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08 April 2016 - NW430

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What percentage of the advertisements of the (a) (i) national and (ii) provincial government departments, and (b) all entities reporting to the specified departments, was distributed to community media such as (aa) community radio stations, (bb) community print media, (cc) community television stations and (dd) small commercial publications during the period 1 July 2015 to 31 January 2016; (2) why, with reference to her reply to question 3806 on 21 December 2015, did the Government Communications and Information System only spend money on advertising in community radio stations, and not in all other forms of community media as detailed above, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. During the period 1 July 2015 to 31 January 2016, GCIS placed advertisements to the value of R153 138 655.73 on behalf of its clients (national and provincial departments and entities reporting to these departments). R22 187 761.61 of this advertising expenditure was allocated to community media (community radio stations, community print media, community television stations and small commercial publications), representing 14% of the allocated budget. A detailed breakdown follows below:

(a)(i) 13% of advertising allocated by national departments as listed in the accompanying table

(ii) 12% of advertising allocated by provincial departments as listed in the accompanying table

(b) 18% of advertising allocated by all entities reporting to specified departments as listed in the accompanying table

2. Community media offers government the opportunity to direct communications messages at specific and highly localised audiences. Whilst this is adequate for tactical interventions on community print or community television, interactive campaigns requiring the targeting of multiple communities simultaneously are best suited to community radio.

The Government Communication and Information System primarily focuses on such high reach multi-site campaigns which often use interactive phone-in community radio programmes. In this advertising format, a minimum of 75 community radio stations are connected via satellite to enable a single interview to be broadcast to multiple community radio stations. In turn, listeners resident in the broadcast footprint of any of the participating community radio stations can call in to the GCIS studio and interact live with the studio guests.

This capability is not available on other forms of community media as detailed in the question.

MR D LIPHOKO

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

01 April 2016 - NW695

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) How many times has the SA Broadcasting Corporation Board of Directors met since 1 January 2015, (b) what was the agenda for each meeting, (c) who was present at each meeting and (d) what decisions were taken at each meeting?

Reply:

The SABC Board reports directly to the Shareholder. Information about the frequency of meetings and attendance registers thereof are contained in the annual report of the SABC, the same will apply to meetings of SA Broadcasting Corporation Board of Directors held from 1 January 2015 to date. The agendas and decisions that were taken at these meetings are confidential and not intended for public discussion.

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

23 March 2016 - NW555

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, the recommendations of the National Integrated Information and Communication Technology Policy Review Report published in 2015 have been implemented by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in terms of (a) stakeholders being provided an opportunity to make representations to the National Assembly regarding the ICASAs discharge of its mandate, (b) ICASA conducting regular research in the information and communications technology sector to determine public needs and views and (c) minutes of meetings of the ICASA Council being made public within a reasonable time, subject to appropriate safeguards to protect confidential information; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

The DoC has, in developing the Green Paper on Audio Visual and Digital Content Policy for South Africa, considered the recommendations of the National ICT Policy Review report in relation to the work of the Department. Once finalized, the DoC will publish the Green Paper to solicit public comments. It is only after the White Paper on Audio Visual and Digital Content Policy for South Africa has been adopted by Cabinet, that implementation will commence.

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

23 March 2016 - NW554

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, in line with the National Integrated Information and Communication Technology Policy Review Report published in 2015, a legislative review was undertaken of the Independent Communications Authority of SA’s legislation to ensure that the general duties of the regulator are included in law, including promoting competition across networks and services, equal treatment of technologies, reviewing regulatory burdens, regular impact assessments, increasing the ease of doing business in the sector, publishing decisions promptly adhering to timeframes, and conducting appropriate and relevant international benchmarking; if not, (a) why not, and (b) when will the legislative review be undertaken; if so, (i) which organisation conducted the legislative reviews, (ii) what were the terms of reference and (iii) what budget was allocated to this process?

Reply:

The DoC has, in developing the Green Paper on Audio Visual and Digital Content Policy for South Africa, considered the recommendations of the National ICT Policy Review report in relation to the work of the Department. Once finalized, the DoC will publish the Green Paper to solicit public comments. It is only after the White Paper on Audio Visual and Digital Content Policy for South Africa has been adopted by Cabinet, that implementation will commence.

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

23 March 2016 - NW553

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether, in line with the recommendations of the National Integrated Information and Communications Technology Policy Review Report published in 2015, a review of her department’s public entities has been undertaken in order to consider whether these entities are fulfilling policy objectives; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will such a review be undertaken; if so, what were the outcomes in each case; (2)   whether, in line with the recommendations of the National Integrated Information and Communications Technology Policy Review Report published in 2015, regular assessments of public entities reporting to her have been scheduled in the relevant policies; if not, (a) why not, and (b) when will regular assessments of the specified entities be included in the relevant policies; if so, (i) which organisations will be conducting such reviews, (ii) what are the terms of reference and (iii) what budget has been allocated to these processes?

Reply:

The DoC has, in developing the Green Paper on Audio Visual and Digital Content Policy for South Africa, considered the recommendations of the National ICT Policy Review report in relation to the work of the Department. Once finalized, the DoC will publish the Green Paper to solicit public comments. It is only after the White Paper on Audio Visual and Digital Content Policy for South Africa has been adopted by Cabinet, that implementation will commence.

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

23 March 2016 - NW552

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

what progress has been made to date with the review of the SA Broadcasting Corporation’s editorial policy; (2) whether any form of public consultation has taken place during the review process of the specified policy; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the details of the public consultation process followed to date, (b) (i) how and (ii) when were notices for public consultations published, (c) which, if any, organisations submitted written comments, and (d) will she make each of such written representations submitted during the public consultation process available to Ms P T van Damme; (3) (a) when does the SABC envisage that a new draft editorial policy will be completed and (b) when will such a new draft policy be tabled in Parliament?

