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12 December 2023 - NW3645

Profile picture: Joseph, Mr D

Joseph, Mr D to ask the MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE

With reference to a certain senior official (name and details furnished) who has been suspended by Boxing South Africa due to an incorrect tallying up of a scorecard in East London, what are the reasons that another certain official (name and details furnished), has not been suspended?

Reply:

Boxing South Africa (BSA) indicated that the senior official in question is the COO, Mr. Nhlanganiso, and has been suspended for (a) Gross insubordination, (b) Gross negligence, and (c) Grave violation of the provisions of the South African Boxing Act.

He is not suspended for incorrect tallying up of a scorecard, however, had oversight responsibilities of the process. The matter relating to the scorecard relates to Mr. Phakamile Jacobs, who is a Provincial Manager in the Eastern Cape. Mr. Jacobs has been given a final written warning. Both official were and in the case of Mr. Nhlanganiso are still going through a disciplinary process.

12 December 2023 - NW3056

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1). (a) what total number of legal cases has Netball South Africa (NSA) been fighting over the past five years, (b) with whom, (c) what were the dates of the specified cases and (d) what was the total cost of each case. (2). whether the cases involved NSA, as well as a certain person (Ms. C. Molekwane); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details. (3). whether NSA paid any legal costs incurred by the specified person (Ms. C.Molekwane); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details. (4). given that NSA and the person (Ms. C. Molekwane) are suing (a) a nongovernmental organisation and (b) an individual for the loss of the (i) Spar and (ii) Telkom sponsorships, on what dates were the specified sponsorships cancelled? NW4122E

Reply:

Netball South Africa (NSA) responded to the question in the following manner:-

1(a). We are aware of 5 pending legal cases involving NSA which have been launched within the past 5 years.

1(b)(c)(d). Theresa Rossouw vs NSA, Mpumalanga Netball Association and Minister of Sport and Recreation(2021 High Court Application for Review on Final Written, Warning issued against Ms. Rossouw - Cost Covered under Legal Retainer) after the record was issues the case was abandoned by Applicant with no legal costs).

Currently pending is with:

1. Ms. Dorrette Badenhorst (2023- Labour Court claim for monies owing and NSA, Counterclaim (legal costs covered by The Labour Counsel).

2. Joseph Taylor Mholongo 2023 (PAIA) request to compel disclosure (High Court) (legal costs covered by The Labour Counsel).

3. NSA vs WMACA and Olivia Jasriel (2022 – High Court Urgent Interdict Application - R40k – Finalised in NSA’s favour.

4. NSA vs WMACA and Olivia Jasriel (2023 - Defamation Action +-R15k for counsel – Matter pending, in court.)

(2). Both cases involving Ms. Molokwane do so in her capacity as president of NSA and NSA is therefore liable to defend same.

(3). NSA has not covered any of Ms. Molokwane’s personal legal costs and has acted to defend NSA’s good name and that of its president, in her official capacity as such. Legal costs of counsel have been covered by NSA; however, Attorney’s fees are covered under a general legal retainer.

(4). A lady by the name of Olivia Jasriel has been publicly defaming NSA (during hertenure with WMACA) and as a result of same, certain sponsors have indicated that they may not renew their sponsorships.

There have not yet been any actual cancellations, however the sponsors have raised their concerns. Regrettably, the same individual has also targeted our sponsors, making baseless claims and accusations against them. This unwarranted harassment has led to concerns among our sponsors, potentially jeopardizing our critical relationships with them. As a result, we have been compelled to continuously engage in explanations and provide evidence to refute the falsehoods propagated by this politician.

We firmly believe that these repeated and groundless attacks on NSA and our associates are not only unjust but also detrimental to the stability of our organisation and the preservation of our vital relationships. It is imperative that we continue to maintain the trust of our sponsors, stakeholders, and the

public at large. The claim for damages suffered by NSA is not only limited to the sponsors referred to in the question.

The Portfolio Committee’s responsibility and commitment is that of the Constitution of this country, and its impartiality in dealing with this matter should reflect that of a non-sexist, non-racial South Africa; recognising the importance of protecting the reputation and integrity of NSA, a civic movement, which is apolitical, and mandated to oversee and develop netball in this country.

 

12 December 2023 - NW3877

Profile picture: Makamba-Botya, Ms N

Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What (a) steps has she taken to empower headmen to be more effective in their communities and (b) tools of trade are they provided with, since they are regarded as office bearers?

Reply:

a) In relation to training and empowerment of headmen/women, there are those coordinated by the National Department of Traditional Affairs (DTA) and individual Provincial CoGTA Departments. During the 2021/22 financial year, the DTA in partnership with LGSETA coordinated training of four hundred and forty-one (441) Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (inclusive of headmen/women) on the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act 2019, Act No. 3 of 2019 (TKLA). In addition, during the 2022/23 financial year, DTA facilitated training of eight hundred and fifty-one (851) traditional leaders, consisting of Senior Traditional Leaders, Headman/women including women structures in traditional communities on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and Customary Initiation Act 2021, Act No. 2 of 2021 (CIA).

According to information received from Provincial CoGTA Departments, they also undertake empowerment programmes for headmen/women as reflected in Annexure A.

b) The provision of tools of trade to headmen/women is a provincial competence. According to information received from Provincial CoGTA Departments, the status quo is as reflected in Annexure A. However, in order to promote uniform norms and standards, the DTA is currently in consultation with Provincial CoGTA Departments on a draft Handbook on the tools of trade for traditional leaders.

End.

12 December 2023 - NW3814

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Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

(1)Whether his department has any targets for the attainment of full internet connectivity and/or access in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department has recorded any tangible achievements following its commitments made at the 2005 Internet Governance World Summit on the Information Society; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. South Africa’s broadband policy, called SA Connect was adopted by Cabinet in December 2013 to meet the country’s vision of a seamless network by 2030. This will make broadband universally accessible at a cost and quality that meets the needs of citizens, formal and informal businesses, and the public sector. In September 2021, the Department embarked on a process to consider an alternative approach to ensure rapid broadband roll-out with due regard to fiscal constraints.

In January 2022, Cabinet approved the implementation of SA Connect Phase 2 revised model. The revised model comprises the following:

  • Community and household connectivity.
  • Government facilities connectivity.
  • Universal Service Obligations to connect public service institutions.

Targets:

a) Community and household connectivity - BBI and SENTECH will extend their networks and onboard Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deploy 32 055 Wi-Fi hotspots to enable 5 573 258 household coverage.

b) Connectivity to government facilities - SITA will provide and maintain connectivity to 14 342 government facilities across the country as part of its mandate as per the SITA Act.

c) Universal Service Obligations – Telcos that were assigned licensed spectrum by ICASA during the recent auction have social obligations to connect 33 431 sites made up of 18 520 schools, 5 721 hospitals and clinics, 949 libraries and 8 241 tribal authority sites over a period of 60 months from date of licensing.

2. Internet Governance Forum is a United Nations process that provides an open, multi-stakeholder and inclusive platform for dialogue and best practice sharing on public policy issues inherent to the governance, regulation and development of the Internet.

The global Internet Governance forum (IGF) has been in existence since 2006. The establishment of the IGF was one of the outcomes of the World Summit for the Information Society. The IGF's objective was to serve as a multi-stakeholder forum for engagement on Internet policy matters. It has no decision-making powers but serves as a platform for sharing ideas.

Pursuant to the WSIS outcomes on Internet Governance and in consultation with other stakeholders (public, private, civil society, academia, technical community etc) the National Internet Governance Forum (ZAIGF) had its inaugural meeting in 2011. Since then, the Department and ZADNA in collaboration with multi-stakeholders has convened 8 IGFs in various parts of the country. The outcomes of the ZAIGF inform the development of South Africa’s positions on the various public policy internet issues. These positions are advocated at various international platforms such as Southern African IGF, African IGF and Global IGF respectively.

Thank You.

12 December 2023 - NW3499

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

Whether his department receive reports that records (a) the amount of water used in each municipality, (b) the breakdown of costs of hired water tankers in each province and (c) what actionable interventions have been adopted to provide potable water to all municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

a) The Department receives reports in the form of International Water Association (IWA) Water balance from Water Services Authorities as prescribed in Regulation 509 of Water Services Act (act No. 108 of 1997). However not all the Water Services Authorities are able to report their records of water use. The information on municipalities that submitted to the DWS is attached hereto as Annexure A.

b) Details relating to the cost of hired tankers can be sourced from municipalities and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

c) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is implementing bulk water and sanitation projects to address major backlogs across all provinces. Currently the DWS is implementing over 90 projects funded through Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and over 250 projects under Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) across the country. The following major water and sanitation projects have been implemented in the past four years through these grants:

 

Name of the Project

Households benefiting

Completion date

Eastern Cape:

1

Nooitgedagt Coega Low Level Supply Scheme (NCLLS) phase three: Increasing the capacity of the WTW’s with 70Ml/day to 210Ml/day)

246 000

June 2023

2

Lower Sundays River GWS:

The works are inclusive of earthworks, canal realignment, servitude rehabilitation, etc.

