Questions and Replies
25 February 2022 - NW2
Meshoe, Rev KR to ask the Minister of Health
Whether the No-Fault Compensation Scheme is currently in operation; if not, why not; if so, (a) since what date and (b) what total number of persons with COVID-19 vaccine-related injuries have (i) applied for compensation to date and (ii) been compensated to date?
Reply:
The No Fault Compensation Scheme is not operational as the regulations and directions are still being finalised.
a) Not applicable.
b) So far there are 33 causally linked adverse events following immunisation with reported injuries.
(i) All 33 will be considered for compensation
(ii) None.
END.
25 February 2022 - NW57
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the National Treasury keeps a record of the debts incurred by municipalities; if not, why not; if so, (a) which municipalities have incurred debts in the (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2020-21 and (iii) 2021-22 financial years, (b) what total amount in debt has been incurred by each specified municipality and (c) what is the current total outstanding debt amount owed by each municipality?
Reply:
Yes, National Treasury keeps a record of the debt owed to creditors.
(a)(i)(ii)(iii) The tables (attached as Annexure A) provides the detail of the debt owed by municipalities to creditors for the respective years per province as per the Local Government Data Base - Section 71 reports of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003, (MFMA). This information is for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years and the Annual Financial Statements for the 2019/20 financial year.
(b)(c) The column, “Year 2021/22 – Month 06” in Annexure A provides the year to date amount owed by each municipality. The total for municipalities is R76.6 billion (unverified). Due to the amounts being accumulative, it will be the same for total amount in debt as well as current total outstanding.
25 February 2022 - NW58
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether any value-added Tax (VAT) refunds are overdue for payment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the total outstanding amount per economic sector; (2) whether any steps will be taken to resolve any backlog in the payment of overdue VAT refunds; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The South African Revenue Service, in processing all refunds, will always seek to balance the protection of the fiscus from illegitimate refund claims and the optimal processing of all refunds that are legitimate. This balance is further enhanced when considering that more than R50bn in illegitimate refunds are prevented from flowing out of the fiscus every year.
SARS has for the period ending 31 December 2021 paid R193bn in refunds and 72% (R138bn) was paid within 21 days, furthermore it is worth noting that almost 80% of all refunds claims are paid without audit or verification interventions thus confirming our compliance theory that most taxpayers are honest that want to meet their tax obligations fully. The remaining 20% is the combination of taxpayers who make genuine errors as well as those who unfortunately seek to defraud the fiscus. It must be noted that the law does not prescribe a minimum period for the completion of an audit or verification process, therefore rendering the notion of overdue refunds a misnomer in law however SARS has committed to turnaround times in its service charter in line with the SARS desire to provide superior service to taxpayers in order to bring about clarity and certainty on their affairs
Yes, SARS has some refunds that are outstanding. SARS at any given time will have amounts outstanding on refunds for a number of reasons, key amongst these reasons are 1) SARS is at various stages of the audit and verification process and 2) Taxpayer related issues including invalid banking details, instances of outstanding documentation where SARS has communicated in more than one instance with the taxpayer requesting such supporting documentation (these are continuous non-compliance cases) as well as instances of suspected fraud by the taxpayer. The sectorial view of the balance of refunds in audit in excess of 21 days is as follows:
Industry |
Vendors |
Sum of Balance |
AGENCIES AND OTHER SERVICES |
11718 |
-R 3,485,040,995.02 |
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHING |
11228 |
-R 2,032,265,989.44 |
BRICKS, CERAMICS, GLASS, CEMENT AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS |
338 |
-R 52,091,107.65 |
CATERING AND ACCOMMODATION |
1827 |
-R 302,765,982.13 |
CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL, RUBBER AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS |
707 |
-R 362,900,673.78 |
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR |
520 |
-R 67,148,930.30 |
COAL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS |
555 |
-R 216,979,759.08 |
CONSTRUCTION |
10316 |
-R 4,273,709,791.85 |
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES |
471 |
-R 81,063,823.27 |
ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER |
583 |
-R 261,615,811.24 |
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES |
13678 |
-R 4,327,781,607.92 |
FOOD, DRINK AND TOBACCO |
1630 |
-R 248,802,796.42 |
LEATHER, LEATHER GOODS + FUR(EXCLUDING FOOTWEAR + AND CLOTHING) |
205 |
-R 20,001,623.97 |
MACHINERY AND RELATED ITEMS |
1243 |
-R 304,557,104.71 |
MEDICAL, DENTAL AND OTHER HEALTH AND VETERINARY SERVICES |
774 |
-R 218,844,178.05 |
METAL |
437 |
-R 275,891,258.63 |
METAL PRODUCTS (EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT) |
529 |
-R 108,858,944.81 |
MINING AND QUARRYING |
3990 |
-R 934,174,989.83 |
OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES |
719 |
-R 183,565,764.57 |
PAPER, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING |
571 |
-R 98,998,679.73 |
PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD SERVICES |
509 |
-R 177,524,560.34 |
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION |
236 |
-R 264,314,018.60 |
RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL SERVICES |
561 |
-R 75,341,201.10 |
RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTES |
145 |
-R 24,340,885.13 |
RETAIL TRADE |
4491 |
-R 707,260,203.27 |
SCIENTIFIC, OPTICAL AND SIMILAR EQUIPMENT |
149 |
-R 60,521,555.14 |
SOCIAL + RELATED COMMUNITY SERVICES NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED |
785 |
-R 95,335,672.15 |
SPECIALISED REPAIR SERVICES |
599 |
-R 94,216,037.19 |
TEXTILES |
300 |
-R 62,412,722.77 |
TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT(EXCEPT VEHICLES, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES) |
756 |
-R 338,988,730.81 |
TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION |
3059 |
-R 757,966,821.77 |
VEHICLES, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES |
1236 |
-R 240,996,838.88 |
WHOLESALE TRADE |
3695 |
-R 1,740,906,434.94 |
WOOD, WOOD PRODUCTS AND FURNITURE |
412 |
-R 46,556,690.16 |
Grand Total |
78972 |
-R 22,543,742,184.65 |
The financing, insurance, real estate and business services accounts for the largest balance, followed by Agencies and other services, Wholesale Trade then Construction sector.
(2) SARS adopts a number of strategies to address the credit book backlog including but not limited to working overtime, repurposing of experienced staff to focus on audits and verifications, applying secondary risk tolerance and appetite based on taxpayer previous compliance track record and continued attempts to get taxpayers to comply with outstanding requirements in order to process refunds. SARS accepts that the balance of supply and demand is not always possible to maintain thereby leading to increase in inventory faster than the available capacity can handle. In this regard refinement of our risk approach is on-going.
25 February 2022 - NW21
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
In terms of a media statement issued by his department on 4 February 2022, that he has appointed an Appeal Committee to adjudicate on the matter between the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority and an organisation called Free the Children - Save the Nation, over the vaccination of children between the age of 12 and 17 years old in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, Act 101 of 1965, (a) what factors did he consider to convene the Appeal Committee and (b)(i) what is the process for hearing of evidence by the Appeal Committee and (ii) will such expert testimonies be publicly available?
Reply:
a) The following factors were considered to convene the Appeal Committee
Section 24A (1) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 965) as amended ("the Act") provides that any person aggrieved by decision of the SAHPRA may appeal against such decision by notifying the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) within 30 days of becoming aware of such decision of his or her intention to appeal and setting out the full grounds of appeal. The Act also provide for a mechanism where CEO must meet with the Appellant to try to resolve the matter, especially if the appeal involves administrative matters (Section 24A (2). This process is done without the presence of the legal representative.
Section 24A (3) and (4) of the Act provides as follows:
‘‘24A. (3) Should the Chief Executive Officer and the appellant fail to resolve the matter as contemplated in subsection (2), the appellant shall within 30 days of being notified by the Chief Executive Officer of the failure to resolve the matter and upon payment of a prescribed fee, request the Minister in writing to convene an appeal committee.
(4) The appeal committee contemplated in subsection (3) shall -
(a) comprise the chairperson who shall have knowledge of the law and four other persons who shall have knowledge of the subject matter of appeal but with no financial or business interests in the affairs of the parties to the appeal, two of them nominated by the appellant and the other two by the Chief Executive Officer; and
(b) conduct the appeal hearing and make a decision within 30 days from the day when it first meets to hear the appeal.’’