Reply:

  1. The revised SABC editorial policy has been approved by the SABC Board and is currently being implemented.
  2. (a) Yes public consultation has taken place. Stakeholder engagements were held with more than 30 organisations and interest groups from across the country and were followed by 17 public hearings, where each province hosted at least one. Almost 2,000 people attended these hearings.

(b) (i) & (ii) The public consultations were advertised on SABC platforms and in selected print media.

(c) The SABC received 216 written submissions from individuals and organisations.

(d)  Not applicable.

3) (a) The policy has been completed

(b) The editorial policy are submitted to the Authority, not Parliament.

 

MR N MUNZHELELE

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

23 March 2016 - NW551

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether she can state the reasons why the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) suspended Mr Frans Matlala as the Chief Executive Officer on or about 18 November 2015; if not, on what statutory authority is she refusing to state the specified reasons; if so, what were the reasons for the SABC to suspend the specified person?

Reply:

The Department is unable to respond due to the fact that the matter is before the Courts.

 

 

MR N MUNZHELELE

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

23 March 2016 - NW509

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)  What (a) sustainability challenges are faced by community small commercial media (CSCM) and (b) intervention processes are in place to address the sustainability challenges faced by CSCM; (2) whether a specific programme to address the slow pace of transformation in the print media has been put in place by her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of such a programme; (3) whether she has put any measures in place to facilitate a discussion with the Print and Digital Media of South Africa to review decreased print media contributions; if not, why not; if so, what (a) measures were put in place and (b) was the outcome of such discussions?

Reply:

(1) (a) The following are amongst the sustainability challenges faced by community small commercial media:

  • Inadequate of support with regard to advertising from government and private sector;
  • Print and Digital Media South Africa (PDMSA) has withdrawn its funding and government allocation to Small Commercial Media;
  • High printing costs; and
  • Inability to attract and retain skilled personnel due to limited funding.

(b) Liaising with the GCIS in order to secure advertising revenue for CSCM

  • Liaising with Media Buyers for advertising bookings to the sector
  • Negotiated printing discounts with the major houses such as CAXTON, Paarlcoldset and Rising Sun Printers
  • Providing support for the establishment of Provincial Cooperatives in order to lobby for advertising bulk buying
  • Capacity building and skills development through partnership with relevant training institutions such as the Wits Radio Academy, finalising MoA with MICTSETA; and
  • For 2016/17 we will be focusing on enterprise development training to equip projects on financials, fundraising skills.

(2) The Ministry of Communications is facilitating the discussions and debates around the discussion document “Towards a Policy on Media Transformation and Diversity” which was drafted to focus on media transformation and diversity issues. This is currently being updated/revised with further desktop and commissioned research. Meetings have also been held with government statutory bodies, non-governmental organisations and media agencies to solicit their views. This has included organisations such as MDDA, ICASA, NABSA, Right to Know and Freedom of Expression.  Issues raised in these meetings are being further investigated and incorporated into the Discussion Document.  A colloquium is further being considered for 2016 to deepen our understanding of key transformation issues within the environment, to finalise scope and allow stakeholders an opportunity to present their views.

(3) (a) The MDDA Board is engaging the individual members of the PDMSA, who have requested details on the funding previously allocated; this will also be covered as part of the Social Impact Study currently being commissioned by the MDDA Board.

(b) So far meeting has been held with the Media 24 and the outcomes were positive, however the MDDA has been requested to develop a report reflecting on how the funds have been allocated to projects. There are meetings due with The Times Media, Caxton and Sekunjalo.

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

23 March 2016 - NW607

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Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether she had (a) ascertained if the SABC bosses had issued any directives prohibiting talk show hosts from keeping open lines on current affairs until the end of the local government elections and (b) made it clear that Sections 15 and 16 of the Constitution had to be honoured irrespective of the political affiliation of the SABC bosses, if not, why is she failing in her duty to provide constitutionally directed leadership; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

a) The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) management did not prohibit talk show hosts from having open lines discussions during programmes.  Presenters / talk show hosts of for example religious or sport programmes are subject matter experts and will have open line discussions on relevant religious or sporting matters. At the same time political discussions can only be dealt with during News and Current affairs programmes where presenters/host are skilled to deal with these matters. The SABC therefore wants to ensure that political discussions are dealt with on the correct platforms to ensure that political parties do not misuse entertainment, religious and sports programmes for their political expediency.

b) Not applicable

MR N MUNZHELELE

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

23 March 2016 - NW508

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether the Media Development and Diversity Agency’s (MDDA) internal audit function is still being outsourced; if so, (a) why and (b) how much is it costing the agency to outsource this function; (2)   whether the vacant positions for the (a) Communications Manager, (b) Programme and Research and Development Manager, (c) Information and Technology Manager, (d) Supply Chain Management Officer and (e) Financial Administration Officer within the MDDA have been filled; if not, (i) why not, (ii) what measures have been put in place to fill the specified vacant positions and (iii) by when will it be filled; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

(1) (a) Yes, the internal audit function of the MDDA is being co-sourced due to the inability by the Agency to build internal audit capacity. The contract of the outsourced auditors is coming to an end on the 30th March 2016 and permanent in-house Internal Audit Manager will be appointed. In this regard, the MDDA has since revised the organogram and the position of the Internal Audit Manager has been advertised.

(b) The function is costing the Agency R721 227.00 inclusive of VAT.

(2) (a) The position of Communications & Stakeholders Manager position was filled during the last quarter of 2015.

(b) The position of Programme & Research and Development Manager has not been filled.

(c) The position of Information and Technology Manager was filled on the last quarter in December 2015.

(d) The position of Supply Chain Management Officer was filled during the last quarter of 2015.

(e) The position of Financial Administration Officer has not been filled.

i) The MDDA led by the Board revised its strategy in September 2015 and subsequently has revised its organogram to align to the revised deliverables in line with the MDDA Act. On the 20th February 2016 the MDDA Board approved the revised structure. This will be followed by filling of the vacancies. The process of advertising is underway to fill all positions by the 1st quarter of 2016 financial year.

ii) The work, duties and responsibilities of vacated positions, has been distributed amongst employees. In some of the vacant positions, there are persons who have been contracted externally from suppliers whilst the process of filling, continues. The MDDA Board has approved the revised structure/organogram. This will be followed by filling of the vacancies.

iii) The MDDA is aiming to fill all positions by the 1st quarter of 2016/17 financial year.