86 000

September 2025

3

Greater Mbizana Regional Bulk Water Scheme (GMRBWS) & Repair of Ludeke Dam

Upgrade Nomlacu Water Treatment Plant from 10 Mℓ/day to 20 Mℓ/day.

45 641

June 2024

4

Nqamakhwe Regional Bulk Water Scheme:

To provide bulk water infrastructure to supply approx.120 rural villages with domestic water.

19 882

April 2024

5

Ndlambe BWS :

The construction and commissioning of the 5 Mℓ/day Port Alfred RO-plant and 16 Mℓ reservoir, including the brine sea outfall pipeline, the construction of 2Mℓ reservoirs in Cannon Rocks

33 139

December 2024

Free State

6

Maluti –A- Phofung Water and Sanitation Intervention Projects:

Refurbishment and Upgrading of a number of WTWs, a rising main, bulk water supply & drilling of boreholes, as well as improving water revenue and reducing non-revenue water.

21 244

April 2027

7

Matjhabeng Water and Sanitation Intervention Projects:

Unblocking of Sewer Networks , refurbishments of various WWTW, construction of outfall sewer line.

8 786

April 2027

Gauteng

8

Vaal River Systems Interventions:

Various WWTW and pump station upgrades and refrubishments, rising mains, gravity mains, critical collapsed pipes replacement, etc.

165 345

June 2027

KwaZulu-Natal

9

Acceleration Of Mandlakazi Bulk Water Scheme:

Pipeline includes abstraction of raw water from Jozini Dam, laying of 28km bulk line, pumpstation and upgrading of Mandlakazi WTW, Mkhuze WTW and others.

98 432

June 2026

10

uMkhanyakude DM:

Scope includes bulk-pipelines, upgrade of WTW, extending the services from RDP to yard connections.

33 543

June 2024

Limpopo

11

Nandoni To Nsami Regional Bulk Water Scheme:

Provision of bulk pipelines and upgrading of Nandoni WTW from 60Ml/day to 120Ml/day.

321 000

November 2023

12

Giyani WTW Refurbishment (Phase 1)

Giyani - Reticulation of 24 Villages (Phase 1)

 

April 2024

13

Olifantspoort /Ebenezer Water Supply Scheme

 

August 2026

14

Olifants River Water Resources Development Project Phase 2 (ORWRDP-2)

To develop the infrastructure required in the Middle Olifants River (in the areas of Sekhukhune and Mogalakwena Districts of Limpopo) to meet the water demands in the area.

86 000

June 2030

Mpumalanga

15

Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply:

Construction of Bulk water pipeline, reservoirs, pumpstations and secondary mains

145 000

September 2025

North West

16

Pilanesburg bulk water supply

13 087

June 2025

Northern Cape

17

Kimberley bulk water supply:

Phase 1 - Emergency Interventions

Phase 2 - Emergency Intervention

Medium term interventions

Scope entails: WCDM, installation of zonal bulk meters, replacement of old AC pipelines, upgrading of WTW’s, upgrading of pumpstations, construction of additional storage.

78 000

March 2027

Western Cape

18

Drakenstein Bulk Water Supply

16 453

March 2027

19

George Bulk Water Supply

17000

June 2028

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12 December 2023 - NW1222

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1).Whether, with reference to the urgent High Court interdict obtained in November 2022 by Netball SA (NSA) against Olivia Jasriel not to speak about netball and the abuse within NSA (details furnished), Ms Molokwane got a resolution passed by the board for the court application to take place; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2). whether he will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with a copy of the resolution; if not, why not; if so, on what date; (3). whether the costs of the application and/or any other litigious documentation reflect anywhere in the NSA financials; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4). (a) what are the reasons that NSA has still not contacted the victims and offered assistance in line with their Constitution (details furnished), (b) who is their lead safeguarding officer, (c) what are the reasons that the person has not contacted the victim and (d) what support has been offered to the victim?

Reply:

Netball South Africa responded to the question in the following manner:-

(1). There was never such an interdict. Ms. Jasriel publicly and baselessly called Ms.

Molokwane a rapist and a court order were obtained directing Ms. Jasriel to stop defaming Ms. Molokwane and NSA. No order was obtained preventing Ms. Jasriel talking about abuse in netball.

Ms. Molokwane as the President of Netball South Africa has never acted in her personal capacity, and neither has the former CEO, Ms. Blanche De La Guere, when they gave mandate to Donaldson Attorneys.

(2). Yes, upon request the copy of the resolution can be shared.

(3). Netball South Africa is audited annually and received a clean audit for the previous 5 financial years. Litigation expenses should be reflected in the financials and will be available when they are published.

The legal form which advises and manages legal matters for Netball South Africa are on a retainer payable monthly for R16 000 a month to The Labour Counsel, inclusive of all other membership/ council disciplinary matters as per Constitution. Any other matter requesting a Senior Council appearance would be recovered from the respondent.

(4)(a). The victims were contacted.

(b). Mrs. Annelie Lucas, the Director Coaching.

(c). The victims have all been contacted.

(d). Counselling has been offered to the victims. Please see below further explanation to the case.

Background to the case:

It is important to state that the incident in question took place during a Schools Netball Tournament, which is an associate member of South African Schools Netball (SASN), run by its own Executive Committee (Board), led by Ms. Di Wooley.

Firstly, NSA would like to reiterate that it stands firm against any form of abuse and will not tolerate nor accept any form of abuse within its structures. NSA is committed to protecting members, players, and their families and to effectively and appropriately respond when there is an allegation of child abuse or sexual harassment.

In the reported matter of sexual assault, both NSA and the South African Schools Netball (SASN-a governing body for schools’ netball) together with SASCOC worked together in resolving the matter. Although the alleged rape of a minor happened at a SASN event which operates independently from NSA and is governed by the Department of Education. NSA stepped in to attend to the investigation. The schools’ organisations plan and run their own netball competitions as per the Department of Education’s mandate and/or governance within the extracurricular unit.

The chairperson of SASN was never questioned nor humiliated by Afriforum, nor the Portfolio Committee. As the custodian of Netball in the Country and because SASN is an associate member of NSA, NSA requested the KZN Schools structure, KZN Provincial

leadership, SASCOC and NSA to meet.

The following process was followed to assist the assaulted victim:

  • It was reported that the assaulted victim attended a consultation session with a psychologist in November 2021.
  • a report was presented to the committee consisting of NSA, SASN, KZN schools’ structure and the KZN Provincial leadership.
  • the KZN Provincial netball chairperson has been in communication with the family.

 

12 December 2023 - NW3915

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Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1)(a). What are the relevant details of the National Arts Council’s (NAC) surplus funds policy, (b) did the NAC request a National Treasury approval in the past eight financial years for surplus funds (details furnished); (2). What are the provisions that the amendment of the expired projects and unclaimed funds policy and the promulgation of the standard operating procedures rely on in compliance with the various legislative requirements stipulated in the Report of the Public Protector (details furnished), considering that the policy and the standard operating procedures are not yet promulgated?

Reply:

(1). The NAC complies with the National Treasury and applies annually to retain any surplus incurred during the year. The approval to retain surpluses was granted by the National Treasury except for the financial years for period ending 2021, 2022 and 2023, where the NAC incurred a deficit.

(2). The provisions in terms of the various legislative requirements and the Standard operating procedures are stipulated in section 4 of the Expired and Unclaimed Policy. These are:

12 December 2023 - NW3912

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Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) What licenses are required from his department to run a (a) coal wash plant and (b) chrome wash plant. (2) what enforcements measures does his department have in place when one is in breach of not having a license. (3) how regularly does his department conduct inspections at these coal wash and chrome wash plants. (4) how many violations were reported to his department in the past three years on each (a) province and (b) wash plant. (5) what action steps were taken by his department to rectify the specified violations?

Reply:

The licence required to run a coal wash plant and chrome wash plant is a Water Use Licence and is granted by the Department of Water and Sanitation. Therefore, the details on the licence required, enforcement measures, inspections and violations are those stipulated by the Department of Water and Sanitation in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998).

12 December 2023 - NW3447

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)What are the reasons that the TSC Programme does not have dedicated funding: 2) What are the reasons that the TSC Programme does not currently have a workable funding model: (3) What are the reasons that the workable funding model recommended by the National Treasury in respect of the TSC Programme has not been implemented: (4) What total amount in funding was earmarked for the TSC Programme by the Government in the (a) 2020-21, (b) 2021-22 and (c) 2022-23 financial years?

Reply:

There is no dedicated funding ring-fenced for the Thusong Service Centres as there is no lead Department for the Programme. The GCIS as the current coordinator is only having funding for Marketing and Communication for the work undertaken at the Centres.

(2) What are the reasons that the TSC Programme does not currently have a workable funding model:

REPLY:

National Treasury was tasked with the responsibility to explore a possible funding options and model as part of the repositioning of the Programme. However, the recommendations could not be implemented due to lack of a lead Department.

(3) What are the reasons that the workable funding model recommended by the National Treasury in respect of the TSC Programme has not been implemented:

REPLY:

The recommendations could not be implemented due to lack of a lead Department.

(4) What total amount in funding was earmarked for the TSC Programme by the Government in the (a) 2020-21, (b) 2021-22 and (c) 2022-23 financial years?

REPLY:

There are no dedicated or ringfenced funds for the Thusong Service Centre Programme.  No funds were earmarked for the national coordination function carried out by the GCIS.

The 2006-2014 Business Plan advocated that the primary responsibility for the funding of Thusong Centres should rest with Municipalities as the plan envisaged that these Centres would be managed by Municipalities. Furthermore, the funding may come from various sources e.g., Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Neighbourhood Development Grant for construction of Centres and cost recovery mechanisms from Leases signed with anchor tenant departments. 

NW4579E

End

12 December 2023 - NW3328

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)What number of web developers are currently employed in the Public Service in each (a) provincial and (b) national department; (2) what number of programme developers are currently employed in the Public Service in each (a) provincial and (b) national department; (3) what amount did the Public Service spend on outsourcing the services of web and programme developers to work in the Public Service in each (a) provincial and (b) national department for (i) 2020-21, (ii) 2021-22 and (iii) 2022-23 financial years?

Reply:

Background

In pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape within the public service, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) utilized the PERSAL system to generate reports concerning ICT personnel within various departments. Regrettably, these reports revealed discrepancies, as many departments had failed to update the field designating personnel involved in IT-related roles, consequently compromising the accuracy of the reports.

Subsequently, the DPSA formulated a data collection instrument, mandating all departments to provide the following particulars regarding their respective ICT personnel:

  • Department or Government Component Name
  • Sphere of Government (National/Provincial)
  • Province
  • PERSAL Number
  • Full Name
  • Branch
  • Chief Directorate
  • Directorate or Unit
  • Job Title
  • Salary Level
  • A concise summary of the job description

It's noteworthy that this data collection initiative did not aim to ascertain specific ICT skills; nonetheless, through a meticulous analysis of the data received, the DPSA managed to infer a rudimentary skill level based on the roles that were being undertaken. It is imperative to highlight that a more comprehensive collection of skills information will be undertaken as part of the broader public service skills audit initiatives currently in progress.

Of the anticipated 161 departments, 132 provided responses, revealing a salient opportunity for departments to enhance the quality of their human resources data, particularly in relation to personnel information, job descriptions, and job titles.

(1) The data was categorized into various job categories, with "System Developers" constituting a comprehensive category encompassing diverse types of developers. In the contemporary ICT landscape, the majority of systems developed are web-enabled or online, which poses challenges in distinguishing between a general developer and a specialized web developer.

However, from the job descriptions we are able to identify that there are 34 recorded Web developers in the public service distributed as follows:

(2)The total number of programme developers or “System Developers” in the Public Service is 310, distributed as follows:

The full list per department is attached as Annexure A

(3) The current financial system ICT Standard Chart of Accounts (SCOA) codes do not support the breakdown of the expenditure to programmers and developers; however, the DPSA, as part of the Annual Operational Plan(AoP) for 2023-2024 is reviewing the ICT SCOA codes to improve reporting on ICT items.

However, as part of ICT expenditure reviews, the DPSA has created a category called Systems Development and Operations, defined as any service procured to develop or maintain any IT system. The breakdown of expenditure in this category is as follows:

  • 2019-2020 = R4.8 billion
  • 2020-2021 – R 6 billion
  • 2021-2022 – R 6.7 billion
  • 2022-2023 – review not yet completed

End

12 December 2023 - NW3951

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr S

Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Sport Arts and Culture

Whether (a) he, (b) the deputy minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the rugby world cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the rugby world cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

(a) Yes, the Minister attended the semi–final and final of RWC 2023.

(b) Yes, the Deputy Minister attended the quarter final of the RWC 2023.

(c) Yes, officials attended the RWC 2023.

(i) Ms. Sumayya Khan – Deputy Director General: Recreation Development and Sport Promotion.

Mr. Litha Mpondwana – Media Liaison Officer

Ms. Tinyiko Khosa – Chief Director International Relations

Mr. Meshack Mbowane – Director International Relations

Mr. Ruphus Matibe – Director International Relations

Ms. Lungiswa Phoswa – Minister’s Personal Assistant

Ms. Lovedelia Maake – Deputy Minister’s Personal Assistant

(ii) 7 officials as indicated in (i) above.

(iii) (aa) Total flight cost for officials, including Minister and Deputy Minister = R1,262,357.30

(bb) Total accommodation cost for officials, including Minister and Deputy Minister = R884,324.00

(cc) Total allowance for officials, including Minister and Deputy Minister = R222,485.76

Total insurance for officials, including Minister and Deputy Minister = R6,060.00

Total transfer cost for officials, including Minister and Deputy Minister = R449,668.60

Grand Total = R2,824,895.66

 

12 December 2023 - NW3714

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Sibiya, Ms DP to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

What (a) total number of schools and communities his department has provided with sports equipment for sports and attires for increased participation in school sports and community recreation activities in rural and township locations and (b) impact has been recorded by the specified interventions within the current medium-term strategic framework?

Reply:

(a). My department was able to provide support to 19 558 schools, clubs and hubs with the sport equipment and attire to the community from April 2018-March 2023. This is against the target of 12 500 Schools, Hubs and Clubs that were targeted during the same period.

  1. 2018/19 – 2 963 Schools, Hubs and Clubs were provided with Equipment and Attire
  2. 2019/20 – 3 762 Schools, Hubs and Clubs were provided with Equipment and Attire
  3. 2020/21 – 3 939 Schools, Hubs and Clubs were provided with Equipment and Attire
  4. 2021/22 – 4 732 Schools, Hubs and Clubs were provided with Equipment and Attire
  5. 2022/23 – 4 165 Schools, Hubs and Clubs were provided with Equipment and Attire

(b). During the same period, we were able to ensure that we increase the levels of participation in sport and recreation, improve the health of the citizens through active participation and minimize the increase in non-communicable diseases by ensuring that citizens have access to adequate equipment to practice. It should also be noted that, though 2019-2021, we had the Covid-19 pandemic, that minimized the participation in mass participation programmes, innovative and remote programmes were put in place on various virtual platforms, to promote participation.

12 December 2023 - NW3916

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE

(1). whether a certain person (details furnished) is on a retainer at Boxing SA (BSA); if so, what amount is he paid monthly. (2). whether the service of the specified person was put out to tender by BSA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (3). whether he relied on the provisions of the South African Boxing Act, Act 11 of 2001 and other relevant rules and regulations, when appointing the BSA board and other officials. (4). what are the reasons that BSA requires the services of an attorney to be on a retainer. (5). whether, in light of the fact that BSA lost multiple cases to former Chief Executive Officer, Mr Moffat Nithi and a case in the High Court to Nomfundo Malinga, BSA is getting value for money in terms of the amounts being paid to the specified person. (6). what measures and/or actions does he intend to take to prevent any legal action against Boxing SA for not adhering to its disciplinary code of conduct?

Reply:

(1), 2) and 4). BSA indicates that the person in question, Mr Masilo Charles Maake, was not on a retainer but the Board approved his secondment to Boxing South Africa for a specified period to support the Acting CEO and the Director Operations as they were new in their positions. Furthermore, BSA as a regulator did not have a legal person to assist in investigations, the establishment of panels of legal practitioners, the development of policies, and the provision of legal opinion as and when same were required. Mr. Maake is contracted to BSA. No tender was advertised as this was a decision made by the Board.

5). The context in relation to this question as that in 2014 BSA appointed an advocate and a law firm to investigate and charge Mr. Qithi in the disciplinary hearing. The specified person: Mr. Maake was not involved in that process. After the Disciplinary hearing BSA was represented by the same Advocate and Attorney at Arbitration and the person specified herein was not involved in the process at all. When the outcome of the Arbitration became known the same Advocate and Attorney gave BSA a legal opinion that the matter should be pursued at review and proceeded to file papers at the Labour Court. The person specified herein got involved in November 2020 after the death of the Advocate.

At the Labour Court Boxing South Africa appointed Senior Counsel who provided a legal opinion to the effect that the matter must be pursued, at the request of the Board. Therefore, to attribute the losses to Mr. Maake is unfair given that there was Senior Counsel involved. It is not true that the person involved represented Boxing South Africa at the High Court in the matter against Nomfundo Malinga as Boxing South Africa appointed counsel who represented and argued the matter before the High Court.

6). There is no basis for which action should be taken.

12 December 2023 - NW3503

Profile picture: Majozi, Ms Z

Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What are the relevant details of the (a) budget allocated for, (b) actual expenditure and (c) developments regarding the building of a national broadband network to connect government departments, hospitals and schools?

Reply:

In January 2022, Cabinet approved the implementation of SA Connect Phase 2 revised model. The revised model comprises:

  • Community and household connectivity.
  • Connectivity to government facilities.
  • Universal Service Obligations to connect amongst others: schools and health facilities.

Broadband Infraco (BBI) and SENTECH will extend their networks and onboard Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deploy Wi-Fi hotspots and enable household coverage. SITA will provide and maintain connectivity to government sites through the current process of tasking. The telcos, under the ICASA High Demand Spectrum social obligations, will connect schools, hospitals, clinics, libraries and tribal authority sites.

a) Allocated Budget

  • (i) An amount of R3 billion was allocated over 2 financial years (2023/2024 – R1.1 billion and 2024/2025 – R1.9 billion). In light of the cost containment measures, the National Treasury has imposed a 15% budget cut on the year 1 budget allocation, reducing the year 1 budget from R1.1bn to R935 million effectively reducing the overall budget from R3bn to R2 835bn. This budget is split amongst the entities as follows:
    • Broadband Infraco has been allocated R1.36 billion to build and operate the core telecommunications network infrastructure for the SA Connect programme.
    • Sentech has been allocated R566 million to build the access network.
    • SITA has been allocated R576 million to provide network equipment and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) for government facilities.
    • The balance of the funds is allocated to pay BBI and SITA for the maintenance of Phase 1 connectivity to schools, health facilities and government offices.
  • (ii) The budget to connect schools and health facilities through the universal service obligations will be allocated by Telcos, that received the spectrum through the auction.

b) Expenditure

  1. An amount of R359-million has been spent on the maintenance of Phase 1 connectivity to government, schools and health facilities by BBI and SITA.
  2. The department has disbursed R167.4-million to the core network implementing agent (BBI) thus far. BBI has commenced the procurement process to enable implementation and has committed R163-million for aggregation IP equipment, core IP equipment, IP equipment installation, core network management services, resource costs, and the balance remaining in the bank (to be utilised by end of November) is R3.4 million.
  3. The department has disbursed R172.5-million to the access network implementing agent (Sentech) thus far. Sentech has commenced the procurement process required to commence with the implementation and has committed R163-million for the proof of concept, access infrastructure, edge infrastructure, billing engine, very small aperture terminal (VSAT) services and the balance remaining (to be utilised by end of December) is R9.5-million.
  4. SITA is finalising the implementation plan and engaging the respective national and provincial government departments regarding their requirements to upgrade their services and associated customer premises equipment. The approved implementation plan will enable the department to disburse funds to SITA. SITA has not spent the allocated funds.

c) Developments regarding the building of a national broadband network to connect government departments, hospitals and schools:

  1. BBI has completed the design to extend and upgrade the existing network by almost 1144 km of fibre routes and 20 Points of Presence to aggregate SA Connect data traffic for the planned 32 055 Community Wi-Fi hotspots and household coverage over the next 36 months.
  2. Sentech has completed the design for the access network consisting of 840 base stations and 1600 VSATs to be used in challenging or mountainous terrain.
  3. SITA has commenced the upgrade of the core network and procurement of CPEs to accommodate the increased requirements for upgraded government facilities. To date over 5000 government facilities have been upgraded in Eastern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Western Cape provinces. Further upgrades of the network will be implemented pursuant to the finalisation of the implementation plan.

Thank You.

12 December 2023 - NW3745

Profile picture: Manyi, Mr M

Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What measures have been put in place to fast-track, expand, and improve digital infrastructure and broadband access across the Republic, particularly in underserved rural areas, to ensure equitable access to information and communication technologies?

Reply:

South Africa’s broadband policy (SA Connect) was adopted by Cabinet in December 2013 to meet the country’s vision of a seamless network by 2030. This will make broadband universally accessible at a cost and quality that meets the needs of citizens, formal and informal businesses, and the public sector. In September 2021, the Department embarked on a process to consider an alternative approach to ensure rapid broadband roll-out with due regard to fiscal constraints.

In January 2022, Cabinet approved the implementation of the SA Connect Phase 2 revised model. The revised model comprises the following:

  • Community and household connectivity.
  • Government facilities connectivity.
  • Universal Service Obligations to connect public service institutions.

Targets:

  1. Community and household connectivity - BBI and SENTECH will extend their networks and onboard Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deploy 32 055 Wi-Fi hotspots to enable 5 573 258 household coverage.
  2. Connectivity to government facilities - SITA will provide and maintain connectivity to 14 342 government facilities across the country as part of its mandate as per the SITA Act.
  3. Universal Service Obligations – Telcos that were assigned licensed spectrum by ICASA during the recent auction have social obligations to connect 33 431 sites made up of 18 520 schools, 5 721 hospitals and clinics, 949 libraries and 8 241 tribal authority sites over 60 months from date of licensing.

Furthermore, the spectrum licensed to mobile operators has coverage obligations to ensure that their networks are expanded to increase population coverage. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies finalised and published in a government gazette the Rapid Deployment Policy to support the roll-out of digital infrastructure by putting in place the enabling framework.

Thank You.

12 December 2023 - NW3773

Profile picture: Schreiber, Dr LA

Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1). How does his department prevent duplication amongst the roles and functions of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), the National Language Unit and the Commission for the Promotion of Religious, Cultural and Linguistic Rights. (2). whether there is a signed written document and/or agreement on how to divide responsibilities between PanSALB, the National Language Unit and the Commission for the Promotion of Religious, Cultural and Linguistic Rights; if not, why not; if so, (3). whether he will furnish Dr L A Schreiber with a copy of such a signed agreement; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1). The Ministry delegated the monitoring of language matters to PanSALB through the attached letter. It shall be understood that section 8(1)(j) of the PanSALB Act does provide that PanSALB may monitor the observance of the constitutional provisions regarding language use. Section 9(2) also stipulates that PanSALB receives reports on the activities of the national departments’ language units, the implementation of the language policies, and complaints on the use of official languages. (See Annexure A: Letter of Handing Over to PanSALB from The Minister)

(2). Over and above-mentioned legislation, the attached letter from the Ministry may suffice to distinguish the role between these institutions.

(3). As per response in 2 above.

11 December 2023 - NW4025

Profile picture: Zondo, Mr  S S

Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Whether his department conducted any financial audit on the University of Venda in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not; if so, (a) what were the findings of the audit, (b) on what date will the audit report be released into the public domain and (c) what are the further relevant details?

Reply:

The Department did not conduct any financial audit on the University of Venda in the 2022-23 financial year. In terms of the Department’s annual reporting regulations for universities, an annual audit of the financial statements of a university is conducted by external auditors appointed by the University. All universities submit their annual report with the audited financial statements to the Department at the end of June each year.

11 December 2023 - NW4100

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Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether she has been informed that in Khehlekile Primary School a young queer boy was allegedly bullied by his school teacher which resulted in the boy committing suicide; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what disciplinary steps have been taken against the specified teacher?

Reply:

1) The  Department is aware about the sad incident involving a Grade 6  boy from Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza (Ekurhuleni).

2) The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) instituted an investigation which was conducted by an independent law firm. A report with recommendations was compiled and shared with the family and the school. The GDE has started a disciplinary process against all implicated officials at the school, including a learner. The final outcome of the disciplinary process is awaited.

11 December 2023 - NW4016

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Mr M

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

Why is the Government seeking relief from the International Criminal Court (ICC) by referring the situation in the State of Palestine to the ICC on 17 November 2023, considering that the Government attempted to withdraw from the Rome Statute and also contravened rulings of the ICC in the past (details furnished)?

Reply:

South Africa remains a State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, and as such enjoys all the rights of a State Party, including to do a referral of a situation to the ICC in terms of Article 14 of the Rome Statute. On 17 October 2023, South Africa, joined by Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti, referred the situation in Palestine to the ICC, in view of prima facie evidence that crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC had been committed and are continuing to be committed within the context of the conflict in Gaza. By this referral, South Africa, joined by other members of the international community, is illustrating its commitment to fighting impunity.

11 December 2023 - NW4058

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Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Whether she will advise on the progress of the (a) management of the housing beneficiary list and (b) integrated National and/or Provincial lists; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; 2) How does she envisage the management of the housing lists in the interim?

Reply:

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Provincial Departments had their own waiting lists that were not digitised and were held in various offices.

1) Progress:

a) The National Department has developed the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR) which is utilized at provincial and municipal level to enable citizens to register their need for adequate shelter. The Provincial Departments use the NHNR to identify potential beneficiaries to ensure that the allocation process is fair and transparent.

b) The NHNR contains the integrated National and/or Provincial lists of households/ individuals that must go through the application process to become eligible beneficiaries.

2) Housing lists are captured on the NHNR, which has identified weakness. There are still allegations of beneficiary list manipulation. We are in a process to have a digital platform that reduces the risk of manipulation, that is transparent and increases accountability

11 December 2023 - NW4017

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Mr M

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

Whether, considering that the Government has referred the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, and his senior officials to the International Criminal Court, calling for them to be investigated for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the Government has also called for Hamas leaders to face the same scrutiny; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

On 17 November 2023 South Africa, joined by Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti, referred the situation in the State of Palestine to the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) pursuant to Article 14 of the Rome Statute. Although Israel is not a State Party, the ICC has jurisdiction over crimes committed in the Palestinian territories by nationals of Israel. The ICC also has jurisdiction over crimes committed in Israel by nationals of the State of Palestine. Through this referral, South Africa has not called upon the OTP to investigate specific persons, rather it is a call upon the OTP to prioritise the Palestine situation and to vigorously investigate all crimes committed in the situation that fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC.

11 December 2023 - NW4033

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Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether the total cost of departmental end-of-year functions has been budgeted for in the current financial year; if not, from what budget line item will the funding be sourced; if so, (a) what amount has been budgeted, (b) from what budget line item will it be incurred and (c) what are the further relevant details?

Reply:

No, the department does not budget for end-of-year functions and there is no expenditure for the current financial year. Where branches/programmes wish to have year-end functions, employees make personal contributions (it’s completely private).

  1. N/A
  2. N/A
  3. None

11 December 2023 - NW3937

Profile picture: Chetty, Mr M

Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

Minister did not attend the Rugby World Cup in France in October 2023. 

Deputy Minister did not attend Rugby World Cup in France in October 2023.

11 December 2023 - NW4026

Profile picture: Buthelezi, Ms SA

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

Whether she is responsible for putting functional measures in place in municipalities to combat intimidation and abuse faced by municipal workers who report and/or attempt to report corruption and maladministration in municipalities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what functional measures has been put in place?

Reply:

Protection for whistleblowers, including municipal employees and councillors who report allegations of corruption, maladministration and related offences at municipalities is provided by the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 (Act No. 26 of 2000) (“the PDA”). The PDA was primarily enacted to provide for procedures in terms of which employees in both the private and the public sector may disclose information regarding unlawful or irregular conduct by their employers or other employees in the employ of their employers and most importantly to provide protection to employees who make a disclosure.

The purpose of the PDA is to protect workers from being subjected to an “occupational detriment” because they made a protected disclosure; to provide for remedies where an occupational detriment does occur and to provide procedures in terms of which information can be disclosed in a responsible manner. The PDA is administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Practically, this means that if a person discloses information which is classified as a protected disclosure and an occupational detriment occurs because of disclosing, an employee or worker can approach any court with jurisdiction, which includes the Labour Court, for appropriate relief. The courts are empowered to make any appropriate order which is just and equitable in the circumstance where an occupational detriment has occurred.

Municipalities are encouraged through the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy to develop whistle blowing policies to encourage the reporting of allegations of corruption, maladministration and related offences at municipalities. Furthermore, municipal officials and councillors can report any act of corruption and maladministration anonymously through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) administered by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

It has been highlighted that while the PDA is well intended, it is deficient in many important respects. As such, there is a process currently underway, lead by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, to review the PDA with a view to close the identified gaps.

End.

11 December 2023 - NW4204

Profile picture: Faber, Mr WF

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

Whether, her department, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission and the Department of Home Affairs, intends to establish, through the Consul as the authority, additional voting points in countries such as Australia, since commissions must be formed in countries and/or cities where there are many South African voters; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of national regulations that will be put in place in this regard?

Reply:

Section 33 (3) and (4) of the Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998, requires that a person voting abroad must present him/ herself at a South African Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is required to identify such Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. No provision is made for additional venues outside that of Embassies, High Commission and Consulates.

11 December 2023 - NW4003

Profile picture: Mthethwa, Mr E

Mthethwa, Mr E to ask the Minister of Finance

Since the financial services sector is a highly regulated sector, what (a) exemptions or gaps has his department identified as loopholes that allow the existence of bogus financial services and medical insurance companies that swindle vulnerable people (details furnished) and (b) forms of communication have been used to reach out and educate people about such scams, especially those who have limited or no access to modern communication resources and skills?

Reply:

a) South Africa's financial services sector is sophisticated and well-regulated, and it offers a vast array of financial products and services. This level of variety requires consumers to be equipped with the information, knowledge, and skills necessary to evaluate their options and select the ones that best suit their needs and circumstances. This is especially true for populations that have historically been underserved by our financial system and those with low incomes who confront additional obstacles owing to resource constraints.

Several gaps have been identified as loopholes that allow the existence of bogus financial services that swindle vulnerable people. Firstly, limited financial literacy levels among South African consumers. According to the 2020 Financial Sector Conduct Authority Baseline survey, South Africans have an average financial literacy score of 52 out of 100. This suggests that South African consumers have limited knowledge to understand financial sector products/services. This exposes South Africans to predatory lending, financial scams, and acquiring inappropriate financial products or services with inadequate disclosures. As a result, there is a continued need for comprehensive financial consumer education programmes, complemented with a range of consumer protection measures.

Secondly, the rapid pace of digitalisation has encouraged development of innovative financial sector products and services, creating new opportunities and risks for consumers. While technology and digital financial services offer great opportunities to boost financial inclusion, increase access to the mainstream financial system and increase consumer conveniences, this development, adds complexity to how consumers engage with the financial services industry. Challenges are more pronounced for consumers with low financial and digital literacy.

According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre annual crime statistics report for 2022[1], South Africa faces challenges related to an array of financial and banking crimes spanning contact crimes, digital offenses, application fraud, and card fraud. Furthermore, South Africans continue to fall prey to get-rich-quick schemes. Scammers are increasingly exploiting conventional and trusted systems, such as stokvels. Scammers may, for instance, present themselves as legitimate stokvels, investment schemes, or property stokvels when, in fact, they are Ponzi or pyramid schemes[2]. The pursuit of unreasonably high returns also makes uninformed consumers easy targets for fraudulent investments. With the emergence of crypto assets, Ponzi schemes that are crypto based have become more common[3]. There is a need for greater vigilance and caution when engaging with this sector of the financial system.

b) National Treasury, through the National Consumer Financial Education Committee (NCFEC), comprising of representatives of government departments, regulators, financial sector industry associations, professional bodies, academia, and non-profit organisations, has annually been running a Money Smart Week South Africa (MSWSA), a financial education awareness campaign since October 2018. A variety of topics[4] including scam awareness are addressed through community radio station interviews, in-person activations and social media channels to relay the messages to consumers.

Furthermore, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) regularly issues warnings to the public on fraudulent companies and individuals purporting to be offering legitimate financial services to the public. Members of the public are always urged to be cautious and verify the authenticity and registration status of service providers, by contacting the FSCA through a number of mechanisms the FSCA has made available on their website.

National Treasury has not been made aware of the existence of bogus medical insurance companies.

  1. South African Banking Risk Information Centre annual crime statistics report for 2022 https://www.sabric.co.za/media/gq4hmbjw/sabric-annual-crime-stats-2022.pdf

  2. FSCA issues public warning against United African Stokvel https://www.fsca.co.za/News%20Documents/FSCA%20Press%20Release%20-%20FSCA%20warns%20the%20public%20against%20United%20African%20Stokvel%20-%2017%20July%202023.pdf

  3. FSCA media statement on investigation on Mirror Trading International Available https://www.fsca.co.za/News%20Documents/FSCA%20Press%20Release%20-%20The%20FSCA%E2%80%99s%20investigation%20on%20Mirror%20Trading%20International%20nears%20completion%2017%20December%202020.pdf

  4. Money Smart Week South Africa 2023 Activity List https://www.mswsa.co.za/MSWSA%20Documents/Money%20Smart%20Week%20South%20Africa%202023%20Activity%20List.pdf

11 December 2023 - NW4077

Profile picture: Khanyile, Ms AT

Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)Whether, with reference to the backlog of applications for Temporary Residence Visas since 1 September 2023, any temporary residence visa applications that have been adjudicated on have been finalised by the (a) Chief Directorate and/or (b) Director-General (DG) without going through quality assurance by the supervisor and/or secondlevel director; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the DG and/or any member of his department authorised that a temporary residence visa application be finalised without being (a) assigned for adjudication and (b) adjudicated on; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, wat are the relevant details?

Reply:

1.No, all applications are subjected to quality assurance levels within the applicable Standard Operating Processures (SOPs) and legislative prescripts.

2. No. Neither the DG nor any of his officials has given authorization to have an application finalised without going through the established processes.

END

11 December 2023 - NW4117

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr SL

Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether his department has adopted any step-by-step measures to ensure that (a) formal and (b) informal businesses enforce and implement the National Minimum Wage as adopted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Inspections & Enforcement Services Branch of the Department of Employment & Labour conduct proactive and reactive inspections pertaining to compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 across all 9 Provinces. All formal businesses and workplaces across all economic sectors are inspected in this regard by Labour Inspectors. For the Financial Year 2023/24, we have set a country wide national target of conducting 168 864 NMW related inspections. As per the end of the second semester; we had managed to conduct 81 722 NMW inspections countrywide. Advocacy Sessions in the form of Seminars, Workshops, Information Sessions and shop floor awareness sessions are held to raise the awareness of the National Minimum Wage.

With regards to labour inspection in the informal economy, the Department of Employment & Labour is currently piloting a project of undertaking research-based inspections in the informal business sector in all Provinces with the aim of conducting labour inspections in the informal economy within the next 2-3 years. This Pilot Project has yielded valuable data thus far with regards to the specific dynamics of the informal economy which will assist the Department in tailor-making a unique approach for the provision of Inspection and Enforcement Services in the informal economy.

11 December 2023 - NW4005

Profile picture: Herron, Mr BN

Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether, considering that on 9 December 2023 the United Nations (UN) marks the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention), which is also the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime (details furnished), the Republic, as a party to the Genocide Convention, will call upon the competent organs of the UN to take action under the Charter of the UN in relation to the conflict and the genocide taking place in Gaza; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what date will the Government take the specified step and (b) what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(a) and (b) Against the backdrop of Israeli contraventions of international law in Palestine, the South African Government has commenced preliminary discussions among relevant Government Departments to consider taking further steps for accountability by Israel for the crime of genocide. The South African Government is also considering steps for the potential mobilisation of support by UN Member States for holding Israel accountable, in the context of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. The commemoration by the UN in this regard presents a propitious moment for giving effect to the Genocide Convention.

.

11 December 2023 - NW4028

Profile picture: Zondo, Mr  S S

Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Whether he intends making the (a) budget and (b) total spending of all institutions of higher education (i) public knowledge and (ii) released in each quarter into the public domain; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

a) (i) The budgets for Higher Education Institutions are published in the Appropriation Bill annually.

(ii) The budgets for Higher Education Institutions are made public quarterly

b) (i) The amount transferred to Higher Education Institutions are published in the Annual Report of the Department.

(ii) The total amount transferred to Higher Education Institutions are made public quarterly.

11 December 2023 - NW4166

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr SL

Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department has any functional interdepartmental agreements in place with the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development to assist each other in decreasing the number of teenage pregnancies and/or HIV/AIDs infections in (a) public and (b) private schools in each province; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Yes. The Department of Basic Education has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Departments of Health (DOH) and Social Development (DSD) to implement the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) in order to provide health and social services to learners including Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) information and services. The three departments have also developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the provision of SRH services in Secondary Schools.

11 December 2023 - NW4057

Profile picture: Khumalo, Dr NV

Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

What plans are in place to address the performance of her department about the issuing of Title Deeds throughout the Republic.

Reply:

The Human Settlements MinMec resolved on 15 September 2023 to launch Title Deed Fridays, a campaign dedicated to the issuing of title deeds to beneficiaries of state-subsidised housing by politicians and administrators at the national, provincial and local levels.

The Ministry and Department of Human Settlements keeps track of the number of title deeds on hand, title deeds handed over to municipalities and the number of title deeds handed over to beneficiaries. This information is solicited from provincial departments regularly to ensure that we are able to track progress against updated information.

11 December 2023 - NW4187

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether he will furnish Dr M J Cardo with a granular level breakdown of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey data of the third quarter of 2023 released on 14 November 2023, up to a municipal level, including (a) the number of the (i) employed and (ii) unemployed and (b) the labour force participation rate for each municipality, specifically the municipalities of (i) Oudtshoorn (ii) Swellendam and (iii) Nama Khoi; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the detailed statistics for each specified municipality in each specified category?

Reply:

In the country, Statistics South Africa (Statssa) is the primary official statistical agency in line with the Statistical Act. Every quarter, it releases the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results that provide statistical information on the changes in labour market activities both quarter to quarter and year on year changes. In QLFS 3 of 2023, the labour market activities were based on a sample size that was approximately 30 000 dwelling units. In this context, the response rates are only estimated at the provincial and metropolitan areas.

Regarding the granular level breakdown for all indicators mentioned by Honourable Dr M J Cardo, it is safe to indicate that such level of data details is not published in the QLFS. One key reason is associated with the sample size that is too small for reliable estimates in particular for all values of 10 000 or lower. This means each specified municipality for each specified group could not have reliable estimates because of the low response rates in each case. Thus, the granular level breakdown up to the municipality results are not estimated and released.

END

11 December 2023 - NW3938

Profile picture: De Villiers, Mr JN

De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in the National Treasury attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

 

(a)

Minister

(b)

Deputy Minister

(c)

Any other National Treasury official

(i) Details of each person in department who attended the Rugby World Cup in France in October 2023

No

No

No

(ii) Total number

N/a

N/a

N/a

(iii) (aa) Travel

Nil

Nil

Nil

(iii) (bb) Accommodation

Nil

Nil

Nil

(iii) (cc) Any other related costs

Nil

Nil

Nil

11 December 2023 - NW4195

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Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether her department has issued a travel advisory to South Africans travelling to Zimbabwe following the declaration of a state of emergency in its capital city, Harare, due to the outbreak of cholera; if not, why not; if so, what the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has not issued a travel advisory to South Africans travelling to Zimbabwe following the cholera outbreak in that country. This decision was guided by and based on the assessment of the South African National Department of Health, which has not imposed any travel restrictions for travellers to and from Zimbabwe. The DIRCO continues to provide advice, through its website, to South African citizens travelling abroad inclusive of health risks. South African citizens are encouraged to timeously consult the National Department of Health to obtain specific health related information prior to travelling abroad. 

11 December 2023 - NW4032

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr SL

Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department has records of the number of (a) public and (b) private (i) primary and (ii) high schools in each province that have been closed or shut down in the (aa) 2018, (bb) 2019, (cc) 2020, (dd) 2021, (ee) 2022 and (ff) 2023 school years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(a) and (b) The number of schools closed as per the School Rationalisation and Realignment Process (SRRP) since 2012 is 2 547. See attached Annexure for detailed breakdown per province. 

11 December 2023 - NW4208

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

What (a) were the reasons for her department allowing the Eskom debt to increase from R1,3 billion to R2,1 billion therefore failing to implement the financial recovery plan and reduce Lekwa Local Municipality Eskom debt while under section 139(7) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, (b) is the total amount of creditors that cannot be settled within 30 days and (c) are the reasons that her department failed to institute action and/or clear the unwanted expenditure of R1,6 billion?

Reply:

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs did allow the Eskom debt to increase. We have been making clarion call to everyone to pay Eskom.

The Financial Recovery Plan (FRPs) in municipalities are implemented and monitored by the National Treasury.

It is recommended that this question be redirected to the Ministry of Finance for the National Treasury to respond accordingly.

End.

11 December 2023 - NW3934

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Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

a) No

b) No

c) No

Thank You.

11 December 2023 - NW3965

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Mr M

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

(1)Whether, with reference to the Sixth Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which calls for the minimum employment equity target for persons with disabilities as from the 2024-25 financial year to move from 2% to 3%, with the aim of reaching a minimum of 7% in 2030, she has found that her department will meet the 3% target for the 2024-25 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the relevant details of the plans that her department has put in place to ensure that it meets the 7% target in 2030? NW5209E

Reply:

1. With reference to the Sixth Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which calls for the minimum employment equity target for persons with disabilities as from the 2024-25 financial year to move from 2% to 3%, with the aim of reaching a minimum of 7% in 2030, the Department may not be able to meet the 3% target for the 2024-25 financial year. Currenty the total number of persons with disablitiies in the Department is 23, thus representing only 1,2% of the the total workforce.

2. The Department is committed to meet the 7% target in 2030 by collaborating with the various disability organisations with a view to encouraging their members to apply for advertised posts in the Department.

11 December 2023 - NW3973

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Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Whether she had succeeded in ensuring that the 85% of the fleet of the SA Air Force which had remained grounded for a lengthy period, leaving only two out of the 26 Gripen fighter aircrafts and a mere three out of the 24 Hawk aircrafts still available for active service, have now been restored to active service; if not, why not; if so, what success has her department achieved in this regard?

Reply:

Find reply here

 

11 December 2023 - NW4082

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

What (a) financial assistance has her department given to each province for (i) fire disaster, (ii) drought relief and (iii) flooding for the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) what total number of applications for assistance was (i) received and (ii) granted, (c) for what monitory value in each financial year and (d) what method and/or criteria does her department use to support the applications?

Reply:

a) (i) There were no allocations and transfers for fire incidents in 2020-21, 2021-2 and 2022-23

(aa) The department supported affected organs of state by transferring an amount of R138 million from the Provincial Disaster Response Grant during the 2020/2021 financial year to seven provinces to mitigate the effects of drought.

Province

Allocation R'000

Date funds transferred

 

Hazard

1. Eastern Cape

R 35 000

06/07/2020

Drought

2. Kwazulu-Natal

R 4 000

06/07/2020

 

3. Limpopo

R 18 640

06/07/2020

 

4. Mpumalanga

R 12 160

06/07/2020

 

5. Northern Cape

R35 689

06/07/2020

 

6. Northwest

R8 000

06/07/2020

 

7. Western Cape

R 25 000

06/07/2020

 

Grant Total: 07

R138 489

 

 

(bb) The department transferred an amount of R48 million to Western Cape Department of Agriculture to mitigate the effects of drought during the 2021/2022 financial year from the Provincial Disaster Response Grant.

Province

Purpose of allocation

Allocations R'000

Date funds transferred

         
         

Western Cape

distribution of livestock feed.

R48 100 

07/02/2022

 

An amount of R173 million was transferred from Municipal Disaster Response Grant to 11 municipalities in two provinces (Western Cape) to address the effects of the drought in 2021/2022 financial year.

Province

District

Municipalities

Total Allocation R'000

Hazard

  1. Eastern Cape

 

Metro

1. Nelson Mandela Bay

R57 829

Drought

 

Sarah Baartman

2. Dr. Beyers Naude

R6 057

 
 

Cacadu

3. Makana

R2 200

 
 

Sarah Baartman

4. Ndlambe

R15 229

 
 

Sarah Baartman

5. Sundays River

R7 580

 
 

Sarah Baartman

6. Kouga

R12 500

 
 

Sarah Baartman

7. Kou Kama

R6 380

 
 

Amathole

8. Amathole

R13 207

 
 

Chris Hani

9. Chris Hani

R5 000

 

2. Western Cape

Garden Route

10. Oudtshoorn

R47 150

 

Grant Total: 02

06

10

R173 132

 

  • (bb) During the 2021/2022, an amount of R157 million was transferred to 16 municipalities in four provinces (Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West) from the Municipal Disaster Response Grant to repair damaged public municipal infrastructure due to Tropical Storm Eloise.

Province

District

Municipalities

Allocation R'000

Hazard

1. KwaZulu Natal

uThukela

1. Alfred Duma

R31 937

Tropical Storm Eloise

2. Limpopo

Capricorn

2. Blouberg

R12 900

 
 

Capricorn

3. Lepelle-Nkumpi

R5 626

 
 

Capricorn

4. Molemole

R1 000

 
 

Capricorn

5. Polokwane

R2 600

 
 

Vhembe

6. Makhado

R26 000

 
 

Vhembe

7. Thulamela

R13 000

 
 

Vhembe

8. Collins Chabane

R26 000

 

3. Northern Cape

Frances Baard

9. Magareng

R6 440

 
 

Frances Baard

10.Sol Plaatjie

R1 015

 
 

Frances Baard

11.Phokwane

R6 456

 
 

ZF Mgcawu

12.Kgatelopele

R1 838

 
 

John Taolo

13.Gamagara

R7 000

 

4. North West

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

14.Lekwa Teemane

R4 570

 
 

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

15.Naledi

R4 393

 
 

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

16.Kagisano Molopo

R6 361

 

Grant Total

07

16

R157 139

 

(cc) in 2022/2023 financial year, an amount of R516 million was transferred from Municipal Disaster Response Grant to 17 municipalities affected by the April 2022 floods. The funds were meant to assist the organs of state with the emergency repair of the damaged infrastructure.

Province

District

Municipalities

Allocation R'000

Hazard

1. KZN

uMgungundlovu

1. Msunduzi

R620

April 2022 floods

 

uMgungundlovu

2. Mkhambathini

R8 200

 
 

iLembe

3. iLembe

R19 500

 
 

uThukela

4. Inkosi Langalibalele

R48 950

 
 

uGu

5. uGu

R2 000

 
 

uThukela

6. Alfred Duma

R14 354

 
 

iLembe

7.  Kwa-Dukuza

R109 103

 
 

uGu

8.  Ray Nkonyeni

R19 100

 
 

Metro

9.e-Thekwini

R185 000

 

2. EC

OR Tambo

10.Port St John

R13 300

 
 

OR Tambo

11.Ingquza Hill

R4 130

 
 

OR Tambo

12.Nyandeni

R2 693

 
 

Alfred Nzo

13.Umzimbuvu

R10 500

 
 

OR Tambo

14.Ntabankulu

R5 111

 
 

Amathole

15.Mbashe

R14 415

 
 

Alfred Nzo

16.Winnie Mandela

R12 790

 

 

OR Tambo

17. OR Tambo

R46 872

 

Total

08

17

R516 748

 

R3.3 billion from Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant to support 16 municipalities affected by the 2022 floods in three provinces. The funds were allocated to municipalities to reconstruct and rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure.

Province

District

Municipality

2022/2023 R&R allocation R'000

Hazard

1. EC

Alfred Nzo

1. Winnie Mandela

R33 806

2022 Floods

2. KZN

Metro

2.    eThekwini Metro

R1 534 785

 
 

King Cetshwayo

3.    uMhlathuze City

R34 966

 
 

King Cetshwayo

4.    King Cetshwayo DM

R4 500

 
 

uThukela

5. Inkosi Langalibalele

R76 950

 
 

uThukela

6.    Alfred Duma LM

R22 000

 
 

iLembe

7.    iLembe DM

R14 549

 
 

iLembe

8.    KwaDukuza LM

R1 271 098

 
 

uMgungundlovu

9.    uMgungundlovu DM

R10 100

 
 

iLembe

10. Mandeni LM

R17 023

 

3. WC

Overberg

11. Theewaterskloof

R1 194

 
 

Overberg

12. Swellendam LM

R3 553

 
 

Cape Winelands

13. Breede Valley

R10 310

 
 

Garden Route

14. Oudtshoorn

R26 664

 
 

Garden Route

15. George

R237 498

 

 03

08

15

R3 318 742

 

(ii) Seven provincial department of agriculture and 60 municipalities received disaster grants funding.

(d) Grants applicants are supported through assessment conducted as and when incidents occur, classification and declaration of the state of disasters. Affected organs of state then submit application for disaster grants through the municipal and provincial Disaster Management Centres. At the provincial and municipal levels the project steering committees are established to monitor the implementation of funded projects.

End.

11 December 2023 - NW3943

Profile picture: Faber, Mr WF

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

Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Ministers and (c) any other official in her department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in her department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by her department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

Neither (a) Minister Dr GNM Pandor, nor (b) Deputy Ministers KC Mashego-Dlamini and A Botes attended the Rugby World Cup final while (c) three (3) Departmental officials namely the Chief of State Protocol and two Protocol Officials provided support to the President during his attendance of the Rugby World Cup final. The costs for the Department were as follows namely (aa) R146, 714.86 (bb) R 327, 271.75 and (cc) R 213, 873.92

11 December 2023 - NW4168

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Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

What (a) is the estimated number of (i) farm workers and (ii) domestic workers in each province and (b) are the new stringent measures to ensure strict adherence to labour laws?

Reply:

(a) IES does not collect statistics regarding the number of workers, including farm and domestic workers.

(b) Apart from the Labour Inspectors conducting regular labour inspections across South Africa, the Department of Employment & Labour has constituted a special Provincial and National Roving Teams to undertake Blitz Inspections in workplaces to ensure that non-compliant employers are identified and dealt with in line with our enforcement mechanisms. The nation-wide Blitz Inspections have yielded positive results to date and will be intensified henceforth.

11 December 2023 - NW3966

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

With reference to the démarche that was issued on 9 November 2023 by her department to the Ambassador of the State of Israel to South Africa, His Excellency Mr E Belotserkovsky, what (a) are the relevant details of the five most recent cases of Ambassadors to South Africa who were démarched, (b) were their countries of origin, (c) were the reasons for the specified course of action and (d) were the dates on which the démarches were issued?

Reply:

a) Name of Head of Mission

b) Country of Origin

(c) Reason for démarche

(d) Date for démarche

High Commissioner Adam McArthy

Australia

To demand a retraction of comments made by Australia’s Minister of Home Affairs on the land redistribution process in the country.

15 March 2018

H.E. Mrs Librada Ela Asumu

Equatorial Guinea

To register South Africa’s strong objection to the circumstances related to the arrest and detention without charge of two South African citizens in Equatorial Guinea.

21 February 2023

Ambassador RE Brigety II

USA

Ambassador Brigety was démarched following a press conference that he had convened on Thursday, 11 May 2023, wherein he levelled allegations against SA, regarding the sale of ammunition/armaments by South Africa to Russia, via the US sanctioned Russian naval

12 March 2023

Ambassador Mr Eliv Belotsercovsky

Israel

To discuss the violence arising from the continued occupation of Palestine by Israel. This included the recent attack by Hamas and the response by the Government of Israel which has resulted in over 15 000 deaths, mostly civilians. This demarche dealt with South Africa’s concern about the grave breaches of international criminal law, including possible war crimes by Hamas and possible war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide by the Government of Israel in Gaza.

9 November 2023

11 December 2023 - NW4004

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Mthethwa, Mr E to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether, following the pronouncement to write-off Eskom electricity bills of indebted municipalities, he has considered the same approach for the poor people who are deeply indebted to their municipalities to such an extent that some have lived for long periods without electricity because of the confiscated Eskom transformers in their areas?

Reply:

There are two main challenges in terms of arrears owed to Eskom as well as municipalities: first, consumers who do not pay for municipal services delivered; and second, a lack of leadership to ensure that credit control is enforced and Eskom and / or municipal revenue is collected. As a result, a blanket approach to consumer debt write-off is not economically viable, affordable or prudent as it will not address these underlying challenges and will likely further exacerbate the consumer debt owed to Eskom and municipalities.

In this context, it should be noted that the write-off of consumer debt owed to municipalities and Eskom falls within the ambit of Eskom and / or the respective municipalities who are providing the consumer with electricity within the demarcation and cannot be separated from proper indigent management.

Annually the Local Government Equitable Share (LGES), based on the most recent statistical data, provides for a package of free basic services (FBS), including 50 kilowatt hours free electricity to poorer households within the identified municipal demarcations (including Eskom supplied areas). Unfortunately, the National Treasury analysis indicates that many municipalities do not provide all households that qualify with this benefit and many municipalities divert the LGES: FBS component earmarked for poorer households to fund other municipal priorities and salaries. Consequently, they do not pay Eskom the FSB: electricity component.

Both the Eskom and municipal debt relief conditions allows the write-off of consumer debt. However, this is subject to the implementation of pre-paid smart metering for any consumer who is unable to repay Eskom or the municipality coupled with restricting electricity to the national FBS: free electricity policy limit in the case of indigent consumers.

Please refer queries regarding the removal or confiscated transformers to Eskom as they are the appropriate institution to respond to this matter.

11 December 2023 - NW3976

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Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in her department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023, if not what is the position in this regard; if so what (i) are the relevant details of each person in her department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by her department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

a) The Minister, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) the departmental officials did not attend the Rugby World cup final in France in October.

11 December 2023 - NW3941

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Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

I, the Deputy Minister, and any department staff did not attend the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023 in an official capacity. The Honourable Member should note that nothing prevented officials from attending the Rugby World Cup final in France at their own expense.

  1. (a) to (c) not applicable;
  2. (i) to (iii) not applicable; and
  3. (aa) to (cc) not applicable.

Once again, we are proud of the Springboks' triumph and especially the exciting matches against France, England, and New Zealand.

11 December 2023 - NW4101

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Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What preparations has her department put in place across the country in light of the severe weather warnings of tornados and thunderstorms predicted for the upcoming summer months?

Reply:

The NDMC in collaboration with the SA Weather Service prepares a summer seasonal weather outlook that provides a future prediction of possible severe weather conditions, this encompasses a hazard prediction for flooding, areas of above average temperature, windstorms, drought, and fire. These hazard outlooks are in recognition of the predicted weather conditions for the summer period.

The NDMC uses this forecast to prepare summer contingency plans per province so that short term planning can take place for the season ahead. These are prepared in advance of the season and tabled in the quarterly National Disaster Management Advisory Forum (NDMAF) meetings with provinces. Provinces are also able to report in these NDMAF meetings on areas in which they will require intervention from the NDMC. Provinces also work together in the summer rainfall areas to dela with cross border hazard conditions such as fire, flooding, and drought mitigation.

The NDMAF also features a segment in which Early Warning matters are tabled. Within this discussion, the South African Weather Service presents the seasonal outlook for the South West Indian Ocean, prepared by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) designated Regional Specialised Met Centre (RSMC) based in La Reunion Island (France). RSMC La Reunion have the responsibility for monitoring and tracking tropical cyclones in the SW Indian Ocean basin and are the de facto tropical cyclone monitoring agency in the region. The outlook for the 2023-2024 summer season is for a below-normal risk of tropical cyclones in the SW Indian Ocean. Utilising daily guidance from RSMC La Reunion the NDMC, together with the SA Weather Service can track Tropical Cyclone in the Indian ocean channel 3-5 Days in advance on it making landfall.

The NDMC early Warnings Directorate has a technology application that tracks the path, frequency, and possible impact of Tropical Cyclones. In this way, the NDMC can ensure that it monitors and reports on the possible impact and track of all tropical cyclones approaching South Africa via the Indian Ocean.

End.

11 December 2023 - NW4109

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Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

In light of the student accommodation shortages predicted at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology for the 2024 intake, what assistance will he provide learners of the specified institution?

Reply:

On the 21 November 2023, the occasion of the opening applications for 2024, Universities were discouraged from embarking on lengthy contracts since NSFAS is finalising its concept note on piloting student accommodation in universities at the start of the academic year 2024. Should CPUT be selected or asked to be part of the pilot project, NSFAS will advise on its decision to accredit or not accredit all properties within a radius of 1 (one) to 16km from all CPUT campuses, namely Paarl/Wellington, Bellville, and Cape Town.

11 December 2023 - NW3989

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Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether he intends to introduce a conditional grant, specifically the Local Economic Development Grant, aimed at stimulating the local economy to drive economic development and address the pressing issue of unemployment in rural areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Municipalities have the option to utilise several grants, such as the Integrated Urban Development Grant (IUDG), Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), and Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG), for infrastructure-based LED initiatives. This is an acceptable practice. However, in terms of a specific introduction of a conditional grant like the Local Economic Development Grant, created to drive economic development and alleviate unemployment in rural areas, we are unable to offer details until the conclusion of the current review. Currently, government is reviewing the structure and system of conditional grants, limiting significant changes to existing grants until the review is completed.