Free the Children Save the Nation NPC represented by Mr John Taylor launched an appeal in terms of Section 24A (4) of the Act. The Appellant and the CEO of SAHPRA met to try and resolve the issues raised by the Appellant as provided for in the Act. However, the matter could not be resolved.
If the issues raised by the Appellant had not been resolved through the mechanism of a meeting between the CEO of SAHPRA and the Appellant, the Act compels the Minister to convene an Appeal Committee. Therefore, the Appeal Committee was convened after the processes envisaged in section 24A (1) to (3) were done but the matter remained unresolved.
b) (i) The process for hearing of evidence by the Appeal Committee
In terms of Regulation 48 (2) (a) and (b) of the General Regulations made in terms of the Act, the Appeal Committee has to determine the procedure for its hearings and may in this regard, if it deems necessary, call for oral evidence or argument.
The Appeal Committee in its meeting of 21st January 2022 agreed that it will conduct the hearings through oral submissions together with both medical and legal representation. The Parties may call their experts to lead evidence in support of their case.
(ii) The Appeal Committee in its meeting with the Parties held on 08 February 2022 had agreed that both the media and the broader public be invited and have access to the link of the hearings. Therefore, the expert testimonies will be open to the public as the hearing will be open to the general public.
END
25 February 2022 - NW45
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With regard to the renovations taking place at the Vehicle Clearance and Investigation Unit Building, 2 Bedford Avenue, Benoni, by what date will (a)(i) electricity and (ii) water be restored on the premises, (b) renovations be completed, so that normal work can continue and (c) the specified offices be cleaned?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
I have been informed by the Department that, after engagement with the Client, it was confirmed that the facility has been vandalised while SAPS is in occupation. Security of the facility is the Client’s responsibility.
- (a)(i)(ii) The Client confirmed the availability electricity and water. However both electricity and water are turned off due to vandalism that takes place at the facility.
- (b) There is currently no repair and renovations project at the facility, the last repair and renovations project was signed off in April 2012.
- (c) Cleaning and security of the facility is the Client responsibility.
25 February 2022 - NW42
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
With regard to the $750 million loan amount from the International Monetary Fund as announced by the National Treasury, what (a) conditions are attached to the loan, (b) are the repayment terms and (c) is the purpose of the loan?
Reply:
a) There are no conditions attached to the loan.
b) The loan has a 13-year repayment period including a 3-year grace period (period after the disbursement where no capital repayments are required). The interest rate of the loan consists of the 6 month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) (currently at 0.05%) plus a 0.75% variable spread, for an all-in rate of 0.80%.
c) It is a budget supported loan to assist the government to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
25 February 2022 - NW22
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, in view of concerning reports on the lack of any progress in repairing the damage done to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, following the devastating fires more than nine months ago and the hospital allegedly running only at 40% capacity, he will furnish Mr M Hlengwa with a detailed progress report of all actions that have been undertaken by his department since the fire occurred, including but not limited to detail on the (a) latest progress reports on the repair work at the hospital and (b) status provided by service providers appointed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Noting the growing concerns by various stakeholders on lack of progress in repairing the damages done to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, following the devastating fires more than nine months ago and the hospital allegedly running only at 40% capacity. A joint intervention between NDOH and the province was initiated. Its objective was to identify the following:
i) The latest progress of the remedial work; and
ii) The best approach that can be applied in order:
- To speed up the execution of remedial work.
- To ensure compliance with the COJ (City of Johannesburg) Occupational Health Safety requirements.
- To ensure that the hospital is fully functionally and operationally.
1. The latest progress reports on the repair work at the hospital
It covers the following areas:
i) The assessment and Identification of the gaps that are related to the infrastructure requirements of health care facilities, particularly areas in Charlotte Maxeke that are required to be recommissioned for occupancy after the fire incident dated the 16-17th of April 2021.
ii) Outlining the Health and Safety Requirements and approach that will be used during the refurbishment and maintenance of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) Hospital and to ensure that the remedial works programme and compliance monitoring are aligned with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, National Building Regulations 103 of 1977 and National Health Act 61 of 2003 and its latest regulations.
i) Advising the hospital management on standard to comply with on the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, City of Johannesburg By-Laws and other related Health and Safety Legislation for the proposed functional and support services such as the Mortuary, Kitchen, Laundry and Waste Management Areas.
ii) Providing specific recommendations in addressing gaps and over and above that, ensuring that the priority concern areas are addressed to comply as a matter of urgency.
iii) Proposing mitigation measures to improve the overall condition, efficiency and functionality of the Hospital to prevent Health and Safety Incidents.
iv) Ensuring that the monitoring, evaluation, reporting and review methods for this OHS inspection report are implementable and appropriate measuring tools to ensure effectiveness are put in place.
v) Listing the outcomes to be expected through the implementation of this Site Assessment Report recommendations and monitor its effectiveness.
vi) Providing guidance and assistance in the development of the Health, Safety and Environmental Systems during Construction and Operation that will include Risk Assessment, Risk Management, Methodologies, Documentation Control, communication, Training, Management Approach and reviews. This will ensure continual improvement of the hospital management.
2. Status provided by the appointed service providers
The has been some progress through the Solidarity Funding. They have covered some of the remedial work related to electrical, mechanical, fire safety, structural and architectural works for the following Blocks:
# Block 1 – 17% complete
# Block 2 – 18% complete
# Block 3 – 20% complete
# Block 4 – 22% complete
# Block 5 – 29% complete
3. The timeframe for the remedial work
The project plan has been submitted to the National Department of Health (NDOH) covering all the milestones including the timelines of the indicators. The duration of the project is estimated as being 22 months long. Over this period the hospital remedial works will be completed to achieve compliance with the applicable COJ requirements.
Additionally, the project is intending to cover the remedial work for the following Blocks as indicated in Table 2 below:
REMEDIAL WORK FOR THE BLOCKS |
EXPECTED DATE OF COMPLETION |
Emergency Unit |
March 2022 |
Block 1 |
March 2023 |
Block 2 |
July 2023 |
Block 3 |
October 2023 |
Block 4 |
November 2023 |
Block 5 |
November 2023 |
Table 2 – High Level Plan for the Blocks
END.
25 February 2022 - NW20
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)In view of alarming reports during the first week of February 2022 that 46 learners from the Umbozane Primary School in KwaMaphumulo became seriously ill after apparently eating lollipops at school, what oversight mechanisms does his department have in place to ensure that the food sold at schools adhere to food safety standards; (2) (a) are regular investigations undertaken to ensure that schools comply with such food safety standards and (b) will the findings of the investigation into the matter be published?
Reply:
1. Food Control is one of the 9 Municipal Health Services that has been devolved since July 2004 in terms of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998, (Act no 117 of 1998) to the 44 district municipalities and 8 metropolitan municipalities. The department continues to develop policies and provides support on municipal health services delivery in all 9 provinces, 44 districts and 8 metropolitan municipalities that are rendering food control. The department has developed National Environmental Health Norms and Standards to ensure that the provision of food control and other municipal health services is standardised throughout the country. Municipal Health Services Assessments (Audits) are continuously conducted to assess compliance with National Environmental Health Norms and Standards (NEHNS).
2. (a) The department through the authorised municipalities monitors all schools on a number of areas including food safety. The above-mentioned document, NEHNS which guides municipalities on the frequency of inspection requires that schools be inspected once a year. This is just a guide as municipalities conduct risk assessment to determine whether a school is a high risk facility which would require constant monitoring or it falls in a low risk category. Investigations are only carried out if incidents take place relating to food. The school in question was visited on the 1st of February 2022 after receiving the complaint on the 31st January 2022. The municipality conducted an investigation at the school where field visits were done, samples of the affected products were taken for laboratory analysis and a follow up investigation on the 2nd February 2022 was done and the outcome was that most of the affected victims had recovered. Further samples will be submitted for chemical analysis.
(b) The department will eventually publish the outcome of the investigation once all the areas of concern have been finalised. The department takes precautionary measures when dealing with such cases to avoid being sued if things are not correctly handled.
END.