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

23 March 2016 - NW606

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Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)  Whether, in view of the fact that the Portfolio Committee on Communications obtained a legal opinion regarding matters under consideration by the SABC Board of Directors which led to the dismissal of three board members, she has taken steps to (a) request the specified legal opinion from the Portfolio Committee on Communications, or (b) obtain her own legal opinion to ensure that she did not transgress the law in any way and result in action taken against her for the said transgression; if not , why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether she will make a statement on (a) what she had exactly done and (b) the action she has taken in dealing with the board of directors of the SABC at the time; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications has scheduled meetings in 2015 where this matter was discussed in detail. Parliament Legal team has presented their legal opinion before the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Communications and subsequently this legal opinion together with the legal opinion that was sought by Minister of Communications were debated in detail during the Portfolio Committee on Communications meeting in 2015. Portfolio Committee on Communications in its meeting which was opened to the public, resolved to close this matter following the said debates.

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

11 March 2016 - NW431

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

Who will build the Independent Communications Authority of SA’s (ICASA) third Digital Terrestrial Transmission radio frequency network, Multiplex (MUX) 3, and (b) who will operate MUX 3, since it will be shared by new free-to-air television licensees and Pay TV operators?

Reply:

(a)   Multiplex 3 network does not belong to ICASA. ICASA regulates and facilitates the deployment of Multiplex 3 network as prescribed in the approved digital terrestrial television (DTT) Regulations and Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan of 2013.

(b)  The capacity of Mux 3 is earmarked for a new subscription television licensees and a new Free-To-Air (FTA) licensee with an allocation capacity of 45% and 55%, respectively. Licensing processes in respect of 45% capacity for subscription broadcasting service is currently underway. The licensee will select a signal distributor build the Mux 3 network. The selected signal distributor is expected to also distribute the 55% Mux 3 capacity that would be assigned by the Authority pursuant to finalisation of a process to license additional FTA licensee through a commercial arrangement and without prejudice.

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

11 March 2016 - NW361

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Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to President Jacob G Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

Reply:

(a) The percentage of the total procurement in the DoC is:

(i) 57.98%

(ii) 0%

(b) GCIS

(i) 64.76

(ii) 0%

SABC

(i) 12%

(ii) 0%

MDDA

(i) 100%

(ii) 0%

Brand SA

(i) 22%

(ii) 0%

ICASA

(i) 40%

(ii) 0%

FPB

(i) 81.4%

(ii) 0%   

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

11 March 2016 - NW433

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Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether print media can see where its contributions in the form of funding to the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) have been allocated; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, (b) how can the print media monitor where its funding to the MDDA is allocated, and (c) does the MDDA ensure that investors from the print media receive feedback on where their funding is allocated?

Reply:

Yes the MDDA has over the years published in its annual report details on all projects that have been funded from the Print and Digital Media South Africa (PDMSA) funding and these reports have been made available to the PDMSA, which has a representative in the MDDA Board.

a) The details included the name of the project; whether it is a magazine or newspaper; the district municipality; the province; the language of the publication; the nature of funding allocated - e.g printing, distribution, operational costs etc; and the grant amount allocated.

b) The print media can monitor the funding allocated by reviewing the Grant in Aid Agreements signed with individual projects, reviewing MDDA Monitoring and Evaluation reports, requesting copies of the publications and reviewing annual reports.

c) Yes, the MDDA is in a process of meeting all the print funders, and finalising commissioning an impact assessment study, which will be shared with the investors including the Government.

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

11 March 2016 - NW432

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Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Communications

How much (a) did the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) pay to collect its television license fees in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13, (iii) 2013-14 and (iv) 2014-15 financial years and (b) revenue did the SABC generate from the collection of its television license fees in financial years?

Reply:

a) (i)- (iv) The SABC paid a total of R543 873 573.26 to collect television license fees.

b) For the same period, the SABC generated a total revenue of R3 647 764 688.63 from the collection of television fees.

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

11 March 2016 - NW229

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Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Communications

Has her department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by certain persons (names furnished) in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, in each specified financial year, (i) how many times were such contracts awarded and (ii) for what amount?

Reply:

The Department has not awarded any contract to companies directly or indirectly owned by the said persons.

 

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

27 February 2016 - NW76

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Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether she has entered into a performance agreement with the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, with regard to the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2014-2019; if not, why not; if so, (a) which key indicators and targets from the MTSF are reflected in the agreement, (b) how many performance assessments has she undertaken in consultation with the President since the agreement was signed, (c) what progress has been made in meeting the key indicators and targets from the MTSF, (d) what are the key obstacles to implementation and (e) what is the plan to address such obstacles?

Reply:

Yes, the Minister of Communications has signed the Performance Agreement with the President JG Zuma.

(a) The following indicators and targets are reflected in the Minister’s Performance Agreement:

Impact Indicators

Target 2019

Identity based on self-description

60% of population describing themselves as South Africans

Pride in being South African

75% of South African reflecting to be South African by 2018/19

Pride in our national sporting teams

66% percent of South Africans proud of our national sporting teams

A diverse broadcasting system that preserves informs and reflects the cultural heritage of all South Africans

70% of content reflects South Africans

b) Performance assessments are done on a quarterly basis, and presented to Cabinet.

c) The following is a synopsis of the progress made thus far:

Impact Indicators

Target 2019

Q3

Identity based on self-description

60% of population describing themselves as South

82% of population describe themselves as South Africans

Pride in being South African

75% of South African reflecting to be South African by 2018/19

96% of South African are proud to be South Africans

Pride in our national sporting teams

66% percent of South Africans proud of the national sporting teams

82% of South Africans are proud of the national sporting teams

A diverse broadcasting system that preserves informs and reflects the cultural heritage of all South Africans

70% of content reflects South Africans

70% of content reflects South Africans

d) None

e) Not applicable.

