Questions and Replies
12 May 2022 - NW1377
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the migration of Early Childhood Development to the Department of Basic Education, what measures have been put in place by her department to appoint the more than 9 000 qualified social workers who are unemployed?
Reply:
In the 2020/21 financial year, the sector employed 1 037 social work graduates. An additional 3 473 were employed in the same financial year which contributed significantly to the reduction of the number of unemployed social work graduates using the database of 9 000 unemployed social workers and social auxiliary workers that the Department developed in 2019.
In 2020/21-2021/2022 the department employed 3 388 unemployed social work graduates through the COVID-19 pandemic Presidential Stimulus Package.
As part of the long-term solution to address this issue, the Department has developed a draft sector strategy for the employment of social service professionals. The strategy addresses employment of social service professionals not only in the sector, but also in other departments/agencies, including at local government and the private sector where their professional services are required. This is an ongoing initiative within the context of the Inter-Departmental Forum. The forum resolved that all affected departments should submit a joint Funding Bid to the National Treasury in the current financial year for the permanent employment of social service professionals.
12 May 2022 - NW574
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With reference to a meeting that took place on 16 February 2022, where the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure was briefed on plans to release buildings to be utilised as shelters for female victims of gender-based violence, (a) on what date is it envisaged that the buildings will be released and (b) what is the total number of such buildings in each (i) province, (ii) region and (iii) municipality?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(a and b) I’ve been informed that the Department has already released eleven (11) buildings for use by victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Those properties are listed below as follows:
Table A
No. |
PROVINCE |
PROPERTY AREA |
1. |
Western Cape |
Albertina |
2. |
Western Cape |
Laingsburg |
3. |
Western Cape |
Aurora |
4. |
Western Cape |
Aurora |
5. |
Western Cape |
Mooreesburg |
6. |
Western Cape |
Heidelberg |
7. |
Gauteng |
Salvokop, Pretoria |
8. |
Gauteng |
Pretoria |
9. |
Gauteng |
Pretoria |
10 |
Gauteng |
Pretoria |
11. |
Gauteng |
Johannesburg |
In addition to the above, the Department has identified more properties and jointly conducted site inspections with the Department of Social Development in various provinces. The Department is awaiting confirmation from the Department of Social Development on properties which must be released for use by victims of Gender based Violence. As a result the Department is unable to confirm the date on which the properties would be released.
I have requested a meeting with the Minister of Social Development, to expedite the handover.
The total number of 39 such buildings in each (i) province, (ii) region and (iii) municipality are listed on Annexure A.
12 May 2022 - NW1272
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)(a) Which towns in the Northern Cape do not have walk-in service points of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) and (b) what are the reasons in each case; (2) what (a) are the names and (b) is the number of rural towns in the Republic that still do not have SASSA walk-in offices and/or service points?
Reply:
1(a) Annexure A reflects the list of the towns in Northern Cape which do not have SASSA local offices or services points
2. The only provinces which have a SASSA presence in all towns are Eastern Cape and Gauteng. For Eastern Cape, the towns of Bedford, Dimbaza, Adelaid and Sterkstroom had local offices, but these have been converted to periodic mobile services due to very low intake which did not warrant the continuation of the full time services.
For all other provinces, the attached annexures indicate the towns which do not have a fixed presence, with an indication of how those citizens are able to access SASSA services.
12 May 2022 - NW1346
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Transport
Given that at present minibus taxis can be regarded as the backbone of public transport in South African towns and cities and noting that minibus taxi owners are struggling to obtain operating licences in the current supply and demand model being implemented by planning authorities, (a) does he intend to improve access to operating licences for the minibus taxi industry and (b) how does he intend to meet workers’ travel demands through the supply of operating licences?
Reply:
a) The issuance of the operating license function does not rest with the Minister of Transport. It is a function that falls within the competencies of the Provincial Regulatory Entities (PREs) and Planning Authorities, that is municipalities. Section 36(1) of the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009 (the Act) requires all municipalities to prepare Integrated Transport Plans (ITP). Furthermore, the Act requires all applications for operating licences to be referred to municipalities for their comments and inputs as planning authorities. Municipalities must indicate whether there is a need for service on the route or routes or in the area or areas in terms of its integrated transport plans. If there is a need for such a service, the municipality can direct a PRE to proceed with granting an operating licence.
If a PRE based on the response from the planning authority does not support the issuance of an operating license, in most instances, it is as a result of oversaturation in a route, as determined through the ITP.
b) As indicated above, all applications for operating licences must be based on an ITP developed by a planning authorities. Integrated Transport Plans are data driven and evidence based and hence critical in informing the supply and demand model. An operator who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the application process for an operating license, they can appeal the decision of the PRE with the Transport Appeals Tribunal.
12 May 2022 - NW1042
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) With regard to her reply to question 573 on 7 March 2022, what guarantee does her department give that other learners will not be exposed to corporal punishment administered by the same educator and putting another learner in danger; (2) whether other learners in the previous class also received counselling after the incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The question is more relevant to the provincial administration since it is the responsibility of the employer, who in terms of section 3(1)(b) of the Employment of Educators Act is the Head of the Provincial Education Department (PED) to implement policies with regards to the Code of Conduct and safety measures at schools, as well to enforce disciplinary code and procedures against all employees employed at the provincial level.
The question should therefore be forwarded to the relevant employer (PED) for a response.
12 May 2022 - NW1421
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)How does his department intend to work with all spheres of government to rebuild the transportation networks in KwaZulu-Natal, which have been washed away in the recent flooding in the province; (2) Whether his department will take the opportunity to make improvements to all transportation networks in the province with the view to enhance road safety and security and increase the road and network capacity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the proposed plans?
Reply:
1. A Rapid Response Team has been established under the leadership of the Director-General of Department of Transport. The team includes representatives from SANRAL, PRASA, KwaZulu-Natal province and various affected local authorities.
2. The focus of emergency response is to re-establish operations along all affected transportation networks (road and rail) within shortest timeframe. Where the above re-establishment of operations requires improvements to enhance road safety and security and increase network capacity, these will be implemented within available budgets. At this stage cleaning up operations to open affected road networks and damage assessments are still in progress. Detailed plans for each affected locality to be developed based on nature and extent of damage.
12 May 2022 - NW1313
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What total number of technical schools are in each province and (b) how are they funded?
Reply:
A. NUMBER OF TECHNICAL SCHOOLS PER PROVINCE
PROVINCE |
NO. OF TECHNICAL SCHOOLS |
|
|
||
EASTERN CAPE (EC) |
69 |
|
FREE STATE (FS) |
30 |
|
GAUTENG (GP) |
82 |
|
KWAZULU NATAL (KZN) |
73 |
|
LIMPOPO (LP) |
43 |
|
MPUMALANGA (MP) |
40 |
|
NORTHEN CAPE (NC) |
11 |
|
NORTH WEST (NW) |
31 |
|
WESTERN CAPE (WC) |
24 |
|
NATIONAL |
403 |
|
B. FUNDING OF TECHNICAL SCHOOLS
- All Technical Schools are funded by provinces from the allocated provincial budgets.