25 February 2022 - NW70
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health
(1) What measures are in place for healthcare workers working in State hospitals to access mental health wellness programmes; (2) what provision is there for healthcare workers suffering from COVID-19 burnout to access mental health medical leave; (3) what provision has his department made to (a) prevent hospital management from marginalising staff who admit to needing mental health leave as a result of the extreme pressures they have been subjected to as a result of COVID-19 and the loss of life they have seen in the past 20 months and (b) reduce stigma attached to mental health medical leave
Reply:
1) State hospitals have employee wellness programmes which are aimed at supporting the staff that have any workplace-related health problems including those who have mental health problems. These programmes are staffed by professionals who are trained in Employee wellness, including mental health support. Whenever there are staff members who are faced with a case that is beyond their level of expertise, they refer such cases to the relevant professionals for further management.
2) Health care workers who are suffering from Covid-19 burnout are managed on the case-by-case basis, as the situation differs from person to person. Whenever cases are reported in the health establishments, these are referred to the Employee Wellness programme manager, who makes a determination on the recommendation for leave of absence. Some of these health care workers make use of family doctors and such cases have been accepted by health establishments as genuine cases deserving leave.
(3) (a) The department has no record of any hospital management that has marginalised staff who admit to needing mental health leave as a result of the extreme pressures they have been subjected to as a result of COVID-19, and loss of life they have seen in the past 20 months. To the contrary, the department has been very appreciative of all health care workers including hospital managers who have equally been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
(b) The department is also not aware that there have been people that were stigmatised as a result of being in need of mental medical leave. The department is working on the sector wide productivity management and wellness services as part of post Covid-19, management for psycho-social support and reintegration.
END.
25 February 2022 - NW12
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)(a) How long has each (i) Deputy Director-General and (ii) acting Deputy Director-General been an employee of the National Treasury and (b) by what date is each specified person expected to retire; (2) whether any such persons passed the regulated retirement age and are still working for the National Treasury; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are (a) their names and (b) the reasons that they have not retired?
Reply:
1. Appointed and Acting Deputy Directors-General
(a) i Deputy Director-General (DDG)
SURNAME |
INITIALS |
DESIGNATION |
NT APPOINTMENT DATE |
APPOINTMENT DATE AS DDG |
SISHI |
NE |
DDG: BUDGET OFFICE |
01/10/2007 |
01/02/2022 |
PIETERSE |
DE |
DDG: ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT |
01/09/2013 |
01/12/2020 |
VUMENDLINI |
V |
DDG: INTERNATIONAL & REGIONAL ECONOMIC POLICY |
15/04/2010 |
01/03/2018 |
MODISE |
MP |
DDG: PUBLIC FINANCE |
29/09/2009 |
01/11/2017 |
NGQALENI |
MT |
DDG: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS |
01/10/1998 |
01/01/2014 |
MNGOMEZULU |
JS |
DDG: CORPORATE SERVICES |
01/11/2002 |
01/11/2011 |
MOMONIAT |
I |
DDG: TAX AND FINANCIAL SECTOR POLICY |
01/01/1996 |
01/01/2001 |
(ii)Acting Deputy Director-General (DDG)
SURNAME |
INITIALS |
DESIGNATION |
DATE OF APPOINTMENT AS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE NT |
DATE OF APPOINTMENT AS ACTING DDG |
|
MODISE |
BM |
ACTING DDG: ECONOMIC POLICY |
16/01/2012 |
26/10/2021 |
|
FANI |
MI |
ACTING CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER |
01/12/2018 |
25/08/2021 |
|
MAREE |
K |
ACTING ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL |
01/04/2011 |
13/12/2019 |
(b) Expected retirement age
SURNAME |
INITIALS |
DESIGNATION |
EXPECTED RETIREMENT DATE |
MODISE |
BM |
ACTING DDG: ECONOMIC POLICY |
18/06/2050 |
MODISE |
MP |
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: PUBLIC FINANCE |
03/05/2048 |
PIETERSE |
DE |
DDG: ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT |
13/03/2045 |
SISHI |
NE |
DDG: BUDGET OFFICE |
19/01/2042 |
VUMENDLINI |
V |
DDG:INTERNATIONAL & REGIONAL ECONOMIC POLICY |
05/06/2041 |
MAREE |
K |
ACTING ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL |
19/01/2041 |
FANI |
MI |
ACTING CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER |
23/07/2034 |
MNGOMEZULU |
JS |
DDG: CORPORATE SERVICES |
06/08/2031 |
NGQALENI |
MT |
DDG: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS |
11/06/2024 |
MOMONIAT |
I |
DDG: TAX AND FINANCIAL SECTOR POLICY |
19/08/2022 |
2. Regulated retirement age
(a) No employee is above the regulated retirement age.
(b) All employees are still within their regulated retirement age.
25 February 2022 - NW34
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) What has been the record benefits of the annual sardine run to the communities of the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal’ Ugu district where the phenomenon usually takes place; (2) Whether her department has any future plans to capitalise on this; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
25 February 2022 - NW38
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:
What is the relevant information on Environmental Programmes, pertaining to (a) the names of the (i) dams and/or rivers and (ii) provinces where invasive plants are being removed, (b) which invasive plants and/or plants are being removed at each specified dam and/or river, (c) the tool and/or various tools that are being used to remove the invasive plants, for instance (i) biological control, (ii) manual labour through expanded Public Works Programmes workers (iii) pesticide and (iv) spraying and (d) the total cost to date for the removal of invasive plants at each dam and/or river?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
25 February 2022 - NW41
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
With regard to the spouses pension benefit payable by the Government Employees Pension Fund for Zacharias Jacobus Botha (member number 96600594; ID number 660515 5015 084), (a) how long the payment is outstanding; (b) when payment will be made (c) what steps will be taken to ensure that future payments are made timeously?
Reply:
The details of the spouses’ pension benefit cannot be provided due to the fact that such information is deemed to be personal and cannot be made available to third parties.
Members are encouraged to utilize the available GEPF channels to obtain information regarding their pension benefits such as the call centre (telephone number 0800 117 669); walk in centre facilities across the country (details obtainable on the GEPF website (www.gepf.co.za)) or via email at [email protected] to deal with enquiries.
25 February 2022 - NW43
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with regard to pension reform, (a) investment fees and (b) administration fees on compulsory contributions to pension savings will be capped; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, they have not been capped for good reason, given the complexity and potential unintended consequences arising from such measures. As you may be aware, Government has been totally committed to bringing down charges in the retirement industry to maximise benefits for members of such funds, as can be seen from the government policy paper titled Charges in South African Retirement Funds published in 2013. The paper found that the layering of many fees and costs, which were also opaque for certain products, was driving the high charges, and therefore clearly unfair to members of retirement funds since they were reducing their savings significantly by up to 40% over a lifetime in one scenario presented in that paper.
It is also recognised that structural reform issues were also driving costs, with too many funds (nearly 4 500), many of which only had small memberships and were not economical – hence the focus on consolidation, widening coverage and strengthening preservation to drive costs down. The recent December 2021 papers give further effect to these reforms. The proposed reforms are in line with best international practices than direct measures like caps, which have limitations and could have perverse outcomes. Different countries are taking different approaches to regulating the fee structure of retirement fund providers.
25 February 2022 - NW39
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What is the relevant information on Environmental Programmes, pertaining to the (a) (i) names and(ii) locations of all the wetlands that are being rehabilitated in each province,(b) type of rehabilitation that is being done at the specified wetlands,(c) progress status in each wetand regarding the rehabilitation expressed in percentage form and(d) total cost to date for each wetland that is being rehabilitated?
Reply:
Attached find here : Reply
25 February 2022 - NW11
Shivambu, Mr F to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) total number of COVID-19 vaccines are approved for usage in the Republic and (b) are the names of such vaccines; (2) (a) what total number of vaccines has the Government procured to date from each approved vaccine supplier and (b) at what price; (3) which legal provisions does his department rely on to enjoy the exclusive rights to procure vaccines from approved suppliers; (4) what total amount has his department spent on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines to date?
Reply:
(1) (a) There are four vaccines approved for use in the Republic.
(b) (i) Covid-19 vaccine Jannsen
(ii) Pfizer Comirnaty
(iii) Coronavac (Curanto Pharma); and
(iv) BBIBP-CortV-Vaccine (Sinopharm) [MC Pharma]
(2) (a) (i) Covid-19 vaccine Jannsen - 31 000 000 doses
(ii) Pfizer Comirnaty - 30 002 310 doses plus 1 392 300 doses through the COVAX Facility
(b) The pricing information cannot be shared as we are bound by non-disclosure agreements with manufacturers.