 

 

MR N MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

27 February 2016 - NW126

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Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Are any regulatory amendments to the Broadcasting Act, Act 4 of 1999, being drafted to waive the requirements for recipients of the government-subsidised set-top boxes to have valid TV licenses; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any discussions have taken place with the SA Broadcasting Corporation on the specified issue; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant  details of (a) any such discussions and (b) any (i) decisions and/or (ii) action plans emanating from the specified discussions?

Reply:

  1. No amendments to the Broadcasting Act, Act 4 of 1999 have been drafted for the waiver of TV Licenses.
  2. The need for TV license as a requirement for recipients of the government subsidized set-top-boxes issue has been tabled by the DoC before

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

27 February 2016 - NW38

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether her Ministry has any frozen vacant positions; if so, (a) how many of the specified positions are vacant, (b) what are the designations of the specified positions and (c) for how long have the specified positions been vacant?

Reply:

(a) There are no frozen vacant positions in the Ministry.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Not applicable.

 

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

21 December 2015 - NW2140

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Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What amount has the SA Broadcasting Corporation budgeted to upgrade its gym at Auckland Park to a wellness studio (details furnished), (b) what is the difference between a gym and a wellness studio which motivated for a wellness studio, (c) how much does the current gym cost per annum to (i) staff and (ii) maintain and (d) how much will the envisaged wellness studio cost per annum to (i) staff and (ii) maintain? NVV2451E

Reply:

(a) Business Case still to be compiled.
(b) They are complimentary to each other as it is a service offered to staff to improve on their wellness.
(c) R1 .9million
a. Gym is managed and
b. maintained by the current service provider
(d) same as above
a. same as above
b. same as above

Parliamentary question 2140 of 2015

21 December 2015 - NW3806

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) (a) What total amount has the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) spent on advertising in each month on (i) community radio stations, (ii) community print media entities, (iii) community TV stations and (iv) small commercial publications in the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2015, (b) what individual amounts were spent on each (i) community radio station, (ii) community print media entity, (iii) community TV station and (iv) small commercial publication and (c) on what dates were the specified adverts placed; (2) what percentage of the GCIS’s advertising budget is spent on (a) community media and (b) commercial media? NW4550E

Reply:

Minister of Communications:

(1) (a) In the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2015, the GCIS has placed advertising to the value of (i) R 5 497 932.58 in community radio stations, (ii) R 0 (nil) in community print media entities, (iii) R 0 (nil) in community TV stations, (iv) R 0 (nil) in small commercial publications as detailed per Annexure A

(b) A summary of the above advertising spend by (i) community radio station, (ii) community print media entity, (iii) community TV station and (iv) small commercial publication is attached as Annexure B.

(c) The dates of the specified adverts and individual radio stations are reflected in Annexure B.

(1) (a) 38% of the GCIS’s advertising budget is spent on community media, (b) 62%

on commercial media as per Annexure C.

MR DONALD LIPHOKO

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

21 December 2015 - NW3955

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to R93 million that was written off by her department as reflected in its 2014-15 Annual Report, (a) what are the names of the (i) companies and/or (ii) persons whose debt was written off and (b) what are the reasons in each case?

Reply:

Minister of Communications:

No debts were written off in the 2014/15 financial year.

MR DONALD LIPHOKO

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

21 December 2015 - NW3833

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) How regularly is Vuk’unzenzele published, (b) how many copies of the specified newspaper are distributed in each (i) province and (ii) town and (c) in which towns is the specified newspaper distributed?

Reply:

Minister of Communications

  1. Vuk’uzenzele is a monthly newspaper, however since August 2015, the frequency of the newspaper has changed from once-a-month to twice-a-month production (one edition per fortnight) with the exception of December and January months when it’s published once a month. The paper is also available online as an App for Android and Apple phones and tablets.
  1. Vuk’uzenzele is distributed as follows;
  2. Refer to Annexure A

(ii) Vuk’uzenzele is being distributed through Bulk Drop and Knock and Drop distribution to 166 bulk points (87 285 copies) and 1 391 urban areas (762 715) via knock and drop situated in and around towns, townships and rural areas. (Refer to Annexure B)

 

MR DONALD LIPHOKO

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

21 December 2015 - NW4023

Profile picture: Shinn, Ms MR

Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3656 on 3 November 2015, she will provide a comprehensive answer to all questions posed; if not, why not; if so, by when can the comprehensive reply be expected?

Reply:

The Department of Communications is of the view that the reply provided to Parliamentary Question 3656 is comprehensive enough, unless if the Honourable member can be more specific.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

21 December 2015 - NW4030

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Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any of the entities reporting to her purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup (i) tickets, (ii) clothing and/or (iii) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (aa) what (aaa) are the details and (bbb) is the total cost of the items purchased, (bb)(aaa) how many items were purchased and (bbb) why, (cc)(aaa) to whom has each specified item been allocated and (bbb) why have the specified items been allocated to the specified persons and (dd)(aaa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each specified item and (bbb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make the specified purchases?

Reply:

Department of Communications

(a) The Department of Communications has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

South African Broadcasting Corporation

(b) (i) No tickets were bought, the Production crew accessed the games through accreditation?

(ii) 4600 Rugby Shirts were bought for Some Staff members, as part of the Bok Friday Marketing campaign to create awareness and interest of the campaign to support our on air HABASHWE campaign.

(iii) None

(aa) None

(bbb) Total Cost of T-Shirts is 1.8 Million

(bb)(aaa) 4600

(bbb) Rugby Shirts were bought for some Staff members, as part of the Bok Friday Marketing campaign to create awareness and interest of the campaign to support our on air #HABASHWE campaign

(cc)(aaa) allocation was to most of SABC Employees including on air personalities within our RADIO NEWS TV Platforms and the SABC Staff

(dd)(aaa) the items were purchased to drive the SABC On Air and Below the line brand campaign of #HABASHWE,

(bbb) The Operations Committee of the SABC took the decision.

