Questions and Replies
04 May 2022 - NW764
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What measures have been put in place by her department to assist small-scale farmers to create more sustainable jobs on a significant scale?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) made available (in the 2021/22 financial year) R1.5 billion through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and R597million through Ilima/Letsema conditional grants to ensure sustainable production and support to smallholder farmers. This support is in the form of on and off farm infrastructure, production inputs, mechanization, training and mentorship, South African Good Agricultural Practices (SA GAP) certification and livestock improvement through Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) scheme. Through CASP, 4 524 jobs are expected to be created from 437 projects targeted benefiting 7728 black farmers, of which 4 633 are smallholder, 2901 subsistence and 194 commercial farmers. Through Ilima/Letsema, 13 567 jobs are targeted from putting 90 998ha under production supporting 29 659 farmers of which 24 125 are subsistence, 5279 smallholder and 255 commercial farmers. These targeted supports are implemented through Provincial Departments of Agriculture and monitored and verified by the DALRRD.
04 May 2022 - NW1343
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) total amount of the parliamentary grant was allocated to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research annually for the past two decades and (b) portion of the total parliamentary grant was allocated towards defined water programmes each decade?
Reply:
(a)
Financial year |
Amount: R’000 |
Financial year |
Amount: R’000 |
2002 |
R269,883 |
2012 |
R556,837 |
2003 |
R295,429 |
2013 |
R594,478 |
2004 |
R321,996 |
2014 |
R618,849 |
2005 |
R356,992 |
2015 |
R675,340 |
2006 |
R391,007 |
2016 |
R680,485 |
2007 |
R428,055 |
2017 |
R714,105 |
2008 |
R429,013 |
2018 |
R722,373 |
2009 |
R480,320 |
2019 |
R752,149 |
2010 |
R509,122 |
2020 |
R731,202 |
2011 |
R535,357 |
2021 |
R657,846 |
Total |
R4,044,244 |
Total |
R6,703,664 |
(b) (iii) First decade (2002 – 2011) – R47,3 million.
(iv) Second decade (2012 – 2021) – R200 million.
04 May 2022 - NW222
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, with regard to the fact that a number of schools in the Eastern Cape are yet to receive their stationery and groceries for the feeding programme, while scholar transportation is discontinued in some areas, an investigation has been conducted into the total number of schools that are affected; if not, why not; if so, (a) what interventions were put in place and (b) who has been held accountable?
Reply:
Funds for the school meals were disbursed to all schools participating in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) by the second week of the school term. The Eastern Cape (ECDOE) implements the decentralised model where funds are transferred to the schools in 4 tranches, and the schools procure the food required for preparing meals for the learners. 54 district based officials monitor approximately 350 schools per week to ensure that nutritious meals are provided every day on time.
04 May 2022 - NW1210
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) progress has been made with the investigation of certain criminal cases (details furnished) at the Plettenberg Bay Police Station and (b) has been the reason for the delay in finalising the specified investigation?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW953
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What steps are being taken by her department to protect and reclaim properties that have been illegally occupied and/or vandalised?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
I have been informed by the Department that it is in a process of appointing an Independent Service Provider to assist with reclaiming, identification an audit of state-owned properties that are either illegally disposed of, unlawfully occupied, encroached, unregistered, unsurveyed and incorrectly vested.
Corrective measures shall be undertaken to evict illegal occupants and where possible regularise lease contracts with individuals who are qualifying to use the subject properties. The project would also include the reversal of illegally transferred land back to the custodianship of the National Government of the Republic of South Africa.
In addition to the above, the Department will also embark on the letting out of unutilised state- owned immovable assets to interested investors and communities.
Continuous safe guarding of land and active engagements with Courts to obtain eviction orders is also another measure which the Department is using to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
04 May 2022 - NW1108
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Police
(1) On what basis are (a) policemen and (b) policewomen allocated to police stations; (2) whether he has found that it would be beneficial to appoint police officials from within the community boundaries where they live; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW1090
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police
whether, noting that it appears that there is still comprehensive policy governing the use of rubber bullets, despite the fact that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has recorded 91 fatal crowd management incedents between 2012 and 2021, and that it is likely that the bulk of these deaths involved the use of rubber bullets, any progress has been made on the drafting of a comprehensive policy governing the use of rubber bullets; if no policy is in the pipeline, what is the reason for that; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW1276
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Police
Since crime has escalated, what steps is he taking to ensure that more policemen and policewomen are (a) recruited, (b) trained and (c) allocated with crime fighting in the Republic ?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW1305
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 530 on 17 March 2022, he will provide specific cases where the information requested compromised his and the Deputy Minister’s security; if no, on what statutory and/or any other grounds did he rely to determine that the disclosure of th details of vehicles purchased for official use by him and the Deputy Minister would compromise their security, including all Very Important Persons protected by the SA Police Service; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he has found that the disclosure of the details of vehicles purchased for official use by the rest of the members of the Executive have and/or will result in the compromising their security; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW838
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total number of students (a) are registered at each technical and vocational education and training college (TVET) in the Republic, (b) are studying for their (i) undergraduate studies and (ii) post-graduate diplomas, (c) are (i) funded through the National Students Financial Aid Scheme and (ii) are not funded and/or pay for their own fees and (d) from international countries are studying at each specified TVET college?
Reply:
(c)(i) 300,000 TVET colleges students are targeted to receive bursary funding through the National Students Financial Aid Scheme during the 2022 academic year;
(ii) The processing of student applications for NSFAS is still underway and as such the number of unfunded students is not available at this juncture. However, on average 98% of first-time NSFAS applicants in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges qualify for bursaries and do not pay tuition fees. This means that about 2% of first-time NSFAS applicants and NSFAS returning students who do not qualify for bursary funding on the basis of academic performance are the ones who are not funded and as such they are required pay for their own fees.
04 May 2022 - NW420
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether she will indicate what total number of water and electricity bills, which is her department’s responsibility, are outstanding for more than one month; if not, why not; if so, what is the total outstanding amount in each (a) municipality and (b) province; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW485E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I have been informed by the Department that as at 31 January 2022, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure owed an amount of R157 765 088.14 for water and electricity, as per age analysis received from various municipalities. Upon receipt of the age analysis, DPWI further analysed it to confirm the amount outstanding and could then break down the outstanding amount as per the age analysis as follows:
Category of Debt |
Sum of Outstanding amount: Electricity and Water |
Arrears amount confirmed (payments in progress) |
R 14 175 299.01 |
Claims/invoices not yet submitted by municipalities |
R 15 165 658.35 |
Disputes over incorrect billing, interest charged, etc. |
R 42 519 639.02 |
Payment rejected due change of municipal bank account |
R 14 524 049.90 |
Payments not allocated by municipalities |
R 52 482 538.23 |
Reconciliations in progress with municipalities |
R 18 897 903.63 |
Grand Total |
R 157 765 088.14 |
Based on the above review, DPWI can confirm based on the age analysis submitted by municipalities, an outstanding amount of R48 million as at 31 January 2022.
2. DPWI processes all valid invoices received within the stipulated timeframe indicated by municipalities since their invoices are due and payable within the regulated 30 days of receipt of invoice. Notwithstanding the above mentioned, DWPI has made payments across all 257 municipalities for water and electricity to the value of R2.4 million. This is a clear demonstration and continuous endeavours by DPWI to ensure that all valid invoices from municipalities are settled timeously.
04 May 2022 - NW749
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether all service providers that were (a) rendering services and (b) supplying farmers with inputs for production purposes have been paid for services rendered; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a),(b) Yes. All nine provincial offices of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) confirmed that they paid their service providers in full (100%) for services rendered during the 2021/22 financial year.
The table below provides provincial payment analysis of the total R191 878 748.72 that was paid to service providers.