- Some Technical Schools are supported by Departmental Partners like Sasol Foundation
- Selected Technical Schools are chosen to be MST Grant Schools and they are supported in different ways including resourcing.
- Every three years, new schools are included by provinces in the list of MST Grant Schools.
12 May 2022 - NW972
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)In light of the meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development held on 9 March 2022 where her department confirmed that public servants had applied for the Early Childhood Development Presidential Stimulus Relief Fund, (a) how did her department discover the matter, (b) what number of public servants applied for the fund and (c) in which department(s) are the specified public servants employed; (2) whether any public servants who applied for the specified fund received payment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what disciplinary measures have been taken against the public servants in question?
Reply:
1. (a) Prior to processing the applications for payment, the Department conducted a due diligence process, which include verification of name, surname, and identity number against existing national database such as the Department of Home Affairs’ National Population Register and the DPSA’s Personal and Salary System (PERSAL). It is during this verification process that the department identified that some of the ECD staff were on PERSAL.
(b) Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty-Nine (3 729)
(c) PERSAL does not reflect the departments within which these staff are employed. The data has been sent to DPSA, which is the custodian of the public service payroll to identify in which departments/entities they are currently employed.
2. No, public servants who were found on PERSAL were disqualified and no payments were made and therefore is no need for any disciplinary action. The Department will further engage the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and the DPSA in this regard.
12 May 2022 - NW1390
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether she has the power to hold principals of underperforming schools accountable; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the details of the underperforming schools and (b) action has she taken against the principals in the past three years up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
1. The Minister does not have the power to hold principals of underperforming schools accountable, but Heads of Department (HODs) do. This is guided by section 58B of the South African Schools Act (SASA), 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996) as amended. According to subsection 1-5 of the SASA, the HoD takes the necessary steps to assist the school. However, Members of the Executive Council (MECs) report to the Minister on the identification, management and support of underperforming schools by 31 March of each calendar year. In the reports, the MECs indicate the challenges that led to underperformance, and the support programmes that will be implemented to deal with underperformance.
2. At the end of each financial year Provincial Education Departments report to the Minister the progress that has been made in supporting schools that have been identified as underperforming.
3 A table showing the number of underperforming schools per province is attached.
12 May 2022 - NW1455
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What (a) total number of (i) entities and (ii) individuals owe the SA Revenue Service (Sars) (aa) between (aaa) R10 million to R20 million and (bbb) R20 million to R50 million and (bb) more than R50 million and (b) is the period that the amounts have been outstanding for; (2) whether it is unacceptable that Sars allows any entity to rake up a bill of over R100 million; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
In setting out to answer the posed questions, it is important to explain some principles as they guide how SARS approach their work with regards to collection of tax revenues that are due.
Firstly, SARS collects all revenue that is due to the fiscus without fear or favour. SARS does so regardless of the taxpayer profile due to the fact that its debt collection processes are indifferent to the taxpayer since they are primarily informed by the law. This neutral approach is crucial for the integrity of the tax system. SARS therefore cannot compromise this principle of apply the law without fear or favour under any circumstance. All forms of outstanding taxes constitute non-compliance, taxpayers are provided instruments in law to remedy their non-compliance. The approach of treating a taxpayer’s non-compliance irrespective of who the taxpayer is, applies regardless of the amounts involved.
SARS manages the collection of all outstanding revenues in line with the provisions of the tax administration laws. Firstly, SARS will seek to collect all revenues that are due by engaging the defaulting taxpayers, these taxpayers may approach SARS to enter into a deferred payment arrangement where the full debt cannot be settled at once. The deferral of payment (i.e. instalment payments) arrangements are in line with Section 167 and 168 of the TAA, this is a governed process where a governance structure makes such decisions pursuant to considering a number of taxpayer factors. Secondly, taxpayers may approach SARS to request for the compromise on the portion of the tax revenues that are due in line with the provisions of Section 200 of the TAA, once again this is a governed decision by a duly appointed structure. Thirdly, taxpayers may approach SARS to request for the suspension of the payment of tax revenues that are due but disputed, in line with Section 164 of the TAA. Fourthly, in circumstances where the tax debt remain outstanding after engagement efforts, SARS may appoint other parties (involuntary third party appointments – TPAs) in line with Section 179 of the tax administration act (TAA) to collect such outstanding revenues, these include employers, banks, other entities that hold monies that are due to the owing taxpayer. This process is clearly articulated in law in terms of steps that SARS must follow before triggering this instrument.
In instances where debt collection methods as per the above fail, SARS may, where economical feasible and justified, attach assets of taxpayers in an effort to collect revenues from the sale of such assets through securing a civil judgement (section 172 of the TAA) and writ of execution.
SARS will use a combination of the above instruments and others to ensure that due tax revenues are collected, against the above backdrop I then turn to provide the specific responses to the questions posed:
(1)(a)(aa)(aaa) Entities and Individuals that owe SARS in the range of R10 million and R20 million are:
- 1,234 entities with a total amount in outstanding debt of R17,041,074,608.00 and
- 242 individuals with a total amount in outstanding debt of R3,417,727,564.00. (The reported amounts include the capital debt, interest, penalties and additional tax)
(bbb) Entities and Individuals that owe SARS in the range of R20 million and R50 million are:
- 784 entities with a total amount in outstanding debt of R24,257,828,448.00 and
- 126 individuals with a total amount in outstanding debt of R3,693,222,592.00. (The reported amounts include the capital debt, interest, penalties and additional tax)
(bb) Entities and Individuals that owe SARS outstanding debt above R50 million are:
- 498 entities with a total amount in outstanding debt of R129,059,637,995.00 and
- 72 individuals with a total amount in outstanding debt of R14,828,653,526.00. (The reported amounts include the capital debt, interest, penalties and additional tax)
(b) The ageing of the amounts owed (by individuals as well as entities/companies in line with the above ranges in as per the below table, segregated in time intervals of three months.
2) SARS is pursuing strategies to ensure that taxpayers are clear and certain about their obligations, additionally, SARS is working to ensure that it is simple and easy for taxpayers to meet tax obligations. Where taxpayers still fail to meet their obligations SARS will always seek to ensure that it enforces its laws responsibly without fear or favour as mentioned earlier.
The above said, in the course of tax administration, tax debt arises from a number of different scenarios which includes the submission of returns without payment, audit assessments, etc. Depending on the origination of the debt, such debt can accumulate due to interest, penalties and additional taxes. Furthermore, debt could be as a result of a single assessment resulting in large amounts of debt being added into the debt book. SARS follows a prescribed debt collection process on all taxes overdue. However not all instances of enforcement (e.g. deferral of payment arrangements, third party appointments, etc.) readily lead to all debt being collected timeously, such that some debt remains in the books whilst collection steps are ongoing. SARS legal collection steps will include issuing a final demand and appointment of third parties, civil judgments, personal liability, writ of execution, etc. which may give way to the attachment of assets as explained earlier. SARS also considers criminal proceedings against taxpayers on the basis of the tax debt owed. Each debt case would however be treated on its own merits however SARS always seek to ensure that all due debt is collected on-time as far as practically possible and that the enforcement actions are applied consistently, taking into account the facts of each case.
