Questions and Replies

Reply:

a) Despite the efforts of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to collect rent in terms of lease contracts concluded in line with the State Land Lease and Disposal Policy; including providing discounts and farmer support programmes, the rental collection still remains very low. DALRRD is currently reviewing its policies and processes to ensure that a credible lease management system is in place. The reasons that no rental fee is collected on some farms leased by DALRRD include the following:

• Some farms are not productive and unable to generate the necessary revenue to meet farm operational costs and lease rental;
• Poor infrastructure to support agricultural activities;
• Deliberate refusal by farmers to pay lease rental including those that received the necessary development support;
• Some of the farms are abandoned or vandalized by the lessees and neighbouring communities; and
• Sub-letting of properties by farmers and they don’t pay lease rental.

b) The failure by DALRRD to collect rentals resulted in an increase in the historical debt and the portfolio not generating the desired revenue.

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

South Africa (SA) has been exporting red meat from the Republic to the rest of the world for a number of years. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady growth and increased average value of red meat exports in SA since the International Animal Health Organisation (OIE) declared the country free of Food-and-Mouth (FMD) disease in 2014. The declaration has given the country access to a number of export markets like Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan from 2015 onwards. For the first time in history, SA became a net exporter of beef in 2016 by 1,7%. The estimated value of red meat exports showed an increase of 0,5%, from R 3 095 million in 2020 to R 3 110 million in 2021.

(b)(i),(ii) Both small and large livestock has been exported to the international markets over previous years. The total number of small livestock exported was 102 337 in 2021, a significant decrease of 22,7% as compared to 135 579 of the previous year. The estimated value during 2021 decreased severely by 34,8%, from R 293 314 to R 191 184. This was due to the COVID-19 trade restrictions to other countries. The total number of large livestock exported was 47 829 in 2021, a significant increase of 30,4% as compared to 36 676 in 2020. The estimated value in 2021 increased by 11,7%, from R 315 680 to R 352 770. In 2020, SA ranked 15th position globally as beef exporter, which shows that the industry has a potential to grow exports to high-value markets. However, an effective red meat traceability system is required to improve South Africa’s credibility in the OIE and exports market.

Table 1 below depicts the red meat exported in terms of Small and Large livestock in the previous ten (10) years. Information and analysis is not available for the years 2010 to 2014 but the statistics for the subsequent years are representative.

Year	Total Red Meat Exported	b (i) Small livestock	b (ii) Large livestock
	Total in Kilograms	Rand value	Numbers exported	Rand value	Numbers exported	Rand value
2015	50 014 922	R2 355 280 908	42 102	R56 324	201 454	R247 444
2016	50 673 733	R2 692 713 067	47 576	R57 454	41 677	R295 806
2017	43 667 944	R2 445 641 937	54 476	R71 462	51 983	R278 275
2018	41 004 154	R2 242 353 196	84 395	R84 347	29 758	R357 166
2019	35 004 979	R2 083 566 320	87 663	R178 032	22 955	R272 070
2020	48 272 941	R3 094 832 625	132 579	R293 314	36 676	R315 680
2021	44 680 026	R3 110 255 763	102 437	R191 184	47 829	R352 770

The latter part of the question enquires about the countries which have received our exports. The major export destinations of red meat originating from SA during 2021 were Kuwait, UAE, Mozambique, Jordan and Lesotho, accounted for 13,2%, 12,2%, 9,8%, 8,3% and 4,6% respectively. During 2021, SA has exported 44 680 tons of the total quantity of red meat, a decrease of 7,4% as compared to 48 273 tons in 2020.

Table 2 below depicts total red meat exports per Country of destination.

Major Red Meat Export Countries of Destination	Information for the Years 2015 - 2021
	Total Tonnage	Rand value
Lesotho	32 334 100	R902 453 503,00
Mozambique	44 925 609	R1 911 825 982,00
Jordan	22 002 200	R1 607 211 645,00
Kuwait	27 182 910	R2 218 335 633,00
United Arab Emirates	22 729 620	R1 774 132 627,00

Reply:

The Amathole District Municipality has appointed an independent panel to investigate the matter and to submit the report to Council. I have requested the Municipality and MEC of COGTA to furnish me with the report, and I will update the response as soon as it is rceived.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Reply:

(a –c) (i) No vehicle was purchased for myself during the said period
(a –c) (ii) Deputy Minister
 

Make	bmw
Model	X4
Year of Manufacture	2021
Price	R 756510 ( seven hundred and fifty six thousand five hundred and ten rand only)
Purchase Date	08 September 2021

Reply:

1 (a) The Department has a total number of 1978 staff members, and 1123 are women. The number of 1123 female staff members represent 56% of the staff in the Department.

(b) (i) & (ii) There are 39 female Ambassadors in total representing South Africa across the globe. In terms of percentage, the 39 female Ambassadors represent 34% of the total number of Heads of Mission (Ambassadors). South Africa has a total number of 115 Missions, and 91 Heads of Mission posts are filled. The process of filling the vacant posts of Heads of Mission is currently underway. The nominated Heads of Mission designates are in training. The nominations will assist in improving the representation of women.

2. Yes, the Department has a Gender Policy, appropriate guidelines and the institutional framework for gender equality and women empowerment trajectory. Through this policy we are required to:

a) Create an enabling policy environment translate commitments into concrete action;

b) Ensure that gender consideration are effectively integrated into all aspects of departmental policies, activities and programmes; and,

c) Establish an appropriate institutional framework and mechanism for the advancement of gender equality. It also includes the integration of Gender perspectives on the programmes offers by our diplomatic Academy. Guided, by the principles of Employment Equity (Act, No. 55 of 1998) the department strive to achieve equity in the workplace by promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment through elimination of unfair discrimination.

Reply:

1. The DEL has 1951 inspectors. Currently, there are 166 vacancies and 1785 warm bodies.

2. Currently, there are around 14,3 million people that are employed in SA (as in November 2021 in terms of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey). The Department has an establishment of 1 951 Inspectors as at in February 2022. This, against a total number of 14,3million employees, provides a ratio of 1 inspector to 7330 employees. This is in line with industrialised economies as per International labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines. The inspectors are always able to detect and deal with non-compliance during inspections. As at the end of quarter 3 in the 2021/22 Financial Year, the following are the relevant details:

Number of inspections	177700
Number compliant	134 832
Number noncompliant	42868
Number of notices issued	42430

42 868 workplaces were found to be noncompliant and 42 430 were issued with notices. The achievement is 99% against a standard of 95%

Reply:

(a) The Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is available in all 3,465 public health facilities (Primary health Care and Community Health Care facilities) and 54 Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCC) countrywide. These services are available for everyone who may have been exposed to HIV within 72 hours of exposure, however, those who are exposed through sexual assault and are eligible, are offered PEP at an entry point then referred to the TCCs for further management.

Out of the 37 441 sexual assault cases seen in the current financial year, 21,026 were offered PEP through the following eligibility criteria:

Eligibility criteria:

• PEP must be given to persons with a negative HIV status (Meaning an HIV test must be conducted);

• Must be given within the first 72 hours of exposure.