Media Development and Diversity Agency

(b) The Media Development and Diversity Agency has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

Brand South Africa

(b) (i) There were no tickets purchased for the Rugby 2015 World Cup,

(ii) Yes there was clothing

(iii) Yes there was paraphernalia

(aa) Scarves, Hand held South African Flags and South African flag branded tote bags.

(aaa) 500 scarves were distributed and 500 South African Flag branded tote bags and 500 hand held South African flags were purchased

(bbb) The total value for the scarves distributed is R40 000 (taken from the BSA existing stock), South African Flag branded tote bags purchased for GBP1257.60 and South African hand held flags is R9975.00

(bb)(aaa) 500 scarves, 500 South African hand held flags and South African Flag branded tote bags

(cc)(aa) The above stated collateral was distributed to all the fan zones

(bbb) To create awareness about South Africa

(dd)(aaa) The decision to purchase each specified item was on the basis of Brand South Africa to market South Africa as a brand.

(bbb) The decision was taken on the Acting Chief Marketing Officer Brand South Africa delegation of authority.

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

(b) ICASA has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

Film and Publications Board

(b) FPB has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

MR J RANTETE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

21 December 2015 - NW4060

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Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether his department has taken steps to strengthen the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in order to promote the development of Information Communication Technology infrastructure that is reliable, secure and affordable; if not, why not; if so, (a) how has ICASA been strengthened, (b) what has ICASA done with its additional powers and (c) to what extent does South Africa now have Information Communication Technology infrastructure that is robust, reliable, secure and most importantly, affordable?

Reply:

(1) The Ministry of Communications has taken steps to strengthen the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in order to promote the development of Information Communication Technology infrastructure that is reliable, secure and affordable. The Minister will be tabling the ICASA Amendment Bill 2016 to specifically address these issues. Some of the issues will also be dealt with in the Green Paper on Broadcasting Policy Review:

(a) ICASA will be strengthened once we finalized and agree on the policy positions in the Green Paper and Bill.

(b) ICASA will use its additional powers, if any will be given, once the above processes have been finalized.

(c ) The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services is the one addressing infrastructure issues, Ministry of Communications is now dealing with media and content issues

MR J RANTETE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

21 December 2015 - NW4152

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Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any of the entities reporting to her (i) purchased and/or (ii) leased any buildings in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the (aaaa) cost and (bbbb) size of the specified buildings, (bbb) why was it bought or leased, (ccc) what will it be used for, (ddd) who will occupy it and (eee) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building?

Reply:

Department of Communications

Since inception, the Department of Communications has not purchased or leased any buildings considering that it is housed within the Government Communications and Information Systems

Government Communications and Information Systems

(a) (i) The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has not purchased any buildings.

(ii) GCIS has a combination of self-managed and Department of Public Works managed leases for its offices in all nine provinces which

(see Annexure A with respect to (aaa), (bbbb), (bbb), (ccc), (ddd) and (eee)

South African Broadcasting Corporation

(a) See attached response as Annexure B for further details

Media Development and Diversity Agency

(b) (i) MDDA has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aaa) (aaaa) 2012-13 R1,920,208.08

2013-14 R2,100,960.48

2014-15 R2,278,688.64

(bbbb) 2012-13 1400 square meters, and 30 parking bays

2013-14 1400 square meters, and 30 parking bays

2014-15 1400 square meters, and 30 parking bays

(bbb) The decision to lease is based on various factors including availability of funds, the size of the organisation and staff complement.

(ccc) The premises leased are used for administrative activities of the MDDA

(ddd) MDDA staff

(eee) MDDA’s budgeted staff complement of 32

Brand South Africa

(b) (i) Brand South Africa has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aaa) (aaaa) 2012-13 R1,722,880

2013-14 R2,933,378 (acquired additional space)

2014-15 R3,171,756 (acquired additional space)

(bbbb) 2012-13 Approximately 1,711.43m2

2013-14 Approximately 1,711.43m2

2014-15 Approximately 1,711.43m2

(bbb) The building was leased for Locality and proximity to the stakeholders.

(ccc) The building is used for administrative purposes and facilitating meetings and marketing events when required.

(ddd) The building currently accommodates the employees of BRAND SA

(eee) The number of people that occupy the building space:

2012-13, 33 out of 43 funded positions;

2013-14 32 out of 43 funded positions;

2014-15 41 out of 57 funded positions

Film and Publications Board

(b) (i) Brand South Africa has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aa) 1. Gauteng Head Office

2. Durban Regional Office

3. Cape Town Regional Office

(aaa) (aaaa) 2012-13 R 3,247,344

2013-14 R 3,204,015

2014-15 R 3,756,160

(bbbb) Size of the Gauteng Head Office is 1,775 m2

(bbb) For office accommodation/administration/regional compliance monitoring

(ccc) For office accommodation/administration/regional compliance monitoring),

(ddd) FPB employees

(eee) 79 employees

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

(b) (i) ICASA has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aa) 1. Cape Town

2. Bloemfontein

3. Port Elizabeth

4. Sandton

5. Durban

(aaa)