It is important to note that SARS has initiated an overall review of the current end-to-end debt management process with the first phase to be completed in April 2022. The improvements in terms of how SARS account for and manages the collection of debt will be progressive over the next 12 to 24 months in line with SARS’ strategic plan commitments.
12 May 2022 - NW1375
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
Noting that R144 million of unspent budget was returned to the National Treasury for the 2020-21 financial year, what measures has her department put in place to ensure that non-profit organisations in the Northern Cape, which lack funding for crucial services rendered, actually receive funding?
Reply:
The Department of Social Development in the Northern Cape funded all NPO’s approved for funding during the 2020-21 financial year. NPO’s are required to demonstrate that they can implement effective, efficient and transparent financial management and internal control systems as required by section 38 (1) (j) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA Act No. 1 of 1999). Approval for funding is subject to compliance with the above provision of the PFMA. The Department conducts quarterly monitoring at all funded NPO’s to ensure compliance with the Service Level Agreements (SLA) and provide the necessary support.
12 May 2022 - NW1473
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With reference to Clause 14, sub clause (f) of the Architectural Profession Act, Act 44 of 2000, which prescribes that the Council must encourage and itself undertake research into matters relating to the architectural profession, taking any steps it considers necessary for the protection of the public in their dealings with registered persons for the maintenance of the integrity and the enhancement of the status of the profession, (a) what projects have been undertaken by the SA Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) to explain the different grades of the architectural profession to the public to protect them from using unqualified persons posing as professionals, (b) what transformation and gender-empowerment programmes have been implemented at SACAP for the empowerment of black female architects within the organisation, (c) on what date and where were the programmes implemented and (d) what success and/or failure rate was measured by SACAP in terms of the programme implemented?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
a) I am informed that during the 2021/22 financial year SACAP undertook 60 digital Public Awareness campaigns educating the public about using registered professionals to design and build their homes, explaining what each category of a registered professional is competent and qualified to do in terms of the Identification of Work regulation, publishing the names of unregistered person to discourage members of the public from using them. SACAP reported all persons who falsely used the title of registered professional to the South African Police Services for investigation and prosecution.
b) The SACAP transformation and gender-empowerment programmes include Recognition of Prior Learning, architectural bursaries and the proposed Built Environment Code of Good Practice.
The procurement practices by clients in built environment have been identified as a hindrances to transformation by the built environment professions. Anti-transformative procurement policies are the reasons why built environment professions require an enforceable code of good practice. An effective and transparent mechanism is necessary to procure built environment services from previously disadvantaged built environment professionals in line with the provision of section 217 (2) of the Constitution.
More work is being done to push for transformation and gender-empowerment programmes.
- During the 2021/22 financial year 58 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments were undertaken.
- 10 students were offered bursaries to study architecture at accredited architectural learning sites.
- SACAP held a Women’s Day Webinar on 06 August 2021 to have meaningful conversations about the role and challenges women face in the architectural profession.
- SACAP held a Transformation webinar on 26 November 2021 to have a meaningful discussion about transformation and how SACAP can contribute to transformation of the architectural profession. The webinar resolved to push for a Code of Good Practice for the built environment. The Transformation Webinar was a huge success with over 556 architectural professionals in attendance.
- Black architectural practices, particularly women architectural practice continue to struggle to find work from the public sector to sustain their businesses. SACAP notes with concern that public sector clients are failing to heed the call of the President of the Republic to set aside 40% of all procurement spend for women-owned businesses.
c)
- The Transformation webinar was held on 26 November 2021, on a virtual platform
- The Women’s Day Webinar on 06 August 2021, also on a virtual platform
- In the first quarter of 2021/22, SACAP issued 15 awareness posters for CPD campaigns and 16 other social media updates were undertaken across all SACAP online media platforms. In addition, 2 x public awareness and Expo conducted at Soweto and Eldorado Park.
- In the second quarter 15 awareness posters were updated on social media platforms.
- In the third quarter 15 awareness campaigns posters were updated on social media platforms.
- In the fourth quarter 15 awareness campaigns posters were updated on social media platforms.
- 1 Voluntary Association Forum was held on 25 March 2022, on a virtual platform
d) In terms of the measurement of the success of the programmes, The SACAP has largely recorded a huge success, as there is a noticeable appreciation from members of the public of the different categories of registration and their competencies. Members of the public are now more alert, because when some persons pretend to be registered architectural professionals, these are immediately reported to SACAP. As such, 47 cases against unregistered persons were referred to the South African Police Services (SAPS) for investigation. However, the SACAP has not seen a positive reaction from law enforcement agencies with regard to prosecution of the reported individuals.
During the 2021/22 financial year 58 RPL assessments were undertaken. This number is indicative that the SACAP RPL outreach programmes are success and year-on-year we a noticing an increase in those registering for RPL.
Every year within the first quarter of the financial year, SACAP offers 10 architectural students bursaries towards their tuition fees. The assessment of the bursary programme shows a huge success. Out of 10 bursaries offered, 9 were given to black female architectural students. All students who received bursaries from SACAP have progressed to the next year of study. This development is very encouraging given the need to address the demographic imbalance of the professions, especially in terms of the representation of women.
12 May 2022 - NW1462
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
What was the total budget amounts for road maintenance transferred to the SA National Road Agency Limited over the past 10 years in each province?
Reply:
The grant allocation transferred to SANRAL from the National Budget is for the declared national road network throughout South Africa, and not per province. This grant covers both capital and operational (maintenance) expenditure. The grant is then assigned to priorities as determined through the SANRAL Asset Management System based on 30-year life cycle modelling of expected future road performance that takes into consideration condition, traffic and climatic trends on each section of the network.
The total grant, capital and maintenance, transferred to SANRAL is summarised in the table below:
Financial Year |
Amount (R’000) |
2012/13 |
9 728 055 |
2013/14 |
10 497 184 |
2014/15 |
11 916 947 |
2015/16 |
12 542 488 |
2016/17 |
13 915 586 |
2017/18 |
15 944 823 |
2018/19 |
18 624 158 |
2019/20 |
21 177 224 |
2020/21 |
20 400 264 |
2021/22 |
21 621 212 |
12 May 2022 - NW1338
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Noting the remarks by the Auditor-General that the administration of the Eastern Cape Department of Health is in crisis, what intervention measures has he put in place to resolve the specified crisis in the specified province?
Reply:
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has put together a Health Turn-Around Plan consisting of six pillars to address the administrative challenges of the EC DOH. The strategies outlined in the plan envisage collaboration with and seeking assistance from other government departments and the Office of the Premier as well as external stakeholders including private sector, communities and academic institutions. The plan gives a detailed outline of the strategies and the support required from each of these stakeholders. The pillars of the plan are summarised below.
PILLARS OF THE EC HEALTH TURNAROUND PLAN AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT
1. Financial sustainability initiative: This pillar addresses the EC DOH financial discipline and wellness; looking at strategies to take department beyond compliance and towards social entrepreneurship. Strategies to address this pillar include a) revenue generation, b) introducing efficiencies, c) management of cost-drivers and d) management of debt and unauthorised expenditure.