The Post-Exposure Prophylaxis is not disaggregated by age and gender.

(b) Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis is currently provided at 2,700 facilities (including 2,224 public PHC facilities). Since 2016, a total of 450,606 individuals (males and females of all ages) were initiated of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.

During the period 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2021, 161,910 persons, males and females, ages 15-24 years were initiated of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis of which 140,837 were females.

END.

Reply:

The National Department of Health does not provide/pay allowance and/or stipend when allocating health professionals to perform the required medical internship or community service for relocation when allocated outside their ordinary place of residence nor does it provide a standard policy regarding this provision.

As a result, a Province utilize its own discretion in accordance with each Provincial Resettlement and Relocation Policy and to date, all Provinces do not pay an allowance and/or stipend when appointing health professionals to perform the required medical internship or community service for relocation when allocated outside their ordinary place of residence.

END.

Reply:

The following tables reflect the details in this regard:

a)  Catering

https://pmg.org.za/files/Catering.pdf

b) Entertainment

https://pmg.org.za/files/Entertainment.pdf

c) Accommodation

https://pmg.org.za/files/Accomodation.pdf

END.

Reply:

1. The Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of Health has not planned to close St Francis Hospital, a decision was made to merge the management of St Francis Hospital and Nkonjeni Hospital as far back as 2013.

2. St Francis Hospital has not been closed and consultation with various stakeholders was done regarding the merging of management to be stationed at Nkonjeni Hospital.

END.

Reply:

a) Water sampling testing is conducted by 2 authorities in Municipalities, i.e. the (1) Water Services Authorities in line with their mandate to provide water that is safe for human consumption, and (2) by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in municipalities in line with their role of water quality compliance monitoring, prescribed in the National Health Act, 61 of 2003, as amended. The Department of Health (DOH) has developed and has in place Norms and Standards for Health-related Water Quality Monitoring, as part of the National Environmental Health Norms and Standards, which aim to standardize the provision of Environmental Health Services in the country, including water quality monitoring. These standards provide clear protocols, proper techniques, preservation and transportation standards to be adhered to nationally when conducting water quality sampling in various water sources. The norms and standards further provide recommendations on frequencies of water sampling, in line with the SANS code 241: Drinking Water. The norms and standards further outline the requirement for Municipalities to develop Water Quality Monitoring Plans that are implemented across the country and these include waterborne disease monitoring plans to ensure that water consumption is safe for the communities. EHPs have been trained/capacitated on their responsibilities on water-related outbreak response and ensure reporting in accordance to the National guidelines on Notifiable medical conditions. The DOH also collaborates with other Ministries, i.e. Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Basic Education and Ministry of Human Settlements to also ensure that identified gaps at community or municipality level are addressed at policy making level.

Practitioners were capacitated and will continue to be capacitated on water sampling and testing standards to ensure credible water results.

b) The link between good water quality and credible testing and analysis is critical for protection of public health. This can only be achieved through a high national standard of testing by laboratories. The current regulatory environment for water testing laboratories lies with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and accreditation body, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Only test results from approved laboratories are accepted by DWS, as necessary element to be awarded Blue Drop and Green Drop Certification and for uploading data in the National water Information System.

The same requirement stands for water testing conducted by EHPs to ensure credible water quality results. Accreditation bodies such as the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) assess factors relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data, including the technical competency of staff, validity and appropriateness of methods, traceability of measurements to national standards, suitability, calibration and maintenance of test equipment, suitable environmental conditions, handling of test items, quality assurance of test and/or calibration data. The DOH has not taken any measures to ensure testing labs that are controlled by the state, as this is outside of its mandate. However, the independence of testing labs needs to be protected and separated from the water providers. However, there is also acknowledgement of the importance of laboratories for Municipalities that may be used regularly for provisional sampling.

END.

Reply:

The Queue campaign is only applicable to Gauteng and can be used by the public to register to be allocated a slot at their preferred DLTCs instead of visiting the website repeatedly to check for slot availability. The 30 days is the maximum period. The average time to allocate a slot is 7-14 days.

In the event where the public needs an urgent booking, the online system allows for direct bookings at any DLTCs with availability.

b) The major constraint of the booking system is the lack of capacity at traditional DLTCs. The Minister launched 2 DLTCs that operate 7 days a week from 7 to 9pm which has increased available capacity by 50%.

Reply:

a) When new information is shared with SAHPRA either by the applicants or by reports shared from other regulators and/or also published journal information it is reviewed considering existing approval. Therefore, the report received in respect of the Pfizer vaccine is being reviewed to establish whether changes will be required in the current approved status. If there are changes required, these will be communicated to the applicant to provide details of the findings and recommendations. Following the applicant’s inputs/response, SAHPRA will then pronounce on changes to be effected and if it severely impacts on the safety and efficacy and affects the risk benefit of the vaccine, this will then be given conditions under which it can be used and if so deemed it may be withdrawn from market and for use.

b) Yes, SAHPRA still holds the view that vaccines are safe to be rolled out. This is based on the outcome of the safety reports which indicated that the benefit-risk ratio of these vaccines remains positive.

END.

Reply:

The National Department of Health (NDoH) met with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to discuss the implementation of biometric identity verification in the health system in South Africa.

Provision has been made for the development of the functionality in the existing Health Patient Registration System during the 2022/2023 financial year.

Once the development is completed, the solution will be deployed in a small group of facilities for testing. Lessons learned will be used to enhance the biometric identity verification before it is deployed to the remainder of the health facilities in the country.

For successful implementation, the NDoH is working on overcoming the following:

1. A detailed, integrated solution needs to be planned and implemented in collaboration with DHA - DHA to provide guidance on which of their systems is the most appropriate to interface with.
2. Funding to source biometric equipment in facilities - although some funding has been made available it will not cover all facilities.
3. Broadband connectivity needs to be resolved as this solution will not work with the current connectivity solution in most public sector facilities.

END.

Reply:

Following receipt of the parliamentary question, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health conducted the investigation to verify the allegations. The investigation revealed the following:

Members of staff in the Mandela Sisulu Clinic deny any knowledge of such a practice. The staff members indicated that they actually have to forego their morning tea break in order to serve patients, as a result of the high volumes of patient numbers in the morning on a daily basis. The staff members further stated that they take their lunch on rotational basis, so that there are always staff members that continue to assist patients. There may be times where some patients may have preference with regard to a particular staff member. It is in times such as this that patients may have to wait for that staff member, although this is not a common practice in this clinic.

Remedial action:

The staff members will continue to communicate with the patients on any developments and their actions as necessary. This will include announcements to patients when they take breaks as provided for within their conditions of work employment, as this may leave a reduced staff compliment for that time.

The Supervisors will also undertake unannounced visits to ensure proper compliance to continuity of service delivery and where necessary ensure adherence to Departmental policy prescripts. In this way, there will be some certainty of continuity of provision of the services.

END.

