Questions and Replies

Reply:

(a)(i) As at 16 March 2022, the number of total applications received since 2014 was 1 196 659.

(a)(ii) Of the total mentioned above 242 642 were for visitor’s visa, 19 368 were for business visas, 513 642 were for general work visas, 33 479 were for critical skills visas, 94 042 were for study visas, 10 869 were for retirement visas, 91 540 were for relatives’ visas, 6 788 were for medical treatment visas and 56 108 were in other categories not on the requested list.

128 181 were applications for Permanent Residence permits.

Applications not yet finalised from the totals mentioned above were as follows 17 042 were for visitor’s visa, 59 were for business visas, 948 were for general work visas, 585 were for critical skills visas, 4 977 were for study visas, 602 were for retirement visas, 7 887 were for relatives’ visas, 296 were for medical treatment visas and 5 283 were in other categories not on the requested list.

Applications not yet finalized for Permanent Residence permits were 34 186.

(b)(i&ii) There are 2 875 Permanent Residence appeal applications and 516 Temporary Residence appeal applications that are not yet finalised.

END

 

Reply:

(1) There were no deployment of the SANDF soldiers in KwaZulu-Natal beyond the 13 September 2021. The incident of the 27 September 2021 was not related to the deployment of SANDF soldiers previously authorised.
(2) No extension or unauthorized extension of deployment was ever granted or issued for the SANDF under Operation PROSPER beyond the 13 September 2021, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Reply:

 

His Excellency President M.C. Ramaphosa on the 03 September 2021 during his oral reply, stated that the “…whenever the President or the Deputy President goes, at any given time, the transportation is the responsibility underline of the government. When they fly it is the responsibility of the Airforce…” The Honourable Member is invited to listen to the recording of the President again. The VVIP unit of the SAAF did not task or undertake any flights for the Deputy President to Russia from 01 January 2020 to date. The unit and the Department is not privy to any arrangements the Deputy President may or may not have made regarding his travel to Russia. Arrangements for flights are only made through the Office of the President or the Deputy President. We have no record of such request and therefore did not make any arrangement.   The Department is unable to comment on question number 2 and 3.

Reply:

 

1(a) Soldiers are deployed in protection of the borderline 24/7 against the illegal immigrants of all nationalities. 1(b) The SANDF conducts foot patrols, vehicle patrols; and has observation posts; along the borderline as to prevent illicit goods of all types; including weapons; from illegally entering the borders of RSA. In executing its mandate in terms of the Constitution, the SANDF ascribe to all international and national prescripts as well as regulations in the conduct of its duties along the borderline. As part of the ongoing efforts by members of the SANDF deployed along the borderline, in January 2022 they have stopped one thousand five hundred and eighty two (1 582) illegal immigrants from the South Africa- Zimbabwe borderline to highlight just one of many successes that are made by our soldiers.

Reply:

 

(1) The investigating team could trace invoices to the total amount of R 15 640 487.95 paid to Maponya 911 Services. The actual amount was supposed to be R 3 439 084.75 as per findings which has a difference of R 12 201 403.20 as over billing. The services has been suspended with effect from March 2021. These amounts can only be finalised pending further investigation. (2) At this stage there is an investigation underway in optometry services, names of companies and individuals cannot be confirmed at this stage as the investigation still need to be finalised. (3) Investigation of the matters are still pending, only on their conclusion can appropriate measures be taken to prevent any future occurrences.

Reply:

1) Response to Paragraph (a)
As at 14 February 2022 the DOD had Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six (3936) unpaid invoices.
(aa) Suppliers invoices currently unpaid and older than 30 days (96)
(bb)  Suppliers invoices currently unpaid and older than 60 days (35)
(cc) Suppliers invoices currently unpaid and still within the 30 days (3526)
(dd) Suppliers invoices currently unpaid and older than 90 days (204)
(ee) Suppliers invoices currently unpaid and older than 120 days (75)

2)
Response to Paragraph (b)
(aa) Suppliers’ invoices currently unpaid and are still within 30 days payment period amounts to RM 188 400 872.01
(bb) Suppliers’ invoices currently unpaid and are already over the 30 days payment period amounts to RM 14 131 214.52
(cc) Suppliers’ invoices currently unpaid and are already over the 60 days payment period amounts to R 392 467.30
(dd) Suppliers’ invoices currently unpaid and are already over the 90 days payment period amounts to R 139 133.27
(ee) Suppliers’ invoices currently unpaid and are already over the 120 days payment period amounts to RM 3 120 208.38

Reply:

No correspondence was ever received in June 2020 by myself or the departments from any political organisation in any format either email, WhatApp, or hardcopy.

a – c; are not applicable.

Reply:

 

(1) Following the Military Ombud (MO) Investigation Report MO/DIA/12/1/0008/18-19 dated 27 January 2020, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans (MOD&MV) commissioned an inclusive and comprehensive audit of the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for nurses in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). The aim of the audit was to ensure accuracy and guarantee that no nurse with a similar complaint was left out. Subsequent to the audit, a submission, which included the possible complainant, was approved by the MOD&MV for the payment of all affected personnel.