2. Medico-legal intervention: addresses the following strategic objectives i.e
a) Stopping haemorrhage of funds
b) Strengthening case management
c) Developing Medico-Legal litigation expertise
d) Manage unauthorised expenditure associated Medico-Legal (ML) settlements
3. Service delivery optimisation pillar focuses on:
a) Service Optomisation Implementation Planning
b) HR Intervention to promote SDO
c) Securing buy-in from key stakeholders
4. Digitalisation and eHealth: This pillar addresses issues of inadequate capacity to track all debts against the department, insufficient staff and budget to electronically capture and store of maternity medical records on HMS2 module. Support services are manual therefore labour-intensive, cumbersome and prone to human error and broadband to critical sites slow. Alternative solutions are required in the interim to gain last mile connectivity.
5. Clinical - Healthy Communities Initiatives: has four strategic objectives which are:
a) National Health Insurance (NHI) implementation through ward-based community outreach teams
b) Primary Health Care (PHC) Approach of inter-sectoral collaboration
c) Addressing Burden of Disease
d) Integrated Development Planning6.
6. The Foundation Pillar purports to strengthen Leadership and Management Capability and improves stakeholder trust and confidence in the EC healthcare system. The key focus areas are valued employees, capable teams, effective leadership and communication & change management.
END.
12 May 2022 - NW23
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether, in light of alarming reports that 46 learners from the Umbozane Primary School in KwaMaphumulo became seriously ill after apparently eating lollipops at school, her department has investigated the specific incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the findings; (2) whether her department has any plans in place to prevent this from happening in the future?
Reply:
(a) An investigation was conducted by iLembe District and a report will made available to the Department of Basic Education by the KZN provincial education department.
(b) The school has been issued with the Guidelines for Tuckshop Operators.
12 May 2022 - NW1403
Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
By what date will her department ensure that the critical vacant posts in (a) schools and (b) circuit offices in Limpopo are filled?
Reply:
Posts whether teaching or otherwise on the establishment of the Provincial Department of Education in Limpopo are the responsibility of the Head Of the Department of Education in Limpopo to fill since he/she is the employer and not the Department of Basic Education.
For this reason, the honourable Ms Tafeni is requested to direct this question to the MEC or Head of Department of the Limpopo Provincial Department of Education for a response.
12 May 2022 - NW1365
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Health
What steps have been taken by his department to ensure that service providers in hospitals, such as the Ngwelezana Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, comply with the minimum wage labour legislation and that workers are not abused?
Reply:
The National Department of Health is still consulting with the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Department of Health on this matter, to enable the Minister to respond to the Honourable Member’s question. The response will therefore be submitted as soon as information has been received from the province.
END.
12 May 2022 - NW1413
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether R102 Speranza Road in Malanganeni, Umdoni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal falls within the mandate of his department; if not, which sphere of government is responsible for the specified road; if so, by what date is it envisaged that a bridge will be built on R102 Speranza Road?
Reply:
No, this road does not fall under the mandate of SANRAL.
The Provincial KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has confirmed this is part of their road network and its named P2-2. The Province is aware of the sink hole that needs to be addressed as part of the exercise to repair the roads damaged from the recent floods that occurred in April 2022 and is in the process of the appointment of service providers to do remedial works for the various road infrastructure projects, including the above work.
12 May 2022 - NW1461
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
What was the total budget transfer for Bus Rapid Transport and/or Integrated Public Transport Network services for each of the 13 different cities over the past five financial years?
Reply:
INTEGRATED PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORKS PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK GRANT TRANSFERS: 2017/18 -2021/22 (R’ Million) |
||||||
Municipality |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
Totals |
Buffalo City |
56 |
95 |
234 |
- |
- |
385 |
Cape Town |
999 |
1 046 |
1 311 |
1 069 |
949 |
5 374 |
Joburg |
918 |
1 066 |
1 188 |
965 |
895 |
5 033 |
Tshwane |
900 |
808 |
732 |
632 |
675 |
3 747 |
George |
210 |
168 |
163 |
177 |
210 |
928 |
eThekwini |
917 |
825 |
841 |
623 |
773 |
3 979 |
Mangaung |
232 |
235 |
230 |
280 |
224 |
1 201 |
Rustenburg |
314 |
396 |
219 |
164 |
214 |
1 307 |
Ekurhuleni |
701 |
604 |
679 |
569 |
629 |
3 182 |
Mbombela |
212 |
203 |
199 |
20 |
198 |
832 |
Polokwane |
217 |
330 |
179 |
216 |
179 |
1 121 |
Nelson Mandela Bay |
273 |
275 |
298 |
349 |
218 |
1 413 |
Msunduzi |
210 |
199 |
195 |
134 |
12 |
750 |
Totals |
6 159 |
6 250 |
6 468 |
5 198 |
5 176 |
29 252 |
12 May 2022 - NW1442
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) number of (i) doctors, (ii) paramedics and (iii) nurses have been victims of a violent and/or non-violent crime in the workplace and (b) is the breakdown in each province; (2) what (a) plans have been put in place to improve the safety of medical staff on duty and (b) has he found to be the highest and lowest risk areas in the Republic in this regard?
Reply:
This information is not readily available at the National Department of Health, it is in the provinces. The National Department of Health is therefore still consulting with all the Provincial Departments of Health to provide these details, and this will enable the Minister to respond to the Honourable Member’s question. The response will therefore be submitted as soon as information has been received from the provinces.
END.
12 May 2022 - NW1429
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) is the (i) total outstanding amount for medical claims currently and (ii) break down of the amount for each province and (b) were the claims for; (2) what is the total status quo in terms of legal costs for the specified claims broken down for each province; (3) whether the (a) legal costs and (b) costs of the outstanding medical claims have been factored into the current health budget; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether the specified (a) legal costs and (b) cost of the outstanding medical claims have been factored into the current costing of the National Health Insurance Bill [B11-2019]; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
This information is not readily available at the National Department of Health, it is in the provinces. The National Department of Health is therefore still consulting with all the Provincial Departments of Health to provide these details, and this will enable the Minister to respond to the Honourable Member’s question. The response will therefore be submitted as soon as information has been received from the provinces.
END.
12 May 2022 - NW1353
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What is the policy position of his department with regard to African immigrants?
Reply:
International migration in South Africa is regulated in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 9Act No 13 of 2002) (the “Act”), read together with the Immigration Regulations, 2014. The long title of the Act specifically indicates that the Act has been enacted to regulate admission of persons to, their residence in, and their departure from the Republic. It follows, therefore, that all migrants, African or otherwise, who wishes to enter, and reside in, the Republic must apply for, and meet the requirements of, entry and residence as prescribed. In this regard, all migrants are welcomed into South Africa regardless of their nationality.
END
12 May 2022 - NW1254
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
In light of the fact that a gang of criminals with fake South African passports are allegedly being investigated for crimes in Birmingham in the United Kingdom and further considering that the passport of the Republic has lost its international standing and credibility and with regard to his announcement that officials in his department and a Pakistani national have been arrested for running a syndicate that sells fake passports, what number of (a)(i) fraudulent identity documents and (ii) passports are currently in circulation, (b)(i) Pakistani, (ii) Indian and (iii) Bangladeshi nationals are currently in possession of South African passports and (c) officials of his department have been uncovered in the past decade for selling South African documents?