Reply:

a) SAHPRA has considered all Clinical Trials and clinical data submitted in the application for emergency access and registration, as well as all periodic safety update reports received; Adverse Drug Reaction (ADRs) received as well as reports and information shared by other Regulators that SAHPRA aligns with such as EMA European Medicines Agency (EMA); USFDA (USA); PMDA(Japan); Health Canada; TGA (Australia); Swissmedic. Therefore, at the time of approval these are considered and that on an ongoing basis SAHPRA continuously receives and reviews safety updates as these are reported and hence the agency is constantly monitoring for safety and will update its report on any product based on these reviews.

b) SAHPRA is constantly reviewing safety updates and where there is a need for update and communicate such changes accordingly. SAHPRA approvals are based on clinical data submitted and these are done on risk benefit basis. The reports available at the time of review are considered. Note that SAHPRA approval of the Comirnaty vaccine for patients 12 years and older was done and communicated on 16 September 2021 and reviews and approvals were based on data available at the time. The date of registration is 25 January 2022 and is prior to the recently published reports. Thus, at the point of initial approval this report was not considered. This report now and based on the current PV data which is continuously monitored by SAHPRA there is still benefit exceeding risk in the populations this vaccine has been approved for and for the population the review was based on.

c) Yes, SAHPRA has received the clinical trial information as well as adverse events reported including those of trials and as published. All information regarding the side effects and adverse drug reactions as reported in various studies and as are adequately documented and validated are considered and SAHPRA is therefore of the view that as current information becomes available it is reviewed and the outcome of the regulatory decision would then be updated accordingly, however if there is no change in this decision it would mean that following assessment the risk benefit has not changed. SAHPRA convened webinars to educate the public on the side effects and adverse events of vaccines.

END.

Reply:

The Department does not have a specific program to eradicate pit toilets. The role of the department is to provide financial support to municipalities to enable progressive eradication of pit toilets.

Local water supply and sanitation services are a function over which municipalities have executive authority in terms of section 156 of the Constitution read together with Schedule 4 Part B. However, although municipalities have executive authority, other sections of the Constitution and legislation requires government (national and provincial) to support municipalities and intervene where there is failure of water and sanitation services:

The Water Services Authorities should, on the basis of its Water Services Development Plans (WSDP’s) and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) prioritise the provision of water and sanitation and eradicate sanitation backlogs within communities.

Water Services Authorities have access to the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and or Water Services Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) from the Department of Water and Sanitation to fund such projects. The WSIG and MIG allocations for the Free State Province for the financial year 2022/23 are R393 237 million and R844 877 million respectively.

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Reply:

According to the Limpopo Provincial Department of Health, the Department procured and has received delivery of 25 new fully equipped ambulances which will be distributed throughout the province. The handover of the ambulances to the province took place on 11 April 2022. Bela-Bela will receive 2 ambulances by the end of April 2022 to address the operational needs of the sub-district.

END.

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

1. (a)-(b) The attached Annexures provide the details in this regard.

2. Causes of foetal deaths

According to the Saving Babies Report 2017-2019 (pg 13-14) the following are the causes of foetal deaths

1. Hypoxia
2. Infection
3. Congenital abnormalities
4. Immaturity related causes

Causes of maternal deaths

According to the Saving Mothers Report 2017-2019 (Pg-20, 80-83), and Impact of COVID-19 on maternal health Report 2021 the following were the causes

1. Non-Pregnancy related infections related to HIV
2. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
3. Medical and surgical disorders
4. Obstetric Hemorrhages
5. Miscarriages and Ectopic pregnancies
6. Pregnancy related sepsis

Source: Saving Mothers Report 2017/19, Pages 20.

END.

Reply:

a) The delivery of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was delayed in April/May 2021. The reason for this delay is related to an FDA inspection at Emergent BioSolutions Bayview facility, one of the manufacturing partners of Johnson & Johnson.

This had an impact on the global supply of Johnson & Johnson vaccines, including for South Africa.

b) The current delivery is 63% of total contracted volume. However, it should be noted that the NDOH requested that deliveries be delayed because demand has reduced and there is limited storage at the central warehouses. The advantage of this approach is that new doses when they do arrive have better expiry dates and the risk of wastage is reduced.

END.

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) issued a Directive instructing Kwezela Colliery to appoint a suitably qualified environmental consultant to compile a rehabilitation plan for all the areas affected by the pollution incident. The issued Directive also indicated that the rehabilitation plan ought to have clear timeframes and descriptions of how and when each remedial action will be implemented. The company subsequently submitted the draft rehabilitation plan. The DWS has assessed and accepted the rehabilitation plan for implementation.

One of the important aspects that were committed in the draft rehabilitation plan is the ecological restoration of the system. This aspect will be implemented over time as containment or curbing of pollution is prioritised to prevent potential immigration. The DWS is currently monitoring implementation of compliance to the Directive to ensure all reasonable measures are taken to contain and minimise the effects of the incident.

Further, the Kwezela Colliery and the DWS have agreed on the following:

• The company will appoint an independent qualified environmental consultant as prescribed in the Directive to develop sustainable rehabilitation plan
• The company will implement remedial measures to minimise and curb pollution, these measures include, amongst others, clean-up of the pollutants from the river system and the removal of fish carcass from the stream
• The company requested approval from the DWS to release water from Bronkhorspruit and Witbank Dams to assist with the flushing of affected areas and the request was granted
• Final Rehabilitation Plan will be submitted on or before 30 April 2022

(1)(b) The DWS conducted an investigation after receiving reports of fish kill at Wilge River system. Findings of the investigation revealed that there was a pollution incident that had occurred at Kwezela Colliery on approximately 14 February 2022. The incident was caused by an old Mine shaft that collapsed which led to an overflow of polluted water from the facility into the watercourse. The Department served the facility with a Directive to immediately rectify the contravention. The Department directed the facility to, amongst others:

• take reasonable measures to contain, minimise the effects of pollution incident,
• undertake clean-up procedures,
• remedy the effects of the incident.

The Kwezela Colliery submitted an action plan, and the Department is currently monitoring implementation thereof. The DWS has recently engaged the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to request the inclusion of criminal investigators from DFFE on the investigative team. The DFFE will therefore be supporting the other government officials, in relation to the criminal investigation, which will determine the criminal liability based on the evidence collected. A decision would then be made by the National Prosecuting Authority on whether or not to prosecute and which parties should be prosecuted.

(1)(c) Kromdraai Mine which is a section of Khwezela Colliery.

(2)(a) The DWS has a compliance monitoring programme to monitor compliance with the conditions of the water use authorisation in terms of water uses including the discharges of water into the water resources. Furthermore, the department has a regular sampling programme which serves as an early warning system to non-compliance or water quality risks.

2(b) The Department has identified and assessed catchments at high risk for acid mine drainage and is developing mitigation plans to proactively manage these aspects.

3(a) The lead authority for mining is the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). The details on the total number of the un-rehabilitated mines can be obtained from the DMRE.

3(b) Although my department is not the lead authority on un-rehabilitated mines, the DWS is currently in the process of drafting mitigation strategies to address the impacts of Acid Mine Drainage which includes mitigation measures for un-rehabilitated mines which may pose a danger to water resources.