PROVINCE |
PAYMENT TO SERVICE PROVIDERS |
1. Eastern Cape |
R30 476 475,63 |
2. Free State |
R26 971 792,65 |
3. Gauteng |
R28 125 511,16 |
4. KwaZulu Natal |
R42 951 353,83 |
5. Limpopo |
R23 015 577,27 |
6. Mpumalanga |
R14 908 153,44 |
7. Northern Cape |
R11 215 339,07 |
8. North West |
R9 408 666,34 |
9. Western Cape |
R4 805 879,33 |
TOTALS |
R191 878 748,72 |
04 May 2022 - NW789
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, she will provide Mr N P Masipa with (a) a list of all medical and/or vaccine products currently available for sale including the total number of doses available for immediate sale, (b) a list of all products not available and (c) the expected date for availability; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with audited accounts and/or reports of what was achieved with the R500 million that was given eight years ago to the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) to achieve Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether the GMP certification status been achieved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether the forensic audit, that was requested by the former Chief Executive Officer of OBP has been (a) initiated and/or (b) conducted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW968E
Reply:
1. (a) Yes. Please refer to Tables 1 and 2 below for medical and/or vaccine products currently available for sale but excluding the total number of doses available for immediate sale. OBP is unable to disclose the number of doses without compromising its competitive advantage and exposing its business to market competitors and giving them a potentially unfair advantage.
Table 1: PRODUCT AVAILABLE IN DISTRIBUTION AND READY FOR SALE |
Table 2: PRODUCT AVAILABLE AND READY TO BE PACKED |
|||
PRODUCT NAME |
AVAILABLE |
PRODUCT NAME |
AVAILABLE |
|
ANTHRAX 100ml |
Yes |
RIFT VALLEY FEVER LIVE 100ml |
Yes |
|
BLACK QUARTER 100ml |
Yes |
HORSE SICKNESS 12 DOSE PACK |
Yes |
|
BLUE TONGUE 100ml |
Yes |
LUMPY SKIN DISEASE 50DOS |
Yes |
|
BOTULISM 100ml |
Yes |
WESSELSBRON DISEASE 1ml |
Yes |
|
BOTULISM 50ml |
Yes |
RIFT VALLEY FEVER LIVE 50ML |
Yes |
|
BRUCELLA CFT ANTIGEN 20ml |
Yes |
GASGANGRINE COMPLEX |
Yes |
|
BRUCELLA MRT ANTIGEN 20ml |
Yes |
BLUE TONGUE A-FinQC |
Yes |
|
BRUCELLA RB ANTIGEN 20ml |
Yes |
PASTEURELLA (CATTLE) 100ML |
Yes |
|
BRUCELLA REV 1 100ml 50D |
Yes |
BLUE TONGUE C-FinQC |
Yes |
|
BRUCELLA STD SERUM 1ml |
Yes |
BOTULISM/BLACK QUARTER |
Yes |
|
CALF PARATYPHOID INACT 12x10ml |
Yes |
BLACK QUARTER 100ml |
Yes |
|
ELEPHANT SKIN DISEASE 10ml |
Yes |
CALF PARATYPHOID INACT 10ml |
Yes |
|
GASGANGRINE COMPLEX 100 ML |
Yes |
BRUCELLA REV 1 100ml Dos 50 |
Yes |
|
HORSE SICKNESS 12 DOSE PACK |
Yes |
BOTULISM 100ml |
Yes |
|
LEUKOPAST 3 (CATTLE) 100ml |
Yes |
GLYCERINE WATER |
Yes |
|
LUMPY SKIN DISEASE 100ML 50DOS |
Yes |
RIFT VALLEY FEVER INACT 100ml |
Yes |
|
LUMPY SKIN DISEASE 50ML 25DOS |
Yes |
BOTULISM 50ml |
Yes |
|
PASTEURELLA (CATTLE) 100ml50do |
Yes |
B-PHEMERAL VACCINE 10 DOSE |
Yes |
|
PASTEURELLA (SHEEP) 100ml |
Yes |
SWELLED HEAD 100ml |
Yes |
|
PULPY KIDNEY (ALUM) 100ml |
Yes |
LEUKOPAST 3 (CATTLE) 100ml |
Yes |
|
REDWATER AFRICA 5ml |
Yes |
BRUCELLA MRT ANTIGEN 20ml |
Yes |
|
REDWATER ASIATIC 5ml |
Yes |
BRUCELLA MRT ANTIGEN 20ml |
Yes |
|
RIFT VALLEY FEVER INACT 100ml |
Yes |
BRUCELLA REV 1 100ml Dos 50 |
Yes |
|
RIFT VALLEY FEVER LIVE 100ml |
Yes |
BRUCELLA REV 1 100ml Dos 50 |
Yes |
|
SWELLED HEAD 100ml |
Yes |
BRUCELLA MRT ANTIGEN 20ml |
Yes |
|
TETANUS (2x10ml Botls in 1 DC) |
Yes |
(b),(c)
(b) PRODUCTS NOT AVAILABLE |
(c) EXPECTED DATE OF AVAILABILITY |
HEARTWATER |
End May 2022 |
ANAPLASMA |
End May 2022 |
BRUCELLA S19 |
End May 2022 |
2. Yes. OBP will make the report on the expenditure once available. Expenditure against the R492.5 million government support to OBP to improve its infrastructure to be compliant to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) in 2014 is a matter of review and investigation by the current Board of OBP. A consulting firm was contracted to conduct this investigation in September 2021. The OBP was not satisfied with the report and is in the process of seeking a second opinion on the expenditure and value for money on what has been spent to-date.
3. No. OBP has a cGMP roadmap as per its Corporate Plan stating that 80% of the activities towards Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance should be achieved in the 2023/2024 Financial Year. The process of obtaining GMP Certification at OBP has been divided into two parts, namely:
- The building of a GMP facility, and
- Activities and Processes of the organization to comply with cGMP requirements. Progress with respect to GMP facility is a matter of dispute with contractors whilst activities related to complying to cGMP process requirements, gap analysis audit has been conducted and the areas of concern have been highlighted by the creation of a cGMP Roadmap, which is a working document. Training on the fundamentals of cGMP was conducted at various levels within the organization to create awareness within the organization.
4. Yes. OBP’s external auditors (the Auditor-General) issued a management report for Financial Year End March 2019 with findings on some awards specifically aligned to the GMP project.
(a) A forensic investigation was initiated because of the report of the Auditor-General.
(b) A forensic investigation was conducted, and a report was issued in March 2020 on various matters which included some awards related to GMP. The current Board had requested an initial review to be done by management and a second review has been prompted by further aspects that require a multi-disciplinary team.
04 May 2022 - NW476
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
With regard to the findings of the Canadian-funded research conducted by an independent research expert into the reasons that government departments are battling to finalise disciplinary cases, (a) what strategy has her department adopted in response to the findings of the specified research and in an effort to deal conclusively with the finalisation of outstanding disciplinary cases within the Public Service and (b) how will the strategy be rolled out and/or implemented across (i) national and (ii) provincial government departments?
Reply:
a) The department adopted a strategy to address discipline management in departments, which in the short term focusses on strengthening basic discipline management processes/systems and addresses knowledge gaps; and in the long term addresses the decentralised nature of discipline management.
The short term interventions are the following:
i) Strengthening basic discipline management processes/systems:
- Assisting of departments with long overdue cases to update their records on discipline management, to interrogate the reasons for case backlogs and to provide monthly feedback to the Public Administration Ethics Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) on progress made and steps taken. An electronic tool was developed to be used by those departments with long overdue backlogs. The PAIEDTAU monitors progress and plans technical assistance based on the submitted progress reports.
- Addressing the Personnel Salary System (PERSAL) inefficiencies through consolidating and reducing the number of categories for transgressions to improve the capturing of data, the standard of reporting, and to enable PAEIDTAU to download electronic reports that can identify trends. This project will make it easier for data capturers to capture relevant data in a sensible way.