(3) There is no law that gives the government exclusive rights to procure vaccines from approved suppliers. However, with regards to COVID-19 vaccines, manufacturers opted to contract exclusively with government to make vaccines equitably available.
(4) The Department has spent approximately R 6 billion on vaccines to date.
END.
25 February 2022 - NW40
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Treaty and has a proud and long successful conversation record, what are the reasons that (a) it is legal to hunt an endangered species suchas tigers in the Republic and (b) tigers are not included in environmental protected legislation; (2) whether the Republic is accountable to CITES; if so, (3) whether the Republic report to CITES how the endangered species of all tigers are being bred to be hunted in the Republic; if not, why not, what are the relevant details; (4) what steps has she taken to adhere to the agreement that was signed in 1975 that the Republic will respect the RED List of CITES and acknowledge that tigers are on the Red List endangered species and should not be hunted under any circumstances; (5) given that globally the world is working hard to stop the killing and trafficking of tigers and to promote tiger-friendly policies and monitoring tigers, what steps has department taken to ensure that tigers will be protected in the Republic?
25 February 2022 - NW56
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with regard to the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI), any financial modelling has been undertaken by the National Treasury (a) in the (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2020-21 and (iii) 2021-22 financial years and (b) during the period 1 January 2022 up to the latest specified date for which information is available to calculate the total cost of the (i) implementation and (ii) administration of the proposed NHI; if not, why not; if so, (aa) what are the relevant details and (bb) how has the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic affected financial modelling for financing the NHI?
Reply:
The most recent update of the NHI cost model was carried out in 2019/20, details of which can be found in section 8 of the explanatory memorandum to the NHI Bill and the 2019 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement. This modelled the medium-term cost of specific NHI interventions at approximately R33 billion per annum by the 5th year. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has thus not been factored into the cost model. The need for and timing of further updates to the model will be determined by practical progress with preparing for the implementation of NHI, spending on the existing NHI allocations, as well as progress with processing the NHI Bill in the two chambers and relevant committees of Parliament.
24 February 2022 - NW149
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Deputy President
Whether he and/or his Office 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 Office in this regard?
Reply:
The Office of the Deputy President did not receive the correspondence referred hereto. There was nothing to be brought to the attention of the Deputy President, as the correspondence is non-existent
24 February 2022 - NW26
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
In view of concerning reports following an oversight visit to the Mpumalanga High Court and a provincial sexual offences court about the state of infrastructure at the Court and concerns of security risks, considering the importance of a well-functioning Court in ensuring access to justice, what (a) investigations have been undertaken by his department, considering the serious infrastructure and security concerns at the Mpumalanga High Court and (b) action will be taken to urgently address the concerns?
Reply:
a) The construction of the Mpumalanga High Court was completed in May 2019, and the practical completion certificate was issued. Before the practical completion certificate was issued, there was a two weeks’ assessment which was performed by the project team, i.e. the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD), Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), Independent Development Trust (IDT), Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Consultants and Contractor, to determine the condition of the buildings and its equipment. The outcome of this assessment was a snag list that was issued to the contractor. As per the signed construction contract, the court buildings were under warranty/guarantee for a period of one (1) year, from June 2019 to May 2020, where the contractor was responsible for maintenance and completing the snag list that was issued during the assessment.
The DoJ&CD transferred the court facility to DPWI as per Section 42 of PFMA in September 2019. The transfer letter further requested DPWI to implement a Total Facility Management Solution (TFMS) for the maintenance of the court buildings.
Whilst the process of appointing TFMS is underway within DPWI, DoJ&CD and OCJ are maintaining the facility through day-to-day maintenance. On monthly basis, a report is generated regarding the maintenance requirements of the court and this are addressed through day to day maintenance.
The maintenance of major equipment like HVAC (aircons), lifts and fire system are done by DPWI on behalf of DoJ&CD.
The technical assessment of Mpumalanga High Court is underway by the professional engineers to conclude the specification for the TFMS.
The DoJ&CD did not perform any separate investigations regarding the security concerns since these were part of the infrastructural challenges of the building project. However, the Department appointed a security service provider to repair and maintain the system. During the system assessment, the service provider identified two (2) faulty Network Recording Devices (NVR’s) that records the images in cameras, and as a result the cameras became dysfunctional. The two (2) NVR’s were taken for repairs, and it was discovered that they cannot be repaired due to unavailability of spares in the local market, the recommendations were to replace them with local manufactured NVR’s. As interim security measures, the Department has deployed the contracted security guarding services in the High Court, hence the Integrated Security System (i.e. cameras, card reader systems) are also partially working to provide safety to the court building. The procurement processes for the new NVR’s are currently in progress and anticipated to be finalized on or before 31 March 2022.
b) The court is maintained by DoJ&CD and DPWI using day-to-day maintenance delegations. The DoJ&CD is allocating R10 million per annum to OCJ for day-to-day maintenance of all the High Courts in the country. Following a meeting with DPWI in January 2022, DPWI agreed to take over the full maintenance of the court until TFMS is implemented. The DoJ&CD has agreed to make funding available for the full maintenance.
END
24 February 2022 - NW30
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Deputy President
Whether, as the co-ordinator of anti-poverty initiatives, he has commissioned any short-term interventions to mitigate the effects of the increase in petrol prices in light of the persisting high levels of unemployment, poverty and deepening inequality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Deputy President has not commissioned any short term interventions to mitigate the effects of the increase in petrol prices. The Basic Fuel Price consists of factors outside of South Africa’s control, hence international fuel prices fluctuate from day to day. South Africa is a net importer of Petroleum Products, and has no control over crude oil prices, exchange rates, and any factors informed by geo-politics.
The calculation of fuel prices is done by the Central Energy Fund on behalf of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. In this regard, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy announces the adjustments of fuel prices based on current local and international factors, and in terms of the amended regulations of the Petroleum Products Act, 1977 (Act 120 of 1977).
24 February 2022 - NW209
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
In light of the publication by his department of the critical skills list in the Government Gazette 44164 on 18 February 2021 that was last updated in 2014, and considering the staggering unemployment rate in the Republic, what (a) factors were taken into account by his department in determining what skills can be regarded as critical in the Republic and (b) are the details of the investigations and findings that were undertaken by his department since 2014 to enable it to draft the specified list?
Reply:
(a) In 2019 the Department engaged with subject matter experts and the drafters of the Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) list published by the DHET. The purpose of the engagement was to request assistance with methodologies and best practice in drafting a credible critical skills list. The DHET officials agreed to the request and requested that a memorandum of agreement be concluded between DHET and DHA to that effect.
In August 2019 an official request to the Minister of DHET requesting authorization for the collaboration was concluded. The Minister of DHET responded positively and indicated that DHET welcomes and supports the collaboration between the two departments. An MOA was signed between the two departments. The agreement was that the DHET will use its subject matter experts and resources, at no cost to the DHA, to draft the Critical Skills List on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
(b) The details of the investigations and findings that were undertaken by the DHET researchers in the drafting of the Critical Skills List are captured in the Technical Report on the Critical Skills List available at the Department of Higher Education and Training.
END
24 February 2022 - NW140
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) is the reason that the building of the new Magistrates Court in Port Shepstone has not been completed and (b) are the details of the cost overrun caused by the delay to finalise the project?
Reply:
a) Basil Read was appointed in 2014 as the contractor for the construction of the new Port Shepstone Magistrate Court. The site was handed over to the contractor in October 2014 with the initial construction period of 24 months. The contract was terminated following payment disputes and voluntary business rescue of the contractor in 2019.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) disputed the terms and conditions that the contractor required for contract cancellation and the matter is in litigation. Part of the dispute is the contract final account, which was prepared by DPWI, that Basil Read is rejecting.
DPWI has since advertised the outstanding scope and it took more than 18 months to appoint the replacement contractor to complete all the outstanding works. The replacement contractor (Musan Trading Enterprise) was appointed, and the site was handed over in September 2021. The project is anticipated to be completed in March 2023.
b) The first contract of Basil Read was awarded at a contract amount of R286 million over 24 months. By the time the contract of Basil Read was terminated, R265 million was already paid to the contractor for work done. Basil Read is further claiming R162 million for the final account, which DPWI is refusing to pay, a matter which is part of the litigation in court.