Reply:
(a&b) The arrest of members of the syndicate in Krugersdorp is indicative the net is closing in on all the corrupt Home Affairs officials and their associates be they South African or foreign nationals who are undermining the country’s laws. A multi-disciplinary law enforcement team is keeping a beady eye on a number of corrupt Home Affairs officials and syndicates and more arrests are imminent.
(a)(i) Furthermore, it is impractical to ascertain the number fraudulent documents in the hands of criminals and of those being produced through illegal means.
(b(i)-(iiI) There is currently an investigation taking place with regards to the matter.
However, the Branch Counter Corruption and Security Services, through investigations undertaken, intercepted the suspected fake passports issued through the process of photo swap. During the investigations on passport photo swaps, it was found that SA citizens who participated in the scam, are still in possession of their Identity Documents. It was only their passports that were required by foreign nationals. The suspected fake passports are from the following offices:
Home Affairs Office |
Number of passports issued to foreign nationals |
Benoni |
101 |
White River |
30 |
Burgersfort |
45 |
Maponya Mall |
20 |
Germiston |
25 |
Prospecton |
30 |
Ndwendwe |
40 |
Tongaat |
15 |
Umgungundlovu |
18 |
Commercial Road |
10 |
When fraudulent documents are detected the Branch Civic Services refers such cases to the Branch: Counter Corruption and Security Services if it involves the Departments officials and/or to Branch: Immigration Services (Inspectorate division) if it entails investigation of foreign nationals. Otherwise cases are referred to the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies.
Upon conclusion of the investigations conducted by the above institutions, and when the outcome renders the enabling documents to be fraudulent, the Department follows a process to set markers to block, nullify and to cancel the fraudulently issued identity documents and passports on the National Population Register(NPR) as a means to maintain the credibility of the system in the Republic.
Furthermore, the Immigration Service Branch within the Department is also involved to flag such documents on the Movement Control System (MCS). As a result, a note verbale is also published and circulated through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) as a means to communicate to foreign countries regarding fake or fraudulently issued passports and identity documents.
(c) From 2013 to date, 396 officials have been investigated for selling South African documents.
END
12 May 2022 - NW1376
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What steps and/or measures has her department put in place with regard to the lack of spending of the allocated budget in the Eastern Cape, where the provincial department of social development returned R67 million in unspent food aid to the National Treasury?
Reply:
The unspent budget that the Honourable Member is referring to is part of the 2021/22 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) roll Over allocation totalling R134 million in the Eastern Cape which was approved and confirmed by the National Treasury on 15 November 2021. The tender was only advertised on 10 December 2021 and the closing date for the adverts was scheduled for 21 January 2022 as a result of Provincial Treasury directives for Tenders not to close in the month of December but be extended to January 2022.
After the finalisation of tender processes, the actual distribution of food parcels to the intended beneficiaries only commenced on 2 March 2022. By 28 March 2022, only 22 787 beneficiaries were able to receive food parcels constituting 26% of the total target of 85 741 beneficiary households. This is attributed to other various factors in addition to the stringent time frames that are related to Service Provider challenges with capacity to deliver as expected including unnecessary demands made by local truck drivers in the various local municipalities.
The Department through the Internal Audit Unit is currently exploring appropriate internal control systems and Risks involved in considering the operationalisation of the SRD Programme as transfers in future utilising a Zero Monthly Fee Digital Account as a Bank Card System possibly with no Bank Charges.
The Department remains convinced that exploring the utilisation of an Easy Zero Bank Card system is the most efficient and cost-effective mechanism to enable SRD beneficiary family households' easy access to food.
This system and/or mechanism remains the best option for the operationalisation of the SRD Programme in the Eastern Cape, given its largely rural terrain and thus difficult to access particularly during rainy days.
The Department has further initiated a process of preparing a submission in the form of a motivation to Provincial Treasury for the approval of additional allocation of funding to the Social relief of Distress Programme as a specialist and most urgent intervention to enable the 62 954 beneficiary family households to have access to food as well as to address immediate needs of hunger, child poverty and malnutrition amongst the Eastern Cape poor and vulnerable groups of family households who are mostly falling under the category of No Income Households.
12 May 2022 - NW1374
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a) steps has his department taken with regard to officials who have been found to be involved in the illegal issuing of passports and (b) corrective measures have been put in place to curb such acts?What (a) steps has his department taken with regard to officials who have been found to be involved in the illegal issuing of passports and (b) corrective measures have been put in place to curb such acts?
Reply:
a) Disciplinary action is instituted against officials who are found to be involved in the illegal issuing of passports in accordance with the Disciplinary Code and Procedure for the Public Service (PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2003);
b) Passport processes are evaluated regularly to identify possible vulnerabilities to fraud, corruption and security breaches, and recommendations are made to affected business units for implementation. Passports that are found to be issued illegally are referred for cancellation.
END
12 May 2022 - NW1477
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to the use of the Ladysmith Airport in KwaZulu-Natal for drag racing from 17 March 2022 to 20 March 2022, what are the details of (a) permissions given by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for the use of the airport, including the main runway for drag racing, (b) the conditions placed on the airport authority by the SACAA for the use of the airport for drag racing and (c) the SACAA notifications to aircraft (i) owners, (ii) pilots and (iii) airports regarding the closure of the airport?
Reply:
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
a) The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) granted permission to the operator to conduct non-aviation operations in line with an application submitted to the SACAA as per the applicable regulations. (b) The approval granted was effective from 06h00 on 19 March to 00h00 on 21 March 2022. The operator was required to comply with a set of requirements before the approval was granted. The Operator was expected to comply with crowd control, communication, general safety and specific arrangements regarding the event (c) (i) (ii) (iii) The initial Notice to Airman (NOTAM) C0769/22 was issued on 15 March 2022 at 10h08 Local time for the 20th of March 2022 to close the Aerodrome from 06h00 to 18h00 Local time. The NOTAM was then cancelled and replaced with NOTAM C0801/22 which was issued on 18 March 2022 at 15h09 Local time for the period 19 March from 06h00 until 20 March 2022 at midnight as per the Promulgation of NOTAM request form CA 175-03 and Indemnity letter. Aerodrome closed for the period 19/03/2022 @ 06:00 till 20/03/2022 @ 23: 59.
12 May 2022 - NW1336
Bryant, Mr D W to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether he intends to lower the costs associated with obtaining a skippers licence, considering that many fisherfolk are currently struggling to make ends meet due to the uncertainty regarding fishing permits, multiple administrative requirements and a difficult economic climate; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he intends to relax certain seaworthy requirements that may be deemed unnecessary in order to reduce costs for fisherfolk; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) received a 0% increase for the 2022-2023 financial year. All fees for Skipper Licences still the same as the 2021-2022 financial year and should assist fisher in the current economic climate. The 0% increase applies to all the services that the South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) provide and include the cost of safety surveys for fishing vessels. Should an increase be approved, due consideration will be given to the impact that any increase may have on fishers.
2. The challenge with lowering the current safety standards will lead to unseaworthy ships going to sea, which will not only endanger fishers but also other users of the sea. Reducing the safety standards will lead to unnecessary deaths amongst fishers and in turn impact on the fishing communities when a bread winner is lost. It must be noted that unseaworthy vessels lead to expensive Search and Rescue operations due to the number and type of sea and air assets that need to be mobilised to rescue a casualty at sea. Lowering Safety Standards which is meant to save both people and property at sea, or prevent pollution of the marine environment is not the solution.
12 May 2022 - NW1436
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What (a) is the extent of the geographic area in square meters that the Plessislaer Police Station services and (b) are the reason that the specified police station has only one fully-equipped satellite station considering the huge geographic region the station has to serve; (2) whether the SA Police Station considered installing at least three fully-equipped satellite stations in the region Plessislaer Police Station serve; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details of the plan going forward; (3) what total number of (a) detectives and (b) investigation officers are stationed at (i) Plessislaer Police Station and (ii) its satellites?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
12 May 2022 - NW1391
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) intervention measures has he and/or his department taken at the Stanford Terrace Clinic in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, in 2021, where patients reportedly had to wait outside the locked gate in the rain while nurses enjoyed their lunch and (b) are the reasons that the problem has not been solved as complaints of a similar nature continue to be reported?
Reply:
The Department has investigated the matter with the Operational Manager of Stanford Terrace clinic and one of the reasons for the patient queuing outside the gate was due to inadequate space in the waiting area of the clinic as the clinic was implementing disaster management strategies and observing social distancing. The spacing of patients in mitigating the spread of COVID 19, resulted in queues that were outside the gate also because of large patient numbers.
Whilst the EC DOH acknowledges the basic conditions of employment of employees and nurses in particular, the locking of the gate with nurses enjoying lunch is regrettable, and investigations by labour relations office in this regard is underway. Should the findings of our investigation be found to be inconsistent with the EC DOH policies, consequence management will be instituted to those employees who failed to exercise the Batho Pele Principles whilst on duty.
PLANNED INTERVENTIONS
- Training of Stanford Terrace Nurses on Batho Pele Principles and;
- Procurement of a tent as a temporal measure for patients waiting to be served
As the National Department of Health, we will follow this matter closely to see to its conclusion.
END.
12 May 2022 - NW1448
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) is the total number of (i) physical and (ii) sexual cases against educators in each province (aa) in the past three financial years and (bb) since April 2022 and (b) total number of the specified cases led to (i) disciplinary actions and (ii) dismissal?
Reply:
a) (i) and (ii); (aa); (bb); (b)(i) and (ii) Sexual misconduct cases are reported to the employer. Therefore, the question is more relevant to the provincial administration since it is the responsibility of the employer, who in terms of section 3(1)(b) of the Employment of Educators Act, 76 of 1998, is the Head of the Provincial Education Department, to enforce disciplinary code and procedures against all educators employed at the provincial level.
The question should therefore be forwarded to the relevant employer for details and response.
12 May 2022 - NW1382
Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister of Police
Which intervention measures has his department taken to combat (a) drug trafficking and (b) flourishing brotheis across the Republic ?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
12 May 2022 - NW1456
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether the Government is subsidising the taxi industry in terms of the exorbitant increase in the petrol price; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what total amount each month; (2) whether the subsidy is adjusted every month to accommodate the increase in the petrol price; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the actual formula used?
Reply:
1. Subsidised public transport services are currently provided on a contract basis where government contracts with operators to provide scheduled services in a particular route in terms of the relevant integrated transport plan and in alignment with applicable legislation. These contracts are designed in terms of demand to enable effective utilisation of funds. As a result, the Department is not subsiding the taxi industry due to their operating model. The Department is developing a Public Transport Subsidy Policy that will guide the distribution of subsidies in line with demand, where the right mode would be utilised for the right volumes.
2. There are no monthly adjustments done as there is no subsidy provided for the taxi industry as indicated in 1 above.
12 May 2022 - NW1463
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) total number of licences are currently being processed by the SA Civil Aviation Authority, (b) total number of licence applications are for (i) renewal and (ii) new licences in respect of each different category of licences and (c) is the average duration and/or turnaround time from receiving applications to issuing them?
Reply:
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
(a) The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) processes an average of 168 licences per day and approximately 3500 aeroplane and helicopter licenses per month. (b) For the month of April 2022 alone, a total of 97 licenses have been issued of which for (i) renewals only seventy (70) are for aeroplanes and three (3) are for helicopters (ii) whilst for first issue applications twenty-three (23) were for aeroplanes and one (1) is for helicopters.
(c) During Covid-19, all license applications are received electronically and the average duration and/or turnaround time from receiving applications to issuing them is 7-10 working days provided that all regulatory requirements are met. These times will be revised to 5-7 working days as things return to normal.
RECOMMENDATION
- It is recommended that the EA approves the reply, should he concur with its content.
MR ZAKHELE THWALA
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CIVIL AVIATION
DATE:
MR MTHUNZI MADIYA
ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE:
DECISION
Reply approved/amended.
MINISTER F.A. MBALULA, MP
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
DATE:
Date: 15/02/2018
Private Bag X 193, 159 Cnr. Struben and Bosman, Forum building, Pretoria, 0001, Tel; 012 309 3172, Fax: 012 328 5926
QUESTION 1463 (QUESTION PAPER NO 14, 22 APRIL 2022) FOR WRITTEN REPLY IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Mr C H H Hunsinger (DA) to ask the Minister of Transport:
What (a) total number of licences are currently being processed by the SA Civil Aviation Authority, (b) total number of licence applications are for (i) renewal and (ii) new licences in respect of each different category of licences and (c) is the average duration and/or turnaround time from receiving applications to issuing them? NW1781E
Reply:
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
- The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) processes an average of 168 licences per day and approximately 3500 aeroplane and helicopter licenses per month. (b) For the month of April 2022 alone, a total of 97 licenses have been issued of which for (i) renewals only seventy (70) are for aeroplanes and three (3) are for helicopters (ii) whilst for first issue applications twenty-three (23) were for aeroplanes and one (1) is for helicopters. (c) During Covid-19, all license applications are received electronically and the average duration and/or turnaround time from receiving applications to issuing them is 7-10 working days provided that all regulatory requirements are met. These times will be revised to 5-7 working days as things return to normal.
MINISTER F.A. MBALULA, MP
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
12 May 2022 - NW1005
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) was the total number of (a) cases that were (i) enrolled for possession and/or use of Cannabis in the period 1 January 2018 to 28 February 2022, (ii) withdrawn and (iii) finalised cases with convictions, (b) were the reasons for withdrawal in each case and (c) are the details of the sentences that were imposed?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development that, currently, the Department does not have charges specific to cannabis. However, the Department gathers information in relation to four (4) charges relating to cannabis which was previously referred to as “dagga”. This is included under the umbrella of “other narcotics”, and the Department cannot drill down to charges relating to cannabis or dagga.
The current charge description is as follows: “Unlawfully receiving any document, intoxicating liquor, dagga, drug, opiate, money or any other article whilst in custody; unlawful supplying, conveying, hiding or placing for an offender’s use any document, intoxicating liquor, dagga, drug or opiate; bringing or introducing into a correctional centre or place of custody any document/ intoxicating liquor/ dagga/ drug/ opiate; Inmate – Arranging with a correctional/ custody official/ another person for a document/ liquor/ dagga/ drug/ opiate/ money/ article.”
It should also be noted that the National Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that the National Prosecuting Authority does not record the above requested information manually, and the electronic case management system allows for reporting on both possession of drugs as dealing in drugs which could be extracted in accordance with the relevant sections of the Act. However, information specific to ‘cannabis’ is not available.
END
12 May 2022 - NW1342
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 728 on 17 March 2022, he is now in a position to indicate what (a) process must be followed to verify fingerprints during the application for firearm licences and/or competency certificates, (b) total number of applications that need to be verified have been submitted to the Criminal Record Centre in each province (i) in the (aa) 2017-18, (bb) 2018-19. (cc) 2019-20 and (dd) 2020-21 financial year and (ii) since 1 January 2022 and (c) total number of such applications that have been submitted in the specified financial years and period, of the Criminal Record Centre has provided feedback on; (2) what is the reason that the profiling system is not used?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
11 May 2022 - NW1665
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What are the full details of (a) all the (i) monies, (ii) loans, (iii) aid and (iv) goods and services that have been spent on Cuba since he became President on 15 February 2018 and (b) the explanation of why the Government has chosen Cuba as a beneficiary of South African aid and assistance?
Reply:
a) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) A loan was made available to Cuba under an Economic Assistance Agreement for agricultural development projects as well as reconstruction of infrastructure.
The loan was divided into two tranches. The first tranche of R63 million was made available in 2018. The Cuban government has fully repaid the loan.
The second tranche of R84 631 000 million was made available in 2021. The Cuban government has been repaying the loan since December 2021.
The total loan to Cuba since 2018 is R147 631 000.
b) The relationship between South Africa and Cuba dates back well before the 1994 democratic elections, and the friendship and solidarity with Cuba should be viewed within the context of the significant contribution that Cuba made to the liberation of South Africa. The South African Government signed an Agreement on Economic Assistance with the Government of the Republic of Cuba on 3 February 2012, entering into force on 21 November 2012. The 2012 Agreement was one of the outcomes of the 2010 State Visit to Cuba by the then South African President. The latter announced that South Africa would offer Cuba an Economic Assistance Package to assist with agricultural development projects as well as reconstruction of infrastructure, following the damage caused by devastating hurricanes in the Caribbean in 2008.
The Economic Assistance Package enhanced economic collaboration with Cuba especially through improved bilateral trade and increased goodwill from the people of Cuba. Through the package exports of South African agricultural products, plastic resins, dump trucks and tires were increased, jobs were created and retained, there was business reinvestment, consumer support to the RSA manufacturing sector, and channels for payment from Cuba were established
11 May 2022 - NW985
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
What amount does (a) her department, (b) the SA Post Office, (c) the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa and (d) the SA Broadcasting Corporation, owe the (i) Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, (ii) Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and (iii) Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for (aa) water, (bb) rates and (cc) electricity as at 7 March 2022?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department and SOEs as follows:
I have been advised by the SOEs as follows:
a) Department:
i) Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality:
(aa) Water R0.00
(bb) Rates R0.00
(cc) Electricity R0.00
ii) Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality:
(aa) Water R0.00
(bb) Rates R0.00
(cc) Electricity R0.00
iii) Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality:
(aa) Water R0.00
(bb) Rates R0.00
(cc) Electricity R0.00
(b-d) SOEs:
- SAPO has indicated that no amount is owed to any of the mentioned municipalities as at 07 March 2022. All utilities, rates and taxes accounts are paid in full.
- Nemisa indicated that municipal rates and taxes accounts are up to date
- SABC responded that the accounts at the municipalities mentioned were up to date as at 07 March 2022.
Authorised for submission by
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
11 May 2022 - NW968
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether she will furnish Ms B M van Minnen with the scientific data used to support the view of her department that 5G cell phone towers are not harmful to human health including any journal articles and/or scientific papers that were used to justify the approval of the rollout of the specified technology?
Reply:
I have been advised as follows:
The Department is guided by the Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field (RF EMF) guidelines of March 2020 developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which provide the necessary and sufficient levels of protection from adverse effects relating to exposure to RF EMF when networks including 5G are deployed or operated.
Authorised for submission by
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
11 May 2022 - NW724
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
what measures has her department put in place to ensure that members of the SA National Defence Force, from corrupt border officials to those who are members of the organised criminal syndicates are brought to book?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
11 May 2022 - NW1509
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1) whether, with reference to a recent report on the situation in Mozambique (details furnished) wherein the Chief of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, refers to rebels in the region as jihadists and Islamic insurgents, which is simplistic and offensive to Muslim citizen in the Republic and in other parts of the world, it is her position that by the SA National Defence Force using such simplistic terms which emanate from a unidimensional construct of terrorist violence is intended by the SANDF to stereotype Muslims in a similar way that 70% of US security policies after 9/11 targeted Arabs and Muslims as they were seen to be associated with adherents of extremist movements; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether she will consider a ruling by House Chairperson of the National Assembly, Ms M G Boroto (details furnished), calling for wisdom and not to be hurtful in referring to persons and implement for all media spokespersons of the SANDF to avoid using hurtful and offensive terms such as jihadists and Islamic insurgents which engenders negative stereotypes towards particular groups of religious persons among the public and policymakers, when in fact the persons are terrorists; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
11 May 2022 - NW1257
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
In light of the recent media statement by his department that there are some remand detainees within correctional centres who have been in remand detention for more than two years thus contributing to overcrowding, what (a) is the total number of remand detainees who have been in detention for more than two years, (b) are the reasons for the prolonged period of detention and (c) are the further relevant details of the strategies developed during the two consultative sessions that were held in November 2021 for all six regions of his department during which heads of correctional centres deliberated on measures to reduce overcrowding?
Reply:
a) Total number of remand detainees who have who have been in detention for more than two years as at 31st March 2022 was 3 698.
Regional breakdown is as follows:-
Region |
Grand Total |
Gauteng |
1718 |
Western Cape |
708 |
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North-West |
390 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
387 |
Eastern Cape |
291 |
Free State & Northern Cape |
204 |
Grand Total |
3698 |
Source: GITO |
b) The reasons for the prolonged period of detention is the delayed response from the courts on the outcome of the applications of Section 49 G or a continue with detention response is received, however DCS does continue to make use of the provision of Section 49G of the Correctional Services Act by referring Remand Detainees (RDs) to court before completing a period of two years for consideration of their detention and thereafter annually if the RD remains in detention after the initial referral. The courts are required to consider applications from DCS where possible outcomes are as follows:-
- Release of the RD
- Release and placement on warning,
- Placement under s62(f): Supervision by a correctional official
- Reduction of the amount of bail
- Placement in a secure care facilities
- Decline to review bail (Unsuccessful application)
The department intends to intensify relationships with the Justice Cluster by participating in the National Efficiency Enhancement Committee (NEEC), Judicial Case Flow structures and the courts to address this challenge.
c) The strategies developed during the two consultative sessions held in November 2021 for all six regions relates to measures to reduce overcrowding. Heads of Centres were encouraged to establish and maintain stakeholder relations by attending District Efficiency Enhancement Committee (DEEC) meetings where issues relating to Case flows are addressed.
