Questions and Replies
04 March 2022 - NW125
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) countries have been able to export semen and embryos of small ruminants and bovine in the past 20 years and (b) amount in doses of semen were exported; (2) what steps has her department taken to ensure that the SA Dorper Breeder Society is able to conduct trade overseas; (3) (a) with which countries (i) does the Republic have small ruminants and bovine semen and embryo export and import trade protocols and (ii) have lapsed export and import protocol, (b) what actions have been taken to renew the lapsed protocols, (c) what progress has been made regarding the renewal to date, (d) what challenges have been experienced regarding the renewal of protocol and (e) what actions have been taken to address the challenges? NW129E
Reply:
1. (a) In the past 8 years, ruminant semen and embryos have been exported to Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Malaysia, Zambia, Namibia, Canada, Venezuela, Angola and Guyana. The information for the past twelve years is not readily available, since information is archived every five years and this information was stored manually. The information will be retrieved from the archives and be shared later.
(b) Please refer to Annexure A for details of semen exported (2014-2021).
2. The following steps were taken:
- The Dorper Breeder Society has expressed interest in exporting sheep semen and embryos to the MERCOSUR member countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela), with emphasis on Brazil and Argentina. DALRRD began negotiations for the export of ruminant semen and embryos in 2010 with Brazil and Argentina and there have been numerous exchanges of information over the years. In 2016, an agreed upon veterinary health certificate for ovine embryos was achieved with Brazil. In 2019, when South Africa experienced the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and lost our Office International de Epizooties (OIE) recognised free status, DALRRD was informed by Brazil that the protocols had been amended and re-negotiation of the veterinary health certificate was required. The amended MERCOSUR requirements included Scrapie measures which were not there previously, and these excluded South Africa from qualifying for exports of ovine and caprine semen and embryos.
- In April 2021, Argentina gave permission for one consignment of Dorper and Boer Goat genetic material to be imported using the previously agreed upon veterinary health certificate. This information was communicated with the export certifying state veterinarian, who confirmed that certification could be done. The consignment was exported.
- The Dorper Breed Society also expressed an interest in exporting semen and embryos to Australia. DALRRD completed the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) questionnaire and submitted it with our request for market access to the veterinary Authority of Australia. In July 2015, the Australian Veterinary Authority responded that South Africa’s request for market access was not a priority to them.
- There was also interest to export Dorper and Boer Goat genetics in 2021 to the USA. DALRRD wrote to the USDA to request market access and was informed that they are updating the regulations regarding Scrapie and would not consider market access requests until the process had been finalised. At the time, the USDA could not provide an expected time when the updating of the regulations would be finalised. The USA also has a lengthy process of recognising the FMD and other diseases of concern, even when the OIE recognises RSA free of those diseases.
(3) (a) (i) South Africa has agreed upon import and export protocols as follows:
Imports: bovine semen from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Import of bovine embryos from Canada, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand and the USA. Import of ovine and caprine semen and embryos from Australia and New Zealand.
Exports: The majority of protocols South Africa had with countries were annulled when RSA lost its FMD free status in 2019. The DALRRD continues to negotiate for the reinstatement of these protocols offering equivalent measures such as compartments free of FMD and other diseases of concern.
South Africa has agreed upon protocols for the export of bovine embryos to Brazil and Argentina. DALRRD is in the process of negotiating an updated the protocol with Argentina, but exports may in the transition still take place.
(ii) The MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) countries amended their protocols for ruminant semen and embryos in 2019, so the previously agreed upon protocols had lapsed.
3(b),(c),(d) DALRRD began renegotiating veterinary health certificates with Brazil and Argentina, according to the amended requirements set by MERCOSUR. However, the amended Scrapie requirements prevent South Africa from achieving the market for ovine and caprine semen and embryos, the surveillance for scrapie and traceability. The amended requirements have also excluded South Africa from achieving the market for bovine semen due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) requirements.
As explained above, South Africa is unable to meet the amended requirements and this was communicated to industry in December 2020. It was recommended that the Industry consider an Industry driven and funded Scrapie surveillance project according to the Office International de Epizooties (OIE) general surveillance and specific Scrapie requirements with due reference to the requirements for OIE self-declarations, as well as a split system that will ensure compliance to all other requirements. South Africa cannot meet the requirements for Scrapie and Foot and Mouth Disease.
(e) The Challenges were communicated, and it was recommended that the Industry consider an Industry driven and funded Scrapie surveillance project according to the OIE general surveillance and specific Scrapie requirements, with due reference to the requirements for OIE self-declarations, as well as a split system that will ensure compliance to all other requirements.
04 March 2022 - NW301
Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:
What (a) number of foreign generated tons of (i) chemical and (ii) toxic waste have been dumped annually in the Republic in the past five years, (b) are the countries of origin where the waste comes from and (c) is the location of each local dump site for which the waste was destined?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW350
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) Whether her department conducted any investigation into the incident of the bulk carrier NS Qindao that left Durban Harbour in November 2021 when the cargo aboard started to emit toxic fumes after more than 1000 tonnes of the cargo have already been removed; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the breakdown of the exact details of what the cargo onboard the vessel contained, (b) what different chemicals were on the vessel, (c) which chemicals caused the toxic fumes and (d) what impact has she found did the fumes have on the atmosphere regarding air pollution; (2). (a) what are the relevant details of the 1000 tonnes of cargo that had already been removed and (b) where was it taken to?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW307
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to the Pannar Seeds case which is five years old now, there will be any further action to recoup the R761 230 payment for the sunflower seeds that were (a) purchased and (b) delivered to the National Development Agency projects in the (i) Eastern Cape and (ii) Free State; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I would like to inform the Honourable Member that this matter is still in court as the NDA successfully applied for the rescission of the default judgement against it. The exchange of legal documents between the NDA and the plaintiff has not been finalised as the plaintiff must first reply to our notices in terms of Rule 35 (12) and (14).
04 March 2022 - NW407
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether against the background of record high unemployment figures and persistent levels of poverty in the Republic, she has found that the Government’s R50 million donation to the government of the Republic of Cuba for special intervention purposes, could have been put to better use at home; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Cuban government called on South Africa and other partner countries in their hour of need in July 2021. Cuba’s worst economic crisis in 30 years was caused by the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and further exacerbated by the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba by the United States. Cuba as a result is experiencing chronic shortages of food, fuel, medicine and electricity.