The second contract was awarded at R95 million over 18 months. The project is anticipated to be completed in March 2023. The new scope includes incomplete (outstanding) works, remedial works, commissioning and snagging.
END
24 February 2022 - NW8
Mulder, Dr CP to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether there are existing service provider contracts in place to maintain and support Court Recording Technology (CRT) networks in each province; if not, (a) on what dates did the previous contracts lapse, (b) what are the reasons that the specified contracts were not timeously renewed and (c) what steps are being taken to rectify the matter; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the backlogs in maintenance and repairs to such equipment in each province; (3) what impact does the lack of fully functioning Court Recording Technology (CRT) equipment have on court proceedings in both criminal and civil courts in both high and low courts in each province; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. Yes, the Department has appointed a service provider on a 12 months contract while awaiting the finalisation of the long term solution. As such, the appointed service provider is responsible for supporting both Court Recording Technology (CRT) and Sexual Offences System across the country. At the same time, the Department has embarked on a process for procuring an overarching contract for a period of three (3) years. This process is at an advanced stage, and is expected to be published by the end of February 2022.
if not, (a) on what dates did the previous contracts lapse?
The contract expired on 21 April 2021, and interim measures were put in place to ensure continuity. These interim measures relate to providing support and maintenance as part of an existing contract that is providing regional support service. In terms of this arrangement, the service provider was appointed to perform the maintenance and support services for Court Recording Technology (CRT) and SOS between June 2021 and August 2021, on a project basis. Thereafter internal officials were assisting in trouble-shooting and reporting on a case by case basis.
(b) what are the reasons that the specified contracts were not timeously renewed?
Capacity constraints in both Information Systems Management (ISM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) as well as Contract Management Units were part of the reasons. The Department operated without the Head of ISM, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Director: SCM and Director: SCM for a while. However, such capacity constraints are now being addressed. The following posts have been finalised to capacitate the finance section:
- CFO
- Chief Director: Financial Accounting
- Director: IT Strategic Sourcing
- Chief Director: SCM (awaiting interviews)
Director: SCM (awaiting short listing)
(c) and what steps are being taken to rectify the matter; if so, what are the relevant details;
In order to rectify the matter, the Department has concluded the following to ensure operational continuity, whilst concluding an overarching contract for a period of three years:
- The Department has appointed a company on a 12 months contract for maintenance of Court Recording Technology (CRT) and Sexual Offences System.
- Concurrent to this, the Department has already started the procurement process to appoint a service provider to deliver the support and maintenance for Court Recording Technology (CRT) over a period of three years. At the date of writing, this process has progressed quite significantly with the Bid Specification having been finalised and is being Quality Assured, with the view of publication by the end of February 2022. Implementation of this process is being monitored on a weekly basis by the relevant senior manager, supported by a Task Team monitoring High Priority procurements.
2. As at 1st February 2022, there were 700 backlog calls of which the appointed service provider has already started to deal with the backlog, so far the provider has managed to resolve 90 calls and the process is ongoing.
3. South African courts are courts of record, which depend on court recording technology to conduct efficient and effective court proceedings. The Court Recording Technology (CRT) solution allow for electronically recorded cases that are stored in a data repository and made available whenever requested, either for transcription or other purposes. In most instances, when the recording is non-functional, this means that the court session cannot take place and must be postponed.
24 February 2022 - NW31
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Deputy President
What measures have been initiated by the Human Resources Development Council of South Africa since its launch in 2010 to ensure bridging the gap between the (a) Republic’s economic needs and (b) programmes for the skilling of (i) relevant and/or (ii) adequate human resources in order to meet the objectives of vision 2030 regarding skills?
Reply:
The Human Resource Development Council established ten (10) Technical Task Teams based on the Five-Point Implementation Plan and focused on the following: Foundational Learning, TVET, Worker Education, Production of Academics and Stronger Partnerships between Industry and Higher Education and Training Institutions, Production of Professionals, Entrepreneurship and Education, Skills System Review, and Artisan Development as well as the Maritime Sector Skills. Broadly, the Technical Task Teams played a catalytic role towards the achievements of the Council.
Artisan Development
The Human Resource Development Council established a Technical Task Team on Artisan Development which assisted in ramping up the artisan development. Between 2014 and 2019, the number of competent artisans have steadily increased from 14 389 in 2014/15 to 24050 in 2019/20. Should this trajectory indeed be sustained, the country will be able to meet the National Development Plan target of producing 30 000 artisans per annum by 2030.
University Sector
The Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology has advised us that University enrolment at public institutions has increased from 495 356 in 1994 to 1 036 984 in 2017, indicating that the country is on course to reach the National Development Plan target of 1,6 million enrolments by 2030. The enrolments in Science, Engineering and Technology have increased with an average annual growth rate of 4,3% in 2017. The number of students graduating in technical fields in both Universities and Universities of Technology has also been increasing over the years.
TVET College Sector
Through the recommendations of the Human Resource Development Council, measures were put in place to reposition TVET as an important skills development sector to incrementally produce the required numbers of artisans. The TVET sector has expanded and enrolments amongst the youth. The TVET enrolment has increased from 358 393 in 2010 to 673 490 in 2019. This was made possible by mobilising government to make funding available to improve access, which has resulted in increased allocation for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
Maritime Skills
The Human Resource Development Council SA established the Maritime Sector Skills Technical Task Team in September 2013 to investigate blockages within the maritime skills development pipeline, and to propose measures that can be implemented to address those. The consequence of this intervention, amongst others, was the establishment of the South African International Maritime Institute which was funded by the National Skills Fund.
A considerable number of young people have benefited from the South African International Maritime Institute, as a result, some have been awarded bursaries, and scholarship to pursue maritime studies abroad.
In conclusion, the Human Resource Development Council has assumed the role of Human Resource Development pillar of the National Development Plan 2030 with an emphasis on “building the human resources required for an improved and competitive economy”. The location of Human Resource Development within the National Development Plan is intractably linked to achieving the broader socio-economic goals, including poverty alleviation, equity and social inclusion as central goals.
24 February 2022 - NW188
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(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:
The department and entities responded as follows:
(i) Department of Home Affairs
Details |
Quantity (a) |
Amount (b) |
Anticipated date of Payment (c) |
(aa) 30 days, |
1 |
R5 120.51 |
18 February 2022 |
(bb) 60 days, |
0 |
R0.00 |
|
(cc) 90 days |
0 |
R0.00 |
|
(dd) 120 days, |
0 |
R0.00 |
The above report is for the Department of Home Affairs as at 15 February 2022.
(ii) Government Printing Works
(a&b) At the Government Printing Works (GPW), which is a Government Component, reporting directly to the Minister of Home Affairs there are 68 invoices still unpaid:
Details |
Quantity (a) |
Amount (b) |
Anticipated date of Payment (c) |
(aa) 30 days, |
67 |
R38 150 550.17 |
Within 30 days |
(bb) 60 days, |
0 |
R0 |
|
(cc) 90 days |
0 |
R0 |
|
(dd) 120 days, |
1 |
R1 814 509.82 |
GPW envisages settling the amount at the end of March 2022, due the ongoing discussion between GPW and the Service Provider to resolve the disagreement |
(ii) Electoral Commission
a) There are 358 supplier invoices that still need to be paid.
Details |
Quantity (a) |
Amount (b) |
(aa) 30 days, |
102 |
R6 982 726.00 |
(bb) 60 days, |
20 |
R331 331.00 |
(cc) 90 days |
31 |
R395 181.00 |
(dd) 120 days, |
205 |
R1 325 335.00 |
(c) Most of the outstanding payments relate to service providers who are experiencing challenges with the National Treasury prescribed Central Supplier Database (CSD). Supplier registration and the updating of banking details on CSD appear to be the predominant challenges. The mandatory use of the CSD, inter alia, obviates fraudulent payments. Once the suppliers’ status on CSD is compliant, the Electoral Commission stands ready to immediately make payments.
END
23 February 2022 - NW159
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
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:
The Office of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Honourable Minister Nzimande/Department of Higher Education and Training/Department of Science and Innovation did not receive any correspondence either via email, WhatsApp, hardcopy and/or in any other format.
(a)-(c) Not Applicable
22 February 2022 - NW73
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
1) What are the reasons that the Republic did not support and help stand for the international principle of sovereignty and respect of the borders of an independent state against Russia’ s aggression on Ukraine; (2) What are the reasons that the Republic did not raise her voice to the war that cost Ukraine over 14, 000 lives and 1,5 million people who are internally displaced since the invasion of Ukraine in 2014 with the illegal annexing of Crimea; (3) Whether it is the policy of her department not to speak against the aggression of its BRICS partner towards Ukraine and other countries in the region? NW73E
Reply:
(1) South Africa’s position has been (and is) continuing to encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts to avoid an escalation of tensions, and work towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful solution based on cooperation and dialogue. In this regard South Africa encourages all parties to approach dialogue with the spirit of compromise in order to move the process forward without accusing any party, something that will not be helpful in the efforts to resolve the conflict. South Africa stands by its principled position of peaceful resolution of conflicts.
(2) South Africa’s position has been (and is) continuing to encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts to avoid an escalation of tensions, and work towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful solution based on cooperation and dialogue. In this regard South Africa encourages all parties to approach dialogue with the spirit of compromise in order to move the process forward without accusing any party, something that will not be helpful in the efforts to resolve the conflict. South Africa stands by its principled position of peaceful resolution of conflicts.
(3) The BRICS partnership is built on a common commitment to multilateralism and the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, inclusiveness, and strengthened collaboration. In paragraph 22 of the BRICS New Delhi Declaration issued on 9 September 2021, BRICS Leaders expressed concern at the continuing conflicts and violence in different parts of the world. The BRICS Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of States and reiterate that all conflicts must be resolved by peaceful means and through political and diplomatic efforts in line with international law, in particular the UN Charter. BRICS Leaders also underscored the inadmissibility of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
22 February 2022 - NW239
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What methods are used by the African Union in order to pre – empt coups?
Reply:
The African Union (AU) has, as an element of its African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS). The CEWS was established in line with Article 12 of the PSC Protocol with the mandate to facilitate the anticipation and prevention of conflicts in Africa. Its role is to collect data to anticipate and prevent conflicts on the continent as well as to provide timely information on evolving violent conflicts. Equally, the Union strives to ensure there’s sunergy’s between APSA and the African Governance Architecture (AGA).
The continent has recently witnessed the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government. South Africa believes that as part of an architecture of efforts to eradicate the scourge of coup détat’s in Africa, it is imperative to underscore the significance of addressing the underlying courses of unconstitutional changes of government and violent conflict. In this regard, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in its drive to promote democracy and good governance on the continent, and the African Governance Architecture (AGA) remain the most profound instruments at the disposal of the AU and its Member States to utilise to effectively end the scourge of coup détat’s. The AU PSC has agreed on the need for the review of the AGA and the Lome Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government, a process that should result in AU instruments that are strengthened to appropriately respond to this challenge. Equally, the PSC has agreed to the importance of enhancing the contribution of the APRM in early warning for conflict prevention in harmony and synergy with the APSA and AGA. The work of the APRM in areas of democracy good governance, human rights, rule of law and the acceleration of political, social and economic integration of the Continent are key considerations in this regard.
The role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RM) and Member States, as partners, on continental early warning, implementing the APSA, AGA, APRM and Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030 cannot be overemphasized.
22 February 2022 - NW130
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(a) How does the Government approach the Russia and Ukraine situation to determine who is the (i) aggressor and (ii) victim and (b) what assistance does the Government intend to offer to show solidarity with the victim?
Reply:
a) (i) The Government of South Africa’s approach to the situation between Russia and Ukraine is based on our unique approach to all global issues expressed through our Diplomacy of Ubuntu and the vision of a better world for all. As a human-rights based constitutional democracy, South Africa engages globally rooted in our values of human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms, non-racialism, non-sexism and the rule of law. In line with the White Paper on Foreign Policy, South Africa embraces multilateralism as an approach to solve challenges confronting the international community. Therefore, Government approaches conflict between states by promoting dialogue to achieve conflict resolution.
(ii) South Africa’s position has been (and is) continuing to encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts to avoid an escalation of tensions, and work towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful solution based on cooperation and dialogue. In this regard South Africa encourages all parties to approach dialogue with the spirit of compromise in order to move the process forward without accusing any party, something that will not be helpful in the efforts to resolve the conflict. South Africa stands by its principled position of peaceful resolution of conflicts.
b) South Africa will continue to share with the global community its experience of conflict resolution through negotiation and to use its voice in multilateral fora to promote cooperation over competition and collaboration over confrontation.
22 February 2022 - NW240
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relation s and Cooperation:
What are the (a) details of how the African Union intends to capacitate the African Standby Force in order to decisively deal with insurgencies and coups on the continent and (b) timeframe in this regard? NW251E
Reply:
At the35th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) that took place from 5 to 6 February 2022, the outgoing chairperson of the AU, DRC President Thisekedi, emphasized the need to exert concerted efforts in realizing Africa’s 50-year continental development Agenda 2063; namely the need to silence the guns across the African continent; to consolidate the African architecture of peace and security and to immediately reactivate the African Standby Force (ASF) to enhance its preparedness to act should the need arise. At this time, a draft MoU between the AU and RECs/RMs on the ASF, which will formalize and strengthen partnership between the AU and sub-regional organizations on the deployment of the ASF, is being circulated. The MoU will provide the official framework in terms of which the AU anRECs/RMs collectively deploy the ASF, when required in terms of the AU Constitutive Act and the Protocol on the Establishment of the AU peace and Security Council (PSC).
22 February 2022 - NW5
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of International Relation s and Cooperation
(a) What are the reason that the Government has not commented on the International Tribunal Judgement finding the Chinese government committed genocide and gross human rights violation against the Uyghur minorities, including forced labour and (b) by what date can we expect a statement from the Government
Reply:
The International Tribunal is not an international tribunal which has been formally established by the State or the United Nations or any other international organisation, consequently, its finding have no legal standing. The Government of South Africa is under no obligation to issue a statement
22 February 2022 - NW129
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
a) How does the Government approach the China and Taiwan situation to determine who is the (i) aggressor and (ii) victim and (b) what assistance does the Government intend to offer to show solidarity with the victim?
Reply:
a) South Africa maintains relations with both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the territory of Taiwan, albeit at different levels.
South Africa established diplomatic relations with China in January 1998, as per the ‘Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations’. In paragraph 3 of the Communique, South Africa recognises that “there is but one China in the world, the Government of the PRC is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and recognises China’s position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China”. As per this same agreement, however, South Africa could maintain its ties with Taiwan, albeit that they are limited to economic, scientific, and cultural exchanges.
In line with South Africa’s foreign policy principles as they relate to respect for other countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, South Africa thus does not perceive either China or Taiwan as the (i) aggressor or (ii) the victim.
b) The question of “what assistance does the Government intend to offer to show solidarity with the victim”, therefore, does not arise. South Africa strictly adheres to the “One China Policy” and accordingly regards Taiwan as an integral part of China (when calculating bilateral trade, the total volumes of trade with Taipei/Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong are added to China’s). While South Africa enjoys comprehensive strategic relations with China through its representative offices located in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, South Africa also maintains low-key commercial, scientific- and cultural engagements through its Liaison Office in Taipei.
22 February 2022 - NW180
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(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:
I have been advised by the Department and entities as follows:
DEPARTMENT:
a) Currently there are no invoices that are unpaid by the Department for,
b) N/A.
c) N/A
ENTITIES:
(a)
ENTITY |
(aa) 30 days |
(bb) 60 days |
(cc) 90 days |
(dd) 120 days |
SITA |
51 |
40 |
28 |
91 |
NEMISA |
None |
None |
None |
5 |
BBI |
35 |
95 |
24 |
9 |
SENTECH |
7 |
2 |
4 |
20 |
FPB |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
SABC |
23 |
19 |
9 |
2 |
ZADNA |
None |
None |
None |
None |
SAPO |
90 |
26 |
17 |
63 |
POSTBANK |
1 |
2 |
- |
5 |
ICASA |
18 |
11 |
03 |
29 |
USAASA |
6 |
6 |
2 |
3 |
(b)
ENTITY |
30 days |
60 days |
90 days |
120 days |
SITA |
R45.3m |
R45.3m |
R45.3m |
R45.3m |
NEMISA |
- |
- |
- |
R70 364.74 |
BBI |
R13 000 942 |
R19 100 028 |
R17 089 078 |
R12 338 747 |
SENTECH |
R267,606.64 |
R267,606.64 |
R267,606.64 |
R267,606.64 |
FPB |
R 7 854.20 |
R 737 420.63 |
R 456 499.72 |
R318 279.37 |
SABC |
R1 152 514.02 |
R24 421 343.05 |
R 1 973 703.05 |
R191 242. 27 |
ZADNA |
- |
- |
- |
- |
SAPO |
R119m |
R59m |
R37m |
R270m |
POSTBANK |
R136 967,30 |
R141 107,14 |
- |
R10 672 890.74 |
ICASA |
R371 859,95 |
R366 837,92 |
R19 946,55 |
R175 127.05 |
USAASA |
R419 193.21 |
R441 369.37 |
R107 308.27 |
R29 090.64 |
(c)
SITA is working with all its client departments to ensure that they make funds available to settle all outstanding invoices as soon as possible, not later than 31 March 2022. These outstanding amounts are largely for services consumed by different government departments, and SITA manages the related contracts on their behalf, and can only settle invoices when client departments make funds available.
NEMISA envisage that the outstanding amount will be settled by 31 March 2022.
BBI stated that; (30 days) 29 of these invoices (R2 615 956) have since been paid. The balance of the invoices is from fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options. (60 days) 70 invoices (R162 783) are from their previous Travel Management Company and still undergoing verification. The balance of the invoices is from fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options. (90 days) the invoices are from two fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options. (120 days) the invoices are from two fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options.
SENTECH stated that the outstanding amounts will be settled by 31 March 2022.
FPB indicated that the envisaged date of settlement is by 31 March 2022 for all invoices that meet the payment requirement i.e. Service or Goods have been delivered.
.ZADNA indicated they have no outstanding amount to be settled.
SABC invoices falling between 30-120 days will be settled between February 2022 and March 2022 subject to all internal processes being concluded.
SAPO currently does not have the required funds to settle the liabilities. SAPO has requested funding through the MTEF process. SAPO has developed a revised strategy to improve its operational and financial performance and is in the process of implementing such. However, the success of the new Strategy depends on the availability of funding.
Postbank has indicated that the payment will be made by 28 February 2022, with the exception of SAPO where payments to SAPO were put on hold as SAPO has withheld Postbank's revenue from SASSA on payment of grants. Negotiations between SAPO and Postbank are still in progress. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the way forward.
ICASA stated that invoices falling between 30 – 90 days are currently in progress and will be settled no later than the end of February 2022. The invoices falling within the 120 days are either under dispute or the supplier’s tax status is not up to date, therefore payment cannot be effected.
USAASA has indicated that some of the invoices will be paid before end of February 2022, while other invoices are awaited to be are fully compliance.
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
22 February 2022 - NW197
Mabika, Mr M to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(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 in each case and (c) by what date is it envisaged that the outstanding amounts will be settled?
Reply:
(a)(i) Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) |
||
(aa) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 30 days |
None. |
(bb) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 60 days |
None. |
(cc) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 90 days |
None. |
(dd) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 120 days |
None. |
(b) |
Total amount outstanding |
R0.00 |
(c) |
Date envisaged to settle outstanding amounts |
N/A |
(b)(ii) Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) |
||
(aa) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 30 days |
None. |
(bb) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 60 days |
None. |
(cc) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 90 days |
None. |
(dd) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 120 days |
None. |
(b) |
Total amount outstanding |
R0.00 |
(c) |
Date envisaged to settle outstanding amounts |
N/A |
(b)(ii) Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) |
||
(aa) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 30 days |
1 (One). |
(bb) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 60 days |
None. |
(cc) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 90 days |
None. |
(dd) |
Number of supplier invoices unpaid by 120 days |
None. |
(b) |
Total amount outstanding |
R 69 455.40 |
(c) |
Date envisaged to settle outstanding amounts |
Payment is expected to be made to the client by the 28 February 2022. |
MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
22 February 2022 - NW60
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether she has found that there are enough sports commentators for all indigenous languages on all SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) channels; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 2. By what date does her department intend to have (a) Afrikaans and/or (b) isiXhosa and/or (c) isiZulu cricket radio commentaries on the SABC channels; 3. Whether there is a time frame in place of when her department will pursue the idea that we must have all African language sports commentators on SABC channels in all sporting codes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 4. By what date(s) will the service of sports commentators in different languages be available on SABC channels?
Reply:
I have been advised by the SABC as follows:
1. There are sufficient commentators for all indigenous languages and for all covered sporting codes, even XK FM has started doing live commentary in !Xu and Khwe languages.
2. (a,b,c) The SABC has always carried live cricket commentary in the three languages (English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans). This is still in place on the respective radio stations when they carry the games. This is not possible on analogue TV as it cannot do multiple audio tracks. This is possible on the SABC Sport Channel (DTT and DTH) and does occur, but the SABC cannot afford to do this simultaneously at this time.
3. This is the specialty of SABC Radio Stations and has been the case for many years. The SABC has identified and groomed most of the country’s sports commentators, who have gone on to work for other industry players.
4. This is already in place, but sequentially. This is done in parallel and will only be possible if the costs can be justified and it will be on a ‘case by case basis’. Currently Sport is a loss-making entity due the high cost of sport rights. The SABC is mandated in terms of the sports regulations to prioritise national sporting events. Therefore, it tries its best to ensure that there is a balance of the core language groups used in the broadcast of such events.
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER
DATE:
22 February 2022 - NW162
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she and / or her department ever received correspondence from a certain political organisation (African National Congress), via email, whattsap, 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 and (c) what steps were taken by her department in this regard?
Reply:
The Office of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Minister Pandor/Department, did not receive the correspondence referred hereto. In this regard, there was nothing to be brought to the attention of the Minister as the correspondence is non-existent.
22 February 2022 - NW169
Hinana, Mr N to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether she and/or her 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 her department in this regard?
Reply:
a) Neither the Minister of Small Business Development nor the Department of Small Business Development received the correspondence referred to in the question.
b) N/A
c) N/A
MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
22 February 2022 - NW9
Wessels, Mr W to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(1) What is the current outstanding amount owed by the SA Post Office (SAPO) to (a) landlords, (b) municipalities and/or (c) water and electricity suppliers for (i) outstanding rentals, (ii) water and (iii) electricity across all branches of SAPO; (2) What are the reasons for the specified amounts owed; (3 What is the impact of the arrear accounts on the (a) business and (b) daily (i) activities and (ii) responsibilities of SAPO; (4) Whether there is a plan in place to pay arrear accounts and mitigate the effect thereof on the daily activities of SAPO branches; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:
1. (a) Landlords
As at 31 January 2022 an amount of R304 million was owed. The amounts owing to landlords include rental and operational/ utilities costs
(b) & (c) Municipalities & Water and electricity
The current balance for municipalities as at 10 February 2022 is R915 000 which is only the current costs for the month.
2. The reason for outstanding rentals is due to SAPO’s constrained cash flow position. SAPO’s costs have continued to exceed revenue resulting in losses for the year ending 31 March 2021 and for the ten months ending 31 January 2022. The losses are unfunded resulting in SAPO having insufficient funds to settle liabilities.
3. (a) Negative impact on customers as branches are closed / locked by landlords.
(b) Also impacts on revenue not being generated by closure of these branches.
4. SAPO currently does not have the required funds to settle the liabilities. SAPO has developed a revised strategy to improve its operational and financial performance – and is in the process of implementing such. In addition, SAPO has requested funding through the MTEF process.
22 February 2022 - NW128
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
How does the Government approach the Eswatini situation to determine who is the (i) aggressor and (ii) victim and (b) what assistance does the Government intend to offer to show solidarity with the victim?
Reply:
The Republic of South Africa is working within the established protocols of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address stability and the political situation in Eswatini. The SADC is already engaged to support the Kingdom to resolve the challenges. This work is done within the overall objective of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation which is to promote peace and security in the Region as stipulated under article 2.2. of the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation.
President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation appointed Special Envoys to engage with His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini on the escalating security and political developments in the Kingdom. This was a follow up to a SADC Organ Fact Finding Mission which visited Eswatini in July 2021.
Consultation with stakeholders, including with the King, the Government, civil society and diplomatic corps on the ground, highlighted the need for an inclusive national dialogue in an appropriate forum.
Following a meeting between President Ramaphosa and King Mswati III held on 2 November 2021, it was agreed that the SADC Troika would assist in the development of terms of reference for the national dialogue. The National Dialogue will work to facilitate a peaceful, orderly and inclusive national multi-stakeholder political engagement in order to identify and implement sustainable solutions to Eswatini’s political and security challenges. In this regard, a draft framework has been developed by the SADC Troika and will be presented to the Eswatini Government in due course.
South Africa is part of the SADC collective and cannot alone decide on who should be held responsible for the conflict. South Africa supports peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and does not impose its will on the territorial integrity of other countries.
In this regard, the SADC Troika is pursuing an inclusive process and therefore the proposed dialogue is not premised on who could be an aggressor and/or victim as it is the dialogue that will be undertaken by parties representing all sectors of society for their common good.
22 February 2022 - NW131
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(a) Which branches of the SA Post Office operate from privately owned properties in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, (b) what are the arrears in rentals to the owners of the properties, (c) what payment arrangements have been entered into with the owners where outstanding amounts are owed, (d) were the payment arrangements honoured and (e) what are the average daily amounts paid out to grant beneficiaries from each of the post offices in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality?
Reply:
I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:
(a)
- Graaff Reinet Post Office
- Aberdeen Post Office
- Willowmore Post Office
- Jansenville Post Office
(b)
- Graaff Reinet – R552,534.75
- Aberdeen – R150,743.43
- Willowmore – R103,500.00
- Jansenville – R0
(c) All SAPO landlords were sent a letter explaining the financial situation of SAPO and negotiating a payment model. The commitment made was that payments would be made as soon as finances become available.
(d) Some payments are honoured based on cash flow, the Jansenville Post Office landlord was fully paid on February 10, hence the outstanding balance is R0.
(e)
Office |
SASSA Grants (Average) |
SRD Grants (Average) |
Graaff-Reinet PO |
R117 500 |
R29 750 |
Aberdeen PO |
R105 750 |
R13 300 |
Jansenville PO |
R82 250 |
R9 800 |
Willowmore PO |
R157 450 |
R 10 850 |
MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
__________________________
HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
________________________________
HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER
DATE:
22 February 2022 - NW190
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
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 envisaged that the outstanding amounts will be settled?
Reply:
a) Number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid by the department :
(aa) Number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid for more than 30 days.
- 497 invoices
(bb) Number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid for more than 60 days.
- 03 invoices
(cc) Number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid for more than 90 days.
- 03 invoices
(dd) Number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid for more than 120 days.
- 01 invoice
b) The total amount outstanding in each case
(aa) R488 342.68
(bb) R4 624.99
(cc) R62 148.01
(dd) R45 321.36
c) By what date is envisaged that the outstanding amounts will be settled?
- It is envisaged that all the invoices mentioned above will be processed for payment by the 15th of March 2022.
21 February 2022 - NW204
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Person with Disabilities
(a) What number of supplier invoices currently remain unpaid by (i) her Office 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 amount outstanding in each case and (c) by what date is it envisaged that the outstanding amounts will be settled? NW208EReply is attached here: DWYPD
Reply:
Reply is attached here: DWYPD
21 February 2022 - NW150
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she and/or her 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 her office in this regard?
Reply:
a) No,
b) and (c), Falls away
21 February 2022 - NW176
Julius, Mr J to ask the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Person with Disabilities
Whether she and/or her Office ever received correspondence from a certain political organisation (details furnished0, 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 off the correspondence and (c) what steps were taken by her Office in this regard?
Reply:
Attached find here: Reply
21 February 2022 - NW138
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to the contract of VFS Global for the management of visa and permit applications, which will expire in December 2022, the bids for project manager and transaction advisor have been issued and awarded; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the remaining procurement steps and timelines that are in place in order to ensure a new public-private partnership service provider will take over from 1 January 2023; (2) what is the reason for the lack of an alternative review process other than a formal appeal via VFS even if an application was rejected due to a mistake on the side of his department?
Reply:
(1) The tender inviting bids for the appointment of transaction advisory services to conduct a feasibility study and public private partnership (PPP) procurement for visa and permit application centre services for a period of three years is currently on the Home Affairs website and will be closing on 25 February 2022.
The bid specifications for the appointment of a project officer for the management of the project for the procurement of visa and permit application centre services through a public private partnership (PPP) were approved by the Bid Specification Committee on 9 February 2022. The tender inviting bids for the Project Officer is expected to be published on the Department’s website on 18 February 2022.
(2) The Immigration Act and its Regulations stipulate that the Director-General may from time to time designate any place to receive applications. VFS is the appointed service provider to receive applications on behalf of the Department. Section 8(6) of The Immigration Act sates that “an applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Director-General contemplated in subsection (5) may, within 10 working days of receipt of that decision, make an application in the prescribed manner to the Minister for the review or appeal of that decision.
Appeals, similar to all visa and permit applications, must be submitted through an office designated by the Director-General. Visa Application Centres operated by VFS are such designated offices.
END
21 February 2022 - NW189
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(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:
a) Except for invoices under dispute, the National Department of Human Settlements doesn’t have invoices currently remaining unpaid. In relation to invoices under dispute, which as a result have not been paid for the total of the invoices is 52. The aging is as follows: (aa) 30 days, 2 (bb) 60 days, 1 (cc) 90 days, 1 (dd) 120 days, 48
b) The total amount outstanding in each case is as follows: (aa) R190 129.74 (bb) R 3689.20 (cc) R 69 000.00 (dd) R 64 314 311.37
c) There is currently no envisaged date for settlement as payment will depend on co-operation of the affected creditors and the outcomes of investigations.
21 February 2022 - NW161
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether she and/or her 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 her department in this regard?
Reply:
No.
21 February 2022 - NW232
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether her department has any plans of building houses for the residents of Ward 25 in eThekwini, which has the largest informal settlements in the Republic? (NW237E)
Reply:
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements confirms that there are plans in place to provide houses to residents of Ward 25 together with the Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality (EM). There are three projects planned in Ward 25 and the surrounds, and these are:
- Kennedy Road Informal Settlement which are located in and around Ward 23 and Ward 25 (225 units)
- Dodoma Avenue (45 units)
- Barton Place (198 units)
The approved for all three projects is R41 518 730, including planning, internal services and top structures for the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement, Dodoma Avenure and Barton Place.
Kennedy Road Informal Settlement
In the current financial year (2021/2022), the Province in conjuction with the EM is busy implemeting projects in Ward 23 and 25 in Kennedy Road. It is an Informal Settlements Upgrading project which will be constructed in three (3) phases in areas located in close proximity. The projects will yield 468 duplex units.
In addition, the Province is planning to construct 225 units within the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement. At present, Province is busy with detailed planning and designs of the project. The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) approval is anticipated by end of July 2022, and construction of the top structures is anticipated to commence by April 2024.
Dodoma Avenue (45 units)
The Dodoma Avenue project is under construction. The progress to date, is that forty-five (45) units are completed, and eleven (11) houses handed over to beneficiaries. The hand-over for the remaining thirty-four (34) units is anticipated by end of March 2022.
Barton Place(198 units)
In Barton Place, the Province working together with the EM, and is busy servicing and construction units. To date, the servicing of sites is at 65% completion, and the construction of the top structures is at various stages of completion. The completion of the construction of the one-hundred and ninety-eight (198) units, is anticipated by December 2022.
21 February 2022 - NW242
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With regard to over 900 interns in the Eastern Cape who were dismissed by the department in the province before the end of their contracts, (a) what are the reasons that she did not intervene in the matter, (b) how was the money that was budgeted for the programme utilised if not for the interns and their remuneration, (c) on what date is it envisaged the interns will receive their remuneration and (d)(i) how will she ensure that all the interns are absorbed and (ii) by what date is it envisaged that they will be absorbed?
Reply:
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has no jurisdiction in the appointment of interns by Provincial Education Departments. The matter should therefore be directed to the Eastern Cape Department of Education (EC DOE). In the interim, the DBE has directed the matter to the EC DOE.