END
11 May 2022 - NW843
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
What total amount in Rand has been spent on (a) catering, (b) entertainment and (c) accommodation for (i) her, (ii) the Deputy Minister and (iii) officials of her department since 29 May 2019?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:
a) The total amount spent on catering for the period in question was R738 982.91,
(i) Minister: R157 644.86
(ii) Deputy Minister: R 90 665.20
(iii) Officials in the Department: R490 672.85
b) The total amount spent on entertainment for the period in question was R0.00,
(i) Minister: R0.00
(ii) Deputy Minister: R0.00
(iii) Officials in the Department: R0.00
c) The total amount spent on accommodation for the period in question was R15 345 562.86
(i) Minister: R 3 615 001.95
(ii) Deputy Minister: R 1 021 003.90
(iii) Officials in the Department: R10 709 557.01
Authorised for submission by
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER
DATE:
11 May 2022 - NW1225
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Noting that the United States of America is the biggest humanitarian supplier to the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, what has been the Government’s position on the African Union’s humanitarian stance with regard to humanitarian aid to unstable African countries?
Reply:
The South African government supports the African Union (AU) Humanitarian Policy Framework which articulates the AU’s stance on humanitarian issues.
The AU adopted the AU Humanitarian Assistance Policy in 2015. It outlines a broad framework and the Continental body’s intent in dealing with humanitarian issues.
The Policy Framework establishes a strategic approach and guidelines in support of the core aims of humanitarian action: to preserve, protect and save lives, alleviate suffering and enhance physical security and human dignity of those in dire need. It also “complements and supports the policies of AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the international community, United Nations (UN) agencies, International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, national and international NGOs and other humanitarian actors and stakeholders”.
.
11 May 2022 - NW1542
Mafanya, Mr WTI to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1) (a) What is the reason that inappropriate and substandard uniforms are procured for the Special Forces, whereas the Armaments Corporation of South Africa produces quality uniforms which are combat-reliant?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
11 May 2022 - NW871
Sharif, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
What (a) is the total number of incidents of (i) sexual harassment and (ii) sexual assault that were reported in her department (aa) in each of the past three financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2021, (b) number of cases (i) were opened and concluded, (ii) were withdrawn and (iii) remain open or pending based on the incidents and (c) sanctions were meted out against each person who was found guilty?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:
No incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault were reported in the Department in the past three years and since 1 April 2021.
Authorised for submission by
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
11 May 2022 - NW723
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1) what are the details of the Government’s position with regard to the Ukrainian call for foreigners to join its fight against the Russian Federation by joining the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine? (2) whether the Government will support South African Citizens wishing to apply for such international military service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
11 May 2022 - NW984
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
What amount has (a) her department, (b) the SA Post Office, (c) the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, (d) the SA Broadcasting Corporation, (e) the State Information Technology Agency and (f) the Broadband Infraco spent on (i) flowers, (ii) cards, (iii) wreaths and (iv) gifts in the past eight financial years?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department and SOEs as follows:
a) Department
Department |
i) Flowers |
(ii) Cards |
(iii) Wreaths |
(iv) Gifts |
R47 363, 00 |
0 |
Included (i) due to BAS SCOA classification |
R691, 00 |
(b-f)
SOEs |
(i) Flowers |
(ii) Cards |
(iii) Wreaths |
(iv) Gifts |
SAPO |
- |
- |
- |
- |
NEMISA |
R3 549.90 |
- |
- |
- |
SABC |
R96 329.00 |
- |
R4 463.00 |
R 116 181.00 |
SITA |
R21 463.00 |
- |
- |
- |
BBI |
R69 156.00 |
- |
- |
R24 075.00 |
SAPO indicated that no money was spend for flowers, cards, wreaths and gifts in the last eight (8) years.
Authorised for submission by
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
10 May 2022 - NW1446
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
(1) Whether, with reference to the press release of her department on 25 February 2022, wherein it was stated that income generated by trophy hunting is especially critical for marginalised and impoverished rural communities, whereas it is given that almost all hunting in the Republic takes place on private land and on poorly managed provincial reserves, her department has studied the benefits of hunting to rural communities; if not, (a) why not and (b) what evidence does her department have to support the assertion that income generated by trophy hunting is especially critical for marginalised and impoverished rural communities; if so, what are the relevant details of such studies; (2) what are the details of benefits that were received from trophy hunting by marginalised and impoverished rural communities in (a) 2018, (b) 2019 and (c) 2020?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
09 May 2022 - NW1341
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
With regard to the apartheid era migrant labour hostels, what total number of (a) persons currently reside in (i) public, (ii) private and/or (iii) grey hostels and (b) hostel complexes (i) remain unrefurbished and/or (ii) are transformed into family units in each metropolitan area; (2) Whether any other hostels, not included in the above three categories, remain unrefurbished and/or untransformed; if not; what is the position in this regard; if, (a) how does her department intend to transform each of the specified hostels into family units and (b) by what date does she envisage each planned transformation will be completed?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) (ii) (iii) The hostel environment together with the nomadic nature of occupants have proven to be a difficult task for municipalities as managing agents to keep track of the number of persons occupying units. Illegal invasions together with sub-letting has exacerbated this problem to such an extent that most legal lease holders cannot be found. Provincial departments together with their respective municipalities are only responsible for government-owned rental accommodation and as such are not responsible for private rental accommodation or grey hostels (which include a component of private ownership).
(b)(i) (ii) The following table illustrates the hostels that have been transformed into family units as well as those which have not been refurbished in each metropolitan area:
Province |
Metropolitan Area |
Number of hostels not refurbished |
Number of hostels transformed into family units |
Gauteng |
Ekurhuleni Metro |
20 |
1 |
Johannesburg Metro |
14 |
8 |
|
Tshwane Metro |
3 |
2 |
|
Western Cape |
City of Cape Town |
5 |
1 |
KZN |
eThekwini Metro |
11 |
9 |
Free State |
Mangaung Metro |
No public hostels |
|
Eastern Cape |
Buffalo City Metro |
No public hostels |
|
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro |
No public hostels |
2. Hostels are grouped into three categories only, that is: public, private and grey hostels.
(a) The Department is only responsible for public sector hostels and is currently transforming hostels into family units using the Community Residential Units (CRU) programme. The programme provides grant funding to provinces and municipalities for the upgrading, conversion, or complete redevelopment of existing government owned rental stock, including hostels.
(b) Due to the vast size of hostels and limited budget, all hostel projects are undertaken in phases and planned over a span of 10 to 30 years, therefore it is very difficult to put the exact date for the completion of the transformation of the hostels into family units.
09 May 2022 - NW1666
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she has found that the Government’s relationship with Cuba has in no way materially benefited the governing party or any political organisation directly and/or indirectly; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is not aware of any benefits that have accrued to the governing party or to any political organisation as the Department does not have any interface with the governing party or political organisations on these matters.
COMPILER DETAILS
NAME AND SURNAME: MR BJ ERASMUS
CONTACT: 012 351 8637
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Minister signs Parliamentary Reply 1666.
MR Z DANGOR
DIRECTOR–GENERAL: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
DATE:
PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 1666 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.
COMMENT/S
DR GNM PANDOR, MP
MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
DATE: