Reply:

1. (a/b) The draft IRP 2023 reviews the approved IRP 2019 and covers two-time horizons, namely the 2030 and 2050 time horizons. Several key assumptions used in the IRP 2019 have significantly changed, including the electricity demand projection, Eskom’s energy availability factor, Eskom’s coal fired power plants shutdown plan, as well as the cost of new power generation technologies.

The 2030-time horizon (Horizon One) focuses on addressing prevailing generation capacity constraints, whereas the 2031 – 2050 time horizon (Horizon 2) focuses on an analysis of the energy mix pathways for sustainable security of supply.

For Horizon One – five scenarios have been developed and assessed based on the state of readiness of projects in the pipeline. The scenarios considered include first the RMIPPPP, REIPPPP 5 and business projects currently under construction. Second, all project initiatives with commercial operation date (COD) and a specified location. Third, all project initiatives include those with no grid capacity reservation, COD, and specified location. Additionally, two scenarios, one comprising the reference case and current gas programme, and another based in improved plant performance according to the generation recovery plan have been modelled.

For Horizon 2, six energy pathways were considered to assess the impact of the different energy technologies in ensuring the country’s power system security of supply at the least cost to the economy. The reference pathway establishes a benchmark against other pathways and it is based on least cost. The five other pathways are based on certain guiding policy principles and they are designed to be exploratory in nature. These policy principles were formulated with a focus on decarbonising the power system, shutting down of existing coal-fired power stations post 2035, and exploring clean coal technologies including carbon capture.

Technology specific options (including geo-thermal / wave energy) will be enabled once the 2023 IRP has been through public participation process, based on the least cost principal.

2. NECOM, has 5 outcomes to address the immediacy of energy security and reducing the frequency of load shedding. As such, no specific funding has been considered for energy innovation. Never the less, the Department of Science and Innovation remains the custodians of the National research and innovation strategic path, in concert with the relevant line Departments.

The Department’s Technology Innovation programme plays a key role in developing a sustainable and globally competitive South African energy knowledge base and industry, especially in relation to the emerging global hydrogen economy, by informing and co-shaping the national energy policy in coordination with the Department of Energy and other key stakeholders.

Reply:

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is a Chapter 9 Institution that is accountable directly to Parliament in terms of Section 181(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) which states that "These institutions are accountable to the National Assembly, and must report on their activities and the performance of their functions to the Assembly at least once a year". Consequently, the question may be re-directed to the CGE for reply.

Reply:

The Department of Health is the custodian of the National Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Policy. This question may be directed to the Department of Health for reply.

Reply:

(1)-(2) (1)-(2) We have received an offer of between 80-100 megawatts from Mozambique, Eskom is ceased with processing the power purchase agreement in terms of the current Ministerial determination for cross-broader purchases. Eskom has since issued the Standard Offer Cross Border Programme (CBSOP), in terms of which the Mozambique offer will have to be processed.

The CBSOP enables Eskom to procure energy on a short-term basis (less than three years) from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This standard offer approach permits Eskom to purchase cross-border energy at an established price calculated at the avoided cost of Eskom’s own generation (including long-term energy purchases from local independent power producers). The standard offer allows for a static price, which is established each year based on the regulatory-approved cost recovery mechanism, and benchmarks the variable cost of local generation. This programme is designed to simplify the procurement of energy from existing and new facilities in the region.

Once the applicable governance processes have been concluded, the Ministry will make the necessary pronouncement.

 

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I have been informed by the Department that:

a) The intended handover of phase 1 of the renovations is 03 May 2024

b) (i) The available budget for Phase 2 is R 51,828,205.97

(ii) The intended time frame for completion of Phase 2, is 14 months with the anticipated completion date for Phase 2 is planned for 30 March 2026

c) The total amount allocated for the entire project since inception is R 82,766,187.19

d) The Implementing Agent for the project is the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Reply:

Members of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board are appointed in terms of Section 9 of the NYDA Act (Act No. 54 of 2008) by the President based on a recommendation from Parliament. This question may be ventilated with the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities as the primary process holder.

Reply:

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is a Chapter 9 Institution that is accountable directly to Parliament in terms of Section 181(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) which states that "These institutions are accountable to the National Assembly, and must report on their activities and the performance of their functions to the Assembly at least once a year." Consequently, the question may be re-directed to the CGE for reply.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I have been informed by the Department that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure does not own any towers within the City of Johannesburg.

Reply:

I have not received donations from the referenced company and/or individuals.

Reply:

No.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I have been informed by the Department that:

1. Remainder of Portion 7 of Farm Groenkloof 358-JR has been allocated to the Department of Defence (DOD) for Utilization. The property in question is subject to the Endowment Act No. 33 of 1922.

2. Remainder of Portion 7 of Farm Groenkloof 358-JR is subject to the Endowment Act No. 33 of 1922. The property can be used exclusively for the benefit of the Defence force organizations and establishments.

3. Remainder of Portion 7 of Farm Groenkloof 358-JR is subject to the Endowment Act No. 33 of 1922. The property can be used exclusively for the benefit of the Defence force organizations and establishments.

Reply:

No.

Reply:

Cabinet approved the JET implementation plan, which will guide South Africa’s transition to low carbon economy through the scaling up of renewable energy sources. Three priority areas to support the economy of the future has been identified, being, electricity sector, New Energy Vehicles (NEV) and Green Hydrogen. The Investment Plan supports South Africa’s goal of achieving a low carbon economy and a climate resilient society through the following interventions

1. Creating quality jobs in new sectors like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable energy, and manufacturing
2. Increasing our energy security and ending load shedding through a massive rollout of new, sustainable energy sources
3. Addressing the risks of climate change and positioning South Africa to be an important global player in the green economy of the future
4. Boosting economic growth through more than R1 trillion of new investment in the South African economy

The JET IP sets out a number of interventions South Africa needs and investments required the country to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy in line with the National Determined Contributions presented to the United Nations. The JET IP will be driven by a combination of reforms in the energy sector including the Mpumalanga Just Transition, New Energy Vehicles and Green Hydrogen, among others.

The plan further responds to South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as NDP commitments. The Jet IP will enable South Africa to gradually meet its carbon emissions reduction commitments while at same time, it will ensure inclusive economic growth, energy security and employment.

The full extent of the JET IP is available on the following link, and Annexure B contains the – electricity sector modelling assumptions and technical analysis, and Eskom jet project pipeline

https://pccommissionflo.imgix.net/uploads/images/South-Africas-Just-Energy-Transition-Investment-Plan-JET-IP-2023-2027-FINAL.pdf

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I have been informed by the Department that:

a) The contractor was terminated due to poor performance and the process to get a replacement contractor is underway. The tender is scheduled to go to the market on 26 October 2023.

b) The amount spent to date is R 51,676,923.29

c) The anticipated date of completion is 18 July 2025

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I have been informed by the Department that in order to repurpose the buildings that have been brought back successfully into the hands of Government, the Department will employ two approaches which in the main are:

1. Government use;

Existing resources including DPWI and User departments’ CAPEX budget will be utilised. Where the scale and the financial extent of the repurposing projects exceed available resources, Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach will be considered

2. Revenue generation:

Based on highest and best use analysis of the properties, the Department will approach the market in refurbishing the buildings for short and long-term letting for income generation purposes.