(2) The Department of Defence (DOD) is in the process of capturing and finalising all outstanding final compensation resulting from the audit and submission as approved by the MOD&MV. The payment of all outstanding compensations will be finalised before the end of the 2021/2022 financial year.
a) Recommendations were not yet ratified by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans for implementation, but rather for all-inclusive and Comprehensive audit of OSD for nurses in the South African Medical Health Services (SAMHS) to ensure accuracy and guarantee that no nurse with a similar complaint is left out.

(b)It is not necessary to take actions against any person in the Department and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as this was structural issues rather than negligence or human error.
(c) No date can be provided yet for the person to receive the payments which are in line with the findings and recommendations by the MO. The Minister is yet to pronounce implementation based on her approval of the comprehensive audit report. However, determination has been made to identify areas for funding the shortfalls on approval by the Minister.
(d) The findings and recommendations of the MO in terms of the Mil Ombud Act are advisory in nature until they are endorsed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. The OSD audit for all nurses was completed and is receiving further attention from the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. For further endorsement.
(e) Money spent on the Office of the MO is still valuable, and the Department sees the Military Ombud as a force multiplier to accomplish other successes than without it.

Reply:

(1) The President appointed the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC} in terms of s5 of the NCAC Act (Act 41 of 2002 as amended). The NCACC is a Cabinet Committee Sui Generis. The role of the NCACC is to approve export permits in line with the NCAC Act and its attendant Regulations
(2) The Committee may not be chaired by (a) Minister(s) with a line responsibility interest in trade in Conventional Arms s5 (3). That would exclude from Chairpersonship inter alia: Defence, Trade and Industry and Competition and Finance, as prime examples.
(3) It is common cause notwithstanding that, the Minister of Defence while appointed to the NCACC as per provisions (supra). The Chair of the NCACC is the primary person responsible for the overall performance of the Committee.
(4)Therefore, the correct procedure would be to direct questions/the Parliamentary Question of/about the NCACC to the Chair of the NCACC, who is tasked with responding for the Cabinet Committee, or otherwise at the Chair's direction.

 

Reply:

 

1) Yes, the SA Air Force has a Section within the Directorate Human Resource Management namely, Transformation Management who are managing the process on behalf of Chief of the Air Force. The Transformation Management Section is mandated to set targets to be realised by each mastering/specialisation in the SA Airforce.   (2) The Transformation Management Section’s Plan is to manage aspects which includes gender equity, members with disability and racial equity. As per the guidance from CDTM, the SAAF has drafted a SAAF Transformation Management and Equity Plan dated 14 February 2020. This plan provides the detail which include all the goals, objectives and outcomes that are required. The plan is a broad ambition of the SA Airforce and is work in progress.

 

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

Addressing the occurrence of GBV forms part of integrated Gender Equality functions, under the umbrella of Social Inclusion across the Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department/DHET) (in all branches).  Every branch has unique responsibilities, including:

• Implementation Branches (University Education (UE, TVET, CET and Skills):
  • Create the enabling environment, coordinate, support institutions in the implementation of social inclusion in the PSET system;
  • Manage the institutional policy environment;
  • Manage and support implementation programmes within institutions; and
  • Monitor the implementation of Social Inclusion in institutions.
• Corporate Services Branch:
  • Create the enabling environment, coordinate, and support the DHET in the implementation of social inclusion;
  • Manage the DHET policy environment;
  • Manage and support implementation programmes within the DHET;
  • Monitor the implementation of Social Inclusion in the DHET;
  • Manage all Human Resource related issues within the DHET, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges; and
  • Report to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on implementation and Government employees.
• Branch: Planning, Policy and Strategy (through the Directorate: Social Inclusion and Equity):
  • Develop and manage the enabling policy environment (including sector policies, guidelines, standards, protocols and tools) for social inclusion in the PSET system;
  • Support (where needed) implementation branches in the implementation of Social Inclusion and Equity;
  • Collate information from Branches and monitor the implementation of social inclusion policies and programmes in the PSET system;
  • Report on the implementation of social inclusion in the PSET system;
  • Liaise with Chapter 9 institutions, other Departments; and
  • Report on national and international obligations.

The Department has taken the following further steps to assist Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions to implement measures to address the occurrence of Gender-based Violence (GBV):

1. Policy Framework to address Gender-based Violence in the Post-School Education and Training System

The Department published the Policy Framework to Address Gender-Based Violence in the Post-School Education and Training System on 17 July 2020 (Government Notice 410 of 2020). The strategic objectives of the Policy Framework are:

• Strategic Objective 1: Enabling Environment

Create an enabling environment in the Department and Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions to ensure the effective implementation of the Policy Framework, actions and programmes. These include: regulations, norms, standards, guidelines and standardised procedures; structured engagements with other Government departments, agencies, entities and non-governmental organisations; institutional policies are implemented; as well as accountability, monitoring and evaluation. The Policy Framework not only allows for the participation in and the establishment of national structures and mechanisms intended to enable implementation of PSET institutions’ policies, but also gives a monitoring mechanism to collect and report on relevant and strategic data and information.

• Strategic Objective 2: Prevention and Awareness

Promote the safety of all students and staff by putting in place comprehensive prevention and awareness programmes intended to raise the importance of policies and services addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as well as other measures aimed at preventing incidents of GBV in PSET institutions. PSET institutions are also required to exercise sufficient degrees of control over third parties such as visitors to the university or college, as well as employees of companies contracted to provide some form of service to the institution. The Policy Framework also protects staff and students that are placed in workplaces to complete practical training.

• Strategic Objective 3: Support and Assistance

PSET institutions must provide for comprehensive support and assistance and refer the survivors of GBV appropriately to specialised support and assistance. The support must be in line with the National Instructions, National Directives, List of Designated Health Establishments and Additional Services directives under the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act (SORMA) (Act 32 of 2007). PSET institutions must therefore ensure that affected parties receive multi-disciplinary support including, where appropriate, support from HIGHER HEALTH, Thuthuzela Care Centres and local health facilities. The Department, HIGHER HEALTH and PSET institutions must provide guidance around the structures, mechanisms and processes that are in place to address GBV in line with national regulatory framework and international obligations. PSET institutions should develop and review internal anti-GBV policies in line with the Policy Framework (July 2020).

It is the responsibility of PSET institutions to implement the Policy Framework at institutional level with the support of the Department and HIGHER HEALTH. The Department supports institutions in implementation, monitors the implementation of the Policy Framework and is finalising the Social inclusion Review and Implementation Model (SI-RIM) that is a mechanism to provide information for reporting purposes.

2. Collaboration with HIGHER HEALTH

HIGHER HEALTH is the implementation arm of the Department to implement a comprehensive and integrated programme promoting health and wellbeing of students across South Africa’s public universities and TVET colleges and provide on-campus support to PSET institutions in 7 priority areas:

 HIGHER HEALTH provides psycho-social support services through two main modalities: (1) through the HIGHER HEALTH toll-free helpline, and (2) through interventions provided by counselling and clinical psychologists. HIGHER HEALTH is also running a comprehensive awareness programme through several focussed campus activities, campus radio programmes and peer support mechanisms.

Between January and October 2021, over 12 000 students accessed the various HIGHER HEALTH models of psychosocial support. Academic stress and anxiety (30%), general stress and substance abuse (22%) depression and suicide (18%) and sexual, physical and emotional abuse (19%) present the main reasons for accessing support care.

HIGHER HEALTH, in collaboration with several Departments (including the Department of Higher Education and Training), experts and institutions developed Institutional Implementation Guidelines and supporting protocols and standards for Institutions to address GBV. HIGHER HEALTH, through the Department has furthermore released a set of instruments that will strengthen the realisation of the Policy Framework. These instruments are directives to all institutions and Management to put the necessary infrastructure towards a comprehensive response on cases of sexual and gender misconduct, rape, sexual assaults across all our campuses. The procedural guidelines and protocols on rape, code of ethics ensure that reporting of cases, disciplinary systems, safeguarding evidence, provision of rape kits, psychosocial support services and survivor friendly infrastructure is developed across campuses.

3. Institutional Programmes

The Department is supporting institutions to develop and implement policies and protocols on GBV.  All universities and TVET Colleges have measures in place to raise awareness, and offer guidance and advice on GBV related matters. These include, but are not limited to:  workshops or presentations during orientation weeks and during various parts of the year for students; roadshows; training; production and dissemination of brochures and other literature for the university community; and information on institutional websites. In addition to these initiatives, a large number of students have completed a curriculum on GBV prevention and mitigation via Higher Health, empowering them with knowledge and understanding of GBV and related matters. Higher Health is the Department’s implementing agency for student health, wellness and development in the post-school sector.

There is a need for a more comprehensive training embedded in institutional policies. The Ministerial Task Team established to advise the Minister and the Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) on Gender Based Violence and related matters, is exploring the possibility of national standards and principles about what should be included as a minimum in training sessions.

HIGHER HEALTH has set up campus and community radio stations to engage young students routinely on matters related to Sexual and Gender Based Violence and mental health as a matter of priority. There is also HIGHER HEALTH's 24-hour toll-free helpline available in all 11 official languages.  The line offers health, wellness and psychosocial risk assessment toolkits for early screening, empowerment and referral related to gender-based violence, mental health, HIV, TB and other matters.

4. Ministerial Task Team on GBV

Following the release of the Policy Framework and as part of its work, the Ministerial Task Team held a series of engagements with university communities across various institutions.  Amongst others the aim was to establish how universities respond to sexual harassment and gender-based violence and harm, and what support is needed from the Department to enable effective implementation of the Policy Framework.

It has been established that not all universities have sufficient means to deal with GBV, and the Department and HIGHER HEALTH aim to support campuses in addressing the problem. The Ministerial Task Team will advise on areas requiring improvement in institutional responses to gender-based violence and sexual harassment and appropriate levels of support needed for the implementation of the National Policy Framework to address gender-based violence by universities.

The Department plays an oversight role, monitoring institutions to ensure that they take full responsibility for addressing GBV on their campuses.

Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are one-stop facilities that have been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy, aiming to reduce secondary victimisation and to build a case ready for successful prosecution. Fifty-one centres have been established since 2006. It is led by the NPA’s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA), in partnership with various departments and donors as a response to the urgent need for an integrated strategy for prevention, response and support for rape victims.

HIGHER HEALTH is funded by the Department to the tune of R20 million per year.

Including responsibility and compliance, behaviour constituting GBV, investigation and disciplinary process, consequences etc.

Implementing Protocols on Rape and Sexual Assault and Code of Ethics indicating PSET Institution’s commitment to eradicating GBV and Minimum Standards Protocols that support the guidelines. These deals, with campus safety, protection on outreach/field visits, whistleblowing, staff student relationships, alcohol etc.

Minimum standards checklist/s on GBVF that consider different institutional configurations are to be prepared.

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

The department informs me that the grant approval for the movie Peru and Bala was cancelled due to the applicant’s failure apparently to comply with the Film and Television incentive guideline requirements and with the conditions set out on the approval letter. I will be reviewing the file and will thereafter provide the member with a further update.

-END-

Reply:

(1). SASCOC in their response indicated that they held the following meetings in 2022:

• 22 January 2022 – an online meeting held with all National Federations
• 03 February 2022 – The Working Group held its first meeting and part of this meeting was developing the 2022 plans.

SASCOC further indicated that meetings are held on a quarterly basis and the dates have not yet been finalised for the other quarters.

SASCOC has also advised that in 2022, the focus will be the final review of the Safeguarding Policy, which will strengthen the processes and procedures in dealing with cases lodged.

2). SASCOC has provided minutes for the meetings held on:

a) 03 August 2021 (attached)

b) 09 December 2021 (attached)

In terms of the meetings held on the following dates, SASCOC has indicated that they are not in the position to share the minutes:

• c) 31 March 2021: Inaugural meeting – minutes available but not attached.( see narrative below)
• d) 27 July 2021: meeting did not quorate, no resolutions were taken
• e) 27 October 2021: The meeting was to discuss the behaviour of group members and the implications thereof. The meeting was in committee and therefore, the minutes are not attached. The SASCOC Board is dealing with this matter.

SASCOC further indicated that safeguarding matters have become a key priority for the Confederation. As the organisation has a duty to care for all participants, within the sport movement. Equally so, they have a responsibility to protect all individuals involved in lodged cases as guided by the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) that regulates how they handle personal information as they address safeguarding cases.

Some cases discussed during these meetings are still being investigated and sharing this information might jeopardize the process and it is in their interest that the justice process be allowed to take its cause.

In conclusion, SASCOC indicated that they could categorically confirm that four meetings were held in 2021 and these minutes are well recorded, and several other safeguarding engagements were held as dates above.

I have also written to SASCOC leadership urging them to finalise the process because if the matter is not finalised it will impact on funding from the government.

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

The Minister inherited this car from the former Department of Sport and Recreation.

Vehicle	Minister
a) Make	Audi
(b) Model	Q7
(c ) Year	2017
(d ) Price	N/a
(e ) Purchase date	N/a

For the Deputy Minister

Vehicle		Deputy Minister
(a) Make		BMW
(b) Model		520
(c ) Year		2020
(d ) Price		R649 000.00
(e ) Purchase date		15 January 2020

Reply:

The feasibility study on amalgamation of public entities is currently being considered for implementation by the Department. With regards to Robben Island Museum, a recommendation was that the entity be merged with other museums with a similar theme to form a Liberation Museum. This museum will consist of entities such as Freedom Park, War Museum of the Boer Republics, uMsunduzi Museum, Nelson Mandela Museum and Luthuli Museum. The outcome of this process will be communicated once completed.

Reply:

It is now an established norm that the department and its partners, that is the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee, and the National Lotteries Board provide incentives for the athletes who bring back medals from major international multi-coded events such as the Olympics and Paralympics where resources allow. Working with SASCOC the department will ensure that there is a clear policy or guidelines on the incentives programme. This will have to be announced in advance in order to ensure that the athletes are truly incentivized. In addition to incentives SASCOC will revive and expand the OPEX programme in order to ensure that potential medallists are provided with holistic support, e.g. scientific, nutritional, etc.

Reply:

The following table reflects the details in this regard, as received from the Limpopo Department of Health

NAME OF THE PROVINCE Limpopo	total cost of medico-legal claims Question 475 (1) (a)
2018/19 FINANCIAL YEAR
Limpopo	253 Cases R2 329 565 300.00
2019/20 FINANCIAL YEAR

Limpopo

249 Cases R2 537 110 500.00

2018/19 FINANCIAL YEAR
Limpopo	157 Cases R1 155 510 500.00

(2) Number of payments made for the period 2016 to 2021 is (a) 67, amounting to (b) R249,388,504.

END.

Reply:

(1) Urgent measures

a) Despite the known challenges of a strained fiscus associated with austerity measures in place to curb public spending; the Limpopo Department of Health has continued to prioritize appointment of,

(i)  Nurses especially midwives in high-risk areas such as maternity wards.

(ii) The Department has further attracted and appointed various Medical Specialists including paediatricians and paediatric surgeons to the Tertiary Hospital Complex.

b) Each facility in the province has adequate Oxygen supply which is routinely monitored and refilled. There were some Oxygen challenges during the peak of COVID-19 second wave however same was swiftly attended to and resolved.

c) The number of theatres currently available throughout the province remains a challenge and measures have been put in place to increase capacity which include a new Central Hospital which is in the pipeline.

d) The delivery rooms require appropriately trained staff to operate optimally. The Department is addressing this by prioritizing appointment of Midwives and appropriately qualified professional nurses in various institutions across the Province.

(e)-(f) Every child in the Province has a right to access to health care, the province however prioritizes all disabled children whether as a result of fault on the part of the Department of not. Furthermore, cases of proven malpractice by the Department results in such children receiving compensation to assist such children with further care including modification of family housing to accommodate a child with a disability.

(2) Intervention

Medical Malpractice claims have become a National crisis. A multipronged approach is required to adequately deal with this problem. It necessarily involves improving the quality of care throughout the country by having proper healthcare infrastructure supported by adequately trained healthcare professionals and a functional healthcare system. Limpopo Department of Health envisage the NHI to be a step in the right direction to address some of these challenges.

The Department has also called for an investigation into the rise of medical negligence cases through the South African Law Reform Commission with a view to introduce legislation that will prevent the collapse of the Health Care System because of uncontrollable litigations against the state.

 

The recently established intergovernmental national litigation forum is also envisaged to assist the Department in dealing with these cases appropriately.

END.

Reply:

a) For the said period the Government Printing Works website was never offline.

b) The Government Printing Works website was only offline from 31st January 2022 and restored on 13 February 2022. However, it subsequently went down again from 15 February 2022 to 21 February 2022 due to technical challenges experienced when the physical server on the DMZ which manages the website services crashed. During this period the publishing of the gazettes still continued and gazettes were made available to the public through the following channels:

• Contact Centre accessible through telephone (012) 748 6200 or email: [email protected]
• GPW Bookshop, both hard and soft copies with soft copies requested through [email protected]

The website came back online on the 22nd February 2022 and gazettes are being uploaded

c) During the time when the website was down, GPW ensured that all requested e-Gazettes were sent through to customers per email to avoid service interruptions and ensure business continuity. The channels mentioned in (b) above were used to keep customers updated.

GPW has developed a Business Technology Strategy and Plan that serves to migrate the ICT environment from the old to the new web service infrastructure to avoid a recurrence of the system crashes.

END3

Reply:

Significant progress has been made in addressing transformation within cricket South Africa particularly in terms governance related matters. The efforts commenced when the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture received complaints from members of the public on the state of governance including progress in terms of transformation in the sport of Cricket. As a direct intervention the Minister appointed an Interim Board to replace the previous Board who had resigned. The objective was to help Cricket SA to comprehensively assist with both governance and transformation. By the time the Interim Board finished their task, they left the new board with an extensive report on both governance and transformation that the current board has adopted.

Furthermore, by the time the previous board left, they had devised a transformation initiative whereby a platform was created to allow all transformation-related issues to be publicly ventilated. These hearings known as the Social Justice and Nation-building hearings were chaired by an Ombudsman, Adv. Dumisa Ntsebeza. He has since concluded and delivered the report to Cricket South Africa. Cricket has reported that they are implementing the recommendations of the Ombudsman.

Cricket South Africa has already instituted disciplinary process against the officials fingered in the report. We have also noted the progress made in the transformation effort.

Reply:

(a). The implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between my Department (DSAC) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE), remains the joint responsibility of both departments. Within the framework, roles and responsibilities for both departments have been clearly defined. DSAC responsibilities within this framework, starts at District, goes to Province and National. These tasks have been fully implemented and we will continue to play our role in executing our part in the MoU.

(b). As per the MoU delineation of responsibilities, the first three levels of the MoU, which are School, Cluster and Area level, remains the responsibility of DBE. We have worked together to ensure that we set-up the structures that will manage and coordinate sport at that level, there is still a lot of work to be done. Using School Sport as a transformation tool, we have also strengthened the role of Sport Federations, with regard to taking ownership of grassroots development, which includes school sport. We are currently introducing the former athletes, as the Sport Ambassadors, who will help us manage the after school programme within the school sport.

Reply:

The Honourable Member is advised that as this information is not readily available at the National Department of Health (NDOH), the Department is still working with the provinces to source this information. The full response will be furnished to Parliament as soon as we have obtained such from the provinces.

END.

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

	Minister	Deputy Minister
(a)	(i) N/A	(ii) BMW
(b)	(i) N/A	(ii) X3 XDRIVE 20D
(c)	(i) N/A	(ii) 2021
(d)	(i) N/A	(ii) R761 199.40
(e)	(i) N/A	(ii) 12/10/2021

 

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

(a) Make	N/A
(b) Model	N/A
(c) Year of manufacture	N/A
(d) Price	N/A
(e) Purchase date	N/A

 

1. No vehicle was purchased for Dr BE Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation in 2019 to date.
2. No vehicle was purchased for Mr BK Manamela Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation in 2019 to date.

Reply:

The Honourable Member is advised that as this information is not readily available at the National Department of Health (NDOH), the Department is still awaiting specific details from the North West Provincial Department of Health to enable me to respond to the question. The full response will be furnished to Parliament as soon as we have obtained such from the Province.

END.

Reply:

The following table reflects the details in this regard, as received from the Limpopo Department of Health

Sekhukhune
Dilokong	4
Groblersdal	6
Jane furse	4
Matlala	1
Mecklenburg	2
Philadelpjia	7
St Ritas	2
PHC	2
Total	28

Mopani
Dr CN Phatudi	3
Evuxakeni	1
Kgapane	7
Letaba	10
Maphutha	2
Nkhensani	15
Sekororo	2
PHC	2
Total	42

Capricorn district
Botlokwa	4
Helen Frans	6
Lebowakgomo	8
mankweng	8
Pietersburg	21
Seshego	12
Knobel	3
Zebediela	1
PHC	3
Total	66

Vhembe
Donald fraser	2
Elim	11
Louis Trichard	8
Malamulele	7
Messina	5
Siloam	7
Tshilidzini	17
PHC	3
Total	60

Waterberg
Ellisras	1
FH Odendaal	4
Mokopane	7
Thabazimbi	1
Voortrekker	4
Warmbaths	4
PHC	4
Total	25

• (2) what steps is his department taking in terms of human resources, training and upgrading of infrastructure and equipment to ensure that there are no further medico-legal cases?
• Ans.
• The Department in conjunction with the University of Limpopo has begun to produce well trained health care professionals and doctors on annual basis to enter the job market and contribute in providing healthcare particularly to many rural communities in the Province. There is also training of specialists within the province through the many HPCSA recognised sites; these practitioners will be contributing actively in the improvement of services rendered.
• Infrastructure upgrades are currently being under taken in various healthcare facilities throughout the Province. New equipment is being procured e.g. MRI machine to be in stalled in the Pietersburg/ Mankweng Complex. These measures are anticipated to increase the overall quality of care which in turn will reduce future claims against the state.
•  

END.

Reply:

(a) (b) (c) (d) (i) (ii)

(i) nThe Department did not purchase a vehicle for the Minister during the current Administration. The two vehicles used by Minister were purchased in 2011 and 2016 and are both Totoya Fortuners.

(ii) The Department purchased a BMW 5 Series (year model 2021) in October 2021 at a price of R799 910 for Deputy Minister Majola. The Department has ordered but not yet received a BMW 5 Series, at a purchase price of R743 624 for Deputy Minister Gina.

-END-

Reply:

a) The Department of Health does not handle nor collect data of persons who have committed suicide. They are handled by the South African Police Service.

b) There are 19 976 beds available nationally to cater for mentally ill patients. This consists of 14 246 beds in public sector and 5 730 in the private sector.

c) (i) The Department of Health does not collect data on persons who have committed suicide.

(ii) Beds available for mentally ill patients in the public and private sector in each province are distributed as follows:

Province	Public Sector	Private Sector
Eastern Cape	1 864	1 088	2 952
Free State	920	298	1218
Gauteng	2 547	2 787	5 334
KwaZulu-Natal	3 200	385	3 585
Limpopo	1 492	38	1 530
Mpumalanga	258	0	258
Northern Cape	344	74	418
North West	1 256	186	1 442
Western Cape	2 365	874	3 239
Total	14 246	5 730	19 976

END

Reply:

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Reply:

I have instructed officials in my department to start with the verification process to ascertain the correct amounts. I wants exact breakdown of the expenditure.

Reply:

1.(a).The former Chairperson of the Board was never paid as the Chairperson of the Board since he became Chief Executive Officer from 15 October 2019 to 31 March 2020.

He was never paid as Chairperson of the Board at the time he was the Acting Chief Executive Officer as he stepped down as a board member.

2.(a). The former Chairperson was not appointed by the Minister to act as Chief Executive Officer of PanSALB. This appointment was made by the Board.

(c). The post of CEO was advertised in October 2019 and was filled on 01 April 2020.

I instructed the officials in my department to do a verification process to ascertain the correct amounts.

Reply:

The sector has taken different approaches to the vaccination issue, with some public universities opting for mandatory vaccination policies for accessing campus, and others still consulting and taking a more cautious approach. Universities and TVET colleges decisions on policies are guided by the Council of each institution. I have not yet issued any directive to any institution of higher learning in relation to mandatory vaccination.

My Department is in the process of consulting via Natjoints, which is the advisory forum of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) with a view to advise me and I will seek the support of the NCCC in whatever advice I receive.

Currently, HIGHER HEALTH, our implementing agency, that is guiding institutions on the management of the pandemic, has finalised the guidelines that institutions will follow in determining various matters around vaccination. I am currently studying the guidelines before I can release them for implementation by all our institutions. Whilst this process is underway I have urged all our institutions to ensure that the policies and procedures they put in place have been widely consulted on campus. Whilst this matter has not been finalised at government level I have urged institutions to encourage everyone in our higher education and training community to get vaccinated.

Scientific advice provided with the support of Higher Health and led to the basic education sector opening up in full was also provided for the post-school education and training sector. It is only when a large number of staff and students is vaccinated that a return to full time face to face teaching, without space restrictions is implemented. This assumes that all other safety protocols such as masking, hand-washing/sanitising will continue. We are prioritizing this work as it has to be concluded as a matter of urgency, so that the sector is able to operate effectively for the 2022 academic year. I have briefly discussed this matter in my press briefing on 1 February 2022. Again, once all this work is finalized I will release a statement.

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The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), is mandated to implement the Counterfeit Goods Act, No. 37 of 1997, which provides enforcement remedies to intellectual property rights holders. The CIPC Commissioner Advocate Rory Voller has advised as follows:

Effective protection of copyright and trademarks are supported through coordinated physical enforcement actions. These seizure operations are spearheaded by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, commonly known as the HAWKS.

Most products are counterfeited, from toys to motor spare parts. Social Media Driven Awareness Campaigns on Respect for Intellectual Property (IP) are continuously conducted by the CIPC. In addition, the Agency collaborates with industry to ensure that public demand for fake goods decreases, with emphasis on engagements with students and SMMEs.

The CIPC conducts training and capacity building events to designated SAPS, and SARS officials and follows a holistic approach that includes private sector stakeholders and the judiciary. Training workshops on Investigating and Prosecuting IP Crime for Senior Law Enforcement officials are conducted. The International Police Agency (Interpol) attended the most recent workshop, emphasising the need to combat this practice across borders and online. CIPC recently hosted a hybrid Conference in Cape Town on Anti-Counterfeiting (22-24 February 2022), which focussed on IP rights and responsibilities. In attendance were African countries, brand protection managers and self-regulatory bodies representing the industries that suffer the most from counterfeiting.

CIPC has just launched a cell phone application to enhance accurate statistical reporting, which law enforcement officials will use to gather accurate statistics to support effective enforcement.

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According to information obtained from the Provincial Departments of Health, the following Table reflects the details in this regard.

Province	All Surgical Operations
Free State	1718
Kwa-Zulu Natal	15395
Limpopo	5312
Mpumalanga	2687
Northern Cape	3830
North West	4871

We still await information from the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape Provinces. This will be furnished to Parliament as soon as it is received.

END.

Reply:

The reply furnished to me by the Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), Ms Thabang Mampane has not replied fully to (a) other than to state that it is the “Internal Audit Specialist” and I will be requesting further information. In respect of (b), the reply received states that an amount of R64 256 has been paid as the acting allowance from July 2021 to February 2022.

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Reply:

a) The SA Health Products Regulatory Authority standard operating procedures and/or measures in place to strengthen controls relating to the preparation and review of financial and performance reports are as follows:

• Finance reporting standard operating procedure has been developed and implemented with standard excel templates to facilitate ease of capture and recording of information
• Business units are required to report on financial and performance management information on a monthly basis by the 7th of each month including upload of supporting evidence
• Supporting evidence is uploaded on an online share drive to prevent loss of information
• Consequence management has been implemented against officials not submitting within specified timeframes
• Internal audit performs quarterly audits on performance information for accuracy and completeness
• A project has been initiated to develop supporting records for audit purpose relating to unavailability of historical records. Listings are created from the bank statements for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years to support the financial statement figures previously reported on. Application numbers are to be listed against the listings derived from the bank statement which will be linked to supporting evidence. The project is planned for completion before submission of the financial statements for audit purposes. Internal audit has been tasked to track progress made against the clearing of the remaining qualification.

b) Internal controls in place to review and/or monitor compliance with legislation relating to:

(i) Supply Chain Management (SCM) include the following:

• Review of SCM policies and alignment to applicable legislation
• Review of the delegation of authority specifically relating to procurement thresholds
• Development of a SCM standard operating procedure detailing step by step actions that must be performed during the procurement process accompanied by various standardized evaluation and compliance templates
• Development of an irregular, fruitless and wasteful operating procedure detailing step by step actions that must be performed to detect, report and corrective actions to be taken
• Filling of SCM vacancies
• Establishment of a panel of experts
• Internal workshopping of SCM process and SCM training provided to key role players
• Establishment of a loss control function and implementation of consequence management

(ii) Regulations regarding contract management include the following:

• Development of a contract management standard operating procedure detailing step by step actions that must be performed during the procurement process accompanied by various standardized evaluation and compliance templates
• Implementation of a contract register and checklist
• Review of the delegation of authority specifically relating to contract approvals and variations
• Weekly contract expenditure management implemented to update contract managers in advance of total spent
• Establishment of a panel of experts

END.

Reply:

Interactions with the Ministry of Police takes place through the normal government channels. The decision on which measures to implement on scrap metals is still under consideration. Once a final decision has been taken, details will be made available.

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Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I have been informed by the Department that:

(a)(i)(ii)(aa): Total number of incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault that were reported in the department in each of the past three financial years

	2018/2019	2019/2020	2020/2021
(i)Total number of the incident of sexual harassment	Nil	2 cases reported 1 case was withdrawn by the complainant following the informal process	Nil
(ii)Total number of sexual assaults reported	Nil	Nil	Nil

 

(bb)(b)(i)(ii)(iii): since 01 April 2021

(b)(i). No. of cases opened and concluded	(ii). Cases withdrawn	(iii) cases remain open or pending
Nil	Nil	Nil

(c) Sanctions meted out against each person who was found guilty

2018/2019	2019/2020	2020/2021	2021/2022
No incidents reported	1 case, employee sanctioned to one-month suspension from work without pay, coupled with a final written warning and corrective counselling.	No incidents reported	No incidents reported

Reply:

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Reply:

1. The Department has consistently applied itself to such measures to enable the opening up of sporting venues. With the COVID-19 vaccines being accessible to all South Africans, the Department embarked on a partnership type of approach with sport and creative personalities / organisations.

The Minister established a committee of experts called the Return to Play Adjudication Committee to support organisations, clubs and individuals to ensure compliance. The Department formulated operational guidelines, Sports organisations have submitted their operational plans, which were analysed, adjudicated and approved, and events were monitored.

A proposal to reopen the events sector through a controlled set of Government (DSAC) approved events for vaccinated persons has been processed through relevant structures.

2(a). While the Department may not have provided direct support to maximise revenue without relying on gate-takings while the situation persists, other efforts have been in place to support Sports Federations during this time of COVID-19. The provision of financial and non-financial support to recognised National Federations is to promote and foster development of sport and recreation in South Africa. Support is provided to sport and recreation bodies in line with the provisions of Section 10 of the Sport and Recreation Act.

The support is towards both the administration of the sport and recreation bodies although this is minimal. The significant portion of the support is towards programmes and projects. Self-sustainable sport and recreation bodies represent ideal scenario, which may contribute to job creation and economic development. However, with the prevailing financial situation within the federations, consideration was made to provide for more allocation towards operational and administrative costs to keep the sport and recreation bodies afloat. The Department offered relief funding to athletes, coaches and technical officials who lost income due to cancellation of their events during COVID-19. Further, through the Presidential Economic Stimulus Package, sports federations managed to retain 4, 566 and 921 new jobs were created with the Sports associations.

The Department provided an enabling environment for the return of spectators as per the Directions gazetted by the Minister in October 2021 and requested Federations to submit operational plans. This is part of the plan towards economic recovery of the Sports associations.

Reply:

((a). The establishment of Club and Rural Sport Development within communities and traditional councils was to ensure that access is created within communities in remote areas. The clubs and traditional council’s teams play in a league system whose main aim is to-

• • Revive the interest of sport within communities, increased participation and identify talented athletes.
  • Enhance the level of performance of talented athletes and coaches and increase the rate of sports development.
  • National federations enhance the education of individuals and groups by means of training opportunities to coaches, administrators, and technical officials.

(b) Government established a Build for Sport and Recreation Programme (BSRP) as a funding model for delivery of sport facilities through the former Department of Sport and Recreation. In 2004/5 BSRP was integrated in the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), which by design municipalities are Implementing Agents (IA). This decision was informed by the need to integrate certain infrastructure investments targeting Municipalities to ensure coherent and coordinated infrastructure development in Municipalities.

In 2016/17, the Department managed to convince both Parliament, National Treasury (NT) and Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to ring-fence portion of 5% of sport infrastructure in the Municipal Infrastructure Grant. The MIG focuses on basic needs and prioritizes the previously disadvantaged areas.

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The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. I requested the State Attorney to appoint the Initiator and Chairperson for the ensuing disciplinary process. An Initiator and Chairperson have been appointed by the State Attorney. The Initiator has prepared draft charges against Ms. Melissa Whitehead. I interacted with the Initiator on 9 December 2020, 27 February 2021 and 1 April 2021. I, further, met with the Initiator and State Attorney in December 2021 to finalise the charge sheet. To this end, charges have been finalised and will be presented to Ms Whitehead in due course. The reason for the delay emanates from one of the implicated officials taking the matter on review, leading to a postponement of these proceedings. I have since received legal advice that I can go ahead with the disciplinary proceedings. The charge sheet is now finalised by the Initiator and will be served on her by 30 March 2022. Hearing dates will be set for April 2022.

2. She has not been placed on suspension.

Reply:

On 07 February 2022, Foskor received a complaint from the uMhlathuze Local Municipality regarding a possible gas leak from its Acid Plant at a localised area of Richards Bay High School. A detailed investigation was immediately conducted by Foskor’s environmental and emergency management. I am advised of the following results:

a) The investigation revealed that there was no gas leak at Foskor facilities.

b) The cause of the incident is still being determined.

Foskor committed to work with the relevant institutions to assist in determining the cause of the incident.

 

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Reply:

The amalgamation of the two Departments will not have an impact on the restructuring of public entities. The former Department of Sports and Recreation had two public entities with separate mandates. Therefore, these entities will not be subjected to the amalgamation process like the ones which reported to the former Department of Arts and Culture.