1. Cape Town:

2012-13 R0

2013-14 R0

2014-15 R57,130.42 monthly

2. Bloemfontein:

2012-13 R72,732.00 monthly

3. Port Elizabeth

2012-13 R113,000.00 monthly

4. Sandton

2012-13 R1,418,311.00

2013-14 R1,536,562.68

2014-15 R1,664,720.98

5. Durban

2013-14 R108,988.53

(bbb) 1. Cape Town 109 square meters

2. Bloemfontein 827 square meters

3. Port Elizabeth 791 square meters

4. Durban 591

(ccc) & (ddd) For use and occupation

(eee) 1. Cape Town: 12

2. Bloemfontein: 11

3. Port Elizabeth: 11

4. Sandton: 249

5. Durban 11

MR J RANTETE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

18 December 2015 - NW4029

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether the contracts awarded by the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to certain companies (names furnished) were put out to tender; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the companies that submitted bids for the tenders and (b) what are the further relevant details of each tender; (2) whether any written submissions were received by the SABC before the specified contracts were awarded; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the written submissions that were received; (3) whether the SABC Board of Directors approved the final amounts offered to the specified companies in the specified contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each approval; (4) whether the awarding of the specified contracts involved any deviation from the SABC’s tender procedures; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, (5) whether any form of approval was sought from the SABC Board of Directors for said deviations; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what statutory provisions did the SABC’s (i) Chief Operating Officer and (ii) Chief Financial Officer rely to deviate from the SABC’s tender procedures; if so, on what date was the deviation in the SABC’s tender procedures (aa) approved and (bb) communicated to the (aaa) National Treasury and (bbb) Auditor-General in line with Treasury regulations? NW4897E

Reply:

(1) The contracts awarded to the companies were not put to tender. A deviation from tender processes in terms of the SABC policies was used to appoint them because of the need for specialised skills on one hand and for continuity on the other hand.  

(a) N/A

(b) N/A

(2) Written submissions were received from the companies responding to the needs of the SABC.

(3) The approval of the amounts offered was in terms of the Delegation of Authority Framework. The amount of the awards were below the threshold necessitating Board approval.

(4) The contracts were awarded as a result of a deviation process. The deviation was in terms of an approved Delegation of Authority Framework (DAF).

(5) (a) As per the DAF, the amount of the awards were below the threshold necessitating Board approval.

(b) PFMA section 51(1)(a) (i), (iii) & (iv) , 51(1)(b)(ii) , 51(1)(c) read together with the DAF.

(aa) Deviations were approved on 9/12/2014, 2/3/2015 & 1/10/2015

(aaa) &(bbb) There is no requirement for the SABC to report this.

MR N MUNZHELELE

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

18 December 2015 - NW4028

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether the contract awarded by the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to a certain company (name furnished) to secure a studio for the 2015 Rugby World Cup was put out to tender; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the companies that submitted bids for the tender and (b) what are the further relevant details of each tender; (2) whether any written submissions were received by the SABC before the specified contract was awarded; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the written submissions that were received; (3) whether the SABC Board of Directors approved the final amount offered to the specified company in the specified contract; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of its approval; (4) Whether the awarding of the specified contract involved any deviation from the SABC’s tender procedures; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, (5) whether any form of approval was sought from the SABC Board of Directors for said deviation; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what statutory provisions did the SABC’s (i) Chief Operating Officer and (ii) Chief Financial Officer rely to deviate from the SABC’s tender procedures; if so, on what date was the deviation in the SABC’s tender procedures (aa) approved and (bb) communicated to the (aaa) National Treasury and (bbb) Auditor-General in line with Treasury regulations?

Reply:

(1) The contracts awarded to the companies were not put to tender. A deviation from tender processes in terms of the SABC policies was used to appoint them.

(a) Not applicable

(b) none

(2) Written submissions were received from the company responding to the needs of the SABC, including Architectural design, including references

(3) The approval of the amounts offered was in terms of the Delegation of Authority Framework. The amount of the awards was below the threshold necessitating Board approval.

(4) The contracts were awarded as a result of a deviation process. The deviation was in terms of an approved Delegation of Authority Framework (DAF).

(5) No

(a) As per the DAF, the amount of the awards was below the threshold necessitating Board approval.

(b) PFMA section 51(1)(a) (i), (iii) & (iv) , 51(1)(b)(ii) , 51(1)(c) read together with the DAF.

(aa) Deviations were approved on 9/12/2014, 2/3/2015 & 1/10/2015 (aaa) &(bbb) There is no requirement for the SABC to report this.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

18 December 2015 - NW4022

Profile picture: Shinn, Ms MR

Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3655 on 3 November 2015, she will provide a comprehensive answer to all questions posed; if not, why not; if so, by when can the comprehensive reply be expected?

Reply:

The Department of Communications is of the view that the reply provided to Parliamentary Question 3655 is comprehensive enough, unless if the Honourable member can be more specific.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

18 December 2015 - NW3961

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What is her department’s policy position in respect of the established practice of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to broadcast live coverage of the monthly breakfast briefings of The New Age and (b) what are the relevant details of the (i) cost incurred by the SABC to cover the specified briefings and (ii) who is responsible for paying these costs?

Reply:

(a)   The SABC's core principle in such partnerships is that the SABC maintains its editorial control and objectivity in line with the Editorial policy and conduct. The New Age/ SABC Business Briefings affords SABC news content that is extraordinary. Based on the news value brought about by this partnership, the SABC will continue to seek similar partnerships with other stakeholders with same vision.

  

(b) (i) SABC is responsible for the technical and Editorial production of the broadcast

while The New Age covers logistical costs.

(ii)   This means the SABC provides human resources like Presenters and cameraman while The New Age is responsible for venue hiring costs, breakfast, as well as branding and marketing costs.

MR N MUNZHELELE

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW4128

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Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What steps are being taken to review legislation requiring valid SA Broadcasting Corporation licenses to be a qualifying criterion for recipients of government-sponsored Set Top Boxes, (b) with whom are the discussions on this issue held and (c) when will the specified discussions be completed and the matter resolved?

Reply:

(a) A proposal has been presented to SABC for consideration

(b) Discussions on this issue are being held with SABC

(c) A decision is pending consideration and ratification by the SABC

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

 

15 December 2015 - NW4127

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Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)(a) How many applications for government-sponsored Set Top Boxes have been lodged at post offices around the country; (b) how many of the specified applications: (i) have been approved as at the latest date for which information is available (ii) have been rejected (iii) are still being processed; (2)what is the reason for the rejection of the specified applications?

Reply:

(1) (a) The total number of applications lodged at the 18 SKA area branches up to 30 November 2015 amounts to 2, 336 in total.

(b) (i) A total of 2, 074 qualifying applications has been processed up to 30 November 2015.

(ii) A total of 262 non-qualifying applications has been processed up to 30 November 2015

(iii) A total of 274 applications for the period ending 30 November 2015 stills needs to be processed.

(2) The reasons for the 262 non-qualifying applications to date are the following:

(a) Foreign ID’s (Total: 1)

(b) Unknown address (Total: 207)

(c) Total household income above income threshold of R3200 pm (Total: 54)

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

15 December 2015 - NW4126

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Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)(a) What are the terms of reference of the enquiry that she asked National Treasury to conduct into the manufacturing and procurement process of the Set Top Box tender and (b) what is the deadline for the  (i) completion and (ii) delivery of the report; (2) Whether the report of the specified enquiry will be made public; if not, why not; if so, what are further relevant details?

Reply:

(1) (a) The scope of investigation covers the supply chain processes followed by the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa in the appointment of Ernest and Young to oversee the procurement process and companies to supply digital terrestrial (DTT), direct to home (DTH), satellite dishes and antennas.

(b)(i) & (ii) The investigation is expected to be finalised by end December 2015.

(2) The sensitivities regarding the information contained in the final report will determine whether the report will be made public or not.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

15 December 2015 - NW4032

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to her reply to question 2306 on 18 September 2015, (a) what amount is paid in each month to the insurance fund and/or contingent liability fund that covers executive directors of the SA Broadcasting Corporation, (b) who pays the specified amounts and (c) with which insurance company is the fund?

Reply:

The SABC does not have a “Fund” for Insurance.  Policies are renewed on an annual basis and premiums are paid accordingly (annually).  Every year with renewal SABC makes use of a Tender process to appoint different insurers for different risks depending on rates and best cover offered.  SABC’s Directors And Officers Liability policy is currently with Allianz Insurance Company and our policy limit is ZAR100,000,000 and the premium payable was R536,842.00 (Excl VAT)

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW4031

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether, the SA Broadcasting Corporation did indeed stop to broadcast news bulletins in any other language than English on its news channel aired on DSTV channel 404 with effect from 1 April 2015 (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so: (a) what was the rationale behind this decision and (b) who took this decision; (2) whether any form of a public consultation process took place before this decision was implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details of the (a) persons consulted and (b) outcomes in each case?

Reply:

(1) Yes, the SABC has discontinued the broadcast of news bulletins in other languages on its DSTV channel 404.

(1)(a) The decision was premised on the fact that the channel now broadcast in all the Sub-Saharan countries and is not limited to South African audiences.

(2) There were no public consultations undertaken because the channel is not a free to air platform.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3954

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Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, with reference to the submission made by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the SA Broadcasting Corporation in the Portfolio Committee on Communications’ meeting on 21 October 2015, she will provide a copy of the independent study referred to by the CFO which was conducted to benchmark the Chief Operating Officer’s (COO’s) salary increase; if not, why not; if so, by when will she provide the (a) specified independent study and (b) record of decisions related to the implementation of the recommendations of the specified study in respect of the COO’s salary increase?

Reply:

(a) The report is a confidential benchmark performed by an external service provider so that the SABC maintains its competitiveness.

(b) Records of decisions are confidential internal documents that should be kept as such.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3953

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) With reference to the Auditor-General’s note in the SA Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) 2014-15 Annual Report that a specific vendor was overpaid by R 2 million, what is the (a) name of this vendor, (b) nature of the service that the vendor rendered and (c) reason for overpayment; (2) Whether the overpaid moneys have been recovered since the findings were made by the Auditor-General in the SABC’s 2014-15 Annual Report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details

Reply:

(1) (a) King James Advertising

(b) Advertising

(c) Quoted amounts for retainer fees and invoiced amounts did not correspond, invoiced amounts were much higher than quoted amounts

(2) The matter is being investigated

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3874

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Communications

What was the basis of the statement she made in the meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Communications on 21 October 2015 that royalties accruing to actors from the SA Broadcasting Corporation aired shows will be paid from 2007 only, despite the fact that television started broadcasting in 1976?

Reply:

The SABC has a database of actors. The database is made up of details of actors from recent productions. Historically, databases were not maintained and this means that a list of actors from old productions can only be obtained by watching the tapes and recording the information. Contracts for actors from old productions were also not kept by actors and producers. This complicates the payment of royalties as the SABC has to rely on affidavits and use rates there were averages from the year of production.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3873

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether actors who take part in the SA Broadcasting Corporation programmes which are broadcast on international SA Airways flights are paid royalties; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Not yet, these are recent deals and payment will be made after payment is made to the SABC and the 2015-16 financials are signed-off by the auditors.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3872

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Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether the respective actors are being paid royalties on the Showmax, a netflix-like video-on-demand with the SA Broadcasting Corporation-dramas which was launched by Naspers as part of their variety content; if not, why not; if so, when?

Reply:

Not yet, these are recent deals and payment will be made after payment is made to the SABC and the 2015-16 financials are signed-off by the auditors.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW4129

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) (a) How many TV licenses were (i) issued and (ii) renewed by 30 September 2015 and (b) how many were not renewed; (2) (a) what amount is owed to the SA Broadcasting Corporation for unpaid licenses and (b) what is the cost of actions taken to recoup the specified debts?

Reply:

(1)(a) (i) 4 434 000

  (ii) 1 741 000

(b) 2 692 000

(2)(a) R32 502bn

(b) April to 30 September 2015, collection costs were R75.4m, projected for Apr – Mar 2016 is R168m.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW4153

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether she will provide the exact details of the formalised communications relations agreement with Vietnam entered into by her in October 2015; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified formalised agreement includes a programme for the training of journalists; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

 

(1) & (2) The Department is unable to provide exact details of a formalised communications relations agreement with Vietnam because it has not entered into any agreement with Vietnam.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

15 December 2015 - NW4154

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to her reply to question 2953 on 3 November 2015, what is the detailed breakdown of the expense allowances afforded to the (a) Chief Executive Officer, (b) Chief Financial Officer and (c) Chief Operating Officer, as executive board members as indicated in her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, in terms of their (i) housing allowances, (ii) car allowances, (iii) cell phone allowances, (iv) other cash allowances, (v) entertainment allowances, (vi) subsistence allowances, (vii) benefit replacement allowances, (viii) insurance allowances, (ix) acting allowances and (x) special allowances, in each specified case?

Reply:

The information on the total expense allowance afforded to the CEO, COO, and CFO is contained in the 2015 Annual Report of the SABC.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3871

Profile picture: Van Dalen, Mr P

Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, in view of the SA Broadcasting Corporation providing content to new television channels such as Zambezi Magic and GauTV, the relevant actors are paid royalties for such content; if not, why not; if so, when will they start receiving royalties?

Reply:

Not yet, these are recent deals and payment will be made after payment is made to the SABC and the 2015-16 financials are signed-off by the auditors.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3870

Profile picture: Van Dalen, Mr P

Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) In respect of how many programmes has the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) sold the rights to air to kykNET; ? (2) whether the affected actors have been receiving royalties from the specified SABC transaction; if not, why not; if so, when did they start receiving royalties?

Reply:

(1) Sixty-nine titles

(2) No. In most instances due to the age of the programmes and the commissioning regimes under which they were made no contractual provision was made for royalties to be paid to actors and as such no payments have been made.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3869

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) Have actors from the television drama Generations been paid royalties when the right to air the specified television drama was sold to television stations in other African countries, (b) to which television stations were the rights to air the specified television drama sold, (c) what percentage of the profit was paid to the specified actors, (d) were the specified actors represented in the negotiations and (e) how were the royalties paid to the specified actors calculated?

Reply:

a. Payment is not made at point of sale. Payment is made only after the auditors have signed off the financials.

b. Multichoice, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Television Jamaica and Swazi TV

c. As per the formula of two per cent of net profit, where net profit is calculated as gross sales less 35% overheads

d. No. The licencing of content is negotiated between the SABC as the content owner and the licencee. The actors are not a part of this as their relationship is with the producer and not with the SABC. The SABC pays them directly currently as this is a contractual obligation that was signed off historically. There is no collecting society currently since PAWE (Performing Arts Workers Equity) is no longer performing that role. PAWE represented some actors in the past and payments were made to the organisation to distribute to its members.

e. As per the formula in the contract (see point c above). Generations actors were paid directly i.e, into their bank accounts

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3868

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Does the SA Broadcasting Corporation have a database of all actors who played a part in programmes that are redistributed on other networks; if so, (a) what process is followed to pay actors royalties when programmes are repeated and (b) how many times have royalties been paid for all programmes which were locally made in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and redistributed to other networks; (2) in each specified case, (a) what is the name of the programme and (b) what are the names of the actors benefitting from the specified royalties?

Reply:

(1) The SABC has a database of actors. The database is made up of details of actors from recent productions. Historically, databases were not maintained and this means that a list of actors from old productions can only be obtained by watching the tapes and recording the information. Contracts for actors from old productions were also not kept by actors and producers. This complicates the payment of royalties as the SABC has to rely on affidavits and use rates there were averages from the year of production.

(a) It is important to note that repeat fee royalties are not paid on programmes that have been licenced to other networks. Repeat fees are payable only when programmes are rebroadcast on SABC Channels 7 days after the original broadcast. Commercial exploitation fees are payable when content is licenced to other broadcasters.

The SABC together with industry bodies representing producers and actors are discussing a process whereby broadcast royalties are paid out to actors. These discussions are at an advanced stage. In the interim the SABC addresses individual claims as they are made. As mentioned earlier, some payments are made based on contracts from the actors while other payments are made based on affidavits as actors do not have contracts (old productions).

(b) Royalties derived from content exploitation (i.e. licencing of content to other broadcasters/platforms) are paid on a quarterly basis. Royalties have been paid once in 2014-15. None were paid in the preceding financial years.

Royalties paid for repeat fees are paid monthly based on received claims.

(2) (a) Generations and Isidingo

(b) Anga Makubalo, Bawinile Modise, Camilla Waldman, David Phetoe, Katlego Danke, Mandla Gaduka, Menzi Ngubane, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Seputla Sebogodi, Slindile Nodangala, Sophie Ndaba, Thabiso Kokheti, Thami Mnqolo, Thato Molamu, Zenande Mfenyama, Zolisa Xaluva, Chris Basley, Hlubi Mboya, Michele Botes, Robert Whitehead

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3867

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

Does the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) negotiate with actors to determine the payment of royalties due to them when selling licensed content to other TV stations; if not, (a) why not and (b) are the specified actors paid a percentage of the profit emanating from the specified transaction; if so, (i) how is the percentage profit determined, (ii) how much (aa) does and/or (bb) can the SABC deduct from the selling price before allocating an amount of the profit towards royalties and (iii) how is this determined?

Reply:

(a) The SABC does not sell content, but licences it to other networks and operators. The current standard commissioning agreement makes provision for the amount to be negotiated or for a payment based on two per cent of the net licencing agreement profit made. At this stage the SABC makes provision for payment based on the latter number.

(b) (i) Net profit is calculated at gross licencing revenue less 35% of capped overheads.

(ii) As per the above

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

15 December 2015 - NW3832

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What percentage of the Media Development and Diversity Agency funding is allocated to (i) print media and (ii) electronic media per annum and (b) what is the reason for giving any of the specified categories more funding as compared to others?

Reply:

(a) Subject to sub-regulation (2), of Section 22 of the MDDA Act 14 of 2002, funds contemplated in section 15(2)(a) of the Act must be allocated by the Board in accordance with the following percentages:

  • Community media projects: at least 60%
  • Small Commercial media projects: at least 25%
  • Research projects: 5%

(b) The reason for giving community media projects more funding is informed by Regulations in terms of Section 22 of the Media Development and Diversity Agency Act of 2002, as enacted in the Government Gazette No. 22570 of 10 October 2003.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE