been put in place to address the threat of sinkholes to human lives when constructing houses in dolomitic areas and (b) are implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of residents inhabiting the houses in the specified areas?

Reply:

a) The South African National Standards (SANS) 1936-1: Development of Dolomite Land, which was developed by South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) sets out requirements for the development of dolomitic land. The SANS 1936-1thus ensures that people live and work in an environment that is understood by society to be acceptably safe, where loss of assets is within tolerable limits, and where cost-effective and sustainable land usage is achieved. The said standards are applicable to all the three spheres of government to avoid hazards associated with dolomite, especially in areas where the building of residential properties should be prohibited to eliminate the loss of life. In areas where the building of residential units is permitted, mitigation measures are put in place in the form of land use permitted in the Municipal Zoning Scheme. With this consideration, the Department provides guidance through the National Housing Code of 2009, which is based on the classification identified in SANS 1936-1: Development of Dolomite Land. Additionally, site rehabilitation measures have been introduced to ensure that houses are built on stable ground and the appropriate foundation is put in place. Moreover, the National Housing Code of 2009 entails maps of various provinces which designate dolomitic areas, to ensure that careful consideration is given during development, and that appropriate studies are conducted before actual construction can occur, to ensure safe environments.

b) To ensure the safety and well-being of citizens located in the dolomitic areas, a stringent process is followed. Part of this process is that prior to any housing project development, a feasibility study has to be undertaken to ascertain that the land can be developed. Once the feasibility study has been undertaken, a Geotech study is conducted to gather the physical characteristics of the soil and rocks on a site to ensure that if dolomitic rock is found, the site is rehabilitated where necessary, and proper foundations are designed. For projects that are developed in the dolomitic areas, conventional foundations such as strip or spot footings are often used in the building of houses where the risk of sinkhole forming is found to be adequate. Moreover, compacted soil mattresses that serve as a flexible reinforcement are used to strengthen structures on areas underlain by dolomite. In areas where sinkhole formation poses an immediate danger to the inhabitants of houses, the relevant municipalities (in consultation with the provincial departments of human settlements and all relevant stakeholders) are to consider the upgrading of aging or affected infrastructure or the identification and preparation of well-located and suitable land for the resettlement of affected households. The National Department of Human Settlements monitors compliance with technical specifications through analysis of business plans of Provinces and Metros, wherein the geotechnical reports should form part of the supporting evidence prior to development in dolomitic areas.

23 February 2024 - NW212

Profile picture: Ceza, Mr K

Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

What strict enforcement measures has his department taken to ensure that there is vigorous monitoring of the National Minimum Wage Act, Act 9 of 2019, with severe penalties for noncompliance in relation to domestic workers, petrol attendants, security guards and cleaners?

Reply:

Domestic Workers:

There are inspections that are carried out to test compliance with the National Minimum Wage. These inspections are mostly reactive. In instances where there is non-compliance, notices are issued out. The noncompliant employers are provided with 14 days to comply. If an employer does not comply within the set time frames, there is referral to the CCMA for prosecution. The issuance of notices and referral for prosecution result in recoveries of monies in the form of underpayments. These are then handed to the workers who had been underpayment.

Petrol attendants, Security Guards and Cleaners:

These belong to relevant Bargaining Councils (BC’s) that deal with all matters that are related to Employment Standards. The BC’s have their own Agencies that have similar powers to those of Labour inspectors. They would therefore enforce compliance within these sectors. This would include compliance with the National Minimum Wage.

23 February 2024 - NW65

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether, with reference to the Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is taking place in Panama from 5 to 10 February 2024, the delegation, including potential members from other government departments, public sector entities and participants not working in the public sector have been mandated to agree to any new stipulations under the COP Treaty; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the extent of the mandate and (b) on what current legislative provisions is the mandate based; (2) whether public comment on the legislative process related to the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill has been incorporated into the delegation’s mandate; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether, in terms of the delegation to the COP’s decision-making and mandate formation, any measures have been put in place to ensure that its work does not pre-empt the legislative process and/or nullify the public participation process on the Bill; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) (a) The South African delegates were mandated to advance the interests of South Africa and of the Continent with regard to aspects that promote public health in relation to the control of tobacco products, electronic delivery systems and related products.

(b) The mandate is based on the fact that South Africa is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC is a Global public health treaty which informs South Africa’s mandate in this regard. The treaty is evidence-based and reaffirms the rights of all people to the highest standard of Health. In addition, South Africa is guided by local and global studies that have provided significant evidence about the harm caused by both combustible and non-combustible tobacco products.

(2) No, the public comment on the legislative process related to the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill has not been incorporated into the mandate, because legislative processes pertaining to the Bill has not been completed yet. Many of the COP issues are similar to the provisions of the Bill, and this is a justifiable coincidence since the two are dealing with the same subject matter at different levels. The Bill process is a law-making process at national level whilst COP deals with tobacco control and regulation at international level.

(3) The National Department of Health respects and values the legislative process that the Bill has to undergo and that includes the public participation process. The Bill before Parliament aims at regulating and controlling the tobacco and related products in the interests of public health. The WHO FCTC is a regulatory instrument on tobacco control at international level. Both WHO FCTC and the National legislation (Tobacco Products Act 83 of 1993), Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill are dealing with the same subject matter namely the regulation and control of tobacco and related products, including electronic delivery systems. Therefore, you may find similar aspects covered in the Bill being discussed at COP as the body implementing the WHO FCTC. As a matter of course, the resolutions and recommendations of international bodies do influence the direction of national laws to the extent allowed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

END.

23 February 2024 - NW87

Profile picture: Graham, Ms SJ

Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity

(1) Who will be responsible for procuring the petrol and/or diesel required to run the 450 generators that were delivered on 30 November 2023 from the Chinese government as part of the Technical Assistance Programme following the BRICS Summit; (2) Whether a budget allocation has been put in place for the respective institutions to procure fuel; if not, what measures can the institutions take to ensure that they derive benefit from the generators and that they are not just ornamental; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether government institutions will be required to procure their fuel from a central supplier; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (4) Will the fuel be charged at the normal retail price; if not, what are the full details of the premium

Reply:

1. The respective facilities have requested to install, secure, operate and maintain the allocated units and furthermore these facilities were requested to record the generators in their individual asset register.

2. The individual facilities are responsible for the operational budget of the generators

3. Procurement of fuel will be done through the regular procurement process of the respect facilities

4. Please refer to answer above

 

 

23 February 2024 - NW46

Profile picture: Makamba-Botya, Ms N

Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health

Why is the facility manager in Malepelepe clinic in OR Tambo region acting as an operations manager since April 2021 without an acting allowance?

Reply:

According to the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH):

The clinic supervisor that was overseeing seven (7) clinics in the local area of the Mhlonlo Sub-district of OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape (EC), retired in 2021, and the appointed operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic who was the most senior professional nurse in the area, was delegated to oversee the seven (7) clinics as a clinic supervisor.

Since, as per Department of Public Service and Administration Regulations, the post of operational manager of Malepelepe Clinic was still filled by the person who was appointed acting clinic supervisor, the acting operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic could not receive an acting allowance.

On 1 February 2024, the operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic, who was overseeing the seven (7) facilities, was appointed in the post of Clinic Supervisor, and the post of operational manager for Malepele Clinic became vacant. The person delegated to act as operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic will receive an acting allowance as from 01 February 2024 and the vacant post of operational manager for Malepele Clinic will be filled in line with government recruitment processes.

END.

23 February 2024 - NW68

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Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

What (a) total number of cases of (i) theft of transformers and/or (ii) sabotage to electrical infrastructure were reported in the (aa) 2019-20, (bb) 2020-21, (cc) 2021-22 and (dd) 2022-23 financial years and (b) was the financial cost in terms of each province;

Reply:

According to information received from Eskom:

(1)(a)(i)

The number of electrical infrastructure theft incidents is depicted in the table below:

 

Sum of Events ID

             

Operating Unit

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Grand Total

Eastern Cape Operating Unit

1171

1080

1194

1280

1418

986

7129

Free State Operating Unit

702

582

569

554

518

420

3345

Gauteng Operating Unit

1849

1195

1400

1116

771

699

7030

KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit

2159

1290

1489

1152

1125

1383

8598

Limpopo Operating Unit

924

828

852

857

707

523

4691

Mpumalanga Operating Unit

732

702

731

837

764

667

4433

North West Operating Unit

892

878

803

767

675

507

4522

Northern Cape Operating Unit

462

434

410

449

422

367

2544

Western Cape Operating Unit

269

274

261

372

322

253

1751

Grand Total

9160

7263

7709

7384

6722

5805

44043

               

The number of transformer theft cases that were reported is depicted in the table below:

(1)(b)(i)

Data not available for (aa) 2019-20, (bb) 2020-21 and (cc) 2021-22 (dd) 2022-23: A direct loss of R18 953 668.45 was reported relating to the theft of transformers.

(2)(a)

  • The total number of failed transformers in Eskom across the nine provinces due to theft is 1347 as of 09 February 2024. Failed transformers are replaced daily, while failures as a result of theft and vandalism also take place frequently.
  • The main causes of these transformer failures include overloading, which occurs when customers have tampered with or bypassed their meters, illegal connections which have bypassed the fuses and breakers that are meant to protect the transformer from overloading, as well as theft and vandalism.
  • Eskom remains committed to replacing failed transformers soon after tamper fines have been paid by the customers and the replacement criteria have been met.

(2)(b)

  • Collaboration with SAPS, SSA, and NPA [MAJOC/Priority Committee, ProvJoints, NatJoints] for continued support regarding crime prevention, disruptive operations, intelligence gathering, investigations, arrests and prosecutions.
  • Implementation of technology to inform security designs for substations, powerlines and all Eskom facilities.
  • Continually assessing threats and risks with appropriate plans for high-risk sites.
  • Collaboration with communities to create awareness and encourage them to pay for electricity and take ownership thereof.
  • Collaboration with the private security industry through enabling contracts.
  • Strengthening of governance among the private security role-players that conduct business with Eskom.
  • Conducting risk assessments and identification and classification of high-value assets and high-risk sites.
  • Strengthening of security measures through investment in physical security technologies through the leveraging of the existing resources within Eskom Distribution.

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

23 February 2024 - NW58

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Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

What (a) may have been the cause of the lack of improvement at the Cape Town harbour in December 2023 and (b) was the level of efficiency of the Cape Town harbour in December 2023; (2) Whether there has been an increase in shifts and manpower during the busy deciduous export season at the Cape Town harbour; (3) Whether there were any major delays at the Cape Town harbour over the period of December 2023; if not, what caused the inefficiency at the harbour; if so, what caused these delays; (4) Whether the seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes that were delivered in December 2023, have been integrated into the harbour’s activity yet? NW59E

Reply:

According to the information received from Transnet.

Major problems at CTCT that impact on its operations is twofold:

(i) The first is the extreme windy conditions which paralyzes operations for long periods of time. Transnet has obviously no control over this problem.

(ii) The shortage of equipment.

(iii) Not withstanding the above, excellent progress has been made by putting in place an experienced management team, installing new equipment on an incremental basis and ensuring that both cranes and other equipment are able both to steady ships in rough weather and cranes which operate in windy conditions.

(1)(a) CTCT only executed 12 vessels for the month, compared to an average expectation of 20 per month. In 2023, CTCT recorded the highest number of hours lost due to strong winds in December, with 183 hours (equivalent to eight days) lost compared to 150 hours during the same period in 2022. The increased wind speed experienced also prevented the safe docking of some vessels into the terminal. When the terminal goes windbound, it means that the terminal must cease operation for safety reasons.

CTCT has also been challenged with equipment unavailability of especially Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes and Haulers, which have exceeded their design life. Equipment breakdowns result in crane down time and reduced productivity over the quay. TPT have since made significant strides in improving the availability of equipment, particularly through the delivery of 7 used RTGs in December 2023, 6 of which are already in operation. Training has been done on this new equipment.

In addition to the above, the terminal was shut for the public holidays on 25th December 2023 and 1st of January 2024.

(1)(b) While CTCT’s headline productivity measure is the Moves per Ship Working Hour (SWH), which measures the average container moves on a vessel per hour, the current focus is on a number of containers moved over the quayside over a 24 hour period. This helps to maximise the volumes rather than focusing solely on SWH which can be compromised if the focus is on volumes.

For the month of December, CTCT averaged an SWH of 27,6 moves per hour, servicing a 2-Berth operation for a portion of the month while the 7 used RTGs were discharged at one of the berths. In January, the terminal resumed a 3-berth operation, but this means that cranes and supporting RTGs and Haulers were spread across 3 vessels instead of 2, resulting in a reduction in equipment allocation per vessel. As a result, the SWH for January 2024 was 22.

A more realistic indication of the operational improvement is the overall throughput across all berths, which is measured by the daily container moves. For the month of December, the terminal moved an average of 700 containers per day. Container moves in January increased to 842 moves per day and 1164 moves per day for February month to date. Furthermore, the average daily rate for the last 7 days is 1238. This reflects an upward trend in operational activity. The immediate target is to ramp up to 1500 container moves per day, with an aspiration to improve further to 1700 per day.

(2) Since the beginning of December, CTCT appointed additional personnel, which coincided with the ramp-up of the current deciduous season. These include appointments of Diesel Mechanics, Millwrights, Driver Articulated Vehicles and Operators of Lifting Equipment amongst others. A Team from Navis, the software system used to operate the terminal, is also in CTCT to train the Planners and Supervisors to use the system optimally and improve efficiencies.

(3) In 2023, CTCT recorded the highest number of hours lost due to strong winds in December, with 183 hours (equivalent to eight days) lost compared to 150 hours during the same period in 2022. The increased wind speed experienced also prevented the safe docking of some vessels into the terminal. When the wind is terminal bound, it means that the terminal must cease operation for safety reasons.

As previously indicated above, the delays can be linked to the equipment availability challenges, particularly with aging RTG cranes and Haulers which CTCT currently faces. This has led to downtime and reduced productivity along the quay. TPT has made significant progress in addressing this, obtaining 7 used RTGs in December 2023, with 6 already in operation and staff trained on the new equipment.

(4) Since the delivery of Rubber-Tyred Gantries (RTGs) on 11 December 2023, the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has completed the following:

  • Fully commissioned a total of six RTGs with the seventh still in progress.
  • A total of 54 Operators of Lifting Equipment (OLE) have completed training on the pre-used RTGs.
  • Six RTGs have been successfully handed over to Operations. These machines now fully form part of our RTG fleet.
  • The seventh RTG wasn’t successfully commissioned due to additional parts it required, which are on order from abroad. The commissioning process is in progress. It is projected that all seven RTGs will be operational by the end of February 2024.

 

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/ Comments

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

23 February 2024 - NW131

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Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Considering that the President, Mr. M C Ramaphosa, has recently announced that R1 billion has been allocated to build approximately 4,000 houses across municipalities in the Northern Cape Province, how will her department ensure that, the specified project does not impact housing provisions in the rest of the Republic, especially considering the large housing backlog?

Reply:

The Northern Cape Province approached the Development Bank of Southern Africa (the Lender) to finance the acceleration of the human settlement’s development programme. The borrowing is pursued in line with the provisions of section 3 (6) of the Borrowing Act and the current Division of Revenue Act (DoRA) through a pledge of the indicative Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2025 to 2027 as detailed below:

The R1 billion allocated to build approximately 4,000 houses across municipalities in the Northern Cape Province, as announced by the President will not impact the housing provisions in the rest of the Republic.

23 February 2024 - NW64

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)With reference to the Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is taking place in Panama from 5 to 10 February 2024, (a) what is the Government’s latest position and/or mandate of the delegations in relation to the COP agenda and (b) which policy and/or other legislative document supports and/or informs the specified mandate; (2) (a) what is each delegation’s mandate on (i) combustible cigarettes, (ii) non-combustible nicotine products and (iii) harm-reduction policies, technologies and evidence-led scientific findings and (b) which policy and/or other legislative document supports and/or informs the mandate in each case?

Reply:

(1) (a) The delegates are mandated to advance the interests of South Africa and of the Continent with regard to aspects that promote public health in relation to the control of tobacco and related products.

(b) South Africa is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC is a Global public health treaty which informs South Africa’s mandate in this regard.

(2) (a) Mandate on:

(i) combustible cigarettes

To ensure decisions made at COP will protect public health, reduce demand and supply and protect vulnerable groups and non-smokers and to identify new risk based on available scientific evidence.

(ii) non-combustible nicotine products

South Africa supports agenda items and decisions aimed at protecting public health. Our main objective to protect public health, reduce demand and supply and protect vulnerable groups and non-smokers against the harm caused by nicotine and to identify new risk based on available scientific evidence.

(iii) harm-reduction policies, technologies, and evidence led scientific findings

The Department of Health is not in support of the proposed promotion of harm reduction strategies and technologies, since what is proposed by the tobacco industry in this regard remain harmful to the public. The unregulated and uncontrolled use of nicotine poses a health risk and therefore, the Department is committed to the regulation of all tobacco and related products. The objective at all times is to promote public health and protect the vulnerable groups against the harm posed by the tobacco and related products.

(b) South Africa, in our pursuit to regulate all tobacco and related products, is guided by local and global studies that have provided significant evidence about the harm caused by both combustible and non-combustible tobacco and related products. These include the emerging products flooding the market worldwide.

END.

23 February 2024 - NW211

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Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

In light of section 198(b) of the Labour Relations Act, Act 55 of 1995, which provides for the deeming provision and that employees must be provided with equal access to opportunities, what preventive measures has his department taken against whiteowned companies who extend fixed-term contracts for a period as long as 20 years, thereby avoiding the deeming provision and circumventing the national minimum wage legislation and making sure that the bargaining power remains in their hands?

Reply:

Honourable Ceza, any contract of employment that exceeds three months, the law deems such an employee as permanent. All the rights and obligations other employees are entitled to, such an employee is also entitled to these rights and obligations. Should such an employee be dismissed for unjustifiable reasons or denied the same right that other permanent employees have, they have a recourse through the CCMA despite the nature of their contract.

The law is clear that there is no worker or employee in this country who must be paid below the national minimum wage despite the nature of their contract. The national minimum wage is the floor right that no employee or worker should be paid below it.

The law stipulates that bargaining councils cannot negotiate wages below what the national minimum wage prescribe. Their wage negotiations start from what the national minimum wage prescribes and can only be negotiated upwards and not downwards. It is important for the Honourable member to note that our collective bargaining system is based on improving the basic conditions of employment and the national minimum wage ups.

END

23 February 2024 - NW96

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Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health

With reference to the 2022-23 financial year budget report of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, whose objective is to, amongst others, monitor and evaluate, regulate, investigate, inspect, register and control of medicines, clinical trials and devices relating to public health matters, only 22% of new Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehouse Practices related to licenses were finalised in 125 days, what (a) are the financial implications for those whose licenses were submitted and not granted, (b) were the reasons the licences were not granted and (c) licenses were not granted?

Reply:

According to the SAHPRA:

a) SAHPRA has the mandate of regulating the efficacy safety and quality of medicines and thus the information supplied in a license application does not include information about the financial implications of not having a license ;

b) There are various reasons licenses are not granted but in essence applicants must comply with the criteria for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Warehousing Practice (GWP). This is done in accordance with the General Regulations to the Medicines Act, Regulation 23(3) and Regulation 23(4). Noncompliance with the criteria for licensing will result in a license not being issued. In some cases applicants decline an inspection when they are contacted for assessment of their license application.

However, there were delays in finalisation of inspections due to capacity constraints in the Inspectorate unit.

c) In the 2022/2023 financial year, SAHPRA approved all new license applications that were evaluated however there are delays in the inspection of applicants due to limited inspection capacity.

END.

23 February 2024 - NW50

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Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Why are there no dedicated ambulances stationed at public hospitals and other public health facilities to transfer patients on an urgent basis to other facilities; (2) whether his department has put in place any measures to ensure that ambulances are easily accessible to hospitals without delay; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. It is not a policy requirement to allocate ambulances to hospitals. Ambulances are allocated to EMS stations which are either stand-alone or co-located in hospitals, clinics, and other public facilities. The allocation is organized according to what is practically achievable within the budget allocation. The focus is on ensuring that these ambulances are accessible and respond on time when they are needed. Nationally, of the 483 public EMS Stations, 365 (76%) of are co-located at hospitals and clinics. The breakdown of EMS Stations per province is as follows:

PROVINCE

Total No. of Stations

No. of Stations Stand Alone

No. of Stations at Hospitals

No. of Stations located at Clinics

No. of Stations located at other sites

Eastern Cape

85

14

48

16

7

Free State

59

2

26

27

4

Gauteng

57

6

21

23

7

KwaZulu-Natal

71

22

26

19

4

Limpopo

57

10

26

18

3

Mpumalanga

37

7

16

5

9

North West

20

1

10

6

3

Northern Cape

48

4

8

36

0

Western Cape

49

12

25

9

3

TOTAL

483

78

206

159

40

PERCENTAGE

100

16

43

33

8

Other sites: Fire Stations, Local Govt Offices, SAPS

   

2. Access of ambulances to hospitals including emergency responses within the community are subject to demand and availability of ambulances at the time required. All calls, when received, are prioritized according to patient acuity needs, triaged and dispatched to the first available ambulance. This prioritization includes interfacility transfers.

END.

23 February 2024 - NW117

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Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

With reference to the South African delegation for state visits to the (a) Islamic Republic of Iran and (b) State of Qatar (i) in 2023 and (ii) from 1 January 2024 to date, what are the full details of the (a) names of the members of the delegation and (b)(i) schedule of meetings held and (ii) minutes of the specified meetings?

Reply:

There was no state visit to the (a) Islamic Republic of Iran (i) in 2023 and (ii) from 1 January 2024 to date.

A state visit was undertaken to the State of Qatar from 14 to 15 November 2023. The South African Delegation (a) consisted of:

1. H.E. Mr MC Ramaphosa President of the Republic of South Africa

2. Dr GNM Pandor: Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

3. Amb GH Asmal: South African Ambassador to the State of Qatar

4. Ms A Didiza: Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and

Rural Development

5. Ms MA Motshekga: Minister of Basic Education

6. Mr E Patel: Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

7. Ms K Ntshavheni: Minister in the Presidency – State Security

8. Ms T Modise: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

9. Ms P Baleni: Director-General and Secretary of Cabinet

10. Ms R Singh: Deputy-Director General (Chief of Staff in the Presidency)

11. Ms D Nicol: Special Advisor to the President

12. Mr N Sibiya: Special Advisor to the President

13. Mr V Magwenya: Spokesperson to the President

The schedule of meetings held in the State of Qatar (b)(i):

1. Official Talks between the RSA and Qatari delegations

2. Tête-á-tête between President Ramaphosa and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Amir of the Stet of Qatar

3. Signing Ceremony

4. Meeting with Members of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Business Association

5. Presidential Roundtable Discussion

6. Tree-planting ceremony and tour of the Qatari Pavilion at the Doha International Horticultural Expo 2023

7. Courtesy Call and Meeting between President Ramaphosa and Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al Thani, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar

The meetings held in the State of Qatar were of a confidential nature and the minutes of the said meetings are classified (b)(ii).

23 February 2024 - NW45

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Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he has been informed of the shortages of biocides, hand sanitizer and hibiscus hand soap in health facilities across the Eastern Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) urgent steps of intervention has he taken to address the situation and (b) are the details of the time frames put in place to curb the shortages?

Reply:

The National Department of Health (NDoH) was aware of the shortages of biocides, hand sanitizer and hibiscus (hibiscrub) hand soap in the facilities across the Eastern Cape.

a) There are interventions that the NDoH implements to ensure that there are no supply shortages at facilities. These interventions are informed by the cause of the supply challenge.

  • Where the supply constraint is due to operational matters, e.g. machine breakdown, labour unrest, theft, post importation testing, etc., the NDOH would source products from alternative local suppliers with registered products using the quotation process.
  • Should the supply constraint result in a longer term supply challenge, such as regulatory matters including amendments to the dossier that requires approval from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), including a change/addition of an active pharmaceutical ingredient source and/or manufacturing site, the transfer of ownership of dossiers which results in a change of marketing authorization, delays in the issuing of the permits for imported medicines, manufactured products requiring additional quality checks by SAHPRA, etc. and no alternative local suppliers with registered products are available; an application would be made to SAHPRA for the acquisition of unregistered medicines for human use in South Africa Act use in terms of Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act.

b) Health facilities in the Eastern Cape place their orders with the depot on a weekly basis, and the depot processes these orders efficiently with a lead time of a week.

In most cases including the recently reported case, the medicines supply challenges are transient in that an item may be reported as out of stock and soon after the item is back on stock.

Currently, there are no the shortages of biocides, hand sanitizers and hibiscus hand soap in health facilities across the Eastern Cape. The table below shows the current availability of the items in the Eastern Cape health facilities including the depots:

Item Description

Quantity on stock

Stock Provision in Months

Hibiscus (Hibiscrub) Hand Soap 500ml

6 826

2.5 months’ supply

Hand sanitizer without emollient 500ml

8 590

4 months’ supply

Biocide 100s

6 060

2 months’ supply

Table 1. Stock on hand of selected items as at 12 February 2024

END.

23 February 2024 - NW111

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Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether (a) the President and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet met with any member of Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) to discuss any strategy whereby South Africa could assist Hamas or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (i) 2022, (ii) 2023 and (iii) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The President (a) and or any member of the Cabinet (b) did not meet with any member of Harakat al-Mugawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) to discuss any strategy whereby South Africa could assist Hamas or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (i) 2022, (ii) 2023 and (iii) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date.

 

23 February 2024 - NW112

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Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether (a) the President and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet had discussions with any member of the government or the executive of (i) the Islamic Republic of Iran and/or (ii) the State of Qatar regarding any strategy whereby South Africa could assist the Islamic Republic of Iran or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Neither the President (a) and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet had discussions with any member of the government or the executive of (i) the Islamic Republic of Iran and/or (ii) the State of Qatar regarding any strategy whereby South Africa could assist the Islamic Republic of Iran or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date.

23 February 2024 - NW66

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)With reference to the Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is taking place in Panama from 5 to 10 February 2024, what are the details of the (a) size and (b) composition of the delegation from (i) his department and (ii) public sector entities reporting to him; (2) what is the (a) total cost estimate and (b) breakdown thereof for the delegation in terms of research, training, policy formulation, travel and subsistence; (3) whether the specified costs will be funded fully by his department; if not, (a) which external parties have provided funding and (b) what total amount; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a), (b) (i) and (ii)

One official from the Department of Health was delegated to attend COP 10. No other officials from other entities were delegated by the Department to attend.

2. The cost for travel and subsistence for 1 person was R175 040.46. There was no other cost involved.

3. The cost is funded by the Department only.

END.

23 February 2024 - NW59

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Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether compared to December 2022 there have been any improvement in January 2023 in the turnaround time in respect of cargo handling, especially of deciduous fruits being exported from Cape Town; (2) What (a) was the impact of strong winds/bad weather on the efficiency of the harbour at Cape Town during 1-31 December 2023 and (b) total number of working days or hours were lost due to bad weather in this period; (3) Whether, with regards to big shipping companies diverting their ships away from the Suez Canal via Cape Town, there has been an increase in ships docking at the port in Cape Town due to this diversion; if so, how many?

Reply:

According to the information received from Transnet

(1) and (2) Kindly see the response provided in Parliamentary Question No. 58

(3) Cape Town Terminals have contracted line services calling in accordance with the terminal’s full capacity design. Therefore, any additional vessels are reviewed and handled on an ad-hoc basis, depending on the occupancy and availability.

Cape Town will see short-term benefits as there is an opportunity for the Western and Northern Cape deciduous fruit exporters to export more of their produce to Europe and America.

Most vessels now re-routing via the Cape of Good Hope (COGH) would still have cargo for foreign destinations and therefore would not necessarily request to stop in South Africa for additional volumes. However, the South African Ports will continue to pursue additional business opportunities which may arise from the additional vessels calling via COGH.

 

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/Comments

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

23 February 2024 - NW110

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Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether (a) the President and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet met with or had a telephone discussion with (i) Mr Ismail Haniyeh and/or (ii) any other members of the Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full details of the (aaa) discussions and (bbb) concrete agreements reached?

Reply:

The President (a) did not meet with or had a telephone discussion with (i) Mr Ismail Haniyeh and/or (ii) any other members of the Harakat al- Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date.

Regarding contact with any member of Cabinet (b), it should be recalled that DIRCO issued a media statement on 17 October 2023, confirming that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr GNM Pandor, received a request to call the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to discuss getting humanitarian aid to Palestine. During the call, and In line with the Government’s position, Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s solidarity and support for the people of Palestine and expressed sadness and regret for the loss of innocent lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. The statement further indicated that Minister Pandor and the Hamas leader discussed how to get the provisional supply of necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian territories.