- Addressing non-compliance – Non-compliance letters are addressed to those departments not providing reports to the DPSA and failing to keep within the specified timeframes. Feedback reports are monitored on a monthly basis. Non-compliance is furthermore highlighted in quarterly reports and submitted to the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD).
ii) Addressing knowledge gaps:
- Providing guidance to labour relations officials on discipline management, by:
Adopting a Guide on Discipline Management – A new Guide on managing discipline in the public service was adopted on 1 April 2021. This consolidated all relevant discipline management frameworks into one guide.
Adopting a Directive on Discipline Management – This is currently being finalised and will enforce the implementation of the Guide. This will direct the use of PERSAL in recording disciplinary cases, with a designated official(s) in departments to be made responsible for recording and to include this in the job descriptions.
-
- Developing of a training course for discipline management (based on the Guide) – A pilot was conducted in December 2021 and the course will be rolled out in the 2022/2023 financial year.
- Using of an online platform to provide labour relations officials with easy access to discipline management courses and material. The DPSA is in the process of procuring such a platform.
- Maintaining a record of those employees who were trained on discipline management to be consulted when departments request assistance with initiators and chairpersons.
- Providing continuous technical assistance to departments based on identified needs, as identified in quarterly reports.
The long term interventions are the following:
Reviewing of the disciplinary code Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council, Resolution 1 of 2003 to address identified shortcomings contributing to case backlogs, including tabling it for negotiations in the last quarter of the coming financial year (2022-2023).
Amendments to required legislation to centralise the function of discipline management under the DPSA, with sufficient capacity allocated to the PAEIDTAU to be able to manage this function.
b) The strategy will be rolled out as follows:
The PAEIDTAU will provide technical assistance to prioritised departments and provinces (those with the most case backlogs). Scheduled visits will be made to these departments and provinces, and interventions will be planned in collaboration with the Offices of the Premiers. Support will also be provided in terms of sourcing chairpersons and initiators to ensure cases are finalised. Training will be provided to Labour Relations officers, who will then be expected to conduct discipline management training in their respective departments (using the “Train-the-trainer” approach).
To capacitate Labour Relations Officials, the non-functioning National Labour Relations Forum will be activated to create a platform for sharing good practise and to create awareness on legislation, regulations and guides.
04 May 2022 - NW1318
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
(1) what (a) are the details of challenged experienced with the current Automated Finger print Identification System (AFIS) in the (i) 2019-20,(ii) 2020-21 and (ii) 2021-22 financial years and (b) is the current backlog attributed to the challenges with AFIS for (i) police clearance certificates and (ii0 firearms licence applications; (2) whether a replacement system is being considered; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date will it be implemented?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW1319
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
with reference to the Combined DNA Index System, what (a0 is the current status of the memorandum of agreement between the (i) Federal Bureau of Investigation and (ii) SA Police Service, (b) are the reasons for the delay in signing the specified memorandum, (c) alternatives are being considered and (d) are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW1182
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the details of the services rendered by her department’s various veterinarian services?
Reply:
The Veterinary Services of the country is constitutionally decentralized, comprised of the national component and nine Provincial Veterinary Services. The responsibility of policy formulation, legislation and international liaison rests with the national component, while the implementation and direct service to the clients is the responsibility of the provincial components. The functions and services applied include the following:
- Implementation and enforcement of the Animal Disease Act 35 of 1984, the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act no. 40 of 2000), Animal Welfare Act, Animal Identification Act 2002 (Act 6 of 2005);
- Develop and promulgate policy, norms, standards and legislation for the prevention and control of animal diseases and to promote animal health;
- Develop policy to reduce sanitary risks in the import and export of animals and animal products;
- Ensure compliance with international animal health obligations and responsibilities.
- Monitor, evaluate and modify, as required, all legislation pertaining to animal disease control (Animal Disease Act 35 of 1984 and accompanying Regulations);
- Contribute to an efficient and comprehensive risk analysis service with regard to animal diseases;
- Initiate, analyse and facilitate specific animal disease surveillance programmes;
- Monitor and audit areas under restriction for animal disease control;
- Facilitate and audit the maintenance of disease control fences, including liaison with neighbouring countries as required;
- Facilitate, monitor and audit the control of animal disease outbreaks;
- Provide National Animal Health contact point with regard to international liaison and reporting obligations;
- Manage and maintain a database of import and export approved facilities and quantities imported and exported;
- Audit the enforcement of policy for the establishment and management of import and export approved facilities;
- Issue veterinary import permits;
- Develop, analyse and audit policy for the surveillance of animal diseases and diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans;
- Develop, analyse and audit policy on disease reporting;
- Manage controlled animal disease information;
- Manage animal disease early warning system;
- Audit the policy to ensure adequate laboratory services;
- Audit the enforcement of quality systems in diagnostic veterinary laboratories;
- Audit the enforcement of policy for reference laboratories;
- Facilitate the provision of preventative veterinary activities and regulate the production of safe animal products and by-products;
- Regulate the production of safe animal products and by-products;
- Facilitate and co-ordinate animal welfare matters as well as preventative veterinary activities;
- Develop policies, norms and standards that promotes the safety of food of animal origin;
- Manage risks associated with safety of food of animal origin;
- Audit veterinary food safety hygiene assessment systems;
- Audit the certification of the safety of food of animal origin;
- Develop a Basic Animal Health Care System;
- Coordinate the community veterinary services programme to communities, through the provinces; and
- Develop and organize awareness programmes on veterinary Hygiene.
04 May 2022 - NW1159
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he will furnish Dr L A Schreiber with copies of any and all legal opinion(s) that he and/or his department obtained regarding the definition of indigenous languages as used in the revised Language Policy Framework for Higher Education Institutions, dated 30 October 2020, with particular reference to information contained in any legal opinion regarding the exclusion of Afrikaans as well as the Khoi, San and Nama languages from the definition of indigenous languages through the Language Policy Framework’s stipulation that only languages belonging to the Southern Bantu language family are considered to be indigenous to South Africa; if not, why not; if so, on what date?
Reply:
My Department is prepared to share the legal advice it has received on the matter regarding the status of Afrikaans and Khoi languages as indigenous languages of South Africa, as well as other documents consulted in developing the Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions (Policy Framework), published on 30 October 2020. This matter has been engaged extensively within the Department and proposed amendments by the legal opinion to the definition of indigenous languages contained in the Policy Framework are underway. The Legal Services section of my Department can compile and make available the required documents on request.
04 May 2022 - NW1256
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police
(1) what (a) are the relevant details on the current status of the SA Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET) that was established in 2010 in order to provide financial assistance to the children of SA Police Service employees who died in the execution of official duties to finance the cost of their remaining children’s educational needs (details furnished) and (b0 number of bursaries has SAPSET been able to provide in the past financial year; (2) whether he will furnish Ms Z Majozi with the (a) annual report and (b) financial statements of SAPSET which should be available to him as well as to the public at large as SAPSET is staffed by SAPS personnel; if not, why not; if so, on what date?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW1196
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
In light of the findings of the 2020-21 fifth edition of the Global Report on Food Crises, which indicated that the number of persons facing acute food insecurity and requiring urgent food, nutrition and livelihoods assistance is on the rise and aggravated by COVID-19, and that this situation is likely to worsen due to the war in Eastern Europe, what adaptive strategies does her department have in place to ensure that there is no shortage of food supply during this period?
Reply:
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has held meetings with food processors, leaders in the fruit and grains industry, agricultural trading groups, and farmer associations to discuss Russia-Ukraine conflict and its potential implications of the sector. The sector engagement evaluated the availability of food supplies and farming input supplies for the coming months amidst the conflict.
As a result of recent good harvests on crops and some of the fruits, which have been coupled with acceptable levels of imports such as rice and wheat, there is no need to be concerned that the country could experience food shortages.
Further engagements that have occurred between government and industry players focused on:
- Ensuring increased frequency of reporting by wheat traders: The discussions encouraged wheat traders to declare their intentions to import wheat eight (8) weeks in advance to the South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS); and
- Increase the frequency of reporting on fertilizers prices: Fertilizer price changes are reported on a monthly basis to act as an early warning sign on price hikes. Furthermore, importers of fertilizer are encouraged to voluntarily declare their intentions to import fertilizers eight (8) weeks in advance to ensure that sufficient quantities of fertilizer are available in the country.
04 May 2022 - NW1275
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Police
(a) On what basis and/or requirements are reservists allocated and (b) what number of applications for training as police reservist did his department received for the (i) Actonville and (ii) Benoni Police Stations that have not been finalised and/or allocated in the past three years?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW1298
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)What were the total monthly costs for facilities management for (a) the parliamentary precinct, (b) Acacia Park, (c) Laboria Park and (d) Pelican Park for the (i)(aa) 2019-20 and (bb) 2020-21 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2021; (2) whether facilities management companies have been appointed for the abovementioned precinct and residential villages; if not, what are the projected dates for finalising the appointment of the companies; if so, what (a) are the names of the approved facilities management companies, (b) is the duration of each contract and (c) is the envisaged monthly cost for each contract?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
1. I have been informed by the Department that the monthly costs for the period in question are as follows:
Financial Year |
Precinct |
Acacia Park |
Pelican Park |
Laboria Park |
2019/20 |
71 900 699,77 |
41 078 469,60 |
19 683 433,35 |
24 818 242,05 |
2020/21 |
45 303 375,98 |
25 550 801,65 |
11 995 117,64 |
15 139 303,41 |
2021/22 |
19 697 474,82 |
8 281 908, 44 |
1 978 276,89 |
2 097 824,56 |
Total |
R136 901 550,57 |
R74 911 179,69 |
R33 656 827,88 |
R42 055 370,02 |
(2) The Facilities Management Company has not yet been appointed for the Parliament Precinct.
For all Official Residential Accommodation:
(a) Tefla Group (PTY) Ltd was appointed as the Facilities Management Company in March 2022,
(b) They are appointed for a period of 5years
(c) The monthly cost is approximately R8,5 million.
04 May 2022 - NW1315
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Police
With regard to an armed attack on 16 March 2022 on the home of Deputy Judge President Goliath, and in view of the report investigation by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services of an alleged hit arranged on the specified judge, what (a0 steps were taken to evaluate the risk posed to the life of the specified person, (b) was the outcome of the assessment and (c) precautions were put in place and/or remain in place, in order to ensure her safety?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW793
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) Whether the detailed asset registers from the consulting Facilities Management firms have been provided to management, as stipulated on page 65 of the BDO report under Finding 1; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether these will be used comparatively to determine that the IAR is accurate for the Parliamentary precinct; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
I have been informed by the Department that:
- Yes
- Yes
04 May 2022 - NW1188
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
In view of the 1 168 vehicles of the SA Police Service that are out of service in Gauteng alone, (a) what total number of vehicles are out of service in each province and (b)(i) how and 9ii) on what date is it envisaged that the persistent problem of broken police vehicles will be resolved?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 May 2022 - NW822
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether the grounds at the Union Buildings where the Khoisan group have been camping for the past three years are part of the national key point jurisdiction; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether her department has consulted with other relevant departments regarding safety measures around the specified buildings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether her department has engaged with the specified group; if not, what (a) is the position in this regard and (b) is the solution to the occupation; if so, what are the further, relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I have been informed by the Department that the South lawn grounds are not part of the National Key point, only the Union Buildings Precinct has been declared a National Key point.
2. The Department deployed the Private Security Company, Shellman Security, in January 2022 to secure the area. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has also approached SAPS stationed at Union Buildings to assist the Private Security Company in monitoring the area.
3. The Department did not engage the specified group on the matter. The Presidency Office engaged the group. The DPWI is responsible for the eviction process of the group on site. The Sheriff is currently in the process of serving documents.
04 May 2022 - NW1189
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) are the details of the functions of the inspectorate division of the SA Police Service (SAPS) and (b) is the inspectorate division’s specific mandate, since its performance is not recorded in any SAPS report?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
29 April 2022 - NW1219
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether he has been informed that the contactors who are now part of Global Consulting Direct International, terminated employment contracts of a number of workers who had been working on the construction of Kusile Power Station; if not, why not; if so, has he engaged the specified company to find out the reasons for terminating the contracts of mainly black workers?
Reply:
According to the information received from ESKOM
Eskom does not have a contract with Global Consulting Direct International at Kusile and across Eskom.
29 April 2022 - NW900
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
With reference to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the increase of automation, more use for robotic components and an urgent need to upskill those whose jobs are in danger of becoming redundant, coupled with the many opportunities for the Republic to benefit from the changes 4IR will bring, what are the details of the plans that have been put in place by his department to ensure that the Republic benefits from the changes in the labour force?
Reply:
Automation is an enabler of innovation and not the other way round, it is important to understand that fact. After we have understood that, we must then grasp other facts that, economies are stimulated and driven by innovation. If we speak about change, change should not be for the sake of change but it should be adapted to the needs of the economy and its population. There is a notion that has become a cliché that speaks about change because somewhere someone is talking about change rather than change dictated by our own environment.
Albeit, we must agree that education and training institutions are central in driving skills that are needed by the changing economy. That is why my Department and the Department of Higher Education are always in constant collaboration on critical skills that are needed by the economy. As result, there is a critical skills list that speaks to the demand of our economy. This assists us in better responding to the needs of the labour market.
In responding to the 4th Industrial Revolution, the Honourable member will know that the President has established a commission amongst the others the Commission is to assist the government in taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital industrial revolution. The Commission will further identify relevant policies, strategies and action plans that will position South Africa as a competitive global player.
The work of the Commission will be tabled at NEDLAC for further discussion on how to come up with policies that will respond to the changes in the labour market as well as how to upskill, reskill and produce future skills that will be needed by the economy.
As a country that is grappling with unemployment, we must ensure that change does not exclude our people in the world of work but enhance their productivity, mobility and speaks to the needs of the population.
END
29 April 2022 - NW1218
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Whether he has been informed of Eskom employees who had recently resigned and are now part of the Global Consulting Direct International contract which is carrying out construction at the Kusile Power Station; if not, why not; if so, has he found it to be regular for former employees to take over as private contractors; (2) which responsibilities were the specified employees directly associated with while being Eskom employees?
Reply:
According to the information received from ESKOM:
1 Eskom does not have a contract with Global Consulting Direct International at Kusile and across Eskom.
2. Not applicable.
29 April 2022 - NW1155
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she has received the report from the Ministerial Task Team on Animal Biosecurity with special emphasis on Foot-and-Mouth-Disease, African Swine Fever and Highly-Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which she appointed in August 2021; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date (i) did she receive the report and (ii) does she intend to release the specified report; (2) whether she has implemented any part of the report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes. A draft report has been received.
a) (i) 2 March 2022 and a discussion held on the 29th of April 2022.
(ii) The Report will be released after the Minister has completed her assessment.
2. No. Final report has not yet been tabled.
29 April 2022 - NW1181
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the reasons that the SA Veterinary Council is against the training of farmers to do artificial insemination on horses?
Reply:
Artificial insemination in horses is a procedure that requires thorough knowledge of the structure and functions of all reproductive organs of a horse. Even thoroughly trained equine specialists need to exercise extreme care when undertaking this procedure with specialised instruments due to the fact that the tissues in and around the area operated on are susceptible to tearing. The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) is against training of farmers due to the concern that insufficiently trained person(s) may likely cause tearing of the rectal tissues causing unnecessary complications and suffering to the animals.
29 April 2022 - NW1209
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether Transnet has taken a decision to issue tenders without preferential criteria such as broad-based black economic empowerment, exempted micro-enterprise and/or qualifying small enterprise and minimum 30% sub-contracting requirements; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what is the (a) reason for this and (b) implication of the decision on transformation?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
a) Pursuant to section 217(2) of the Constitution, the Transnet SOC Ltd (Transnet) Board of Directors has approved an addendum to the company’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) Policy – effective 25 March 2022 - to allow Transnet to include specific provisions for preferential procurement in its procurement processes.
The Board of Directors resolved to continue applying the 80/20 and 90/10 preference point system provided for in section 2(1) of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000 (PPPFA) – in order to promote preferential procurement in its processes, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to transformation and empowerment.
The Board has determined monetary thresholds for the application of the 80/20 and 90/10 preference point systems that will continue to provide certainty to bidders and Transnet’s procurement processes until new Preferential Procurement Regulations are promulgated or the Constitutional Court judgment is clarified.
This approach aligns with the Constitutional Court ruling that the policies of organs of state should take charge of driving transformation and preference in procurement to give effect to section 217(2) of the Constitution.
b) Transnet’s transformational objectives will be achieved. Transnet’s amended policies will ensure that the SOC continue to provide certainty to bidders and Transnet’s procurement processes until new Preferential Procurement Regulations are promulgated or the Constitutional Court judgment is clarified.
29 April 2022 - NW651
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the details of the communal areas in (a) the Eastern Cape and (b) Limpopo in terms of the (i) number of dipping tanks for sheep and cattle, (ii) districts and/or areas where they are located, (iii) distances that the animals travel to reach the dipping facilities, (iv) details of the dipping committees and (v) frequencies of dipping in the past 10 years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) Eastern Cape Province
(i) 1 555 dipping tanks for cattle. There are no dipping tanks for sheep.
(ii)-(v) Refer to Table 1 below.
(b) Limpopo Province
(i) 1 466 dipping tanks for cattle. There are no dipping tanks for sheep.
(ii)-(v) Refer to Table 2 below.
TABLE 1: EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Categories |
(i) Number of Dipping Tanks |
(ii) District |
Local |
Village |
(iii) Distances that the animals travel to reach the dipping facilities |
(iv) Details of the dipping committees |
(v) Frequencies of dipping in the past 10 years; |
Sheep |
The sheep dipping tanks are not part of the EC Provincial Veterinary Services. The government intervention on sheep is in terms of sheep scab treatments to improve the quality and quantity of the wool clip. |
||||||
Cattle |
40 |
Alfred Nzo |
Ntabankulu |
19 wards |
2 to 4 km |
All dipping committees are functional. 1 per dipping tank, 4 per LM and 1 per district. |
Mbizana: dips weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. Rest: fortnightly in summer and monthly in winter. |
56 |
Mbizana |
32 wards |
|||||
71 |
Mzimvubu |
28 wards |
|||||
69 |
Matatiele |
27 wards |
|||||
236 |
Total |
||||||
113 |
Amathole |
Mbashe |
1 to 5 km |
Not all dipping committees are functional, approximately 70% are functional. |
Raymond Mhlaba is inland: dips monthly in winter and fortnightly in summer. The rest are coastal: dips weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. |
||
23 |
Buffalo City |
||||||
9 |
Ngqushwa |
||||||
107 |
Mnquma |
||||||
2 |
Mahlathi |
||||||
23 |
Raymond Mhlaba |
||||||
277 |
Total |
||||||
66 |
Chris Hani |
Intsikayethu |
1 to 5 km |
95% of the dipping committees are functional. |
All are inland: the dipping is done once a month in winter and twice a month in summer. |
||
68 |
Ngcobo |
||||||
53 |
Emalahleni |
||||||
44 |
Sakhisizwe |
||||||
37 |
Inxuba Yethemba |
||||||
116 |
Enoch Mgijima |
||||||
384 |
Total |
||||||
37 |
Joe Gqabi |
Senqu |
500m-1.5km |
Dipping committees are functional |
All are inland: the dipping is done once a month in winter and twice a month in summer. |
||
140 |
Elundini |
100m-5km |
|||||
63 |
Walter Sisulu |
100m-5km |
|||||
240 |
Total |
||||||
61 |
O.R. Tambo |
Ingquza Hill |
31 wards and 61 villages with dipping tanks |
3-5 km |
95% of the dipping committees are functional. |
The whole municipality is treated as coastal. Dipping happens weekly in summer months and twice a month in winter months. |
|
101 |
KSD |
35 wards, 102 villages |
3 to 5 km |
95% have functional dipping committees and others have community animal health workers. |
Mqanduli area of KSD: In summer, dipping is done weekly for all the villages along the coast and in winter fortnightly. All KSD: (Mthatha and Mqanduli, the inland area, the dipping is done once a month in winter and twice a month in summer. |
||
82 |
Nyandeni |
31 wards and 82 villages with dipping tanks |
3-5 km |
98 % functional dipping committees. This is the one of the municipalities without community animal health workers. |
Ngqeleni and Libode Coastal area: these areas are dipped every week in summer months and twice a month in winter months. Nyandeni inland: the dipping is done fortnightly in summer months and once a month in winter months. |
||
40 |
Port St Johns |
20 wards and 40 villages with dipping tanks. |
3-5 km |
66% functional dipping committees. There are no community animal health workers in the municipality. |
The whole municipality is treated as coastal. Dipping happens weekly in summer months and twice a month in winter months. |
||
88 |
Mhlontlo |
26 wards and 88 villages with dipping tanks. |
3-5 km |
88 % have dipping committees. Others have fully employed community animal health workers. |
The whole local municipality is regarded as inland. The dipping is twice a month in summer months and once a month or even suspended in winter months. The suspension all depends on the weather. |
||
392 |
Total |
||||||
7 |
Sarah Baartman |
Kouga |
1 to 5 km |
Functional dipping committees or farmers representatives in all areas. |
Dr Beyer’s Naude is in Land: monthly in winter and fortnightly in summer. Rest of the areas are coastal: dips weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. |
||
17 |
Koukamma |
||||||
46 |
Nelson Mandela Bay |
||||||
10 |
Sunday’s River Valley |
||||||
36 |
Dr Beyer’s Naude |
||||||
42 |
Makana |
||||||
22 |
Ndlambe |
||||||
6 |
Blue Crane Route |
||||||
179 |
Total |
||||||
1 555 |
Grand Total |
NB: The above list includes dipping tanks and handling facilities for spray dipping and/or pour-ons. The State provides the acaricide in all of them.
TABLE 2: LIMPOPO PROVINCE
Categories |
(i) Number of Dipping Tanks |
(ii) Districts |
Local Municipality |
Village |
(iii) Distances that the animals travel to reach the dipping facilities |
(iv) Details of the dipping committees |
(v) Frequencies of dipping in the past 10 years. |
Sheep |
NONE |
|
|||||
Cattle |
230 |
Mopani |
Letaba |
52 villages |
Overall average of 1-6km |
Dipping committees are functional and composed of cattle farmers. |
Weekly in villages around the Kruger National Park. Frequency increased during the Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Every 28 days in communal areas. |
Tzaneen |
41 villages |
||||||
Baphalaborwa |
15 villages |
||||||
Maruleng |
48 villages |
||||||
Giyani |
74 villages |
||||||
Cattle |
223 |
Vhembe |
Musina |
56 villages |
Overall average of 1-6km |
All dipping committees are functional and composed of cattle farmers. |
Weekly in villages around the Kruger National Park. Frequency increased during the Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Every 28 days in communal areas. |
Makhado |
68 villages |
||||||
Collins Chabane |
54 villages |
||||||
Thulamela |
45 villages |
||||||
Cattle |
331 |
Sekhukhune |
Makhuduthamakga |
104 villages |
Overall average of 1-6km |
All dipping committees are functional and composed of cattle farmers. |
Weekly and frequency increased during Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Every 28 days in communal areas. |
Elias Motsoaledi |
40 villages |
||||||
Ephraim Mogale |
51 villages |
||||||
Fetakgomo-tubatse |
136 villages |
||||||
Cattle |
223 |
Waterberg |
Modimolle-mookgophong |
41 villages |
Overall average of 1-6km |
All dipping committees are functional and composed of cattle farmers.
|
Weekly and frequency increased during Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Every 28 days in communal areas. |
Mogalakwena |
117 villages |
||||||
Lephalale |
41 villages |
||||||
Bela-Bela |
11 villages |
||||||
Thabazimbi |
13 villages |
||||||
Cattle |
417 |
Capricorn |
Molemole |
32 villages |
Overall average-1-6km |
All dipping committees are functional and compose of cattle farmers. |
Weekly and frequency increased during Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Every 28 days in communal areas. |
Lepelle Nkumpi |
89 villages |
||||||
Blouberg |
104 villages |
||||||
Polokwane |
192 villages |
29 April 2022 - NW1252
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether, in light of the fact that he is on record saying that he understands the frustrations of South Africans pertaining to illegal migrants, and given the absence of the requisite number of immigration officers, law enforcement officers and the Border Management Authority, he has found that it is a fact that the Republic is facing an illegal migration crisis in which Operation Dudula has allegedly been assisting his department and other law enforcement authorities to identify undocumented and/or illegal persons and businesses; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so’ (2) whether his department supports the efforts of Operation Dudula; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what plans has his department put in place in order to (a) identify all illegal foreign nationals who are currently within the borders of the Republic and (b) ensure that they are deported?
Reply:
(1) The Department does not condone any illegal activities. The activities of Operation Dudula of identifying and forcefully removing alleged illegal foreign nationals in identified communities is not a programme of the Department.
The Department of Home Affairs through its Inspectorate has the legal mandate to ensure that all persons in South Africa are lawfully permitted to be here. The inspectorate does regular inspections and conducts investigations to detect those who may be here unlawfully. Multi-disciplinary operations with the South African Police Services and Metropolitan Police, including inspections of businesses, is a key source of the detection of illegal foreign nationals, their arrest and deportation.
In carrying out its function the inspectorate will first look at information received from all members of the public and investigate the matter before appropriate action can be taken. The Department of Home Affairs will not act upon any unverified information in applying the Immigration Act.
When a foreign national is found to be in the country without status by the Inspectorate, the undocumented individual can either be deported, issued with an Order to Depart or a Notice to Report to an Immigration Officer at specified intervals (with particular reference to those who must depart the country with their families) while in the process of leaving the country.
In situations where criminal charges are preferred against suspects, the individuals who provided the information including those affiliated to Operation Dudula, can be summonsed to court to give evidence in the state’s case.
It must be noted that presently the world is facing an international global crisis with regards to migration. The RSA government does not have a precise number of undocumented immigrants in the Republic due to the clandestine nature of the act of being here illegally. A number of persons entered without being recorded on any system and live here as unrecorded. It is only when they are detected or their presence is noted that we are able to act. However, the Department is looking how to manage migration issues with a view to find sustainable solutions.
(2) The Inspectorate is a law enforcement unit whose mandate is to enforce immigration laws through the investigation of unlawfulness and ensure redress in accordance with set prescripts, together with other law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Services and the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. The Department can therefore, not be in support of any activities by anybody or any structure which are not informed by the above prescripts and the rule of law.
(3)(a) The conduct of multi-disciplinary operations with the South African Police Services and Metropolitan Police as well as inspections, including those of businesses, is a key source of the detection of illegal foreign nationals, their arrest and deportation. The strategy is captured in the DHA Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2022/23.
(3)(b) In its daily operations, the provincial Inspectorates record all the documents issued in terms of each arrested on the Case Management System (CMS), which must be verified and approved at different levels of management before approval for direct deportation to neighbouring or a transfer to the Lindela Holding Facility to conduct mass deportations. The proof of deportation in a case can be drawn from the CMS where required.
END
29 April 2022 - NW1117
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to his reply to oral question 3 on 2 March 2022, that his department and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) are working with the National Treasury in order to finalise a protocol and system in terms of which the NPA will be enabled to make use of donor funding in order to deal with the prosecution of cases that are flowing from the reports of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, what (a) progress has been made in finalising the specified protocol and system and (b) is the target date by which the protocol and system will be finalised and implemented?
Reply:
On 17 February 2022, the Director-General (DG) of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) approved the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s request to establish a multi-disciplinary Task Team to Develop/Review the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Donor Review Committee prepared by the NPA.
The Task Team met on 8 March and 25 March 2022. The Task Team is currently in the process of compiling a detailed report to the National Director of Public Prosecutions and the DG of DoJ&CD in which certain recommendations will be made on purpose, and the rules and procedures that will govern its operations.
The target date for implementation of the protocol is 30 June 2022.
29 April 2022 - NW1019
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) action is his department taking to curb the smuggling of goods and contraband into prisons and (b) number of officials who are implicated in the cases have been (i) officially dismissed and (ii) prosecuted in the past two years?
Reply:
a) The following are the key actions towards curbing the contraband into DCS facilities:
- DCS officials are sensitised to comply with Security policies and procedures by ensuring that proper and regular searches of inmates, officials, visitors and services providers are conducted at Access Control points. For any non-compliance, consequence management which includes disciplinary cases and opening criminal cases with SAPS is undertaken.
- Bag-less society is implemented in all Correctional Facilities and the relevance of this is discussed during morning parade and at security forum committee meetings.
- Frequent patrolling of outer perimeter fencing on a daily basis including foot patrols during the day and night.
- Officials are sensitised on a daily basis on the consequences of colluding in corrupt activity with offenders and inmates.
- Smuggling and corrupt activities by officials within the Correctional Facilities is a standing point of the agenda at morning parade and at security forum meetings
- Searching of official vehicles, service providers and visitors using metal detectors search mirrors, scanners and body scanners at entry points.
- The use of EST officials to conduct random surprise search operations at all access points of the Correctional Facility.
- The assistance of SAPS, Metro Police (sniffer dogs), South African Revenue Services inspection services (illegal imports) and Crime Intelligence Unit are requested at different intervals
- The use of DCS K9 Unit (sniffer dogs & corridor dogs) during surprise searching operations.
- The use of walkthrough, hand held metal detectors, scanners, of parcel scanners and the use of x/ray scanners which are installed at certain Correctional Facilities
- Incidents of smuggling by officials with offenders are investigated and disciplinary action taken against perpetrators.
- Use of internal information gathering on smuggling or corrupt activities.
- The Emergency Security Team (EST) at Management Areas is tasked to continually do search and clean-up operations.
- M&E including provision of support to custodial officials by management.
- The issue of integrated planning with stakeholders which features prominently as DCS works closely with other players in the security space, such as, SAPS, DOD, CSIR, etc. does yield good results.
(b)(i) Eighteen (18) officials have been dismissed for smuggling goods and contrabands.
(b)(ii) Seventy-four (74) officials were prosecuted in the past two years, 40 cases for 2019/2020 financial year and 34 cases for 2020/2021 financial year.
END.
29 April 2022 - NW1166
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)Whether, with reference to the appointment of Mr Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale as Acting National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services on 27 September 2021, following the departure of Mr Arthur Fraser almost six months ago, any plans are in place for the appointment of a permanent National Commissioner; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether he will furnish Prof C.T Msimang with (a) a timeline for the appointment of a permanent National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services and (b) the date on which this process will begin; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(1) Yes, plans are in place for the appointment of a permanent National Commissioner.
(2)(a) A four months recruitment plan is in place and it is envisaged that a permanent National Commissioner will be appointed no later than 31 July 2022.
(2)(b) The process has begun as the position was advertised on 07 March 2022 with a closing date of 28 March 2022. It is envisaged that shortlisting and interviews will be conducted during April 2022 and May 2022.
END
29 April 2022 - NW1224
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she has been informed of any Planning and Monitoring Committees that are used to resolve instabilities in other African countries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, where were the specified companies registered?
Reply:
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation has no information on Planning and Monitoring Committees (PMCs) that are used to resolve instabilities in other African countries.
29 April 2022 - NW1207
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department intends to train farmers to do artificial insemination on both small and large stock so as to improve the genetics of their livestock; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) facilitates skills transfer and capacity building on animal improvement through implementation of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998, (Act N0. 62 of 1998), by collaborating with tertiary institutions that offer agricultural science and State-Owned Entities such as the Agricultural Research Council Animal Production Institute to train students, farmers and farm workers to do artificial insemination.
Farmers may approach the Office of the Registrar for the Animal Improvement Act ie Mr Joel Mamabolo on 012 319 7597/7424; email [email protected]
29 April 2022 - NW1186
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, following the recent escape of four offenders at Rooigrond Correctional Centre in Mahikeng, the specified facility has the required manpower and an equipped management to prevent future occurrences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The bed space capacity of Rooigrond Medium A Correctional Centre is 645, the current inmate population is 895 which is 38.76% over populated. Based on the inmate population, the current approved posts establishment is not sufficient.
The centre has an approved post establishment of 196, with 183 filled (93.37%) and 13 posts vacant (6.63%). The Department has a new organisational structure approved by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services for consultation to address the challenges of staff shortage.
END.
29 April 2022 - NW1222
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
How does his department intend to address the crisis of youth unemployment in the Republic?
Reply:
1. The Department of Employment and Labour, embarked on a number of programmes to assist youth that are facing unemployment. For the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022, a total of 257 474 work seekers were provided with employment counselling services them to cope with unemployment and to find work and self-employment opportunities. Working with employers, a total of 124 101 job opportunities were registered on the Employment System South Africa (ESSA) database. This resulted in 58 626 permanent job placements. More than 900 000 work seekers were also registered on the ESSA database.
2. The Department also works closely with the Presidency in championing the Pathway Management Network process. The Presidential Stimulus funding created more than 840,000 job opportunities. This programme has facilitated entry into first time job opportunities, and is a stepping stone to the labour market.
3. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), concluded agreements on training projects aimed at creating jobs in the fibre optics, food handling and mixed farming sectors.
The UIF, through its Labour Activation Programmes (LAP), has set aside R551 million for the three projects to benefit 19 921 beneficiaries comprising 70% former UIF contributors who lost their jobs and 30% new labour market entrants to undergo training in the following skills disciplines:
14 771 Chief Food Handlers;
5000 Enterprise Development (mixed farming); and
150 Fibre Optic Technicians.
4. The Compensation fund
Through the Vocational Rehabilitation Programme, the Compensation Fund supports COID Persons with Disabilities (Injured workers who have acquired a permanent disablement) to be upskilled and reskilled.
Through this programme, a total of 41 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)were enrolled on various Vocational Training Institutions, and 32 PWDs were registered in the artisan and farming incubation programmes, respectively, during 2021/2022.
The support is further extended to the dependents of COID Persons with Disabilities, Dependents of Fatally injured workers and the General Youth pursuing undergraduate qualifications related to Health Professional and related clinical science, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Engineering, Statistics & Data Science, Actuarial Science, Maths & Science Education, Accounting, Psychology, Economics, Geography, Quality Control and Environmental Health. In addition, continuing students registered for Advanced Diploma/ Honours in Accounting Science (Stream: Certificate in The Theory of Accounting (CTA)are also being supported.
For the financial year 2021/2022, the Compensation Fund funded 1177 students enrolled at Post School Education and Training Institutions.
29 April 2022 - NW1292
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What are the details of the (a) agreement entered into by his department to dispose of 51% of South African Airways shares to a certain preferred strategic equity partner (SEP) (name furnished) and (b) concerns that the National Treasury has with some of the terms and conditions agreed to between the preferred SEP and his department?
Reply:
a) The negotiations to conclude the SEP process has reached an advanced stage. The agreement contains sensitive commercial information which if shared publicly may affect the conclusion of the deal. Furthermore, the Department of Public Enterprises has signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Takatso to keep the details of the agreement confidential until such time that the process is concluded. We are therefore asking that the Department be given a chance to conclude this agreement. The information will be submitted at an appropriate time when the process has been concluded.
b) The National Treasury has not raised any concerns with the Department that have not been responded to satisfactorily. The department and National Treasury are constantly sharing information with regards to the SEP process.
29 April 2022 - NW708
Phiri, Ms CM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) In light of the fact that the Government has provided funds to Mango’s business rescue and yet the finalisation of the process has not yet been concluded, on what date is it envisaged that the business rescue process will be concluded; (2) whether the rescue plan is intended to find the buyer and/or the investor for the airline; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The business rescue process is at an advanced stage. The Department has transferred the last tranche of R399 million from the total of R819 million that was allocated to the airline for restructuring purposes. The last tranche was transferred on 28 March 2022 on conditions that not only should the business rescue process be completed around the end of April 2022 but that a viable strategic equity partner for Mango is identified that has financial capacity to fund the airline after it exits the business rescue process.
2. The process of identifying a suitable Strategic Equity Partner (SEP) for Mango is part of the conditions for transfer of the last tranche of R399 million as indicated above. The process which was initiated on 2 December 2021 is expected to be finalised in the next few months.
28 April 2022 - NW1067
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What are the reasons that his department has failed to intervene and/or resolve the matter relating to a certain official (name and details furnished), who has been repeatedly prevented from assuming responsibilities, despite various arbitration and court orders instructing the department to re-instate the specified official and (b) on what date is it envisaged that the official will be allowed back at work without any further hindrances?
Reply:
a) The Department did not fail to intervene and/or resolve the matter in terms of administrative legislative prescripts. The Department is following processes provided for in law.
b) The matter is handled within legislative prescripts and must be allowed to follow due course. The matter is sub judice as fair administrative procedure depends on prevailing circumstances of each case.
END
28 April 2022 - NW1145
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the closure of the Rustenburg Magistrates Court on 25 February 2022 due to health and safety considerations, what (a) are the reasons that his department failed to ensure that the necessary steps were taken in respect of the maintenance and refurbishment of the building to prevent its closure and (b) steps have been taken since the closure of the building to restore the right to occupy and use of the building?
Reply:
a) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) did not fail to ensure that necessary steps are taken in respect of the maintenance and refurbishment of the building to prevent the closure of Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court.
The Department has a delegation of R100 000.00 per incident as part of the day-to-day maintenance guidelines to ensure that the challenges experienced at the court are addressed. Below are the day-to-day maintenance issues addressed by the Department through the North West Regional Office:
- Leaking pipes;
- Repairs to ablution facilities;
- Repairs to ceilings;
- Security and office lights; and
- Air conditioners.
However, the Rustenburg Magistrate Court was served with a prohibition notice by Bojanala Platinum District Municipality for reasons listed below:
- Failure to provide the facility users (public and staff members) with an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being.
- Exposing facility users to asbestos fibre material that were found to be dripping from the ceiling within the facility passage and court area.
- Exposing facility users to unsafe structural conditions of falling ceiling boards with asbestos lining, and failure to provide adequate ablution facilities for public and staff members.
- Ignoring and allowing continued use of non-functional ablution facilities and use of same toilet facilities by both genders.
Therefore, the efforts made by the North West Regional Office delegation were not sufficient to address all the challenges highlighted above.
b) Rustenburg Magistrate Court is old and dilapidated, and there will always be facility issues and structural challenges due to aging of the building. After the closure of the court, an action plan monitored on weekly basis was developed to address the issues raised. Since the court reopened, service providers to attend to unhygienic toilets and contractors to fix the ceilings were appointed, and the facility is cleaned.
The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality confirmed that the Department has rectified the issues that were raised, lifted the notice and the court is currently operational.
Permanent solution of the maintenance challenges to the court:
The long-term solution for the court is to repair and renovate the building to eliminate unhygienic conditions of the premises that pose a health risk and nuisance to public health and safety.
- The Rustenburg project started in March 2007 as a Repair and Renovations (planned maintenance) project registered and funded by Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The project went out on tender in 2012. The tender lapsed without the appointment of a service provider by DPWI. The DPWI did not fund the project in the 2013/14 financial year due to budget cuts.
- The DPWI requested DoJ&CD to fund the project under capital budget in May 2013, and the DoJ&CD agreed to the proposal in July 2013, on condition that additional accommodation vacated by SARS at the adjacent building be added to the project, upgrading of the old court and all security measures and ICT requirements be included.
- The project scope included:
- Conversion of existing offices to accommodate officials within the court, including adjacent Public Protector and Family Advocate at Old SARS building;
- Additional Family Courts at the Old SARS building;
- Walk way adjoining the main court building to the Old SARS building;
- Guardhouse;
- Access for people living with disability;
- Covered and uncovered Parking around both buildings;
- Air-conditioning system;
- Ablution facilities;
- Plumbing system;
- Repairs to walls, windows, doors, roof and floor skirting;
- Installation of a lift at the main building; and
- CCTV, alarm, PABX, Control Room and Server Room.
- A Pre-Design Information Request (PDIR) was issued to the DPWI’s Town Planning Services (TPS) in September 2014 for purposes of clearing the site. The site clearance was issued in March 2015.
- A Sketch Plan Committee meeting which was scheduled for 4 October 2016 turned into a technical meeting because the DPWI Professional Services Quantity Surveyor was not happy with the high project estimate/high building cost.
- The project was re-advertised on 20 September 2019 and closed on 23 October 2019, the briefing meeting was held on 4 October 2019. The project validity period expired before appointment was concluded.
- The project was re-advertised on 01 April 2021 and closed on 05 May 2021. The bid has been going back and forth between DPWI Regional Office and National Bid Adjudication Committee (NBAC). To date, no contractor is recommended or appointed. The bid evaluation process is underway at DPWI.
In light of the above, this is what the Department has been trying to do over the years but due to the procurement processes of DPWI, the DoJ&CD find itself in a dire situation.
The DPWI is currently going through the evaluation process for the third time, and DoJ&CD hopes that the contractor will be appointed in the 2022/23 financial year for the refurbishment of the court to be completed.
END
28 April 2022 - NW1205
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Following his engagement with the stakeholders who are activists in the quest for decriminalisation of sex work in the Republic, (a) what were the resolutions of the engagement, (b) how do the resolutions nourish the advocacy for decriminalisation of sex work and (c) what role will he be playing in the quest for decriminalisation for sex work?
Reply:
The South African Law Reform Commission released its Report on Adult Prostitution in 2017. Cabinet, at the time, decided not to make a policy choice at that stage and felt that the issue of the possible decriminalisation of sex work should be further debated. There are various policy and legislative options. In order to take the debate on the possible decriminalization of adult sex work forward, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffery, has started a series of consultative meetings with various stakeholders and interest groups. The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has met with representatives of the pro-decriminalization sex work sector and has had similar meetings with other stakeholders who have a variety of views on the matter.
a) No resolutions have been taken as the engagements with stakeholders are ongoing, but the intention is to proceed with the finalization of a Draft Bill by the end of this year.
b) There are no resolutions as the engagements are ongoing, but the engagements with stakeholders seek to elicit a wide range of views on the matter.
c) As mentioned above, the current engagements are being led by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. Once a Draft Bill has been prepared, the Minister will approach Cabinet to seek approval to publish the Bill for public comment.
28 April 2022 - NW1327
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the preliminary report received by the Department of Justice on the structural defects pertaining to the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court Building in Gauteng, which advised that a further and full investigation by a structural engineer was called for on an urgent basis in order to ascertain with certainty whether the structural deficiencies of the specified court building were of such a nature that it was no longer safe to use, what steps have been taken (a) to source on an urgent basis such further report by a structural engineer and (b) in the meantime to ensure adherence to health and safety standards at the building?
Reply:
a) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD)’s Gauteng Regional Office requested the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to conduct a structural assessment on the Palm Ridge Court facility on 08 November 2021.
The request was based on numerous complaints that the users of the building had been raising to the attention of the DoJ&CD’s Gauteng Regional Office where administration staff, judiciary and the public at large felt they were not safe to either occupy or utilize the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court facility due to its severe structural defects.
The assigned structural engineer visited the site to conduct an inspection on 15 November 2021. The nature of the inspection involved assessment of the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court facility to pronounce on its structural integrity and provide recommendations. The recommendations on the Investigation Report, Condition Assessment: Palm Ridge Magistrate Court were that a complete status quo report be conducted by a professional team and where the need for further investigation arises, a specialist be requested.
The DoJ&CD wrote to DPWI and requested that a comprehensive assessment on the structural integrity of the building be conducted, and a new repairs and renovations project on the facility be registered.
ZAS Architects & Planners and Fhatani Consulting Engineers together with representatives from DPWI and DoJ&CD undertook a review of issues identified within the Investigation Report: Conditional Assessment: Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, Johannesburg as prepared by DPWI on Thursday, 3 February 2022. A detailed report, dated 8 February 2022, covers two (2) sections, a response to remedial items identified by the structural engineering services division and prioritization of remedial items identified.
ZAS Architects & Planners and Fhatani Consulting Engineers provided their professional opinion that there were no major remedial items identified that warrant the building unsafe, and the facility can be used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding, the remedial work as identified should be carried out expeditiously.
b) The structural engineer report has declared the building safe for occupation. However, the report further outlined the remedial works that needed to be executed as part of the maintenance of the court. DPWI has attended to the following identified challenges on an emergency basis:
- Leaking roof;
- Damaged ceilings;
- Non-functional lift;
- Damaged flooring;
- Urinal systems; and
- High-rise lighting globes.
For the remedial work required to fix the cracks, DPWI is in the process of appointing a contractor. In anticipation of the appointment of the contractor to fix the wall cracks, DoJ&CD is of the view that the remedial work cannot be executed while the users are in the building.
The DoJ&CD has been looking for an alternative accommodation for officials occupying the one wing which is severely affected by wall cracks. Two (2) locations have been identified, one (1) is a community hall within a 5km radius of the court earmarked as alternative accommodation, upon municipality engagement and approval. The second location is a vacant land parcel opposite the court, this is privately owned and can be utilized as parking. The owner of the site has agreed to let out the land to DoJ&CD officials to use as parking daily. The courts parking area will be used to place park-homes as offices and mobile courts while repairs are being attended to at the court.
END
28 April 2022 - NW1093
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) How much diesel has been used in the generation of electricity at Eskom since 1 January 2022, (b) what was the total cost thereof and (c) how was the total price that Eskom paid for the diesel calculated?
Reply:
According to the information received from ESKOM
a) From 1 January 2022 to 24 March 2022, Eskom utilised 110 141 069 litres of diesel for the generation of electricity at two of its OCGT stations.
(b) The total cost of the amount in (a), above is R1 385.9 million.
(c) The price indicated is the moving average price for each month. The price is the wholesale price less rebates and discounts where applicable. In addition, tank rental costs are included monthly, and these are approximately R4 million per month for both stations. There were no demurrage costs in this period.
Note that the usage and costs are verified at the end of each month. The March values and thus the totals in (a) and (b) above may therefore be subject to change.
28 April 2022 - NW1110
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
With regard to litigation against the Central Firearms Registry (CFR) since 2011-12 financial year, (a0 what is the breakdown of the total costs incurred by (i) him and (ii) the National Police Commissioner, (b) which law firms were used to defend the CFR, (c) what is total number of cases that the CFR (i) won, (ii) lost and (iii) settled and (d) what are the further relevant details of the specified litigation?
Reply:
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