South Africa responded to this call for humanitarian assistance in the context of reciprocity and its historical friendship and solidarity with Cuba which was cemented though Cuba’s sacrifices during our struggle for freedom. Cuba also responded without hesitance to South Africa’s call for medical professionals to assist during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.
The African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF), which is located within DIRCO, and which is legally constituted to implement humanitarian assistance of this nature, is coordinating the project with relevant stakeholders, following all necessary legal prescripts. .
The required concurrence to release an amount of R50 million from the African Renaissance Fund was provided by the Minister of Finance, after which the Acting Director-General of DIRCO approved that the request for humanitarian assistance by Cuba be implemented through the supply chain management processes as regulated by the Public Finance Management Act (Act No. 1 of 1999).
These processes were concluded by December 2021.
04 March 2022 - NW213
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What steps has she taken to ensure that the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, in North-West, provides water to the communities of Wards 14, 28 and 30 in Ledig, which have been without water for some time?
Reply:
The Moses Kotane Local Municipality (MKLM) is the Water Services Authority (WSA) in its area of jurisdiction. According to MKLM, it is currently servicing Wards 14, 28 and 30 in Ledig by carting water, storing it in tanks and providing communities through standpipes installed in various strategic points. The water is supplied by Magalies Water Board. In some areas however water is supplied from boreholes that were donated by the Traditional Council as a short-term solution. The implementation of a bulk water project mentioned below aims to ensure a sustainable water supply to the communities of Ledig.
In accordance with section 154 of the Constitution, the Department of Corporative Governance (DCOG) supports and strengthens the MKLM to perform their WSA functions of ensuring access to water services to the communities MKLM. DCOG through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) deployed professionally registered engineers to MKLM who assist throughout the water project life cycle and water provision function responsibilities. The deployed engineers further support MKLM by coordinating other service delivery role players like the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in accordance with the District Development Model (DDM). The deployed MISA engineers support MKLM with the implementation of the following project aimed to ensure the provision of water to the communities of Ledig.
According to MKLM, a bulk water project to address the water challenges in Wards 14,28 and 30 was initiated few years ago. The implementation model was through a tripartite agreement of Bakubung Platinum Mine, Maseve Mine and MKLM. The original scope as approved by the DWS included the construction of a pump station, 5 mega-liter (ML) reservoir and a bulk pipeline. Phase 1 of the bulk water supply project was completed in 2020, which excluded the 5 ML reservoir and the bulk main pipeline. MKLM is currently in the process of procuring a contractor for the construction of the reservoir and the associated bulk main pipeline.
The successful implementation of this project will ensure that there is sustainable water supply in the three wards.
04 March 2022 - NW244
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
In light of the fact that Choseng Secondary School in Ward 3 of Greater Taung Local Municipality was in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the specified municipality in 2011 for the upgrading of existing classes, but to date none has been done, what (a) has she found are the reasons that the IDP of the municipality was not implemented fully and (b) intervention measures is she going to take to ensure future plans of the local municipality include providing the specified school with adequate infrastructure as it was initially in the 2011 IDP?
Reply:
The community need on the upgrading of existing classrooms in Choseng Secondary School in Ward 3 in Greater Taung Local Municipality was indicated in the IDP for the 2011/2012 FY but the project was not included in the budgeted list of projects that were implemented by the NW Department of Education for the 2011/2012 Financial Year. However, the following work has been undertaken by the NW Department of Education in the school:
- The school was provided with 6 mobile classrooms (2 were provided in the 2016/2017 FY, an additional 2 in the 2018/2019 FY and a further 2 during the 2021/2022) for a total cost of R666 295,05.
- Extra toilets were provided in March 2021 for a total cost of R401 805,00.
- A Borehole was provided in September 2021 for a total cost of R286 720,00.
The participation of other spheres of government in the IDP processes remains critical. In this regard, the District Development Model is key as a mechanism to ensure alignment of plans across the spheres of government. The DDM is aimed at enhancing cooperative governance through coordinating all three spheres of government to commonly agreed vision and outcomes in a district or metro space. In this regard, DCOG will continue to work with other departments including the Department of Education, provinces and the municipalities in ensuring that the One Plan and the IDPs of municipalities are developed and implemented as part of the implementation of the District Development Model.
Additionally, DCOG has developed Revised IDP guidelines for all municipalities which are aimed at guiding the development and implementation of the IDPs. These guidelines are focuses guiding municipalities on the alignment of the IDPs and the DDM One Plans.
04 March 2022 - NW309
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development
What are the (a) reasons for the R26,9 million in irregularities regarding the Volunteer Programme of the National Development Agency and (b) relevant details of the irregularities?
Reply:
I would like to refer the Honourable Member to my reply to Parliamentary Question 2523, which was published in the internal question paper on 19 November 2021.
04 March 2022 - NW355
Bryant, Mr D W to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
In view of the recent devastating fires at the Kleinmond plantation, what impact has she found has the ongoing land invasion at her department’s plantation in Grabouw had on the current and future functioning of the plantation; Whether her department has undertaken a fire safety assessment to evaluate the risk of wildfires emanating from the settlement on the plantation; if not, why not, if so, what were the outcomes of the assessments; Whether the site is being regularly maintained by her department to managed the build-up of flammable natural materials; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW215
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What steps has she taken to ensure that the Moses Kotane Local Municipality completes the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses it built in 2019 in Ledig in Wards 14 and 28 and (b) on what date is it envisaged the the RDP houses will be (i) completed and (ii) occupied by their rightful owners? NW219E
Reply:
(a) Moses Kotane Local Municipality is a beneficiary and an end user of the Reconstruction and Development Programme(RDP). The Department of Human Settlements is responsible for the implementation of the programme through its provincial department, which relies on the local municipality to facilitate the beneficiaries. The question can be best answered by the relevant department.
04 March 2022 - NW4
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether all municipalities developed community participation and ward committee funding models as envisaged by the National Framework on the Funding Models for Ward Committees as approved by Cabinet, in terms of which ward committee members may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what was the total average expense in each (a) month and (b) province of ward committee members in the Republic for the past three financial years?
Reply:
The information requested varies from one municipality to the other and is not readily available in the Department. The department is in the process of sourcing and verifying information from Provinces and Municipalities to ensure accurate reporting.
04 March 2022 - NW181
Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) What number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid by (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her for more than (aa) 30 days, (bb) 60 days, (cc) 90 days and (dd) 120 days, (b) what is the total amount outstanding in each case and (c) by what date is it envisaged that the outstanding amounts will be settled?
Reply:
The table below indicate the status of the Payment of invoices in the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) and its Entities:
ENTITY |
What number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid by (ii) each entity |
(aa) More than 30 days |
(bb) more than 60 days |
(cc) more than 90 days |
(dd) more than 120 days |
(b) total amount o/s R’00 |
(c) what date the o/s amount will be settled R’00 |
DCOG |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Not applicable |
MDB |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Not applicable |
SALGA |
49 |
-R12 227 308.26 credit balance |
R 195 549.08 with a debit balance |
R 590 318.57 with a debit balance |
547 690.79 |
R 1 333 558.44 |
28 February 2022 |
SACN |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Not applicable |
MISA |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Not applicable |
TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Not Applicable |
04 March 2022 - NW302
Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) what were the deciding factors that determined the dumping of the toxic cargo of the NS Qingdao only 250km from the coast of the Republic and not further out to sea; (2) what compound(s) has she found were released during the chemical reactions from the ship in the concentrated toxic gases due to the combustion that took place on board the ship in the incident at (a) Durban and (b) Saldanha Bay; (3) what has she found (a) will the chemical reaction of the waste have with seawater and (b) will the impact of these compounds have on ocean life in the vicinity of the dump site ?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW374
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether, in light of the recent report by the FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Foundation, titled Year of the Tiger: Big cat farming in South Africa: the need for international action, which reveals the extent of intensive captive tiger breeding in the Republic (details furnished), she has been informed (a) of the (i) commercial export of live tiger and their parts to known hotspots for illegal wildlife trade and (ii) subsequent contravention of decisions set out by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), of which South Africa is a party to and (b) that the lack of effective regulations, laws and monitoring of big cat trade in the Republic is sentencing big cat species to a life of commercial exploitation for trade in their parts and subsequent use in luxury goods and traditional medicine; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is (aa) being done to prevent this and (bb) the Government’s position on the findings of the specified reports?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW1
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)Whether, in view of the International Tribunal Judgment finding that China is guilty of human rights violations, genocide and oppression of the country’s Uyghur, Kazakh and Turkic Muslim populations and in light of the United States of America signing a new law banning all products manufactured in the Xinjiang region under forced labour, to mark its disapproval of China’s human rights violations, his department will use trade relations to send a message against the inhumane practices and genocide of Muslims; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department will (a) pursue measures to stop trade with China and other countries who are collaborating with the Chinese government’s oppressive internal policies against Muslims, (b) further denounce the Chinese Communist Party and countries like Vietnam’s involvement in a deceptive trade practice such as relabelling merchandise to defeat the ban on products made with forced labour in the Xinjiang region and (c) support calls for the implementation of a mechanism and/or oversight to report practices of forced labour; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) whether the Republic is currently importing products that were manufactured in the Xinjiang region; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Trade decisions on imports are made in compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It requires granting non-discriminatory market access for imports from all WTO Members, subject to applicable tariffs and health, safety and environmental standards, such as sanitary and phyto-sanitary requirements. Any restrictions beyond these need to comply with specified rules. This provides the legal framework within which any administration is required to operate.
2. International trade data is not disaggregated to sub-national levels. Available data specifies the country of origin only.
3 Any illegal relabeling practices which misrepresent the national origin will be in contravention of South African customs, legislation requiring that imports enter the South African market only if accompanied with a declaration of the true country of origin and of export (Article 40.1(c) of Customs and Excise Act). Should the Honourable Member have evidence of any illegal labeling practices, it should be reported to the Office of the Head of Customs at the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
-END-
04 March 2022 - NW75
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)What amount was budgeted in the (a) 2019-20 and (b) 2020-21 financial years to maintain the building situated at 29 Glyn Street on the corner of Amos Road, Colbyn in Tshwane in which the SA Police Service Bomb Disposal Unit is housed that is in a shocking state of disrepair (details furnished); (2) whether nothing was budgeted for maintenance of the building in the specified financial years; if not, why not; if so, (3) what was the nature of the maintenance carried out in the (a) 2019-20 and (b) 2020-21 financial years and (b) was it routine maintenance and/or emergency repairs in each specified financial year?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
- and (2) I have been informed by the Department that while no budget was allocated in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Financial Years for the maintenance of 39 Glyn Street, electrical maintenance, maintenance of blocked drains, repair of burst water pipes, repair of leaking and blocked toilets, gate motor repair, repair of faulty lights & plugs and repair leaking roofs was done during 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years through the day-to-day maintenance. Most of the work requires capital refurbishment and DPWI has been engaging the SAPS, who is responsible for allocating budget for the capital refurbishments.
04 March 2022 - NW260
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Given that the International Tribunal Judgement has recently found China guilty of gross human rights, genocide and violent oppression of Kazakh and Turkic Muslim populations and has agreed that all Governments should go along with the International Tribunal Judgement, what are the reasons that the Government has not responded to the International Tribunal Judgement with regard to the gross human rights, genocide and violent oppression of Kazakh and Turkic Muslim populations; (2) Whether, given that the United States of America has legislated a ban on imports of products from the Xinjiang region, the Government will pursue similar action; if not’ why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether, given that this genocide of a Muslim population can be seen to be no different to the holocaust and the annihilation of Palestinian land and its people, the Government will raise its voice to show that the Republic will not stay quiet if there is genocide in any part of the world; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The International Tribunal is not an international tribunal which has been formally established by States or the United Nations or any other international organisation, consequently, its findings have no legal standing. The Government of South Africa is under no obligation to comment on the report.
2. The decision by the United States Government to ban imports from the Xinjiang region imposes no obligation on South Africa to follow a similar course of action and South Africa’s trade relations with the United States have not been impacted in any way as a result of the International Tribunal Judgement. South Africa is not considering a ban on imports of products from the Xinjiang region. South Africa, in its trade relations with China as its largest global trading partner, does not distinguish between regions within mainland China.
3. South Africa participates in multilateral institutions of global governance such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, whose mandates include the promotion, protection and advancement of human rights. In its engagement with these institutions, South Africa always advocates for, and works closely with its partners (e.g. through the passing of resolutions) to ensure that human rights are promoted, protected and realised, not only in the domestic setting, but globally in all regions of the world. As indicated, the International Tribunal is not a formally established platform, this is in contrast to the Palestinian cause, which is recognized by the overwhelming majority of the international community and continues to enjoy the right of participation in the sessions and work of the General Assembly and its associated bodies.
04 March 2022 - NW133
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether she and/or her department commissioned any reports on the Parliamentary precinct with regard to (a) facilities management, (b) fire safety, (c) building fabric and/or (d) any other issues pertaining to the function of her department in respect of Parliament; if not, why not; if so, what plans have been put in place to address the findings that were made in the specified reports; (2) whether she will furnish Ms S J Graham with a copy of each report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. (a) The Department commissioned BDO South Africa to conduct an investigation on all 12 contracts relating to the Parliamentary precinct, including the two Facilities Management contracts (i) for State-owned residences and (ii) Offices. BDO South Africa has made 20 findings and the Department has developed an audit action plan as to remedy the shortcomings.
(b)(i) The Department has also commissioned independent consultants, Multi-QS, to do a condition assessment on, among others, fire safety, building fabric, mechanical and electrical.
(b)(ii) The Department also commissioned an internal professional team to do an investigation to ascertain the extent of the fire damage of the precinct. This investigation led to the Department appointing independent consultants, COEGA, to investigate the structural integrity of the Parliamentary precinct. This investigation is still underway.
(c and d) See above.
2. I am yet to be briefed on the Multi Qs and COEGA reports. Once briefed, I will be in a position to share the reports. The Member is already in possession of the BDO report.
04 March 2022 - NW356
Bryant, Mr D W to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(a) what are reasons that the Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP) online application deadline was revised from the original deadline of 7 December 2021 to Friday 28 January 2022 and (b) under what circumstances will a further deadline be considered; Whether she will furnish Mr D W Bryant with detailed statistics regarding the online application process once it has been concluded; if not, why not, if so, (a) on what date and (b) what are the relevant details; Whether she has found that the online FRAP application process has been accessible for all stakeholders in the fishing sector; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; Whether particular consideration was given to those with little or no access to technology and/or the internet; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW352
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether, with reference to the R255 million donated by philanthropist Howard Buffet in March 2014 to the Kruger National Park (KNP)SA National Park to implement an intensive protection zone in KNP, (details furnished), she will furnish Ms A M M Weber with a detailed breakdown of (a)(i) hoe the money was spent and (ii) on what, if not, why not; if so, on what date; Whether the helicopter was bought; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details; What number of vehicles equipped with sophisticated sensors were acquired? Whether the sensors were planted on the fencing at the Mozambique border; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details; (a) what amount and (b) which programmes were implemented to ensure cross-boarder criminal investigations and intelligence networks?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW338
Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the National Treasury, on its own or in collaboration with other departments, conducted an assessment of the affordability of the implementation of the SA Local Government Bargaining Council Salary and Wage Collective Agreement for the municipal financial years 2021-24, which was concluded on 15 September 2021; if not, why has such an assessment not been conducted; if so, what are the relevant details of the assessment?
Reply:
No, the National Treasury did not undertake an assessment on the affordability of the SA Local Government Bargaining Council Salary and Wage Collective Agreement for the 2021-2024 financial years. National Treasury is not directly involved in the collective bargaining matters relating to local government wage agreements and the associated implementation costs. These are negotiated between the employer represented by the South African Government Association (SALGA) and Labour represented by various trade unions.
The National Treasury and Provincial Treasuries undertake assessments twice a year (before a budget is adopted and at mid-term of the financial year) on the ability of a municipality to fund its operating budget. These assessments include the affordability of salaries and wages as a component of municipal expenditure. In addition, the National Treasury also undertakes an annual assessment on the State of Municipal Finances and Financial Management to identify municipalities in financial distress.
Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were already 166 municipalities in financial distress. On this basis, the National Treasury advised SALGA on the need for greater fiscal prudence given the decline in overall economic activity and the concomitant impact thereof on municipal revenues. The National Treasury expressed concerns in a letter to SALGA that there should be an exit clause which allows for exemptions from salary increases for those municipalities that cannot afford these such increases. SALGA provided an undertaking in this regard indicating that any municipality who cannot afford the salary and wage increase on the basis of their financial health reports will be allowed to use the exit clause in the agreement making it easier for the municipality to apply for an exemption.
04 March 2022 - NW412
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What are the reasons that the Republic has not ratified the protocol for the free movement of persons on the continent?
Reply:
South Africa supports the principle of free movement of persons on the continent. However there remains a set of enablers or preconditions that are necessary for the successful implementation of the AU Protocol which need to be met by member states ahead of its ratification. These include but are not limited to:
- The fact that not all member states are on the same level of facilitating free movement of persons in Africa;
- Challenges related to free movement of persons, amongst others, national security, public order, public health and socio-economic disparities;
- There is a phased approach which needs to be met related to the implementation of the protocol and the free movement of persons;
- The infrastructure (which in many countries is still not available) that needs to be put in place such as, machine readable passports compliant to international standards, and compatibility of ICT systems at ports of entry to facilitate exchange of information;
- The need to still set up the legal infrastructure such as, bilateral return agreements, the AU legal instruments on extradition and mutual legal assistance, the AU framework on African Passport and its relationship with free movement of persons, and Interface of Movement Control systems with INTERPOL (red notice system) and individual Member States prohibition/undesirable person’s lists and the UN warning lists.
The SADC Member States acknowledged, that movement of persons in Africa is relevant and critical for continental integration and Africa’s economic development, and thus in principle, support the implementation of the Protocol. However, considering the prevailing identified challenges and preconditions, SADC recommended that implementation of free movement of persons in Africa and the African Passport should be implemented through a phased approach in accordance with a principle that safeguards the sovereignty of Member States.
South Africa recently adopted a new White Paper on International Migration which advocates for an Afrocentric migration approach. Such an approach locates the migration policy within the African Development Agenda. For instance, it supports the free movement of African citizens within the continent in a secure manner.
The Security Assessment Report on the Protocol recommends that South Africa should, among other things, underscore the importance of addressing economic disparities in the continent prior to the implementation of the Protocol; prioritise the establishment and implementation of the Border Management Authority; continue to advance the SADC common position and delay implementation of the Protocol considering the threats to national security that are associated with its implementation, including, for instance, internal migration and external migration - South Africa is experiencing both high internal and external migration patterns to urban areas leading to influx and competition for resources in urban areas.
Having satisfied itself of the need to address the above concerns before South Africa could consider ratifying the AU Protocol on the Free Movement of People, a Cabinet decision was taken in May 2021 not to ratify the Protocol until the necessary preconditions and enablers are met by Member States.
04 March 2022 - NW303
Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)With reference to the reply of the Minister of Public Enterprises to question 2557 on 11 January 2022, by what date is concurrence expected to be finalised in order to prevent legal action being taken against the relevant departments for disregarding the court order that was awarded on 22 June 2020 with regard to CAS 42355/2015 in the Gauteng North High Court for the members of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) Sub Fund which has not been implemented (details furnished); (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Minister of Finance is currently considering the request for concurrence from the Minister of Public Enterprises in respect of the proposed amendments of rules for the PRASA sub-fund of the Transport Pension Fund.
2. The Minister of Finance will not make a statement on the matter. The outcome will be communicated to the Minister of Public Enterprises.
04 March 2022 - NW201
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(a) What number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid by (i) his department and (ii) each entity reporting to him for more than (aa) 30 days, (bb) 60 days, (cc) 90 days and (dd) 120 days, (b) what is the total amount outstanding in each case and (c) by what date is it envisaged that the outstanding amounts will be settled?
Reply:
For the current financial year, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has spent an amount of R419 504 303 on goods and services to date and there are no unpaid invoices outstanding for more than 30 days.
A supplementary reply on invoices on the entities reporting to the department will be submitted shortly as the information is being compiled.
-END-
04 March 2022 - NW351
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) (a) who will be doing the investigation into the cargo carrier NS Qindao that left Durban Harbour in November 2021 when the cargo aboard started to emit toxic fumes after more than 1000 tonnes of the cargo have already been removed and (b) on what date is it anticipated that we will receive the report of the investigation; (2) (a) what exactly is the destination o f this vessel and (b) which chemicals waste sites will be used to dumb the chemically neutralized waste; (3) what has she found to be the potential threat on marine and human life if the chemicals are not contained in line with the emergency control management introduced by the teams of salvors, chemical experts, hazardous material response team and emergency personnel that are managing the emergency controls in order to contain the situation, (4) what is the exact location and/or destination on the West Coast where the SA Maritime Safety Authority will be carrying 1500 tonnes of chemicals 250km offshore and 3km deep in the water?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
04 March 2022 - NW340
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether a backlog exists in the payment of (a) withdrawal claims, (b) retirement claims and (c) death claims from the Government Employees Pension Fund; if not, what is the average time for the processing of (a) withdrawal claims, (b) retirement claims and (c) death claims; if so, what is the (i) number of outstanding claims and (ii) average number of the days that claims have been outstanding in each case?
Reply:
Claim Type |
*Backlog, i.e., Claims older than 60 days (Claims) |
*Average time for processing (days) |
(i) Total number of claims on hand |
(ii) Average number of the days that claims have been outstanding in each case # |
a) Withdrawal Claims |
242 |
24 |
1 859 |
158 |
b) Retirement Claims |
416 |
22 |
5 025 |
125 |
c) Death Claims |
1 130 |
81 |
3 523 |
220 |
In relation to the question, kindly see below the Government Pensions Administration Agency response:
*Backlog cases are defined as cases older than 60 days.
*Age of claims vary depending on specific complexity of each case.
04 March 2022 - NW383
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether, following a suspected gas leak from a certain company (name furnished) and its inhalation at a school and homes in the surrounding area of Richards Bay, where children and adults developed nausea, vomiting, difficulties in breathing with many having collapsed and transported to hospitals and clinics in the Richards Bay and Empangeni areas, her department investigated the incident; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the results of the investigation, (b) was the impact of the gase leak on the environment and (c) is being done to prevent the incident from happening in the future?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
03 March 2022 - NW127
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What measures has her department put in place to protect the indigenous landrace of the (a) boergoat, (b) dorper, (c) dormer, (d) Afrikaner, (e) Nguni and (f) Bonsmara cattle so that other countries do not exploit this important South African indigenous landrace for economic benefits?
Reply:
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e),(f) The indigenous/landrace breeds such the boergoat, dorper, dormer, Afrikaner, Nguni and Bonsmara cattle are declared as animals in terms of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act 62 of 1998). The measures in place to protect these indigenous landrace breeds is through declaration in terms of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act 62 of 1998). The declaration is to ensure that animals and other indigenous breeds including their wild relatives (farmed game) are declared so as to contribute to food security and agriculture in addition to ownership of these breeds by the Republic of South Africa.
Further protection of these indigenous landrace breeds also includes sustainable utilisation and conservation of these breeds at the different Livestock Development Centres (LDCs) at different provinces. Examples of these centres are Mara Research Station, which houses Bonsmara breed and Nguni ecotypes viz. Bapedi, Shangaan and Venda types, North West Livestock Improvement Centres i.e. Noyjons/Machavie, Kliekuil, Armoesvlagte which keeps Afrikaner, Nguni, Bonsmara breeds and indigenous goats.
The operations at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) are also of value in terms of assisting with continuous research, development and technology transfer that enables supply of superior genetic material of indigenous genetic resources to support farmers and ensure sustainable utilization and ex- and in- situ conservation.
International Agreement/Treaty
At international level, the protection of these animals is in line with the United Nations (UN) Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) to which South Africa is a signatory. CBD bestows sovereignty of these animals and their related genetic resources to the Republic. Intellectual property right is therefore vested in South Africa, which implies that rights of breeders and local communities/farmers that are custodians of most indigenous breeds are recognised. There is however no Material Transfer Agreement in place at the moment, but these animal records are maitained in South Africa on the national database, the Integrated Registration and Genetic Information System ( INTERGIS).
Export process
Export of these Indigenous/Landrace breeds and related genetic materials (embryo, semen, etc.) is executed in collaboration with the specified recognised breeds’ societies. This involves recommendation by the breeders’ society for export of animals including related genetic materials, but the final decision rests with the Registrar of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act 62 of 1998. The export process is also concluded on genetic merits of the animals, related pedigree that is recorded and traceable through the INTERGIS. It should be noted that no applications are processed without consultation with the relevant breeders’ societies. This ensures continued data recording and participation of these animal records on the INTERGIS even when these animals are in the recipeint countries.
03 March 2022 - NW35
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)Whether, given that more than R1billion of taxpayers’ money has been spent on the establishment and upkeep of the Joint Venture between Alexkor and the Richtersveld Mining Company, known as the Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV), of which the entity has proven to be a dismal failure because of the lack of transparency and public accountability, he has found that it was appropriate to spend over R1 billion in taxpayers’ money in circumstances where there will be no accountability; if not, why not; if so, what are the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999, he relies upon; (2) whether the PSJV is a Schedule 2 Major Public Entity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether he has taken any steps to ensure that the PSJV subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the PFMA and gives Parliament a full account of the financial misconduct that has taken place for the past decade (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?NW39E
Reply:
1. The settlement agreement reached between Government, Alexkor and the Richtersveld Community comprised of the following obligations:
- Transferral and restoration of portions of land by the State and Alexkor to the Richtersveld Community.
- The transfer of Alexkor’s land mining rights to Richtersveld Mining Company and the setting up of Alexkor RMC PSJV. The State through Alexkor would capitalise the Alexkor RMC PSJV with R200 million in order to restore mining operations.
- The transfer of Alexkor’s mariculture and agricultural assets to the Richtersveld Agricultural Holdings.
- A sum of R190 million to be paid as reparation to the Richtersveld Investment Holding Company (RIHC) over three years.
- R50 million development grant to be paid as a lump sum development grant to the RIHC for agriculture and mariculture.
- R45 million to be paid to the Richtersveld Property Holding Company (RHPC) as compensation for Alexkor’s occupation on transferred residential properties for ten years.
- The establishment of a township at Alexander Bay including the upgrade of the municipal infrastructure to be handed over to the Richtersveld municipality.
- Environmental rehabilitation of historical mining areas.
Only R200 million was provided to the Alexkor Richtersveld Mining Company Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV) as recapitalization loan to resuscitate the diamond operations following the protracted legal proceedings.
R200 million is a loan and is repayable, to date the PSJV has made payment of R14 million.
2. The PSJV is an unincorporated entity and does not qualify as a national public entity or a national government business enterprise based on the definition of the two by the PFMA namely the PSJV is not juristic entity nor under the ownership control of the national executive.
Given that the PSJV is not a public entity that it could not be listed in either Schedule 2 or 3 of the PFMA. Section 3 of the PFMA provides that the PFMA applies to departments, public entities listed in Schedule 2 or 3, and constitutional institutions. The PSJV is none of these and the PFMA does not apply to the PSJV itself in its own name.
3. Despite the PJSV not being subjected to the PFMA by virtue of its arrangement, the department referred the matters of financial misconduct, corruption and mismanagement to the Special Investing Unit (SIU). On 10 December 2021, the President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the proclamation authorizing SIU to investigate affairs of Alexkor SOC which extend to the PSJV.
03 March 2022 - NW217
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
How far is the process to convert some high schools into maritime schools to expose learners to careers in maritime at an early age, as it was indicated to the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises seven years ago during an oversight visit to Transnet, that Transnet was in communication with the Department of Education and Training?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
A Task Team comprising officials from Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has conceptualised a programme on maritime schools.
In 2019, a secondary school in Sedibeng Municipality – Sharpeville in Vereeniging was converted into a maritime school, renamed Mohloli Maritime School. Two (2) maritime subjects were introduced, with the aim of introducing key aspects of the blue economy to the educators and learners.
Between 2018 and 2019, further preparatory work was done with other schools in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. TNPA and SAMSA participated in several engagements organised by the GDE to map out the process and progress on reorganising the remaining schools in the six (6) identified corridors.
TNPA has also launched several initiatives which culminated in a programme where a group of grade eleven (11) and twelve (12) boys from these schools are invited to TNPA under the theme, “Tomorrow’s men - Bring a Boy Child to work” in parallel with the “Take a Girl Child to Work Day”, to create awareness and exposure to the maritime environment where the learners are engaged and introduced to career possibilities in the maritime sectors.
The Maritime School of Excellence (MSoE) conducts roadshows to create awareness on career opportunities in the maritime sector. Furthermore, to encourage learners to meet the requirements to study maritime-related subjects while schools are in the process of being converted, the Port of Durban has donated a science laboratory to Ndukwenhle High School and Smart Boards to Seven (7) adopted Schools in the South Durban Basin.
03 March 2022 - NW403
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(Whether the office of his department in Benoni has put a redundancy connection plan in place to reduce its dependence on the State Information Technology Agency’s connection; if not, by what date is it anticipated that a redundancy connection plan will be put in place; if so, what is the reason for the specified office still experiencing regular downtime?
Reply:
The main reason for network downtime in Benoni was due to power issues within the local SITA switching centre (Bedfordview) which provides local connectivity for other offices such as Edenvale (which has a backup connection independent of Bedfordview switching centre), Alberton, and Germiston. The current priority is to upgrade 133 single data line front offices that are running on 1MB DIGINET to a 2MB Microwave/Fibre link (with LTE being used as an interim solution) from the limited funds – a reprioritisation of funds is being undertaken through consolidation of IT contracts.
END
03 March 2022 - NW404
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether teenage mothers who are not yet old enough to have an identity document are able to register their new-born babies using the teenage mother’s own birth certificate; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the process that needs to be followed by teenage mothers?
Reply:
Teenage mothers of new-born babies are able to register the birth of their children under their names with the assistance of the biological parents or informants who should accompany them. At the Home Affairs front offices, the informant will be required to verify with their biometrics to confirm their identity and the online verification printout will be attached to the birth registration record for future confirmation of birth registration in the presence of an adult brought in by the teenage mother as a next of kin.
END
03 March 2022 - NW399
Modise-Mpya, Ms M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) What total number of funded vacant posts have been filled in his department in the current financial year; (2) whether he has analysed the reasons that there are high levels of staff shortages; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Total number of funded vacant post that have been filled from 01 April 2021 to 31 January 2022: 62
2. The high level of staff shortages have resulted from continuous budget cuts announced by National Treasury, and the Department needed to introduce cost-containment measures under its Compensation of Employees (COE) budgetary allocation, to taper its expenditure to fall within the directed budget ceilings. One of these measures, has been the periodic introduction of moratoriums on the filling of posts which have been necessitated, save for the filling of the most critical posts prioritized by the Department.
END
03 March 2022 - NW223
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Following his department’s advisory indicating that he will be engaging with traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape on the exploration of oil and gas, (a) what informed his department’s decision to not involve communities through public participation and (b) how will meeting traditional leaders address the various concerns raised by communities and civil society during the Wild Coast protests? NW227E
Reply:
The visits to the traditional leadership in the Eastern Cape are part and parcel of the ongoing departmental engagements with stakeholders on issues affecting the minerals and energy industries. As part of the stakeholder engagement process, the department continuously consult interested and affected parties including communities and civil societies.
03 March 2022 - NW504
Mabika, Mr M to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether his department intends to allow municipalities to procure their own electricity; if not, why not; if so, what (a) measures has his department put in place to make the procurement processes proceed smoothly and quickly and (b) are the further relevant details?
Reply:
The law has always allowed for municipalities to procure their own power. As the DMRE, we have gone further and clarified requirements and process for municipalities to obtain the necessary Section 34 Ministerial Determinations.
03 March 2022 - NW409
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
With regard to the address by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, on 18 September 2019, wherein he alluded to the public’s frustration stemming from the tendency to disregard South Africans for employment in preference of foreign nationals to undercut wages, what steps have been taken by his department since the President’s address to investigate (a) the status of visas awarded to foreign nationals to work in the Republic and (b) those who have obtained documents visas and/or identity documents illegally?
Reply:
a) There are two processes in the Department that deal with status of visas awarded to foreign nationals to work in the Republic. The first process is ongoing and is handled by Counter-corruption branch of the Department. The branch benefits a lot from tip-offs by members of the public
The second process is that in February last year, after learning how Bushiri obtained his documents to be in the country, I set up a team headed by the former DG in the President’s office, Dr Cassius Lubisi to review all the permits issued by the Department since 2004. These includes work visas.
b) Apart from the Counter-Corruption Unit, Home Affairs also has an inspectorate unit that investigates, detect and open cases or withdraw documents that were acquired irregularly or illegally. Transgressors are then deported.
END
03 March 2022 - NW68
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
1) On what grounds was a certain person (name furnished) suspended as a board member of the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and (b) what are the reasons that the specified person was prevented from accessing board documents, minutes and files on 17 January 2022, a day before his suspension was served on 18 January 2022; 2) Whether he has found that the NNR Technical Subcommittee that approved the replacement of the Koeberg reactor head and steam generator on 18 January 2022 was properly constituted in light of the person’s suspension; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; 3) Whether the person’s suspension has anything whatsoever to do with the Koeberg replacement decision; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what conflict of interest arises between the involvement of the person in the nuclear industry and the Koeberg decision? NW72E
Reply:
In response to questions 1(a) and 3:
Serious allegations of misconduct have been levelled against the board member, and I have been requested to consider exercising the powers afforded to me under section 9(1)(c) of the National Nuclear Regulator Act, Act no. 47 of 1999. The board member has been afforded an opportunity to fully respond to these allegations, which opportunity he has accepted. It would therefore be, at this time, premature and inappropriate to comment further on this matter.
In response to questions 1(b) and 2
The NNR has advised me that it is factually incorrect that the steam generator replacement approval was issued by the Technical Committee of the NNR board. Instead, the steam generator replacement approval is an operational decision concerning plant modification, which is not within the remit of the Technical Committee or the NNR board. The steam generator replacement approval was accordingly issued by the NNR Programme Manager responsible for Nuclear Power Plants on 18 January 2022, which was a day before the Technical Committee meeting.
The NNR has further advised me that the Technical Committee meeting of 19 January 2022 was properly constituted and quorate in accordance with the provisions of the National Nuclear Regulator Act, Act no. 47 of 1999.
03 March 2022 - NW418
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What measures does he intend to put in place to prevent hijacked and/or stolen vehicles from the Republic crossing our borders?
Reply:
Currently, it is still members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who patrol our national borderline. Working with members of the South African Police Services (SAPS), the SANDF has put measures in place, to prevent either hijacked and/or stolen cars from crossing our borders. In this regard, the modus operandi and the escape routes of the car hijacking syndicates have been identified. They mostly include our eastern border between Kwazulu-Natal and Mozambique and the norther border between Limpopo and Zimbabwe. As a result, the military officers are statically deployed for 24 hours in those identified areas in order to intercept and thwart the activities of the syndicates.
As for the immediate future, it should be noted that the Border Management Authority issued a public advertisement to recruit 200 patriotic Border Guards who will be deployed in these vulnerable segments of the borderline to augment the work of the SANDF officers. In this regard, the Border Guards will be statically deployed for 24 hours in the identified vulnerable segments and this would allow members of the SANDF to freely apply their high mobility deployment strategy for countering any illegal syndicated activities, including the undue expatriation of our stolen vehicles. In addition, the BMA has started engagements with our immediate neighbours through the Joint Technical Committees to devise strategies to jointly address these inter-jurisdictional crimes.
END
03 March 2022 - NW166
De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether he and/or his department ever received correspondence from a certain political organisation (details furnished), via email, WhatsApp, hardcopy and/or in any other format of which the original file is dated June 2020; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date was the specified correspondence received, (b) who was the sender of the correspondence and (c) what steps were taken by his department in this regard?
Reply:
Neither the Minister nor the Department of Public Enterprises received the correspondence referred hereto.
(a)(b)(c) not applicable.
03 March 2022 - NW69
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
1) Whether any studies have been conducted into clean coal by (a) the SA National Energy Development Institute, (b) the Council for GeoSciences and/or (c) any other entity reporting to him; if not, why not; if so, (i) when were the studies conducted and (ii) what is the status of the specified studies; 2) Whether he will make the studies available to Parliament for the purposes of oversight, information and scrutiny; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 3) On what scientific basis does he rely in his repeated statements regarding clean coal; and 4) What are the reasons that the recognised research experts of his department have not been consulted on this matter? NW73E
Reply:
1) Yes, the following studies have been conducted in relation to coal:
Research Programme/Project |
(i) Expected date of conclusion of phase |
(ii) Status |
(a) SANEDI |
||
Cleaner Fossil Fuel |
31 March 2022 |
In progress |
(b) Council for Geoscience |
||
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage |
2024 |
To be conducted in 2024 |
(c) MINTEK |
||
Coal gasification |
2020-present |
In progress |
Operability of the DC waste coal gasification concept |
2015 |
Outputs incorporated in strategic programme |
Techno-economic evaluation of the DC arc plasma coal gasifier |
2011 |
Outputs incorporated in strategic programme |
Feasibility of Producing Hydrogen in DC arc Furnace |
2009 |
Outputs incorporated in strategic programme |
Coal solubilisation |
2004 |
The project was not successful as the conversion of the coal to methane could not be controlled and the coal was instead converted to biomass and carbon dioxide. |
Biogas from coal |
2019 |
Issue with the quality of the gas produced and the economic viability of the process |
Microbial desulphurisation of coal |
1995 |
Process technically successful, economic viability an issue |
Reuse of treated mine-impacted water as a potential resource for accelerated carbon sequestration |
2020-present |
In progress – concept being validated |
CO2 Capture and Utilisation |
2019/2020 |
At concept stage |
2) Yes but most of these studies are available online. either on the websites of SOEs or from the document database on request. Any which is not in the public domain they can be released for sharing at the Minister’s discretion.
3) The clean coal technology as a scientific intervention is not new – the Norwegians started a pilot in 1986, followed by a number of other jurisdictions that have tested the technology, including the USA, UK, Italy, Netherlands and Australia amongst others. The basis of science has therefore been established and is a subject of refinement to the South African context by the CGS, as an implementing agent for the partnership of the South African Government with the World Bank. As a responsible state, it is our social and environmental responsibility to allow critical decisions to be premised essentially on scientific and technical basis. However, the afore mentioned studies are all of a sound scientific basis and one needs to consider energy security and its impact on the South African economy. South African coal reserves are adequate to meet the targets outlined in the IRP 2019 and the Paris Agreement talks to the country’s commitment to lowering emissions from an economy that will still be using coal towards a net zero by 2050.
4) The Department is consulting experts in the sector and within its resources.
03 March 2022 - NW529
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What is the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) price and (e) purchase date of each vehicle purchased for use by (i) him and (ii) the Deputy Minister since 29 May 2019?
Reply:
a) Since 29 May 2019 no new vehicles were purchased for the (i) Minister and the (ii) Deputy Minister.
b) N/A
c) N/A
d) N/A
e) N/A
03 March 2022 - NW411
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
In view of the fact that the Chief Executive Officer of the State Information Technology Agency indicated in September 2021 that his department’s choice of cheap network connectivity plan was to blame for the department’s perennial connectivity problems, what measures has he put in place to correct the anomaly?
Reply:
The contracted network service level agreement with SITA is for a bronze service level agreement that should provide 95% service availability, where by if the systems are down it must be resolved within 16 hours. Unfortunately, there are times when the resolutions of systems that are down takes SITA up to 3-5 days to resolve. This means that even under the low level of bronze we are not necessary getting what we signed for. It is true that SITA argued that we need to move to gold. Our question is if even the low bronze standard can’t be met at that low level, how will a gold standard at a higher level be met.
In order to answer this question, the Department and SITA undertook to conduct a proof of concept (POC) on the Gold Service Level Agreement in five selected offices in order to determine if the move to a higher SLA will lead to an improved network connectivity in those office. The outcome of the proof of concept is awaited and will determine if it was a success or not.
END
02 March 2022 - NO7
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) Whether he still intend to determine an amnesty period where firearms can be handed in without the owners being prosecuted; if not, why not, if so, on what date does he envisage for this; (2) whether owners of firearms will again have the opportunity to apply for a licence for firearms of which the licence had expired; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) In terms of section 139 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), an amnesty may be declared by the Minister of police if the amnesty may result in the reduction of thr number of illegally possessed firearms and it is in the public interest to do so. A firearm amnesty is therefore the prerogative of the Minister of Police.
(2) Section 24, read with section 28, of the Firearms Control Act, does not provide for an expired licence to be renewed.
Reply to question 7 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 22-02-28
Reply to question 7 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2022-02-2022
02 March 2022 - NW567
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
On what date is it envisaged that infrastructure of schools like Impumelelo Combined School in kwesakwaMthethwa under the kwaMbonambi Municipality will be repaired, so that they are in an acceptable condition that gives hope to our children for a better future?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the KZN Department of Education and a response will be provided as soon as it is received.
02 March 2022 - NW410
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What Immediate action will he take address the concerns mentioned by the expert panel that was appointed by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, which investigated the violence and unrest which engulfed the Republic in July 2021; (2) Whether he will take any personal responsibility for the failures of the police to manage the unrest; if not, why not, if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
- Already the steps to be taken have been submitted to the Presidency
(a) things like training more police
(b) bills- co-ordination of structures working on this environment
(c) Improving relationship between communities and police especially at station level. - While the damage above is well acknowledged and regretted, the President has accepted the collective responsibility of Cabinet of which I am the member
Reply to question 410 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 01/03/2022
02 March 2022 - NO1
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Police:
Whether, taking into account that section 64 of the SA Police Service Act, Act 68 of 1995, provided for the establishment of Municipal Police Services and prescribes their functions as well as the powers of a member of a Municipal Police Service, and in light of a certain letter to him on 23 December 2021 regarding the City of Cape Town’s Safety & Security Investigation Unit, he has been informed of any other municipality, besides the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, that has an investigating unit that conducts investigations of criminal cases and/or gathers intelligence; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what statutory provisions do such investigating units rely on it to conduct criminal investigations and/or gather intelligence? NO278E
Reply:
In terms of section 64E of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995), the functions of a municipal police service are traffic policing, the policing of municipal by-laws and regulations, which are the responsibility of the relevant municipality and the prevention of crime. A municipal police service does not have the legislative mandate to conduct criminal investigations or to gather intelligence.
Reply to question 1 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 22-02-28
Reply to question 1 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2022-02-2022
02 March 2022 - NO9
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police:
Whether, with reference to the SA Police Service 2021-22 Annual Performance Plan (details furnished), programmes will be sacrificed in order to fund the recruitment and training of the additional 12 000 new police personnel mentioned by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, during the State of the Nation Address on 10 February 2022; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) where will the funding be sourced from and (b) is it sustainable?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
02 March 2022 - NW560
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What measures has she put in place to ensure that there is no overcrowding of learners at (a) Wesbank Secondary School and (b) Ilingelethu Secondary School in Malmesbury?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Western Cape Department of Education and a response will be provided as soon as it is received.
02 March 2022 - NO5
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Police:
What measures does he intend to put in place combat corruption in the SA Police Service, as such corruption is a major hurdle in fighting crime? NO410E
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
02 March 2022 - NW393
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
By what date will additional classrooms be built for the L D Moetanalo Secondary School in Middelburg, Mpumalanga?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Mpumalanga Department of Education and a response will be submitted as soon as it is received.