Reply:

First, with respect, the assumptions or statements attributed to the Minister in the preamble to the question are a mis-representation of fact and or any comments that were made. In respect of Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), what was reported is that over a period of time, using the average May 2023 UCLF (17369 MW) as a baseline, unplanned outages averaged 15510 MW for September 2023. There was also no “intentional delay of scheduled maintenance” in fact, for Month of September 2023, planned maintenance improved to 4874 MW (compared to the May 2023 Baseline of 3120 MW.

As codified in the summer 2023 outlook, Eskom remained committed to increase the available generation, with a specific focus over the summer period, by:

1. Adding 2880MW¹ from Kusile units (2160MW from U1-3 recovery and 720MW from U5 Synchronisation)
2. Supporting the system with diesel burn at the open cycle gas turbines (OCGT)
3. The return to service of the Koeberg steam generator on the 3rd of November 2023 (which will be followed by planned upgrades on Koeburg Unit 2)
4. Demand side initiatives of almost 250 MW have been developed to contribute to reducing load shedding.

Reply:

The reply to this question has been logged with the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI).

REPLY COORDINATOR

Name :

Designation :

Contacts :

Recommended / Not recommended

___________________________

Ambassador Thembisile C Majola

Director-General: State Security Agency

Date:

Approved / Not Approved

________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni , MP,

Minister in the Presidency

Date:

Reply:

Yes, Brand South Africa has developed proactive and responsive campaigns in support of the economic recovery plan.

International Investment Drive

• This is why we matter

Brand South Africa, through its international media campaign, used the thematic approach to reassure investors, why they should invest in South Africa. This is aligned to positioning South Africa as an investment hub in Africa through the "This is Why We Matter” campaign, which gives investors information and facts around South Africa's regulatory systems/bodies in some of the following sectors: financial, technological, legal etc.

The campaign highlights the role of regulatory / professional bodies related to the sectors and how they set standards ato enforce compliance without the need of government intervention – leading to more effective regulation. The campaign was flighted on business platforms targeting Facebook and Programmatic Displays via the Insider online magazine, CNBC online and Forbes Online.

• Reuters

Brand South Africa's international media partnership with Reuters was implemented, targeting key business decision-makers in key markets through video, highlighting the role of South African Exports and encouraging investment and growth of South Africa. Target markets included Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela to reach key business decision-makers as well as the BRICS bloc, as South Africa prepared to chair the bloc later in the year.

 

Domestic - Entrepreneurial Skills Development Campaigns: To indirectly contribute towards economy growth and job creation.

• Play Your Part Ignite

 

PYP Ignite is a cross-country roadshow providing mentorships to a variety of educational centres and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges and providing youth the opportunity to reach their entrepreneurial dreams through mentorship and onthe-ground guidance (how to pitch their businesses). To date, Brand South Africa hosted

PYP Ignite activations in Gauteng, North West, KZN, Mpumalanga & Western Cape,

The Play Your Part Ignite Masterclass hosted students and entrepreneurs of varying ages, from a multiple TVET Colleges.

• Play Your Part Academy

Brand South Africa’s Play Your Part Academy was launched with the aim of highlighting small businesses’ potential impact aligned to the economic recovery and reconstruction strategy, and how South Africans at large can play a part in contributing to their business growth. The campaign seeks to empower small business owners through financial and non-financial tools that will help recover their businesses back to financial health after the challenges that the country has been facing.

The ‘PYP Small Business Academy’ provides free practical courses for aspiring entrepreneurs who seek to grow their businesses. The online academy hosts world-class practical business courses that empower business owners with the tools and skills to achieve their business goals. The courses have been designed to assist with a hands-on approach, whether accessed by a student, a startup, small business, or a working professional.

Pertaining to the tourism promotion strategies, the entity better positioned to respond, is South African Tourism, SAT as this specifically speak to their mandate.

 

 

 

 

NAME OF THE DRAFTER : Sithembile Ntombela

DESIGNATION : Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brand South Africa

CONTACT DETAILS : [email protected]

 

SIGNATURE : ____________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________

Nomonde Mnukwa (Ms)

Acting Director General

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

__________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reply:

(1). The promoters have a prerogative of naming conventions of their tournaments so long the naming will not jeopardize the image of the department as well that of Boxing SA. In line with the mission to strengthen social cohesion boxing promoters are encouraged to intertwine tournaments with national days that are celebrated and commemorated within the country. However, it is upon the promoter and the respective family or organization, in this case the Nelson Mandela Foundation to agree on the usage of the name and the agreement will be between the promoter and the respective family. Promoters are urged to respect the families and approval must be sought before the usage of the name for a tournament.

(2). An investigation on the matter will be conducted and relevant information will be acquired from all parties concerned in a quest to make informed decision on steps to be followed. Any abuse of public funds requires relevant government law enforcing entities to act and the perpetrators must face the might of the law.

(3). A new board of Boxing South Africa, comprising of credible personalities was appointed and assumed duty on 12 December 2023. One of the key main mandates

and priorities is to bring stability and order in the boxing fraternity, provide credible leadership, governance, and administration. The board is also tasked to build a financially stable and self-sustainable entity that will not only rely on government grant but also attract sponsors and bring back the glory days of boxing.

 

Reply:

Granting of Special Remission of sentence is the prerogative of the President in terms of the powers vested in him by Section 84 (2) (j) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996).

DCS continuously implements the direct and indirect measures outlined by the DCS Overcrowding Reduction Strategy in dealing with population levels in all correctional facilities. Special Remission is one of the short-term direct measures for dealing with overcrowding.

The implementation of the 2023 Special Remission of sentence by the Department of Correctional Service (DCS) has achieved its aim of reducing levels of overcrowding in correctional facilities.

As on 11 August 2023, which is the inception date of the 2023 Special Remission of sentence, the inmate population stood at 154 327 against 107 582 bed spaces resulting in an excess of 46 745 which constitute 143% occupancy level and an overcrowding level of 43%.

As on 30 October 2023, a total of 16 247 (13 958 unconditional and 2 289 conditional) offenders were released after benefitting from Special Remission of Sentence.

As on 30 October 2023, the inmate population stood at 149 619. The inmate population decreased from 154 327 to 149 619 which translates into a decrease of 4708.

The reasons that the inmate population reflects only a decrease of 4 708 on 30 October 2023 and not 16 247 released are the following;

• Releases are competing with daily admissions on both remands and sentenced categories. Bedspace gained due to the 2023 Special Remission of sentence is immediately occupied by new admissions.
• The decrease in the approved and available bedspace from 107 582 of 104 558 (a decrease of 3 024 bedspaces from 107 582 due to the temporary closure of Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre) has further strained the available bedspaces.

END.

Reply:

1(a) The Presidency reconfiguration project is aimed at repositioning the Presidency / the strategic center of government to be “fit-for-purpose” to support the President and Deputy President in the execution of their responsibilities. The Reconfiguration Task Team was appointed in 2020 to oversee the implementation of this project.

(b) The Presidency strategically partnered with GTAC to assist the organisation with the development of a future service delivery model and configuration of the strategic center of government.

2. As part of the diagnostic phase, the RRTT conducted a critical analysis of the “as-is” of the Presidency, DPME, and GCIS, with a view to determine whether they are optimally configured to deliver on their respective mandates. This assessment is an internal working document, and will be included as part of the final business case developed for this reconfiguration.

3. In March 2020, following the declaration of the COVID-19 National State of Disaster as well as following the July 2021 unrest, the Presidency had to reprioritise its efforts and refocus its work on the implementation interventions to firstly mitigate and fight the pandemic and to deal with the socio- economic impact of both the pandemic and the July 2021 unrest. This resulted in the delay in the finalisation of the reconfiguration project.

 

NAME OF THE DRAFTER: Nombongo Zwelibanzi

DESIGNATION: Chief Director: Office of the COO

CONTACT DETAILS :012 3005375/0794996991

SIGNATURE: ____________________________

_____________________________

Phindile Baleni (Ms)

Director General and Secretary of Cabinet

Date:

__________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency

Date:

Reply:

1. Brand South Africa reinstated Ms Nadine Thomas in her positions as the CFO, in May 2023 according to the ruling of the Labour Court.

2.(a) After the Labour court ruling, Ms Nadine Thomas and her lawyers presented a proposal to Brand South Africa, which included a separation proposition. Based on the proposal, Brand South Africa entered into negotiations and subsequently, both parties entered into a voluntary confidential mutual separation agreement.

(b) Ms Nadine Thomas and Brand South Africa entered into a voluntary confidential mutual separation agreement, which included a nondisclosure agreement. The terms thereof may not be disclosed unless with the consent of both parties. Brand SA does not have Ms Nadine Thomas’ consent to disclose the terms of the mutual separation agreement, at this time.

(c)(i) Following negotiations between Brand South Africa and Miss Thomas’ lawyers, an agreement on the settlement amount was reached. Ms

Sithembile Ntombela, in her capacity as the Accounting Authority/Acting Chief Executive Officer, approved the settlement agreement.

(ii) The settlement amount took into account the following factors:

• 1. The Labour Court judgment which stated that Ms Thomas be compensated for monies which she would have earned but for her dismissal.
  2. Considerations of what she would have earned at the time of the payment of the settlement including adjustments applied to Brand South Africa salaries during the said period which included, Total Cost to Company (TCTC) at 55th percentile, Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) at 3%, Notch increases at 1,5 % and Performance bonus payout at 18% of her TCTC, her Leave payout.

 

NAME OF THE DRAFTER: Sithembile Ntombela (Ms)

DESIGNATION : Acting Chief Executive Officer – Brand SA SIGNATURE:

 

 

 

 

_____________________

Nomonde Mnukwa (Ms)

Acting- Director General: GCIS Date: 12 September 2023

 

 

 

 

__________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni Minister in the Presidency Date:

 

 

 

 

Reply:

South Africa signed the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) in January 1993 and ratified it in December 1998. It also signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in September 2006. Due to mounting pressure on South Africa, both at international and national levels, to ratify OPCAT, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces approved the ratification of OPCAT on 19 March and 28 March 2019.

In accordance with the OPCAT requirement to establish a National Prevention Mechanism, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) along with government undertook an extensive process of revising and re-conceptualising the proposed NPM model. The model had to take into account certain factors, such as the fact that OPCAT is a preventive treaty which introduces a system of regular visits to places of detention, by means of the establishment of a mechanism.

In 2022, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) approved a Gang Combatting Strategy that has been implemented through the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The Strategy has six objectives mainly:

• To maintain secure and safe environment that is conducive to the rehabilitation of inmates and the attendance of remand detainees in court processes;
• To reduce and eradicate the culture of gangs, number of attacks and illegal activities in order to increase protection and safety of inmates and the society;
• To encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to reduce and eradicate the existence of gangs;
• To enable Inter-Sectorial Co-operation (i.e Government and Civil Society Organisations);
• To address the potential negative effects of incarceration;
• To develop and build knowledge on gangs in order to develop effective responses.

The A Gang Combatting Strategy is in place with the following action Plans:

STRATEGY	ACTIVITY
Working with Intelligence Agencies	Collaboration with Intelligence agencies i.e., SSA, SAPS Crime Intelligence, SADF Intelligence. Information sharing and actions to be taken on High Risk offenders, officials, members of the community and illegal activities taking place inside and outside correctional facilities.
Vetting and Screening of all Officials	Policy and Guidelines to be developed on compulsory vetting. Officials to undergo vetting / screening.
Establishment of Security Committees	Committees have been established in order to effectively manage security activities in centers such as searching, segregation of offenders, discipline, etc. Hold monthly meetings to analyze incidents, security breaches and compliance to security protocol.
Management of security information	Identify gang members and high-risk inmates upon admissions All warrants (J7) and relevant documents are screened upon admission. All cases of intimidation/threats must be registered with the HCC. HCC must liaise with Area Commissioner and external law enforcement agencies such as the SAPS/NIA in cases of intimidation and threats. Identified high risk inmates (syndicates/organized crime and high-risk awaiting trials) should be transferred to Correctional centers away from their power base. All cases of intimidation/threats must be registered with the HCC.
Mitigation of gang activities	Ensure separation of inmates involved in gang activities from the rest of inmate population. Vulnerable inmates and first-time offenders are separated from hardened criminals and offenders with further charges.

END

Reply:

(a)

STATUS OF CUMULATIVE RE-ARREST CASES AND REASONS REPORTED BY REGIONS AS AT 26 OCTOBER 2023
REGION	REASONS	TOTAL RE-ARRESTS
EC	1 x offender released unconditionally on 23/08/2023 was readmitted on 11/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 23/08/2023 was readmitted on 11/09/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 11/09/2023 for Damage of Essential Infrastructure; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 11/09/2023 for Robbery Aggravating: 1 x offender released unconditionally on 22/08/2023 was readmitted on 29/08/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; (5 x Amathole MA).	18
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/10/2023 was readmitted on 19/10/2023 for 3 counts of House Breaking 7 Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 15/08/2023 was readmitted on 20/10/2023 for Robbery Aggravating; 1 x offender released conditionally on 20/10/2023 was readmitted on 23/10/2023 for Parole Violation (3x East London MA)
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 16/08/2023 was readmitted on 15/09/2023 for failure to appear in court (1x Kirkwood MA)
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 29/09/2023 for Contravention of protection order; '1 x offender released unconditionally on 15/08/2023 was readmitted on 06/09/2023 for Shoplifting (2x Mthatha MA)
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 18/08/2023 for House Breaking; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 23/08/2023 for Shoplifting; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 15/08/2023 was readmitted on 18/09/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 28/09/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 19/09/2023 for Stock Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 16/08/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 29/08/2023 for Trespassing; (7 x SADA)
FSNC	1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 22/09/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released conditionally on 13/09/2023 was readmitted on 27/09/2023 for Common Assault (2x Bizza Makhate MA).	15
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 08/09/2023 for House Breaking & Theft (1x Colesberg MA).
	'1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 28/08/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; '1 x offender released unconditionally on 26/09/2023 was readmitted on 04/10/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 09/10/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 06/10/2023 for Assault GBH (4x Grootvlei MA)
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 18/08/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; '1 x offender released unconditionally on 15/08/2023 was readmitted on 22/08/2023 for House Breaking & Theft (2x Groenpunt MA).
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 07/09/2023 for House Breaking & Theft (1x Bizza Makhate MA).
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 15/08/2023 was readmitted on 03/10/2023 for House Breaking; '1 x offender released conditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 17/10/2023 for House Breaking (2x Kimberly MA)
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 11/09/2023 was readmitted on 21/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 11/09/2023 was readmitted on 21/09/2023 for House Breaking &Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 04/09/2023 was readmitted on 20/10/2023 for House Breaking & Theft (3x Upington MA).
GP	1 x offender was released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 and was re-admitted on 21/08/2023 for 2x Theft; 1 x offender was released unconditionally on 04/09/2023 and was re-admitted on 19/10/2023 for Theft (2x Kgoši Mampuru II MA).	2
KZN	1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 22/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 22/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 06/09/2023 was readmitted on 11/10/2023 for Theft (3x Durban MA)	7
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 05/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 05/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 05/09/2023 for Theft (3x Empangeni MA).
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 16/08/2023 was readmitted on 05/09/2023 for Theft (1x Kokstad MA).
LMN	1 x offender released unconditionally on 15/08/2023 was readmitted on 28/08/2023 for Theft (1x Bethal).	2
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 11/10/2023 for Theft & illegal Immigrant (1x Thohoyandou MA)
WC	1 x offender released unconditionally on 22/08/2023 was readmitted on 28/08/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 22/08/2023 was readmitted on 28/08/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 23/10/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 23/10/2023 for Theft (4x Breede River MA).	53
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 25/08/2023 was readmitted on 31/08/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 26/08/2023 was readmitted on 31/08/2023 for Trespassing; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 25/08/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 28/08/2023 was readmitted on 29/08/2023 for Assault; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 04/09/2023 for Bees/Fish/Game Protection Act; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 05/09/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 28/08/2023 was readmitted on 30/08/2023 for Stolen Goods;1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 30/08/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 17/08/2023 was readmitted on 19/09/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 24/08/2023 was readmitted on 04/10/2023 for Attempted Robbery (10 x West Coast MA).
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 14/08/2023 was readmitted on 17/08/2023 for Dealing in Drugs; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 15/08/2023 was readmitted on 28/08/2023 for Robbery Aggravating; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 05/08/2023 for Robbery Aggravating (3x Goodwood MA).
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 23/08/2023 was readmitted on 29/08/2023 for House Breaking with intention to steal and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 23/08/2023 was readmitted on 12/09/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 22/08/2023 was readmitted on 06/10/2023 for House Breaking and Theft (3x Overberg MA).
	'1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 06/09/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 28/08/2023 was readmitted on 06/09/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 21/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 21/09/2023 for Robbery; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 01/09/2023 was readmitted on 26/09/2023 for House Breaking; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/09/2023 was readmitted on 13/10/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 30/08/2023 was readmitted on 13/10/09/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 12/08/2023 was readmitted on 13/10/2023 for House Breaking and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 29/09/2023 was readmitted on 16/10/2023 for Robbery Aggravating; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 24/08/2023 was readmitted on 18/10/2023 for Family Violence; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 30/08/2023 was readmitted on 19/10/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 24/08/2023 was readmitted on 19/10/2023 for House Breaking &Theft (12x Voorberg MA).
	'1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 04/09/2023 for Assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 23/08/2023 was readmitted on 06/09/2023 for Robbery Aggravating. (2x Allandale MA).
	1 x offender released unconditionally on 18/08/2023 was readmitted on 31/08/2023 for Theft, Fail to Appear in court; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 05/09/2023 was readmitted on 07/09/2023 for Theft out of Motor Vehicle;1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 11/09/2023 for Robbery; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 12/09/2023 for House Breaking with intention to steal and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 18/09/2023 for Robbery; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 14/09/2023 for Assault; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 19/09/2023 for House Breaking with intention to steal and Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 22/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 21/09/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 22/08/2023 was readmitted on 06/10/2023 for House Breaking & Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 09/10/2023 for Robbery; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 09/10/2023 for Theft out of a Motor Car; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 09/10/2023 for Theft out of a Motor Car; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 07/09/2023 was readmitted on 09/10/2023 for Theft out of a Motor Car; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 09/10/2023 for Malicious Damage to Property; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 10/10/2023 for Robbery; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 11/10/2023 for Robbery; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 26/09/2023 was readmitted on 13/10/2023 for Theft; 1 x offender released unconditionally on 21/08/2023 was readmitted on 24/10/2023 for Theft (19x Southern Cape MA).
TOTAL		97

(b) A reoffender in context of this programme is a person who was released either conditionally or unconditionally after benefitting from the 2023 Special Remission of Sentence and was rearrested for allegedly committing crime as indicated above.

END.

Reply:

1(a)(ii) Brand SA is listed as schedule 3A in the PFMA and is not required to conclude a Shareholder’s Compact, however Minister signs-off Governance Agreement with the Board. As a start, on 8 July 2021, the former Acting Minister Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni granted concurrence to then Chairperson of Brand SA, Ms Thandi Tobias for the appointment of Ms Sithembile Ntombela, the current acting CEO. At that time, the Board complied with various sections of the Trust Deed, which allow the Board to make an appointment subject to concurrence being granted by the Minister. On the extension of the acting tenure of the incumbent, at the Board meeting held on 27 October 2022, a resolution was taken that the term of office of the Acting CEO be extended until June 2023 or until the new Board decides otherwise.

b) The Board of Trustees of Brand SA in their meeting of the 27th of October 2022 resolved to extend the Acting appointment of the CEO to June 2023 or until the new Board decide otherwise and therefore the new Board that has been appointed will be given an opportunity as per its powers to decide. (c) Not Applicable;

(2) (a) Not Applicable and (b) Not Applicable NW3325E

Name of the Drafter: Mr Sandile Nene

Designation: Chief Director

Contact details: 012 473 3658

_____________________

Nomonde Mnukwa (Ms)

Acting Director - General

Date:

_________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (Ms)

Minister in the Presidency

Date:

Reply:

1(a). Boxing South Africa indicated that they are of the view that the CEO’s comments did not constitute an attack on the judiciary. Boxing SA is of the view that the CEO’s comments around the fact that there was no compliance with the regulations is factually and legally correct. The CEO stated in the same article that BSA respects the law therefore the allegation that he attacked the judiciary is incorrect.

Boxing SA further indicated that the South African Boxing Act, Act 11 of 2001 and the Boxing Regulations provide clarity in terms of processes and procedures used in the administration of boxing in the country. Thus, the Act and Boxing Regulations sets out various legal requirements that must be met by a promoter intending to stage a tournament.

The legal requirements are referred to as compliances within Boxing SA and no tournament can be staged without satisfying these requirements and the Sanctioning Committee, an independent body which approves tournaments checks applications for compliance. BSA indicates that these requirements had not been met by the

complainant. Amongst the requirements to be met before a tournament can be sanctioned or approved are the following:

1. Payment of purse monies of boxers and officials at least fourteen days
2. before a tournament.
3. Medical tests to be conducted on the participating boxers.
4. The Weigh-in to determine whether the boxers are evenly matched.

b). Given the above response, no need for action to be taken against the CEO has been identified.

(2). Boxing South Africa has indicated that Ms. Nomfundo Malinga instituted an application in the Pretoria High Court. The Application was in two parts:

Part A which was an urgent application to temporarily set aside her suspension pending the review of the Board’s decision to suspend her promoter’s licence.

Part B: To challenge BSA’s decision not to sanction the planned boxing tournament due to non-compliance with BSA regulations. There is nothing to appeal as the tournament did not take place and the suspension of the promoter’s license has been temporarily withdrawn pending the hearing.

 

Reply:

National Treasury has reduced the SSA Budget by R 120.0m

REPLY COORDINATOR

Name : NA Marotholi

Designation : Chief Financial Officer

Contacts :

Recommended / Not recommended

___________________________

Ambassador Thembisile C Majola

Director-General: State Security Agency

Date:

Approved / Not Approved

________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni , MP,

Minister in The Presidency

Date:

Reply:

As at the project end date of 02 November 2023, a total of 16 472 offenders were released comprising of 2 459 conditional and 14 013 unconditional releases.

The below table depicts the total number of those rearrested, charged, found guilty, out on bail and currently standing trial:

REGION	(a)(i) arrested	(a)(ii) charged	(a)(iii) found guilty	(b)(i) out on bail	(b)(ii) currently standing trial
KwaZulu-Natal	06	06	05 01 (case withdrawn)	0	0
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West	03	01 charged (02- released by court)	0	0	0
Eastern Cape	18	18	08 02 (cases withdrawn	0	08 standing trial
Free State & Northern Cape	13	13	0	01	12 standing trial
Gauteng	02	01 charged (01 - released by court)	01 found guilty	0	0
Western Cape	59	59 charged (09 - released by court) (03 - cases withdrawn)	05 found guilty	03	39
TOTAL	101	98	20	04	59

NB: Released by court include: bail granted/ paid; charge/s withdrawn; found not guilty or released on warning.

END.

Reply:

The reply to this question has been logged with the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI).

REPLY COORDINATOR

Name :

Designation :

Contacts :

Recommended / Not recommended

___________________________

Ambassador Thembisile C Majola

Director-General: State Security Agency

Date:

Approved / Not Approved

________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni , MP,

Minister in The Presidency

Date:

Reply:

(1) The 10 Point Plan was introduced in the year 2000 and was well encapsulated in the 2000-2005 Strategic Plan of the Department. The Ten Point Plan was published on the DSD homepage and is still there even today. Since these are public documents, the Department of Social Development took a conscious decision to retain archived documents on its home page in line with the Public Access to Information Act for easy access by the public for purposes of research and general information.

In terms DPME Framework for Strategic Planning and Annual Performance Plans, strategic priorities are reviewed on a medium-term basis, every 5 years, in line with the dispensation of the government administration. Therefore, the strategic priorities have been revised in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).

(2) The Ten-Point Plan is still relevant to the work of the Department and have since been institutionalised to inform the Programmes and the structure of the Department. The plan still forms part of our Departmental mandate and still finds expression in the strategic documents such as the APP, and through the key outcomes for the 2019-2024 MTSF. The key outcomes are:

• Outcome 1: Reduced levels of poverty, inequality, vulnerability, and social ills
• Outcome 2: Empowered, resilient individuals, families, and sustainable communities
• Outcome 3: Functional, efficient, and integrated sector

(3) The Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers, which includes the Social Work Scholarship Programme was introduced in 2007. Since then, the Department recruited, trained and appointed 8 821 social work graduates. Since the 2018/2019 financial year, the Department has been experiencing capacity challenges to absorb all social work graduates due to budgetary constraints.

As a result, our country faces the paradox of social work graduates unemployment co-existing with major social ills in many communities. To address this challenge, the Department is working jointly with other key departments in the sector on Sector Strategy for Employment of Social Service Professionals as guided by the National Development Plan, which puts the figure at 55 000 social service professionals.

Reply:

1. SASSA works closely with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on deceased data validation and conducts monthly checks to confirm the life status of beneficiaries before a payment is generated. Payment is effected to beneficiaries who are confirmed to be alive, as per validation outcomes.

(2) Yes, there are instances where deceased social grant recipients have been wrongly paid. This happens when a grant beneficiary dies after proof of life is confirmed by DHA and when the payment run is released to the beneficiary’s bank account.

(a) The numbers of such social grant recipients in the past three years are as follows:

(i) 2021/2022 = 32920

2022/2023 = 26512

2023/2024 = 15204

(ii) To prevent the withdrawal of social grant monies, SASSA freezes the accounts of the deceased beneficiaries through Post Bank and follows up with a letter to the next of kin to return the money to SASSA. Where a withdrawal has already taken place, a SASSA debt recovery process is followed.

b) The monetary value of such payments in each of the past three years is as follows:

2021/2022 = R59 256 000

2022/2023 = R50 372 000

2023/2024 = R31 928 000

Reply:

Below is the statistical information on the contactable options for victim of Gender Based Violence:

a) Calls received

Date	Telephone Calls Received
01 November 2022 – 31 October 2023	54 398

b) Please-call-me notifications received

Date	Please-call-me Notifications Received
01 November 2022 – 31 October 2023	0

The Department of Social Development appointed a new service provider for the GBV Command Centre who started 01 November 2023. During that transition phase, certain channels for example SMS, USSD, Skype and Webpage were not fully operational hence, some of the statistical information on these channels for that period are not available.

c) Skype Calls Received and responded to

Date	Skype Calls Received	Skype Responded to
01 November 2022 – 31 October 2023	10	09

In addition, the following email/website requests were received and responded to for the same period:

Date	Email/Website Requests
01 November 2022 – 31 October 2023	572

(a)(i) GBV cases that were referred to Social Workers

The GBVCC Social Service Professionals conducted telephonic referrals to various stakeholders at an estimation of 1059 cases in the past 12 months. The Social Workers also conducted 496 written referrals to Social Workers in the different provinces.

ii) Below are the specified cases that have been resolved successfully

Over 1000 cases were resolved successfully based on follow ups conducted by Social Workers and Supervisors on all referred cases.

(b) The GBV Command Centre assist with GBV cases as they provide psychosocial services and support to victims telephonically in terms containment, emotional support, dealing and management of trauma as well as counselling. The Social Service Professionals are working closely with different stakeholders such as SA Police Service, National Prosecution Authority and the Department of Justice. The GBV Command Centre ensures that victims are promptly connected with relevant stakeholders in cases of emergency. They activate the SA Police Service to dispatch a vehicle to the scene immediately to ensure the victim is assisted in a domestic situation. Furthermore, the GBVCC Social Service Professionals will then make the necessary follow up with SAPS as well as the victim within a period of 30 minutes to ascertain that the victim is indeed receiving the required assistance.

Reply:

(1) The current Director-General (DG) of the department previously worked for Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) before being appointed at the department. The DG of the department at the time when the current DG was appointed as GPG Head of Department: Community Safety and Liaison was Professor Richard Levin.

(2) The person met the requirements as the person was appointed to act in terms of section 32 of the Public Service Act, which requires that the person so acting must have the knowledge, skills, behaviour and aptitude that the person can apply in the work environment, which indicates a person’s ability to meet the requirements for a specific post, to act in the post.

(3) The performance of the Branch had been suffering from limited capacity, organisational restructuring and a lack of leadership for some time.

This is demonstrated by the challenge to achieve a number of targets including a Jobs Competency Framework which has been due since 2018 and a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy for the Public Service which has been outstanding since the White Paper for Post -School Education and Training (WP PSET) was approved by Cabinet on 20 November 2013 which called for the "RPL to be prioritised” as well as the Directive on Mandatory in-service training for the public service which has also been outstanding since 2018. It should be noted that all the three targets that were not met, predated the appointment of the said acting person including the integrated HRM&D strategy and implementation plan which was due since 2019.

The attainment of 25% of Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets and 67% of their Annual Operational Plan (AOP) targets for the 2022/2023 performance cycle should be noted against this backdrop. Following the stabilization of the leadership of the HRMD Branch, as at the 2nd quarter of the 2023/2024 performance cycle, the Branch achieved 75% of the APP targets and 95% of the AOP targets.

(4) The specified person’s appointment was not irregular. The Department is aware that a complaint on the appointment of the specified person was reported to the Public Service Commission and is being investigated.

(5) The Department is not aware of any irregular appointment as no institution has pronounced on any illegality. Consequently, nothing has been reported to the DG: Presidency and no action was required or taken in this regard.

End

Reply:

1. Whether lifestyle audits are conducted: Yes

a) How often? Annually, in accordance with the schedule provided by the Public Service Regulations on Financial Interests Disclosure Framework, DPSA Directives and DPSA Guide on Lifestyle audit.

b) When last was lifestyle audit conducted? As the first phase of the audit, lifestyle review was last conducted in the 2022/2023 financial year [financial disclosure forms were submitted by SMS members in April 2022 and by other designated employees from June to July 2022].

c) How many employees were lifestyle audited? In the lifestyle reviews, 135 verifications were conducted for SMS members and 536 other designated employees in 2022.

d) What were the relevant details? There were no referrals for investigations and therefore no finding on lifestyle audit against these employees.

 

 

Reply:

I have been furnished with the information below by the IDC:

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

Table 1: IDC Portfolio Per Sector

 

-END-

Reply:

(a) A temporary shelter should ideally not be occupied for more than 24 months. The National Department will develop policy guidelines in conjunction with the sector to determine the maximum time a household could be housed in a temporary shelter

(b) With reference to shelter that collapsed in Ntsitho Village, Ward 3 of Instika Yethu Local Municipality, the National Department did a physical verification of the affected household on 06 December 2023. The appointed service provider has been issued with a request to construct a new TRU with concrete foundation for the affected household.

.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER

QUESTION NUMBER: 4144

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 01 DECEMBER 2023

K DITSHEGO

ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS UPGRADING AND EMERGENCY HOUSING

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

N DUMALISILE

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL:

DATE:

____________________________________________________________

Approved/Not approved

M.T KUBAYI, MP

MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

DATE:

Reply:

(a) what are the details of specific challenges that were experienced in the  handover of the files which he referred to

1.. BACKGROUND

• For several years, the DOJ&CD had contracted with a service provider to merely store and provide access to some of its records at off-site facilities in three provinces namely, Gauteng, KwaZulu -Natal and the Western Cape.
• When the contract expired, approval was granted for these records to be taken over and managed by the current service provider
• The primary incentive for transferring the records to the current service provider was that it was going to digitize them – digitization being part of the modernisation programme of the DOJ&CD.

2. TRANSFER OF FILES FROM PREVIOUS TO CURRENT SERVICE PROVIDER

• The contract with the previous service provider entailed that, upon the expiry of the contract, all files had to be handed over to the Department within a period of four (4) months.
• The handover process commenced at the beginning of March 2023 and it was completed on 21 August 2023. It took a long period – almost six (6) months – due to logistical challenges on the side of the previous service provider.
• It was during the handover period that there were challenges in accessing the files in all of the above-mentioned offices, as most of those required were, at the time, still being processed.

3. CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY THE SERVICE PROVIDER

• The challenges related to the undesirable condition of boxes and files received from the previous service provider are as follows:
  1. . Burnt files;
  2. . File covers cut;
  3. . Loose pages inside boxes;
  4. . Water-damaged files; and
  5. . Damaged boxes.

Interventions for 3.1. – 3.3.

Task teams consisting of officials from the relevant Master's Offices have been created for each province to assist the service provider to arrange the files and scan them properly.

Interventions for 3.4.

The service provider laboriously separates the pages, photocopies and then scans them properly.

Interventions for 3.4.

The service provider continues to repackage and index the boxes and files, so that they can be easily traceable and, upon request, made available speedily.

4. CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY DOJ&CD WITH ACCESSING FILE

4.1 The records at the off-site facilities (in addition to those of the Magistrates and High Courts) are of the following Masters Offices

• Pretoria;
• Durban;
• Cape Town;
• Johannesburg; and
• Pietermaritzburg.

4.2 Major Challenge

• During the handover period, there were challenges in accessing the files in all of the above-mentioned offices, as most of the required files were, at the time, still being processed.
• However, currently the challenges with accessing the files mainly relates to the Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg Masters Offices, because the majority of their files haven’t been scanned. The additional challenge is that the majority of these files haven’t been repackaged and indexed, making the tracing process difficult.

Interventions

• The current service provider has committed to complete the re-packaging and indexing process by the end of December 2023. This will result in that, come the new year, all files shall be easily traceable and made available immediately – even if such files haven’t been scanned on the system.

4.3 Other Challenges

• 1. For security reasons, namely that no security updates can be done on Windows versions below 10, officials who don’t have Windows 10 on their computer equipment cannot connect to the portal.

Interventions– Processes to procure & and update computer equipment are underway.

• 2. Network challenges and internet access – Unstable and/or slow internet connection results in officials being timed out and having to log in numerous times or not able to log-in at all

Interventions– Upgrading of bandwidth is being considered by ICT.

Reply:

The impact that the budget cuts have on the Aspirant Prosecutor Programme is that the group that is due to complete their training in January 2024, cannot be absorbed into the NPA and appointed into the entry level District Court posts, as has been tradition. However, the NPA is considering another option to be able to keep them within NPA’s employ, through their current contracts.

The Estimated National Expenditure (ENE) reflects further major budget cuts for the next 3 years of the MTEF for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, which affects the NPA. The severe budget cuts have a devastating effect for the NPA, to the extent that it will be a struggle to even cover the salaries of existing staff. Under these circumstances, the possibility of a new intake for 2024 is virtually impossible to accommodate.

.

Reply:

I am advised that the following key tax incentives and support apply:

• A reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%
• An accelerated depreciation allowance of 10% on cost of any new and unused buildings or improvement owned by the qualifying company, where applicable.
• Customs Control Incentives (CCA).
• Building of Top Structures for tenants in the SBIDZ.

These incentives and support are subject to applicants meeting application criteria and budgetary availability. National Treasury considers tax incentives relating to SEZs.

-END-

Reply:

The question falls under the Executive Authority of the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The Member is kindly requested to refer the question to the MEC for KZN as per section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 134 (5)(b) of the NA rules. 

Reply:

(1) Yes, the Department monitors the GBV Command Centre on a daily basis through social workers and social work supervisors. The Technical Shift Supervisor performs at least one test per shift per channel to test that the channel is active, monitored and promptly responded to. In addition, the Quality Assurers of the GBV Command Centre provide quality assurance as part of monitoring and improving the times in which these channels are responded to.

(2) Depending on the nature of the call, the callers are referred for various services, including the SA Police Service, Civil Society Organizations including GBV Shelters in cases of domestic violence and rape. They are further referred to both Government and Non-governmental organisation (NGOs) i.e. the Department of Justice for protection orders, Department of Health for injuries and NGOs such as Family and Marriage Society of SA (FAMSA), Lifeline for face-to-face counselling on family preservations. The GBV Command Centre also refers cases to the Local DSD offices through the provincial offices.

(3) The GBV Command Centre is managed by qualified Social Workers and Social Work Supervisors with the support of Technical Shift Supervisors in terms of testing and ensuring that all the channels are fully operational.

(4) (a) Please see below attached annexure A on the three Job Descriptions as per the Occupation Specific Dispensation (Social Auxiliary Worker, Social Worker and Social Work Supervisor).

(4) (b) The qualifications are BA Social Work or Bachelor of Social Science in Social

Work for Social Workers and Social Work Supervisors; and a Certificate in

Social Auxiliary Work for Social Auxiliary Workers.

Reply:

Restrictions on exports of certain scrap metal and copper cable products have been put in place since 30 November 2022, following research done on measures to curb widespread theft; and at the request of law enforcement and other entities.

Concerns have been raised by companies in the blast-furnace value chain and by scrap metal exporters. Support has been expressed by companies in the arc-furnace value-chain. The IDC is exposed to investments in both blast-furnace and arc-furnace value-chains. The export restriction is not however an industrial policy measure but is specifically focused on addressing the demand for scrap metal, which has been found to be a factor in incentivizing theft of cable and metal from public infrastructure. The impact of the measures is being considered and no information is ready for public release.

-END-

Reply:

Appointments made within the dtic-group are based on suitability of candidates for the job. In addition, the dtic-group has taken action to address any instances of corrupt and/or inappropriate financial behaviour, as evidenced by steps taken in respect of the National Lotteries Commission.

The reasons for deindustrialisation can inter alia be traced back to premature and sharp reductions in trade support to industry, following the binding offer made prior to 1994 by the National Party government during the global trade talks in the Uruguay Round of the Generalised Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This was compounded by limited supply-side measures to assist firms to strengthen their competitiveness, which is normally applied to assist with a transition from high trade protection, at about the time when China and other Asian exporters expanded their manufacturing output. A number of structural factors that have been highlighted previously, have also served to constrain manufacturing growth.

The focus on sector-specific growth strategies as contained in masterplans, access to large export markets, support for local firms and other elements of the reimagined industrial strategy, are aimed at reversing these trends. Preferential procurement policies have included support for procurement from local manufacturers, which have helped to lean against deindustrialisation pressures.

Government considers lessons from global best-practice and research and insights from policy-thinkers in adjusting policies to address the extraordinary challenges faced from the legacy of our past.

-END-

Reply:

(1)(a) Section 14 of the Constitution states that the National and Provincial Departments of Human Settlements have a concurrent function of housing, necessitating strong collaboration between the three sectors in the planning and execution of human settlement development.

Hence, the Department collaborates with the Provinces, Municipalities, and pertinent sector Departments in the planning and development of Smart Cities.

(b) In accordance with the Division of Revenue Act (DORA), the Minister annually allocates funds to Provinces and Metropolitan Municipalities for the execution of National Housing Programs. The grants are allocated to the Provinces and transferred in line with the approved , who are mandated by DORA to submit grant business plans. The Provinces together with the affected municipalities will identify the human settlements projects in Smart Cities that require funding. These projects must be in line with the relevant policy and programme prescripts in the Human Settlements Code, 2009. This is the setting in which investments in smart cities are directed.

(2)(a) The Department monitors the grants it makes to the Province and the Metros in terms of performance. According to the terms of the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA), Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), performance analyses are conducted on a monthly and quarterly basis and submitted to the National Treasury in accordance with the applicable guidelines. The National Department conducts several performance accountability sessions, such as quarterly performance reviews and MinMec meetings, and regularly communicates the performance challenges identified as impacting the Province and the Metros.

There are also structured visits undertaken by the National Department to verify reported performance and in certain circumstances,the verification visits are undertaken as and when the need arises. Letters of non-compliance are routinely addressed to the Province or Municipality that contravened the guidelines, and the Department does step in when either one of them contravenes the provisions of the Division of Revenue Act.

(b) By declaring the Lanseria Smart City area as a region in terms of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), 2013 (Act No. 16 of 2013), all three spheres of government are required to develop a Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF). This means that, in accordance with Section 19(d) of the Act, all three spheres of government must work together to create a Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF) that outlines the intended land use patterns in the area. The City of Tshwane must guarantee spatial integration, especially rural-urban integration, to accomplish this.

(c) The Mogale City is an Intermediate City and is earmarked for housing accreditation. The Provincial Department of Human Settlements will thus ensure the capacitation of the municipality as part of the process of accrediting the Mogale City.

(3) Section 18 of the SPLUMA defines a region as “A circumscribed geographical area characterized by distinctive economic, social, or natural features which may or may not correspond to the administrative boundary of a province or provinces or a municipality or municipalities”. To address the issue of divided jurisdictions and to implement national land use policies or priorities in any geographic area, the Department will collaborate with the Gauteng Province and municipalities to pursue the declaration of the Lanseria Smart Development as a region and the timetable and budget will be determined

Reply:

I am advised that the National Empowerment Fund did not pay for the Chief Executive Officer or any other official to travel to France during the stated period. The NEF pays travel and related expenses exclusively for official business trips.

-END-

Reply:

a) The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) tax incentive was introduced into the Income Tax Act to promote investment, growth and job creation in the South African manufacturing sector and the development of designated regions. On 6 July 2018, the Minister of Finance issued Government Gazette 41758, with the following SEZ’s eligible for purposes of the reduced income tax rate:

• COEGA Special Economic Zone

• Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone

• East London Special Economic Zone

• Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone

• Richards Bay Special Economic Zone

• Saldanha Bay Special Economic Zone

A qualifying company can only benefit from the tax incentive if it is located within an eligible SEZ and based on financial considerations to the state, as required by section 12E(3) of the Income Tax Act. The potential benefits are:

• A reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%; and
• An accelerated depreciation allowance of 10% on cost of any new and unused buildings or improvement owned by the qualifying company.

In terms of the qualifying criteria, 90% of the companies income must be derived from the carrying on of business or provision of services within that SEZ; and no more than 20% of the deductible expenses incurred or 20% of the income received by or accrued to the company are from transactions with connected persons that are residents or with non-residents and those transactions are attributable to a permanent establishment in the Republic.

With regards to the depreciation allowance, companies do not qualify, if the buildings are owned by the SEZs themselves.

(i) and (ii) According to information provided by the qualifying SEZs for the financial years 2020-21 and 2022-23, 9 companies applied for the reduced income tax rate. Three (3) companies in COEGA and six (6) companies applied in Dube Trade Port for the reduced income tax rate.

b) The disclosure of the total value of the tax discounts for companies is governed in terms of the Tax Administration Act, 2011, administered by SARS. Taxpayer information is subject to the confidentiality provisions, which contained in Chapter 6 (sections 67 to 74) of the Act.

Access to information can be directed through the relevant portfolio committee to SARS.

 

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Reply:

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Cape reports as follows:

On 12 November 2023 three males were arrested by Metro Police Officers employed by the City of Cape Town. It was alleged that the three males were part of a group of pro-Palestinian supporters. It was further alleged that the group of pro-Palestinian supporters were initially peaceful but refused to move when they were advised that they were standing at an area that was reserved for the protest of another group. The pro-Palestinian group allegedly refused to move, damaged property, attacked the Metro Police Officers and police, and refused to follow their instruction to move from the area. Only three men were arrested.

It is alleged that there is video footage as to what had transpired on the day in question. However, when the matter was presented to the prosecutor, there was no video footage in the docket and that the investigation was incomplete. Some of the statements were also illegible. The prosecutor elected not to enroll the matter until the investigation, which includes the video footage, is filed in the docket. All three accused have fixed addresses and the matter may be enrolled as soon as the outstanding investigation is completed, and a decision is made that there is sufficient evidence to institute a prosecution.

Reply:

1. (a) (i) The employee was transferred to perform the functions of the Deputy Director: Performance Management and Skills Development.

(ii) The information and details of the misconduct which arose at the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) has not been submitted to the DPSA from the DHS.

(b) The Department managed the transfer in terms of section 14 of the Public Service Act which does not preclude the transfer of employees who have been subjected to discipline and/or found guilty.

2. (a) The post of Deputy Director: Performance Management and Skills Development was a vacant and funded post and the dispute by an employee does not preclude the filling of the post.

(b) The employee was subjected to a disciplinary process and the outcome thereof was a demotion from a Chief Director position to Deputy Director.

3. Employees found guilty of corruption should be dismissed. Misconduct is managed in terms of the relevant Disciplinary Code applicable in the public service. The sanctions in respect of guilty findings are determined by relevant chairpersons presiding over the disciplinary process.

End

Reply:

1. (a) The Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements included 96 blocked projects in the current business plan of 2023/24 financial year. Out of the 770 projects that have been reported as blocked, 96 of them have been targeted for implementation in the current financial year. The projects are currently at various stages of implementation. The completion of these projects will differ from one project to another based on the complexities of each one.

(b) This financial year alone, the province targeted to implement 96 out of 770 projects, which constitutes 12 percent of the blocked projects.

2. The list of blocked Projects is attached .

Reply:

I am advised as follows. On 6 July 2018, the Minister of Finance issued Government Gazette 41758 indicating that companies located in the Saldanha Bay IDZ can be eligible for tax incentives/rebates based on qualifying criteria.

These incentives include:

• • A reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%.
  • An accelerated depreciation allowance of 10% on cost of any new and unused buildings or improvement owned by the qualifying company.
  • Customs Control Area Incentives (CCA).

Currently National Treasury has put a sunset clause for SEZ Tax Incentives/ Rebates ending 2031. In terms of the SEZ Act No. 16 of 2014, the Minister of Trade and Industry and Competition must consult with the Minister of Finance on tax incentives for special economic zones. The Minister of Finance is the authority to extend tax incentives/rebates. Should a clear business case be made out for extension of a tax incentive, the dtic will assist to bring same to the attention of the National Treasury for consideration.

Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ) is a designated as an SEZ which is specifically focused on the maritime, energy, logistics and green hydrogen sectors, it offers a platform for global exports by attracting foreign and local investment in the associated manufacturing and services industries.

 

Value Proposition of the SEZ:

• Strategically located within the deep-water port of Saldanha Bay, which allows for easy access to worldwide shipping routes and road linkages to the Saldanha – Northern Cape Logistics Corridor, Cape Town and beyond, and as such represents a prime logistics location.
• Tenants and qualifying investors have access to various incentives and support, including top structures and CCA benefits.
• 356-hectare footprint of secure and prime serviced industrial land, investor sites are available for occupation.
• Saldanha has also established the Saldanha Bay Innovation Campus to boost skills development in innovation and technology in the Marine and Energy Sectors.

 

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