3(c) Until mine closure certificates are obtained, mines are monitored in accordance with their water use authorisation. The department provides comment and input in this process to DMRE. Water use authorisations also include provisions for progressive rehabilitation and mines are monitored in accordance with these provisions.

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Reply:

NDoH only has an accredited register of public service health care workers (HCWs) to use for determining the percentage of HCWs vaccinated/not vaccinated. The response therefore only reflects detail about public HCWs vaccinations as on 7 April 2022.

Province	Number of Public Sector HCWs	(i) Vaccinated Public HCWs	(ii) Public HCWs not vaccinated
		(a) Number	(b) Percentage	(a) Number	(b) Percentage
Eastern Cape	54 626	46 885	85,8%	7 741	14,2%
Free State	24 173	19 974	82,6%	4 199	17,4%
Gauteng	88 968	66 760	75,0%	22 208	25,0%
KwaZulu-Natal	83 852	72 513	86,5%	11 339	13,5%
Limpopo	42 949	38 048	88,6%	4 901	11,4%
Mpumalanga	28 986	23 688	81,7%	5 298	18,3%
National	1 570	1 001	63,8%	569	36,2%
North West	30 421	25 141	82,6%	5 280	17,4%
Northern Cape	9 776	7 988	81,7%	1 788	18,3%
Western Cape	37 734	31 331	83,0%	6 403	17,0%
Total	403 055	333 329	82,7%	69 726	17,3%

END.

Reply:

1. The North West Province Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and DWS are working together to implement the key components of the Hartbeespoort Dam Integrated Biological Remediation Programme Plan. The Hartbeespoort Dam Action Plan comprising of interventions to address among others, the water hyacinth infestation in the dam. These activities are coordinated through the Hartbeespoort Dam Coordinating Committee (HDCC). Some of the interventions being implemented to control the infestation of the dam are:

• My department has engaged the services of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) as the Implementing Agent for the project which is being implemented though the Working for Water Programme.

• The DFFE has deployed six (6) teams on the dam that are manually removing the water hyacinth plants.

• The DFFE is also implementing a biocontrol programme on the dam with the assistance of the Rhodes University’s Centre for Biological Control. The Centre for Biological Control (CBC) provides assistance by establishing various biocontrol mass rearing stations around the dam and constantly supplying the biocontrol agents. The biocontrol agents that have been released on the dam, the notable of which is the leaf hopper (Megamellus scutellaris), have been able to reduce the water hyacinth biomass on the dam exponentially. The rapid and significant reduction of water hyacinth has now been proven in two consecutive years.

The HDCC is considering mobilising the fish removal programme on the dam to comply to the AIS regulations promulgated in 2014, as well as section 24 of NEMA and section 70 (1)(a) and section 76 of NEM:BA. The exotic Chinese Carp and invasive Catfish (bottom feeding species), that have become dominant and invasive in the Hartbeespoort dam, need to be reduced and managed to support the indigenous algae eating Tilapia species.

The department will continue implementing the Working for Water Programme over the next 24 months, and thereafter re-assess whether it will still be necessary to continue with the manual removal of the water hyacinth. The biocontrol programme, which has resulted in a significant decrease in water hyacinth for two years in a row, will be continued as a sustainable control method.

2. Additional to the visual recording and monitoring being done by the Working for Water under DFFE and DWS personnel, weekly satellite images are evaluated and interpreted to track the growth patterns. The system used is Sentinel 2A.

3. The DWS is the national custodian for water in South Africa, including the water resource management in the dams. As the owner of the infrastructure, DWS is also legally responsible to control invasive species in the water and on state land. In terms of this responsibility, DWS signed a memorandum of understanding with DFFE to address these liabilities collectively.

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Reply:

According to the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health, the incident happened on the 12 November 2021 at Oakley Clinic, Mpumalanga and the person who committed the assault was not a nurse but a support staff (cleaner). The Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health then followed the procedure by placing the accused on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of the case on the 09 March 2022, in terms of clause 7.2 of the Disciplinary Code and Procedure for the Public Service (Resolution 1 of 2003).

END.

Reply:

(a)

(i) The National Department of Transport has recorded one sexual harassment case.

The perpetrator is alleged to have on several occasions made unwelcome and in appropriate sexual remarks to his supervisor by means of Cell phones SMS. The Victim, Supervisor alleged that she warned the perpetrator of her discomfort of the remarks made by the perpetrator and the perpetrator did not stop sending inappropriate SMS remarks. The victim then reported the perpetrator to the employer.

The employee is placed on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of the matter. The hearing was set down on the 10th of March 2022, however, it was postponed due to unavailability of the Union Representative.

The hearing will proceed on 08 April 2022 for hearing.

(ii) The total number of recorded sexual assault is Nil

(aa) Nil

(bb) One

(b) (i) Nil (ii) Nil (iii) One

(c) Nil

Reply:

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) is both the Water Services Authority (WSA) and the Water Services Provider (WSP) in the Buffalo City area. Amatola Water manages bulk infrastructure and provides bulk water into some areas of Buffalo City.

Following the repeated complaints of water outages and water discoloration in East London and surrounding areas; the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) engaged the Metro and undertook site visits to the uMzonyana Water Treatment Works and affected areas.

The following has been done to remedy the situation:

• The Executive Mayor of the BCMM, has convened a Technical Task Team (TTT) under the leadership of the City Manager, comprising officials of BCMM, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Amatola Water and co-opted specialists.
• The technical task team has prepared an action plan to address the concerns against which progress can be monitored.
• The DWS has further provided five (5) road water tankers for a period of one month to assist with emergency water delivery where reservoirs were empty.
• The DWS has temporarily lifted water restriction notice for one month to both the Metro and Amatola Water Board to ensure that the system stabilises. However, there is vigorous monitoring of the water use against restricted allocations to avoid system failure.

The primary objective of these interventions is to facilitate co-operation and to ensure that operational glitches are minimised. It is also to ensure that water distribution and reservoir levels can be stabilised and restore confidence in the capacity of the Buffalo City to deliver water services to communities. Both the BCMM and Amatola Water participate in the DWS’ monthly Drought Monitoring Committee for the Amathole Water Supply System.

With regard to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM), the Municipal Health Department, along with municipal Scientific Services found drinking water failures had occurred and issued a boil water notice to their water users. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) performed its own tests and monitoring to confirm the status of water complaints in Gqeberha, even though these failures were drought related emanating from elevated turbidity caused by low reservoir levels preventing periodic scouring as required. The resultant turbid water failed to comply with the national standard for drinking water quality (SANS 241) necessitating the issuing of a preventative boil water alert. The laboratory analyses indicated the presence of associated higher total coliforms in the areas of contaminated reservoirs but no prevalence of E-coli (which is the general indicator of bacterial and faecal contamination). In addition, there was no indication of the presence of Salmonella typhi which underlines the finding that there was no Typhoid present in the Nelson Mandela drinking water.

The DWS has supported the NMBMM to isolate the Grassridge Temporary Water Treatment Plant from use and to remove the sludge build-up manually. However, the Temporary Water Treatment Works (WTW) needs to be put back into service soon, as the Metro continues to over abstract from the Algoa WSS Dams on the Western Side. The Metro has also increased chlorine dosing at all WTW and all bulk and distribution reservoirs.

The prolonged and severe drought has placed a lot of pressure on the water supply system in the NMBM. In addition, water reservoir levels remain low, and the risk of distribution interruptions is still high. The DWS has facilitated the return to site of the contractor and Implementing Agent, so that Phase 3 of Nooitgedagt-Coega Low Level Scheme can be completed and commissioned without any further delay. This will see an additional 70ML/d of clean water to the existing NMBM system.

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Reply:

1) A total of R 71, 307 billion was a consolidated amount allocated to municipalities participating in the PTNG programme from the financial year 2008/09 to the current 2021/22 up to March 2022.

It should be noted that since inception and up to 2010/11 the grant allocations amounting to R 9, 033 billion were initially expended on preparations for the 2009 Confederations Cup and World Cup 2010 projects.

2) The table below indicates the names of municipalities(a) and amount disbursed to each municipality to date (b).

3. The Department is promoting an incremental approach when implementing this programme, not a wall-to-wall network approach. To date, 6 municipalities are operating their pilot phases of Integrated Public Transport Networks and planning expansion to other areas. These municipalities are the Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, George, and Nelson Mandela Bay.

The other 4 municipalities are at an advanced stage in launching their pilot phases. These are Polokwane, Mangaung, Rustenburg and eThekwini. It should be noted that 3 municipalities were suspended from the programme for 3 years. These are Msunduzi, Mbombela, and Buffalo City. The Department together with National Treasury is finalising the readmission criteria for the suspended municipalities.

Reply:

(1) (a) The province does not regard this as a failure to ensure availability of sufficient facilities as situational analysis was conducted and several reasons were identified for not being able to expand the Termination of Pregnancy (ToP) services in the province:

1. Infra–structure challenges in some institutions, no space to establish new or additional services including TOP services;
2. Clinicians (professional nurses and doctors) left the services due to various reasons (retirement, transfers, promotions and self-advancements);
3. Health systems pressures such as the need for continuous frontline support service and increasing demand for the services.

(b) Eastern Cape implemented the following interventions to ensure availability of services at facilities:

1. In 2021 Eastern Cape conducted training targeting clinicians (professional nurses and doctors) from facilities not providing the ToP services;
2. Provincial support visit for ToP providers conducted in 2020/2021.
3. Debriefing workshop are conducted (excluding disruptions during Covid-19 pandemic) and for the current financial year it is currently underway (23- 25 March 2022) which will be followed by value clarification workshop in August/September 2022, targeting managers of the facilities not providing ToP services.

National Department supports provincial efforts through the Deputy Minister’s awareness campaign where Eastern Cape will be visited in April/May 2022, sensitizing public on the availability of ToP services and package of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) services as a whole.

END.

Reply:

The Gauteng Provincial Department of Health informed that contract workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), employed by the Gauteng Department of Health for over three years cannot be absorbed and/or offered permanent employment because they are employed in fixed term contract under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) that is in terms of section 198B (4) (g) of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (“the LRA”) which is permitted by clause 2 of the Ministerial Determination 4: Expanded Public Works Programmes promulgated on the 4th of May 2012, in terms of section 50 of the Basic Condition of Employment Act, of 1997 (“the BCEA”). Copy of the Ministerial Determination is attached as an annexure to this response, for ease of reference.

It is essential to be cognisant of the fact that in the Public Service, the creation, grading and filing of posts is regulated in terms of the Public Service is the Public Service Act, 1994, as amended and the Public Service Regulations, 2016, as amended contrary to the Regulations that support the EPWP above.

In terms of Section 3 (5) (b) of the PSA, the authority to create, grade and abolish posts vest on the executive authority and the EPWP, does not occupying an existing post created and funded by the Department.

END.

Reply:

1. The department has always adopted a true, genuine and consequential approach to abusive behaviour within our health facilities. This can be demonstrated by several policy documents and guidelines that were published and are available in the public domain. These include the establishment of the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) as a standard setting body supported by the Health Ombudsman. The department has demonstrable evidence where people that were found to be at fault were taken to task in various health facilities. One such example is the steps taken in the unfortunate situation around Life Esidimeni where those that were found to be at fault were made to take responsibility for their acts or omissions.

2. (a) SA Medical Association (SAMA)

South Africa Medical Association is a private association that represents the interests of its members, being the medical doctors. This organisation is not part of the department and as such the department is unable to comment on how it handles matters related to its members.

(b) The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

This entity is a research institution which does not get involved in service delivery issues and most importantly in the behaviour of the health care workers. However, if requested the SAMRC can could conduct behavioural research in an institution noted to be an issue to understand root causes and address interventions.

(c) Health Professions council of South Africa

The role of Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is to ensure that where such acts or offences were committed by practitioners registered under the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974, disciplinary action will be undertaken by HPCSA by investigating the allegations in line with the Act.

This entity does contribute towards the genuine and consequential approach to abusive behaviour within our health facilities.

Secondly, the HPCSA has a responsibility in guiding the practitioners. It also has interventions such as symposiums and roadshows where these ensure that ethical rules and ethical guidelines are communicated to the practitioner.

(d) South African Nursing council.

Just like with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, this entity, is a statutory health professional body for nurses and its duties include upholding and maintaining standards of nursing practice in order to serve and protect the public. In cases of complaints against any person registered with the SANC, an investigation is conducted in accordance with the Chapter 3 of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act no. 33 of 2005), and applicable regulations. The Council is empowered by the Nursing Act, to establish specific committees to institute an enquiry into any complaint or allegations of unprofessional conduct and to undertake appropriate disciplinary action against any person registered under the Nursing Act. In the event that there is a complaint against any person registered with the SANC, The Preliminary Investigating Committee investigates the allegation to establish if there is a case against the practitioner. Should there be evidence that there is, the matter is referred to the Professional Conduct Committee to institute disciplinary action. If the nurse is found guilty of such misconduct, the Council imposes any of the prescribed penalties.

END.

Reply:

(a) (i) PRASA was paying for the locomotives through a separate agreement from the main agreements. However, Transnet chose to withdraw the locomotives as a result of the R2,3 billion in operational debt owed to it by PRASA. This is therefore Transnet’s choice to disable passenger rail with the withdrawal of these locomotives. The reason for the large outstanding balance due to Transnet is as a result of the inequitable split of assets and incorrect funding model at the original separation of the two entities. The separation saw Transnet charging PRASA along commercial lines whilst its funding model did not cater for this arrangement, resulting in a large underfunding of passenger rail.

(ii) A special allocation of R900 million was provided by National Treasury to assist with security over and above the general security budget of R1,1 billion allocated to PRASA. Although all of this special allocation was expected to be spent on further securing passengers and stations, R500 million of this had to be spent on asset protection during the riots and for the validity period of the Hlope judgement, none of which was budgeted for or expected. The balance of R400 million in addition to the general security budget is being used to protect passengers and assets.

(b) PRASA continues to pay its staff during the period of the pandemic and resulted in PRASA being in a far better position to continue working harder on its mandate towards bring the ten (10) corridors into operations.

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

(1) Werkmans Attorneys are not representing PRASA in the Siyangena Technologies matter. PRASA received a formal notification from Werkmans Attorneys that it took a business decision to withdraw from representing PRASA in all legal matters it was handling on behalf of PRASA. It further informed PRASA that they will hand over all the files of PRASA and will release them as they get paid. PRASA has been paying Werkmans Attorneys since the correspondence. Werkmans Attorneys, like other creditors, are owed by PRASA and based on PRASA’s cashflow, will continue to pay what is outstanding. PRASA has a panel of attorneys from which a law firm has been identified to represent PRASA in the matter.

With regards to the Siyangena Technologies matter which is serving at the Supreme Court of Appeal, both parties to the litigation have already submitted their papers and PRASA is not prejudiced by the withdrawal of Werkmans Attorneys. The new law firm has been furnished with the files and papers for the case.

(2) The PRASA Board Chairperson is not facilitating settlement talks. The matter is still before the Supreme Court of Appeal.

(a) The High Court in North Gauteng, in their judgement, explicitly states that whilst the contract was deemed irregular, PRASA and Siyangena Technologies needed to determine the compensation value of the work and once same is reached, this should also be made an order of the court.

• Despite the above, Siyangena Technologies appealed the decision.
• Whilst the appeal remains pending, Siyangena Technologies wrote to PRASA, reminding them of the outcomes of the court on the determination exercise and reminded PRASA of this outstanding matter, hence the letter to the Chairperson of the Board.
• The Chairperson of the Board correctly referred the matter to the Group CEO to engage with it and advise the Board, hence the meeting by PRASA management with Siyangena Technologies.
• At the meeting Siyangena Technologies, over and above the issue of determination, proposed consideration for a discussion on the possible resolution on the matter outside litigation.

(b) PRASA is not aware of any new evidence.

Reply:

1. Eastern Cape Region - The rail infrastructure in the Eastern Cape is owned and protected by Transnet and as such PRASA utilises this infrastructure by agreement with Transnet. The East London rail corridor cannot be operated using PRASA owned electrical locomotives as the Overhead Electrical Traction power is not available due to vandalism and theft.

PRASA continues to engage with Transnet on recovering and rehabilitating the network. In addition, PRASA is in process of temporary leasing diesel locomotives from the market while pursuing long-term solution to acquire shunting diesel locomotives to mitigate the risk of Transnet locomotives withdrawal and leasing arrangements. The engagement has been escalated to the level of the CEOs at both organisations.

Western Cape Region - On 8 March 2022 an ESKOM Traction substation supplying power for the running of Trains in Cape Town in Western Cape was vandalised resulting in the interruption of train service in Cape Town. Eskom responded and repaired damaged equipment and cables and the power supply was restored the following day, on 9 March 2022. PRASA, working in collaboration with ESKOM, has since deployed additional security personnel to guard this important power supply node (and other vulnerable hotspots) for the trains in the Western Cape.

(2) Eastern Cape Region - PRASA is intervening with a number of options, the short term being to hire diesel locomotives fit for this purpose to operate both the East London and Gqeberha corridors. In the long term, as part of its initial rolling stock procurement program, PRASA is planning to provide the Eastern Cape with the new fleet of trains as an integral part of its overall rolling stock replacement program.

Western Cape Region - PRASA, ESKOM and TRANSNET have set up Security Response actions as a means to bring better collaboration and resources to secure the SOEs infrastructure against vandalism.

PRASA has further deployed security in the network to safeguard critical installations, substations, relay rooms and hotspots areas.

There is a process underway for substations and relay rooms to be installed with “target hardening army spec” security fencing, CCTV surveillance and alarm systems for intruder detection.

Reply:

a) In 2016, SANParks conducted research titled: “Guided game drive experiences in South African national parks” The research indicated a number of areas where the game drives could be improved but the greatest negative feedback that was received was about the poor levels of guiding. Respondents further indicated that the level of knowledge of guides were insufficient and that there was a lack of enthusiasm and passion in the guiding that was received. In addition, SANParks had been receiving complaints regularly via social media about the behaviour of Open Safari Vehicle (OSV) guides operating in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Complaints also included misinformation communicated by guides. Therefore, the aim of the initiative was to provide an up-skilling opportunity for guides who were operating in the KNP to improve the quality of guiding and to ensure the safety of the visitors whilst guiding in OSVs.

b) SANParks benefitted and continues to benefit by improving the overall visitor experience offered at the KNP. The training increases awareness about acceptable behaviour by guides in the Park and provides guides with the latest and most updated information pertaining to KNP. The above-mentioned research also showed that visitors would be willing to pay more for “exceptional guiding experience” meaning that an increase in quality guiding will have positive financial implications and concurrent employment opportunities for local communities.

c) As this programme is ongoing, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs (SANParks) would be in a better position to respond.

d) (i) The total amount budgeted for this project was R217 000.00.

Two groups were trained in January and February 2019 respectively and the budget was allocated for tuition (including training materials), training venue, accommodation and meals). The training took place at the Skukuza Camp in the Kruger National Park

(ii) Not applicable

Reply:

(a-c) There is one tourism project located in the Msunduzi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal that has received funding support under the Tourism Transformation Fund, which is administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) on behalf of the Department.

The Department has facilitated the establishment of a Women in Tourism Chapter in the KwaZulu Natal Province. The KwaZulu Natal Chapter has a sub-chapter in the Msunduzi Local Municipality.

Reply:

	(a) 2018-2019
i) (aa) What mechanisms and/or processes are used to measure the success of the training.	The completion rate based on the passing of the assignment that tests for guides’ success regarding the training competencies.
i) (bb) What mechanisms and/or processes are used to measure the success of tour guides.	After attending the Kruger National Park Orientation, guides submitted an assignment and had to attain a pass mark of 65%.
ii) (aa) What successes have been identified.	At the time, SANParks reported that the implementation of the KNP Orientation received a lot of positive feedback and they were already seeing an increase in bookings from tourist guides.
(ii) (bb) What failures have been identified.	For this specific training, the challenge that the Department experienced was drop-outs from at least five (5) tourist guides who had confirmed participation in the training but then did not attend. The challenge when implementing up-skilling initiatives in general for existing tourist guides is that work opportunities usually take preference especially for those operating on a freelance basis who rely on work opportunities to earn a living.
(ii) (cc) What steps are being taken by her department in this regard going forward.	To mitigate the risk of drop-outs, for the training programmes that the Department subsequently implemented, guides who committed to attend a training programme were also expected to enter into contracts with the Department which allows the Department to recover any costs incurred should a learner/guide drop off the programme. The Department has noted that this has minimised drop-outs significantly.

No training of tourist guides was done in partnerships with SANParks in the Financial Years of (a) 2019- 2020, 2020- 2021 and (b) since 1 January 2022 to date.

Reply:

(a) and (b)

Eco-Tourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local communities by promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism development, while ensuring the education of travellers, communities and tourism providers”.

Within the context of this definition, it is important to note that these principles directly cut across most of the areas of work of the Department such as nature-based tourism product and infrastructure development and maintenance, community-based tourism, women in tourism initiatives targeted at rural women projects and, nature-based tourist guiding capacity development and recognition. Indirectly, the quality assuarance programme implemented by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) also significantly contribute to sustainability.

The Department derives it’s ecotourism approach from instruments such as the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998; the Tourism Act 3 of 2014 that promotes sustainable tourism; the National Tourism Sector Strategy (revised 2016), the White Paper on Tourism Development and Promotion in SA, 1996 that introduced the responsible tourism principle; the National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162: 2011) and the Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan (2020-2025) which is a framework for environmental management in tourism as well as the Operational Guidelines for Community Based Tourism – 2021. It is also important to note that nature-based tourism already forms the larger part of the country’s leisure tourism offering, and to that extent there is no need to shift towards ecotourism but rather maintain a healthy balance in terms of our tourism offering.

Reply:

1 (a) (i-iii)According to the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014 (Act), the National Registrar of Tourist Guides does not deal with complaints but instead acts as an appeals authority for any person who is aggrieved by a decision of a Provincial Registrar and who wishes to appeal against that decision. The National Registrar is therefore unable to provide information about complaints received and handled during the period in question. As was evident during the audit process, there are several gaps in the existing legislation which will require the Department to undertake a policy and law reform process to among others, assess the role of the National Registrar and ensure that the Department plays an oversight role when it comes to the functions performed at a provincial level. Various policy options would need to be researched and considered. It is possible, however, that the oversight function would be one way of addressing the current inconsistencies and disparities that exist at a provincial level and realise the streamlining of processes.

(b)(i-iii)Section 53 of the Act which deals with the reporting of contraventions and lodging of complaints, states that any person may report a contravention with the Provincial Registrar and if the complaint discloses an offence, the Provincial Registrar must lay a charge with the South African Police Service. Due to the nature of their function with respect to the handling of complaints, it is best that Provincial Registrars be contacted directly to provide more information in this regard.

2. (a and b)In the last three (3) financial years, the result of one (1) case was reported to the National Registrar. The Western Cape Provincial Registrar reported in May 2021 that he issued a sanction to a tourist guide found guilty of committing fraud, misrepresentation and misconduct in terms of section 55 of the Act. As a result, the registration of the guide in question was withdrawn for a period not exceeding five (5) years.

3. (a and b) No further information has been made available to the National Registrar regarding the results of any case dealt with by the Provincial Registrars in terms of section 53 of the Act. The honourable member can contact the various provincial tourism departments/entities that deal with tourist guides.

Reply:

The member is kindly referred to the tabled Annual Performance Reports and presentations to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism as well as the Minutes of the committee for the past three financial years.

a) (1) 2018/19 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2018/19 page 197-199

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Department%20of%20Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202018-2019.pdf

(2) 2019/20 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2019/20 Page 192 -195

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202019-20.pdf

(3) 2020/21 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2020/21 Page 146 -148

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%2020-21.pdf

 

b) Since April 2021 the following infrastructure projects are outlined in the Department’s 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan

1. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented in the National Parks :

(i) (aa) Budget - See Table 1

(bb) Spent – The amount spent must still be audited

(ii) Not Applicable

(iii) The projects were approved for funding following an assessment made by SANParks on the infrastructure maintenance backlog and the need to enhance the tourism products within the parks.

Table 1

NR	NATIONAL PARK	c (i) Date commenced and (ii) end	i (aa) BUDGET ALLOCATED R ‘000	MAINTENANCE WORK (MAIN FOCUS AREAS)
1.	Addo Elephant	Oct 2019-June 2022	R 7.240	Buildings & Services
2.	Camdeboo	Oct 2019-June 2022		Fences
3.	Mountain Zebra	Oct 2019-June 2022		Buildings & roads
4	Karoo	Oct 2019-June 2022		Fence & Buildings
5.	Wilderness	Oct 2019-June 2022	R 4.322	Buildings, bulk services & terrain rehabilitation
6.	Knysna	Oct 2019-June 2022		Terrain rehabilitation
7.	Tsitsikamma	Oct 2019-June 2022		Buildings, bulk services
8.	Golden Gate	Oct 2019-June 2022	R 4.813	Footpaths, fences, buildings & terrain rehabilitation
9.	Marakele	Oct 2019-June 2022		Fences, roads & buildings
10.	Mapungubwe	Oct 2019-June 2022		Buildings, bulk services
11.	Kgalagadi	Nov 2019- Dec 2022	R 10.225	Fences, buildings & roads
12.	Namaqua	March 2020 - June 2022		Fences
13.	Ais Ais Richtersveld	March 2020 - June 2022		Buildings, terrain works
14.	Augrabies	Nov 2019- Dec 2022		Buildings, terrain works
15.	Agulhas	Oct 2019-Dec 2022	R 7.671	Buildings, boardwalks
16.	West Coast	Feb 2020-June 2022		Buildings, roads
17.	Table Mountain	Sept 2020-Oct 2022		Footpaths, hiking trails
18.	Bontebok	Feb 2020-June 2022		Buildings & bulk services
19.	Tankwa Karoo	Feb 2020-June 2022		Buildings, services
20.	Nxanatseni Camp Marula Camp	Nov 2020 – Dec 2022	R 55.145	Buildings, fences, roads, carpentry, electrical

2. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented in one state owned asset in all nine Provinces.

Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed. The projects are at concept and design development stage of the planning phase.

(i) (aa) Budget

The final figures can only be known once successful contractors have been appointed as a competitive process must be followed.

(bb) Spent - Not applicable.

(ii) Not Applicable. There were no ceased provincial maintenance projects.

(iii) The projects were approved for funding following an assessment made by the provinces on their prioritised tourism products which required maintenance and enhancement.

c) . On what date did each project (i) commence and/or (ii) end

Not Applicable. Projects are in the early stages of planning.

3. Support the Implementation of Thirty Community-based Tourism Projects:

Projects 1 to 18 are the incomplete EPWP projects which are now being completed by the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).

1. LP Phiphidi Waterfall
2. LP The Oaks Lodge
3. MP Mnisi Resort
4. LP Ngove
5. LP Tisane
6. LP VhaTsonga
7. FS QwaQwa Guest House
8. FS Vredefort Dome
9. FS Monotsha
10. NW Manyane Lodge
11. NC Platfontein Lodge
12. NC Kamiesburg
13. KZN Muzi Pan
14. EC Maluti Hiking Trail
15. EC Mthonsi Lodge
16. EC Qatywa Lodge
17. EC Nyandeni Chalets
18. EC Western Tembuland

Projects 19 to 30 are at concept design and development planning stage. Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed.

19. NW Lotlamoreng Dam

20. LP Matsila Lodge

21. KZN Anton Lembede Museum eThekwini Municipality

22. NC McGregor Museum

23. KZN AmaHlubi Cultural Heritage

24. NC & NW Sol Plaatjie Museum

25. NW Lehurutshe Liberation Heritage Museum

26. MP Numbi Gate

27. LP Nandoni Dam

28. LP Tshathogwe Game Farm

29. LP Mtititi Game Farm

30. LP Mapate Recreational Social Tourism Facility

(i) (aa) Budget

For processes that will include external service providers budget remains market sensitive and cannot be made public as it could undermine competitiveness.

(bb) Spent:

Not applicable as service providers still need to be appointed.

(ii) What alternatives are in place of the ceased project respectively?

Projects 1 to 18 are the incomplete EPWP projects which are now being completed through the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) after the GTAC investigations and recommendations.

Projects 19 to 30 are new projects. Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed. The projects are in the concept and design development stages.

(iii) What had informed the initiation and/or implementation of each project?

Project numbers 1 to 18 were approved for completion following the GTAC assessments which will be completed by the DBSA.

Projects numbers 19-30 were based on requests from beneficiaries, assessment of viability, availability of resources and support by their respective provincial departments and/or municipalities.

(c) On what date did each project (i) commence and/or (ii) end?

Projects 1 – 18: Projects construction work has not yet commenced. They are in the planning stages.

Projects 19 – 30: Not Applicable. Projects are in the early stages of planning.

Reply:

(a) The Audit Committee receives its mandate from the Treasury Regulations, 3.1.15 which states that “an audit committee may communicate any concerns it deems necessary to the executive authority, the relevant treasury and the Auditor-General”.

In terms of the approved Department of Tourism Audit Committee Charter, the authority of the Audit Committee is outlined as follows:

The Audit Committee has free and unrestricted access to the entire Department activities, records, property, personnel, the Accounting Officer, the Minister, as well as the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).

The Audit Committee is authorised within its scope and responsibilities to:

(i) investigate matters within its powers as identified in the Audit Committee Charter. The necessary resources must be made available to the Audit Committee to investigate such matters, and it shall have full access to the information required. The Audit Committee must safeguard all the information supplied to it within the ambit of the law.

(ii) Seek any information it requires from any employee of the Department and all employees are directed by the Management to comply with any requests made the Audit Committee.

(iii) Obtain outside legal or other independent professional advice and to secure the attendance of outsiders with appropriate experience and expertise if it considers this necessary.

(iv) Meet with Departmental officers, external auditors or other people outside the Department pertaining to any matter within the scope of their responsibilities.

(b) In line with the provisions of the Public Service Risk Management Framework that defines the responsibilities of the Risk Management Committee, the committee’s mandate when recommended internal controls are not implemented is to escalate the matter to the attention of the Accounting Officer.

Reply:

a) According to the section 48 of the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014 (Act), the National Registrar of Tourist Guides does not deal with complaints, but instead acts as an appeals authority for any person who is aggrieved by a decision of a Provincial Registrar and who wishes to appeal against that decision. The National Registrar is therefore unable to provide information about complaints received and handled during the period in question. As was evident during the audit process, there are gaps in the existing legislation which will require the Department to undertake a policy and law reform process to among others, assess the role of the National Registrar and ensure that the Department plays an oversight role when it comes to the functions performed at a provincial level. Various policy options would need to be researched and considered however it is possible that the oversight function would be one way of addressing the current inconsistencies and disparities that exist at a provincial level to realise streamlined processes.

b) Section 53 of the Act which deals with the reporting of contraventions and lodging of complaints, states that any person may report a contravention with the Provincial Registrar and if the complaint discloses an offence, the Provincial Registrar must lay a charge with the South African Police Service. Due to the nature of their function with respect to the handling of complaints, it is best that Provincial Registrars be contacted to provide more information in this regard.

(b)(i-iv) implementation or evoking of the provisions of the Tourism Act in handling complaints led to the testing of the effectiveness of the Law regulating the tourist guiding sector.

Reply:

The department has a Tourism Adaptation Project (TAP). The project seeks to build the resilience and adaptive capacity of the tourism sector to the impacts of climate change. In 2012, the department partnered with the then Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to conduct a Baseline Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism. A Basic Vulnerability Guideline was developed to assist tourism attractions to assess their vulnerability to climate change.

2019/20 - The Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and GIZ, commissioned a detailed climate change risk and vulnerability assessment of the tourism sector. As part of the project, 27 tourism sites were assessed across the country. Furthermore, a three-year implementation plan was developed as part of the project. One of the priorities in the implementation plan is education and training.

2020/21 - To give effect to this priority on climate change education and training, the department, in partnership with the DFFE and GIZ, identified the need for the development of a Climate Change Communication Strategy for the tourism sector. This resulted in the development of the South African Tourism Climate Change Communication Strategy (SATCCCS) in 2021/22 financial year.

An additional five climate change risk and vulnerability assessments were also conducted during 2021/22 in major tourism attraction sites including the following:

• Table Mountain National Park;
• Robben Island
• Kruger National Park
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park; and
• uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.

The Tourism Adaptation Implementation Plan was also updated in 2021/22 financial year.

Reply:

a) 4000 business/applicants were paid. One of which was paid twice.

b) Processing of applications started in April 2020 as the applications came in and concluded on 19 July 2020 when the entire fund had been allocated to 4000 beneficiaries.

Reply:

a) (i),(ii),(iii) and (b)

The Department, through the office of the National Registrar of Tourist Guides has identified the need for a central repository for the provincial databases. This project has been included in the 2022/2023 financial year with some of the technical work expected to take concluded during the first half of the 2023/2024 financial year. The area of the registers/databases pertaining to tourist guides is one such area that will form part of the policy and law reform process. According to the current legislation, registers/databases are maintained at a provincial level by Provincial Registrars without the oversight of the National Registrar. As a result, there are various discrepancies in how the registers/databases are managed at a provincial level sometimes resulting in incorrect and incomplete records pertaining to guides.

(c) (i) and (ii)

For processes that may include external service providers, budgets remain market sensitive and cannot be made available publicly as it could undermine competitiveness.

(d) Currently, Provincial Registrars submit their data on excel spreadsheets which is then consolidated into one spreadsheet.

Reply:

Findings, including repeat findings, are assessed to determine if there was any breakdown in the internal control processes that may have led to findings. An assessment is also made whether findings were as a result of an act of omission on the part of officials, in the execution of their duties, that may have led to the finding. Where officials are found to be responsible for the findings through transgressions, then appropriate action is taken in accordance with the labour relations prescripts and in case of losses, recovery is initiated.

Reply:

The Minister has not met with the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) regarding the infrastructure matter. The Department of Tourism participates in the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM) wherein the Department of Cooperative Governance (COG) coordinates one district plan per district. All departments including those responsible for various types of infrastructure take part in the coordinated implementation of the DDM. The Department of Tourism believes that this approach will yield better results as infrastructure that is good for the community is good for the tourists and the tourism value chain will also benefit.

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable