Questions and Replies
29 February 2024 - NW4
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3435 on 22 November 2023, she will furnish Ms T Breedt with an exact date and/or updated time frame for the tabling of the new Animal Welfare Bill in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, who is responsible for the drafting of the new Bill; (2) whether, since her reply to the specified question on the specified date, a tender has been issued for the drafting of the new Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will furnish Ms T Breedt with a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed with the University of Pretoria for the drafting of the new Animal Welfare Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) by what date will the Animal Welfare colloquium take place, as referred to in the minutes of the Animal Welfare Working Group, dated 10 July 2023, and previously agreed to by her department and (b) under whose auspices will the colloquium be convened; (5) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1) No. It is not possible to determine the exact time frames due to the various processes that have to be undertaken prior to the introduction of a Bill to Parliament. As indicated in the reply to question 3435 on 22 November 2023, the first draft is expected to be completed by March 2024 and the Bill will follow the normal legislation-making process including processing through the relevant Directors-General Cluster System; conducting a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment; constitutional certification by the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor and obtaining Cabinet’s approval to gazette for public comments. Once the comments have been addressed, Cabinet’s approval will be sought for tabling the Bill to Parliament.
(2) No. DALRRD will not proceed with tenders for the drafting of the Animal Welfare Bill, the Bill is being drafted within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The Department has previously responded that it added additional internal capacity in the form of three state veterinarians who are handling the animal welfare portfolio and therefore there is no need for the advertisement of a tender for the drafting of the Bill.
(3) No, because no Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the University of Pretoria for the drafting of the new Animal Welfare Bill.
(4)(a) No date has been confirmed for the Animal Welfare colloquium; this will form part of the consultation process as indicated in response to part (1) above.
(b) DALRRD.
(5) No.
28 February 2024 - NW132
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Given that the Auditor-General has reported that a total of 268 material irregularities on noncompliance and suspected fraud in municipalities resulted in R5,2 billion material financial losses in the 2021-22 financial year, and noting reports that 61 accounting officers in municipalities did not take appropriate action when the Office of the Auditor-General notified them of the material irregularities, which included referring matters to public bodies for further investigations, (a) what measures has her department put in place in collaboration with the National Treasury to ensure that municipalities hold such officers accountable and (b) how will her department ensure that the same mistake is not repeated in the financial years to come?
Reply:
a) The Local Government: Municipal Structures Act No. 3 of 2021 introduced section 79A which now makes it mandatory for each municipality to establish Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC). One of the key responsibilities of MPAC, is to review comments made by management in the audit action plan to address issues raised by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).
To support and strengthen the functioning of the MPACs, the Department established the MPAC and Council Committees Forum to support MPACs to perform their legislative responsibility. The discussion at the Forum is inclusive of matters relating to issues raised by the AGSA; investigation on Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful (UIF&W) expenditure in accordance with section 32 of the MFMA, read with s79A of the Municipal Structures Act. The Forum includes representatives from the National Treasury, SALGA, provincial departments responsible for local government, and the AGSA.
The implementation of the recommendations to address identified material irregularities are evaluated by the department as an integral part of assessing the adequacy of the audit action plans and progress on the implementation of the audit action plans. Engagements are also held with some of the MPAC provincial forums on their oversight role relating to issues raised by the AGSA.
Municipalities are required to refer identified material irregularities that are of a criminal nature to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. Progress in relation to investigations of the reported cases is provided by law enforcement agencies at the Local Government Anti-Corruption Forum (LGACF), which was launched by the Department as a coordination structure of anti-corruption efforts in the local government sphere. On an ad hoc basis, the AGSA is also invited to the LGACF to make presentations on material irregularities in local government and progress in relation to addressing the material irregularity findings.
b) The Department will collaborate with its key stakeholders, including the National Treasury, SALGA, provincial departments responsible for local government, and the AGSA, to identify municipalities with persistent non-compliance or lack of action for intervention, encourage MPACs to hold management accountable for poor performance and transgression.
End.
28 February 2024 - NW27
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)What (a) number of (i) refugees and (ii) asylum seekers have been living in the Republic since 1 January 2024 and (b) is the breakdown of the countries the specified refugees and asylum seekers come from; (2) what number of foreign nationals are in possession of temporary refugee and/or asylum seeker documentation; (3) what is the current average time it takes before a decision is communicated to confirm or deny the status of a refugee and/or asylum seeker based on temporary documentation?
Reply:
(1)(i) Below is the total number of refugees (Section 24 holders) with a valid visa as at 1 January 2024:
Country |
Total |
Afghanistan |
5 |
Algeria |
3 |
Angola |
21 |
Egypt |
4 |
Burundi |
2383 |
Benin |
3 |
Bangladesh |
169 |
Bahamas |
1 |
Cambodia |
1 |
Central African Republic |
8 |
Chad |
2 |
Cameroon |
291 |
Congo |
3739 |
DRC |
19834 |
Comoros |
1 |
Cuba |
1 |
Eritrea |
1317 |
Estonia |
3 |
Ethiopia |
13401 |
Palestine |
30 |
Ghana |
3 |
Guinea Bissau |
10 |
Ivory Coast |
17 |
India |
2 |
Iran |
1 |
Iraq |
7 |
Jordan |
3 |
Kenya |
118 |
Liberia |
45 |
Sri Lanka |
9 |
Macau |
2 |
Mali |
3 |
Malawi |
7 |
Morocco |
1 |
Niger |
3 |
Nigeria |
7 |
Oman |
1 |
Pakistan |
5 |
Russia |
9 |
Rwanda |
918 |
Senegal |
2 |
Sierra Leone |
12 |
Solomon Islands |
6 |
Somalia |
20743 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
1 |
Sudan |
71 |
Swaziland |
9 |
Sweden |
1 |
Syria |
39 |
Tanzania |
25 |
East Timor |
4 |
Togo |
9 |
Türkiye |
4 |
Uganda |
407 |
Ukraine |
2 |
Yemen |
4 |
Zambia |
51 |
Zimbabwe |
3373 |
Total |
67151 |
(1)(ii) Below is the total of Section 22 holders (Asylum seekers) with a valid visa as at 1 January 2024:
Country |
Total |
Afghanistan |
10 |
Algeria |
42 |
Angola |
4 |
Egypt |
88 |
Australia |
1 |
Bahrain |
2 |
Burundi |
5228 |
Benin |
10 |
Bangladesh |
9239 |
Bahamas |
5 |
Burkina Faso |
11 |
Botswana |
1 |
Bosnia |
1 |
Central African Republic |
2 |
Chad |
1 |
China |
13 |
Cameroon |
735 |
Congo |
3206 |
DRC |
22298 |
Comoros |
8 |
Colombia |
1 |
Eritrea |
823 |
Estonia |
2 |
Ethiopia |
25624 |
Gabon |
7 |
Gambia |
7 |
Palestine |
3 |
Ghana |
584 |
Guinea Bissau |
4 |
Guinea |
14 |
Croatia |
1 |
Hungary |
3 |
Ivory Coast |
33 |
India |
1846 |
Ireland |
1 |
Iran |
3 |
Iraq |
1 |
Israel |
3 |
Jamaica |
2 |
Jordan |
9 |
Kenya |
396 |
Liberia |
26 |
Libya |
1 |
Lesotho |
4 |
Sri Lanka |
6 |
Mali |
32 |
Malaysia |
1 |
Malawi |
627 |
Morocco |
3 |
Mozambique |
39 |
Mayotte |
1 |
Nepal |
76 |
Netherlands |
1 |
Niger |
153 |
Nigeria |
1468 |
New Zealand |
1 |
Pakistan |
3249 |
Russia |
1 |
Rwanda |
807 |
Senegal |
235 |
Sierra Leone |
5 |
Somalia |
4406 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
1 |
Sudan |
33 |
Suriname |
1 |
Slovenia |
1 |
Swaziland |
2 |
Syria |
13 |
Tanzania |
226 |
Thailand |
7 |
East Timor |
2 |
Togo |
5 |
Türkiye |
7 |
Uganda |
1785 |
Ukraine |
2 |
Uruguay |
1 |
Wallis and Futuna |
1 |
Yemen |
5 |
Zambia |
100 |
Zimbabwe |
3365 |
Total |
86971 |
2. For the current financial year, the Department makes a first instance decision on average within 7 days with more than 90% of cases adjudicated within 30 days.
3. In terms of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA) on average, it takes 180 days to review all matters submitted to SCRA. Currently due to high volumes of matters designated as manifestly unfounded, fraudulent and abusive, SCRA has less than 50 cases which have exceeded 180 days.
The Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa (RAASA) is a tribunal and its adjudication and finalisation of appeal cases is a bit complex. Over the years, RAASA became inundated with appeals which escalated around the period 2008, leading to the current backlog.
Every appeal case with its complexities is adjudicated on its own merits and the time to finalise thereof differs from one case to the other. However, individual members of the RAASA conduct about 3-5 appeal hearings a day to eradicate the backlog and this is subject to the Asylum Seeker honouring the set down date.
END
28 February 2024 - NO3
Masuku, Mr MB to ask the Minister of Police
Given that the SA Police Service has launched Operational Shanela in May 2023 as a high-density operation to combat crime, what (a) progress and (b) challenges have been encountered through Operation Shanela?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
28 February 2024 - NO54
Meshoe, Rev KR to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) has he found to be the root causes of the prevalence of gangsterism in the Republic, besides unemployment and the peddling of drugs and (b) steps has his department taken to stop the spread of gangsterism, particularly in provinces where it has not traditionally been a challenge?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
28 February 2024 - NW73
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What is the current total number of (a) fire rescue disaster personnel and (b) rescue swimmers (i) at each disaster centre (ii) in each province; (2) on what date was the last disaster audit done on capabilities of disaster centres with regard to (a) readiness, (b) capacity, (c) training and (d) qualification(s); (3) whether her department has any memorandums of understanding in place with any nongovernmental organisations and/or nonprofit organisations that relate to disaster responses; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date was each memorandum of understanding signed with each specified organisation and (b) what liability cover is in place in respect of each memorandum of understanding? NW74E
Reply:
Question 1 (a)
The department of COGTA has initiated fire services capacity assessments which is updated on annual basis with all the Provincial Disaster Management Centres across the Country. The current total number of fire rescue disaster personnel are as follows:
Provinces |
Number of fire rescue members |
Western Cape |
1 452 |
Free State |
481 |
Gauteng |
3 538 |
Eastern Cape |
938 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
1 125 |
North West |
650 |
Limpopo |
482 |
Mpumalanga |
478 |
Northern Cape |
88 |
Question 1 (b) (i) and (ii)
Eastern Cape |
10 |
Free State |
27 |
North West |
23 |
Gauteng |
197 |
Western Cape |
69 |
Limpopo |
0 |
Mpumalanga |
37 |
Northern Cape |
0 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
205 |
Question 2 (a) (b) (c) (d)
The Department performs annual Urban Search & Rescue capacity assessments within the Provinces as part of its efforts to ensure the establishment as well as development of a sustainable Urban Search & Rescue capacity within the country.
The last capacity assessment in terms of (a) (b) (c) (d) was performed in the Mpumalanga Province on 25 October 2023.
Question 3
The Department has no active MOUs with NGOs/Non-profit organizations dealing with rescue disasters, as these are typically entered into on a Provincial and Municipal level with NGOs/NPOs at the initial face of operations. However, the Department is exploring the possibilities of such MOUs and have referred a recent request for partnership with an NGO through to the CoGTA Legal Services for a legal opinion. The Department is also in the process of having it's Urban Search & Rescue Governance Framework gazetted, which, in line with the Disaster Management Act (No 57 of 2002) calls for the active participation of all stakeholders, including the private sector, NGOs, technical experts, communities, traditional leaders and volunteers, in disaster risk and response planning and operations.
End.
28 February 2024 - NW30
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What (a) is the status of students who were rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and (b) were the reasons for rejection; (2) what is the total number of (a) appeals that have been lodged by students that were rejected by NSFAS for the 2024 academic year, (b) the specified lodged appeals that were resolved and (c) the resolved appeals that resulted in NSFAS agreeing to pay for the specified academic year?
Reply:
1. (a) 131 528 applications have been rejected for the 2024 academic year. Their status remains at rejected.
(b) The applications were rejected due to not meeting either the financial or academic eligibility criteria.
2. (a) NSFAS has received 1495 appeals to date.
(b) NSFAS has not started working on the appeals yet. NSFAS applications closed on 15 February 2024. The team has been working on expediting the processing of applications.
(c) No appeals have been resolved yet.
28 February 2024 - NW241
Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
With reference to the proposed separation of the State Security Agency into a domestic and a foreign service, by what date is it envisaged that budgets for the proposed entities will be drawn up?
Reply:
Currently, the State Security Agency (SSA) Budget is allocated according to the following Programmes:- 1) Administration, 2) Oversight and Control, 3) Domestic Intelligence, 4) Foreign Intelligence, 5) National Communication and 6) Intelligence Academy.
Therefore with few adjustments, it will be less complicated to draw up the budgets of the separated entities as soon as the Bill is promulgated into law. The National Treasury has been alerted to the possible separation of the entities and the need to make the relevant adjustment budgets.
REPLY COORDINATOR
Name :
Designation :
Contacts :
Recommended / Not recommended
___________________________
Ambassador Nozuko Bam
Acting Director-General: State Security Agency
Date:
Approved / Not Approved
________________________
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni , MP,
Minister in The Presidency
Date:
28 February 2024 - NW31
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Following the allegations of corruption against a certain person (name and details furnished) and his subsequent leave or suspension, (a) what actions has he taken in the wake of the allegations, (b) what are the precise allegations against the specified person, (c) how have the allegations affected the daily running of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), (d) how does his department plan to solve the operational challenges and (e) who is the current acting chairperson of NSFAS?
Reply:
(a) what actions has he taken in the wake of the allegations,
On 10 January 2024 the NSFAS Board Chairperson, Mr Ernest Khosa informed the Board of his decision to take a leave of absence, and the Board, at the same meeting on 10 January 2024, decided to appoint an independent legal service provider to advise on the appropriate course of action. The firm Tshisevhe Gwina Ratshimbilani Inc. (TGR Attorneys) has been appointed and we now await their report.
(b) what are the precise allegations against the specified person,
The OUTA report contains recordings and transcripts of recordings of two meetings held allegedly between the Chairperson of the NSFAS Board, Mr Ernest Khosa and service providers to NSFAS. The report raised several allegations, including:
- The Chairperson privately met with service providers under investigation by the board for irregular appointments.
- The Chairperson allegedly received monetary benefits from service providers in exchange for facilitating appointments.
- The Chairperson purportedly made decisions with service providers that were contrary to the ongoing board investigation.
(c) how have the allegations affected the daily running of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS),
The leave of absence of the Chairperson has resulted in vacancies within both the Board itself and some of its sub-committees. Nevertheless, the Board has taken proactive measures to address this situation by reallocating existing members to fill these vacancies, thereby ensuring the continuity of leadership and preventing any void in governance.
(d) how does his department plan to solve the operational challenges and
The Department’s role is to exercise oversite. In the process of fulfilling this role it has approved funding for NSFAS’ ICT needs and capacity challenges. Whilst these are being addressed the Board has identified experts who will assist with implementing the turnaround strategy of the entity. Through reports the Department is monitoring the implementation of the audit plan and mitigation strategies it has advised NSFAS to implement. Further it engages with stakeholders, such as TVET Colleges and Universities, on whom NSFAS depends for timeous provision of accurate data to address bottlenecks. In addition, the Department will be instituting a board evaluation programme to assess the board’s performance against key KPI’s including amongst others institutional governance, policies to support critical standard operating procedures and performance management.
(e) who is the current acting chairperson of NSFAS?
The current Acting Chairperson is Prof Lourens van Staden.
28 February 2024 - NW71
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a) progress has been made to relocate the Home Affairs office in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, (b) are the challenges causing the delay of the relocation project and (c) are the details of the service delivery benefits that his department will offer after relocation?
Reply:
a) In terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act of 2007 (GIAMA), the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is responsible for the sourcing of office accommodation on behalf of government departments. To that end the DPWI issued a bid for alternative accommodation in December 2018. Following the successful conclusion of the bid process, a contractor was appointed on 9 January 2020 to build a new office for the Department of Home Affairs.
b) In addition to the protracted procurement and contracting processes at DPW&I, it took time to obtain the necessary approvals for the building plans from the City of Cape Town. These challenges are now resolved and building works have commenced on site.
c) The new office will provide the community of Mitchells Plain with the full ambit of services available at any of the modernised Home Affairs offices. These include the issuance of Smart ID Cards, passports and the registration of births, marriages and deaths. In addition, the new office will address the health and safety issues raised in respect of the existing office infrastructure and will provide sufficient waiting area for clients as well as adequate working areas for the department’s officials.
END
28 February 2024 - NW175
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the total number of students according to demographics of (a) race, (b) gender and (c) disability that each university has enrolled in each faculty in the 2024 academic year?
Reply:
The Department is not in a position to share current (2024) enrolment data as the data has not been validated and audited at the university level. Ordinarily university audits are completed around July, Audited Disability enrolment stats have been disaggregated by race and gender in the table below. Unfortunately, DHET does not categorise student data in terms of the faculty they are located in.
Year |
2022 |
|||||||||||
Institution |
Female |
Female Total |
Male |
Male Total |
||||||||
African |
Coloured |
Indian |
No Info |
White |
African |
Coloured |
Indian |
No Info |
White |
|||
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
42 |
31 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
87 |
61 |
27 |
4 |
1 |
16 |
109 |
Central University of Technology |
94 |
2 |
|
|
3 |
99 |
87 |
5 |
|
|
4 |
96 |
Durban University of Technology |
207 |
5 |
10 |
|
|
222 |
167 |
2 |
10 |
|
2 |
181 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
36 |
|
|
|
|
36 |
23 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
195 |
29 |
3 |
|
36 |
263 |
168 |
25 |
4 |
|
36 |
233 |
North West University |
337 |
9 |
9 |
1 |
196 |
552 |
197 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
141 |
351 |
Rhodes University |
50 |
6 |
4 |
|
24 |
84 |
33 |
10 |
5 |
|
21 |
69 |
Sefako Makgatho University |
8 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
17 |
|
|
|
|
17 |
Sol Plaatje University, Northern Cape |
26 |
3 |
|
|
1 |
30 |
24 |
4 |
2 |
|
1 |
31 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
88 |
1 |
|
|
3 |
92 |
107 |
|
|
|
5 |
112 |
University of Fort Hare |
4 |
|
|
|
1 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
|
|
2 |
9 |
University of Cape Town |
80 |
49 |
18 |
106 |
100 |
353 |
104 |
31 |
18 |
99 |
71 |
323 |
University of Free State |
124 |
8 |
1 |
|
51 |
184 |
114 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
41 |
165 |
University of Johannesburg |
88 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
28 |
127 |
72 |
3 |
5 |
|
19 |
99 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
271 |
5 |
43 |
|
12 |
331 |
195 |
7 |
23 |
|
3 |
228 |
University of Limpopo |
107 |
1 |
|
|
|
108 |
84 |
|
|
|
|
84 |
University of Mpumalanga |
1252 |
2 |
2 |
|
4 |
1260 |
798 |
3 |
2 |
|
2 |
805 |
University of Pretoria |
115 |
16 |
22 |
1 |
140 |
294 |
114 |
7 |
23 |
1 |
156 |
301 |
University of South Africa |
1201 |
133 |
115 |
34 |
361 |
1844 |
789 |
81 |
83 |
9 |
232 |
1194 |
University of Stellenbosch |
54 |
52 |
14 |
9 |
191 |
320 |
31 |
39 |
11 |
14 |
160 |
255 |
University of Venda |
28 |
|
|
|
|
28 |
41 |
|
|
|
|
41 |
University of Western Cape |
150 |
112 |
8 |
2 |
17 |
289 |
104 |
87 |
8 |
2 |
13 |
214 |
University of Witwatersrand |
379 |
52 |
91 |
|
188 |
710 |
299 |
23 |
72 |
|
141 |
535 |
University of Zululand |
163 |
|
|
|
|
163 |
126 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
128 |
Vaal University of Technology |
248 |
|
|
|
|
248 |
227 |
2 |
|
|
3 |
232 |
Walter Sisulu University |
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
28 February 2024 - NO53
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to the 2024 State of the Nation Address on 8 February 2024, wherein the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, stated that the Government has strengthen the ranks of the SA Police Service by recruiting 20 000 police officers over the past two years, and another 10 000 in the year to come, and considering that there is still a substantial shortage of police officers, especially in the Visible Policing Division, how will the 10 000 recruits be spread out across all nine provinces?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
28 February 2024 - NW74
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
With reference to subdivision 4(c) of her reply to question 3220 on 13 November 2023, how does her department establish the exact capacity available and what is needed for the department to react to a situation in the event of a national disaster?
Reply:
In relation to the exact capacity available in each Province and what is required to react to national rescue disasters, the Department performs annual assessments of Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) capacity within Provinces, which includes provision of funding for training and development for purposes of establishing and maintaining sustainable USAR capacity within Provinces.
The NDMC will in the new financial year initiate a process for the development of National USAR standards for the South African USAR teams accreditation process. The standard will identify specific roles and responsibilities for each Urban Search and Rescue activity included in the operational plans of the various USAR teams participating in disaster response efforts. It will also provide mechanisms to determine the level of implementation of USAR activities according to the magnitude of the event or disaster and the capacity of the USAR team to deal with it. The standard will be introduced in all spheres of government, and it will also make provision for the development of USAR response systems for all government USAR teams involved in response, including the private sector, NGOs, and technical experts for the purpose of enhancing USAR capacity within the country.
The above initiatives will be aligned to the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), as South Africa is a signatory to the UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150 on "Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of International USAR Assistance" (2002) which underpins much of the actions taken by the Department in the areas of effective preparation, coordination and response to rescue related disasters.
I thank you.
26 February 2024 - NW95
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Given that for two or more years, the entrance of the Acacia Park Parliamentary Village grass on the piece of ground where the beautification programme commenced on 15 December 2023 was carefully cultivated and watered, what (a) are the reasons the grass was not carefully lifted and replanted in another area of the Parliamentary Village in desperate need of beautification, instead of being ploughed over with a tractor loader backhoe and turned into rubble that was then removed and (b) total amount of money was wasted cultivating the entrance only for it to be ripped up and discarded?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(a) The grass was damaged and not suitable for re use, because the vehicles drove and parked all over the grass area. It is therefore planned to provide a parking area for vehicles adjacent to the security entrance.
(b) The service provider is compensated monthly to address the horticulture for the entire park. Based on expenditure per m2 for horticulture, an amount of R 3 384.16 was spent on the grass in question since the commencement of the project.
26 February 2024 - NW78
Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What are the details of the (a) impact of the task team that was set up to deal with procurement challenges in each province since its establishment and (b) steps that she intends to take to address the lack of impact of the task team?
Reply:
(a) & (b). Only one Team was established and deployed in the Free State Province to assist in addressing the procurement challenges. The Team has made a remarkable positive impact in turning around the procurement challenges in the province, with an expenditure rate of above 70% that has been achieved as of February 2024.
The Department did not establish any other similar teams in other Provinces.
26 February 2024 - NW94
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)In light of the fact that, on 15 December 2023, his department’s offices in Acacia Park closed and extensive work commenced on a beautification programme for the entrance of the Acacia Park Parliamentary Village immediately after the offices closed, what are the reasons that (a) the staff at his department’s office in Acacia Park were not made aware of the project prior to their departure and (b) an independent contractor has been contracted to undertake this project; (2) whether his department is paying for the beautification project; if not, who is paying for the project; if so, what are the details of the (a) total cost involved in the project and (b) programme from which the funds are being sourced or appropriated; (3) whether he has found that this is fiscal dumping as so little has been spent on the beautification of the Village itself; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)
(a) The work that was implemented was programmed as part of the work packages that was agreed prior to the holiday session, and suitable time to implement was during December 2023 when many people were on holiday. The horticulture services form part of the preventative maintenance scope. Key areas were identified that required attention. Therefore this was not a new project but the continuation of their current services.
(b) The work was undertaken by the contracted facilities management company and not an independent contractor.
(2)
(a) The preparation of the area and groundwork was paid from the scheduled items allowed for in the corrective maintenance bill of qualities. The cost for the preparation and groundwork amounts to R136 420.00. The new plants are part of the supplemental planting that falls under preventative maintenance scope of the works. No additional remuneration is required for this item.
(b) The total facilities management contract is provided for under programme 6 of PMTE.
(3) The facilities management contract is 5 year contract, so funds are used within that period, so this cannot be classified as fiscal dumping, because the 5 year period has not yet come to an end.
26 February 2024 - NW84
Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 3359 on 8 November 2023, wherein he mentioned that, from 1 April 2023 to date, 23 Notices of Intention to Issue a Directive and five Directives were issued to non-compliant government spheres, he will furnish Mr S J Moore with a list of the (a) local, (b) provincial and (c) national government spheres and entities that the Directives were issued to; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The response provided by the Department regarding NA 3359 indicated that “From 1 April 2023 to date, the Department had issued 22 Notices of Intention to Issue a Directive and 5 Directives in response to identified contraventions related to the requirements stipulated under Section 19(3) and 22 of the National Water Act”.
The tables below provide details of 22 entities that have been issued Notices of Intention to Issue Directives, as well as 5 Directives issued to compel responsible entities to take remedial action aimed at ceasing, containing, and remedying the effects of pollution, among other objectives.
Table: 1
No |
List of names on Notices issued |
||
Responsible Office |
(a)(b)&(c) Government Sphere |
Facility Name |
|
Breede/Gouritz CMA |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Witsand Wastewater Treatment Works, Hessequa Local Municipality, Port Beaufort 484/65, Swellendam, Hessequa Local Municipality, Port Beaufort 484/65, Swellendam: Breede/Gouritz |
|
KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Umgeni Water board, Umgeni Water Board, Pietermaritzburg: Pongola/Mtamvuna |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Venterstad Wastewater Treatment Works, Joe Gqabi District Municipality, Barkly East: Orange |
|
Breede/Gouritz CMA |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Illegal dumping at near Theewaterskloof Dam causing pollution, Theewaterskloof, Theewaterskloof Municipality: Breede/Gouritz |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Government [National/Prov] |
Caledonspoort WWTW, Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Caledonspoort: Orange |
|
Eastern Cape Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Dordrecht WWTW, Chris Hani District Municipality, Dordrecht: Orange |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Koppies WWTW, Ngwathe Local Municipality, Koppies: Vaal |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Thabong WWTW, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Free State, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Free State: Orange |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Van Stadensrus WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Mangaung: Orange |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
BFN-Bloemdustria WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, BFN-Bloemdustria: Orange |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
BFN - Northern Works (WWTW), Mangaung Local Municipality, Mangaung: Orange |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Oppermansgronde WWTW, Letsemeng Local Municipality: Orange |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Fauresmith WWTW, Kopanong Local Municipality, Fauresmith: Orange |
|
Mpumalanga Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Lebowakgomo Wastewater Treatment Works, Capricorn District Municipality, Capricorn District Municipality: Olifants |
|
Mpumalanga Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Tabile Mapekula, Klipspruit Wastewater Treatment Works: Olifants |
|
Limpopo Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Thohoyandou P West manhole, Vhembe district Municipality, 665 Mphephu Drive: Limpopo |
|
North West Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Swartdam Wastewater Treatment Works, Moretele Local Municipality, Farm Haakdoornfontein 55JR/3: Limpopo |
|
North West Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Mothotlung Wastewater Treatment Work, Madibeng Local Municipality, Farm Hoeksfontein 247IQ/4: Limpopo |
|
Western Cape Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Pniel & Wemmershoek WWTW, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, Dwarsriver: Berg/Olifants |
|
Mpumalanga Regional Office |
Government [National/Prov] |
Zonderwater Correctional Services, Zonderwater Correctional Services: Olifants |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Hoopstad WWTW, Tswelopele Local Municipality, Tswelopele: Vaal |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Steynsrus WWTW, Moqhaka Local Municipality, Steynsrus: Orange |
Table: 2
No |
List of names on Directives issued |
||
Responsible Office |
(a)(b)&(c) Government Sphere |
Facility Name |
|
Mpumalanga Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Sewage overflow at Cnr. Dirk Winterbach &, Marone Street, Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality, Burgersfort: Olifants |
|
North West Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Zeekoegat Wastewater Treatment Works, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Portion 142 Zeekoegat 296 JR: Limpopo |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Thaba Nchu WWTW, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Moroka, Stationview, Bultfontein and Seroalo Pump Stations: Orange |
|
Free State Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Oviston Wastewater Treatment Works, Joe Gqabi Municipality, Barkly East: Orange |
|
Eastern Cape Regional Office |
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
Amalinda Central WWTW, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Amalinda Central WWTW: Mzimvubu/Tsitsikamma |
---00O00---
26 February 2024 - NW76
Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether her department has any plans in place regarding the state of the Free State province since the interventions her department has implemented are not reflecting any improvement in performance, particularly relating to the province’s delivery of housing units, which was at 3% in Quarter 2 of the 2023-24 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the plans?
Reply:
The National Department of Human Settlements has indeed taken proactive measures to address the challenges faced by the Free State Province, particularly regarding the delivery of housing units. The Department’s key interventions included:
- Firstly we seconded an experienced individual who has previously worked with the National Department, to capacitate the Provincial Department’s Supply Chain Management Unit. This individual's expertise and experience have significantly contributed to improving operational efficiency within the Department.
- Secondly, also seconding a Project Management Unit official to provide additional support and guidance to the Provincial Department. This collaborative approach has enabled the efficient coordination and execution of housing projects, thereby enhancing overall project delivery.
- In addition to these interventions, the province has also made significant investments in planning activities, laying the groundwork for future housing developments.
The interventions implemented thus far have yielded promising results and ongoing efforts will continue to drive progress and ensure the provision of adequate housing opportunities for residents of the province. National Department of Human Settlements remains committed to supporting the Free State Province in addressing its housing delivery challenges and improving its performance outcomes.
26 February 2024 - NW35
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What measures (a) have been put in place to address the threat of sinkholes to human lives when constructing houses in dolomitic areas and (b) are implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of residents inhabiting the houses in the specified areas?
Reply:
a) The South African National Standards (SANS) 1936-1: Development of Dolomite Land, which was developed by South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) sets out requirements for the development of dolomitic land. The SANS 1936-1thus ensures that people live and work in an environment that is understood by society to be acceptably safe, where loss of assets is within tolerable limits, and where cost-effective and sustainable land usage is achieved. The said standards are applicable to all the three spheres of government to avoid hazards associated with dolomite, especially in areas where the building of residential properties should be prohibited to eliminate the loss of life. In areas where the building of residential units is permitted, mitigation measures are put in place in the form of land use permitted in the Municipal Zoning Scheme. With this consideration, the Department provides guidance through the National Housing Code of 2009, which is based on the classification identified in SANS 1936-1: Development of Dolomite Land. Additionally, site rehabilitation measures have been introduced to ensure that houses are built on stable ground and the appropriate foundation is put in place. Moreover, the National Housing Code of 2009 entails maps of various provinces which designate dolomitic areas, to ensure that careful consideration is given during development, and that appropriate studies are conducted before actual construction can occur, to ensure safe environments.
b) To ensure the safety and well-being of citizens located in the dolomitic areas, a stringent process is followed. Part of this process is that prior to any housing project development, a feasibility study has to be undertaken to ascertain that the land can be developed. Once the feasibility study has been undertaken, a Geotech study is conducted to gather the physical characteristics of the soil and rocks on a site to ensure that if dolomitic rock is found, the site is rehabilitated where necessary, and proper foundations are designed. For projects that are developed in the dolomitic areas, conventional foundations such as strip or spot footings are often used in the building of houses where the risk of sinkhole forming is found to be adequate. Moreover, compacted soil mattresses that serve as a flexible reinforcement are used to strengthen structures on areas underlain by dolomite. In areas where sinkhole formation poses an immediate danger to the inhabitants of houses, the relevant municipalities (in consultation with the provincial departments of human settlements and all relevant stakeholders) are to consider the upgrading of aging or affected infrastructure or the identification and preparation of well-located and suitable land for the resettlement of affected households. The National Department of Human Settlements monitors compliance with technical specifications through analysis of business plans of Provinces and Metros, wherein the geotechnical reports should form part of the supporting evidence prior to development in dolomitic areas.
26 February 2024 - NW93
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What is the average amount of water that Umgeni Water has provided to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality over the past 12 months, (2) whether the entity has challenges in providing the required amount of water to the municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the challenges?
Reply:
1. The average amount of water provided by uMngeni-uThukela Water to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is summarised in the table below:
Month |
Targeted Volume in kl/day |
No. of days |
Monthly Target in kl |
Actual Supplied Volume in kl |
Monthly Variance in kl |
January |
1 105 000 |
28 |
30,940,000 |
32,126,382 |
1,186,382 |
February |
1 105 000 |
31 |
34,472,000 |
34,255,000 |
-217,000 |
March |
1 105 000 |
28 |
31,136,000 |
32,126,382 |
990,382 |
April |
1 105 000 |
31 |
34,472,000 |
34,255,000 |
-217,000 |
May |
1 105 000 |
30 |
33,360,000 |
33,150,000 |
-210,000 |
June |
1 105 000 |
36** |
40,032,000 |
39,780,000 |
-252,000 |
July |
1 011 000# |
25 |
25,275,000 |
28,225,771 |
2, 950, 771 |
August |
1 011 000# |
31 |
31,341,000 |
34,769,031 |
3,428,031 |
September |
1 011 000# |
31 |
31,341,000 |
34, 971,532 |
3,630,532 |
October |
1 011 000# |
30 |
30,330,000 |
33,567,957 |
3,237,957 |
November |
1 011 000# |
31 |
31,341,000 |
34,799,924 |
3,458,924 |
December |
1 011 000# |
33* |
33,363,000 |
38,019,751 |
4,656,751 |
TOTAL |
387,403,000 |
410,046,730 |
22,643,730 |
*Mid-term: meter reading done at month end
**Financial Year End: meter reading done at month end
#Targeted volume for the 2023/2024 financial year reduced in order to ensure compliance with the raw water abstraction license.
2. uMngeni-uThukela Water has been able to provide eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with the required volume of water as stipulated in the Bulk Supply Agreement. However, there were four months wherein the actual volumes supplied were slightly below the targeted volumes.
During the year 2023, uMngeni-uThukela Water supplied eThekwini Metro with 410, 046, 730 kl which was 22, 643, 730 kl above the targeted supply volumes.
During the course of 2023, uMngeni-uThukela Water carried out planned maintenance as detailed in the table in Annexure A below:
---00O00---
ANNEXURE A
No |
Details of Shutdown |
Planned Date & Duration |
Actual Completion Date |
1. |
Reservoir 3, Roof Rehabilitation. Floor & wall lining and installation |
07 August 2019 (39 Months) |
10 January 2023 |
2. |
Maphephetheni Works & Inanda Dam Pumping Main 700mm dia. Butterfly Valve Installation |
08 February 2023 (12 Hours) |
08 February 2023 |
3. |
Aqueduct 1 and 2 Rehabilitation following the April 2022 floods. |
28 June 2022 (12 Months) |
30 June 2023 |
4. |
Avondale Pump Station Replacement of the Inlet Control Valve |
03 March 2023 (8 Hours) |
03 March 2023 |
5. |
Hazelmere Works Installation of the Inlet Control Valve |
31 March 2023 (24 Hours) |
01 April 2023 |
6. |
Verulam Pump Repairs |
05 June 2023 (24 Hours) |
05 June 2023 |
7. |
Toti System Reservoir 1 Outlet valve replacement & PDT’s |
24 May 2023 (12 Hours) |
24 May 2023 |
8. |
Northdene Pump Station: Installation of 700mm diameter steel |
22 May 2023 (9 Hours) |
22 May 2023 |
9. |
Nagle Dam – New Intake Repairs |
21 July 2023 (12 Hours) |
21 July 2023 |
10. |
Maphephetheni – Inlet Control Valve Repair |
11 July 2023 (12 Hours) |
11 July 2023 |
11. |
Maphephetheni – Aqueduct 2 Isolation for penstock installation tunnel 6 - 7 |
11 July 2023 (12 Hours) |
11 July 2023 |
12. |
Maphephetheni – Aqueduct 2 Isolation for penstock installation tunnel 8 |
21 July 2023 (12 Hours) |
21 July 2023 |
13. |
La Mercy Pump Repairs |
10 August 2023 (12 Hours) |
10 August 2023 |
14. |
357 Pipeline Relocation DN1400 tie-in |
20 September 2023 (63 Hours) |
23 September 2023 |
15. |
257 Pipeline Relocation: DN 1000 tie-ins at Fairview Road |
28 September 2023 (60 hours) |
30 September 2023 |
16. |
Northern Aqueduct – Replacement of Air Valves |
22 September 2023 (9 hours) |
22 September 2023 |
17. |
Installation of the Isolation Plate on Aqueduct 2 at the Head of Works Durban Heights WW |
04 October 2023 (24 Hours) |
05 October 2023 |
18. |
Removal of an Isolation Plate on Aqueduct 2 at the Head of Works Durban Heights WW. |
21 November 2023 (18 Hours) |
21 November 2023 |
19. |
Wiggins HLPS Repair of the Cooling Water Pump System. |
24 October 2023 (8 hours) |
24 October 2023 |
20. |
357 Pipeline Relocation DN1400 tie-in |
18 October 2023 (60 hours) |
18 October 2023 |
21. |
257 Pipeline Relocation DN 1400 tie-in |
25 October 2023 (60 hours) |
27 October 2023 |
22. |
Relocation of DN 700, 54 Pipeline and tie-in to the existing pipeline along the N3 Durban route at Ashburton Interchange for SANRAL to complete the Construction of N3 Road. |
14 November 2023 (72 hours) |
17 November 2023 |
23. |
Northern Aqueduct – Replacement of Air Valves |
05 October 2023 (9 hours) |
05 October 2023 |
23 February 2024 - NW36
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(a) What (i) risk assessment and (ii) mitigation strategies are employed by her department when approving housing projects in dolomitic areas, considering the real dangers associated with sinkholes, (b) how are the specified measures communicated to the affected communities, (c) what specific regulatory frameworks and building codes does she enforce to ensure that construction practices prioritise the safety of residents and (d) how does her department collaborate with local authorities to enforce and monitor compliance in the high-risk regions?
23 February 2024 - NW87
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) Who will be responsible for procuring the petrol and/or diesel required to run the 450 generators that were delivered on 30 November 2023 from the Chinese government as part of the Technical Assistance Programme following the BRICS Summit; (2) Whether a budget allocation has been put in place for the respective institutions to procure fuel; if not, what measures can the institutions take to ensure that they derive benefit from the generators and that they are not just ornamental; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether government institutions will be required to procure their fuel from a central supplier; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (4) Will the fuel be charged at the normal retail price; if not, what are the full details of the premium
Reply:
1. The respective facilities have requested to install, secure, operate and maintain the allocated units and furthermore these facilities were requested to record the generators in their individual asset register.
2. The individual facilities are responsible for the operational budget of the generators
3. Procurement of fuel will be done through the regular procurement process of the respect facilities
4. Please refer to answer above
23 February 2024 - NW68
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) total number of cases of (i) theft of transformers and/or (ii) sabotage to electrical infrastructure were reported in the (aa) 2019-20, (bb) 2020-21, (cc) 2021-22 and (dd) 2022-23 financial years and (b) was the financial cost in terms of each province;
Reply:
According to information received from Eskom:
(1)(a)(i)
The number of electrical infrastructure theft incidents is depicted in the table below:
Sum of Events ID |
|||||||
Operating Unit |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Grand Total |
Eastern Cape Operating Unit |
1171 |
1080 |
1194 |
1280 |
1418 |
986 |
7129 |
Free State Operating Unit |
702 |
582 |
569 |
554 |
518 |
420 |
3345 |
Gauteng Operating Unit |
1849 |
1195 |
1400 |
1116 |
771 |
699 |
7030 |
KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit |
2159 |
1290 |
1489 |
1152 |
1125 |
1383 |
8598 |
Limpopo Operating Unit |
924 |
828 |
852 |
857 |
707 |
523 |
4691 |
Mpumalanga Operating Unit |
732 |
702 |
731 |
837 |
764 |
667 |
4433 |
North West Operating Unit |
892 |
878 |
803 |
767 |
675 |
507 |
4522 |
Northern Cape Operating Unit |
462 |
434 |
410 |
449 |
422 |
367 |
2544 |
Western Cape Operating Unit |
269 |
274 |
261 |
372 |
322 |
253 |
1751 |
Grand Total |
9160 |
7263 |
7709 |
7384 |
6722 |
5805 |
44043 |
The number of transformer theft cases that were reported is depicted in the table below:
(1)(b)(i)
Data not available for (aa) 2019-20, (bb) 2020-21 and (cc) 2021-22 (dd) 2022-23: A direct loss of R18 953 668.45 was reported relating to the theft of transformers.
(2)(a)
- The total number of failed transformers in Eskom across the nine provinces due to theft is 1347 as of 09 February 2024. Failed transformers are replaced daily, while failures as a result of theft and vandalism also take place frequently.
- The main causes of these transformer failures include overloading, which occurs when customers have tampered with or bypassed their meters, illegal connections which have bypassed the fuses and breakers that are meant to protect the transformer from overloading, as well as theft and vandalism.
- Eskom remains committed to replacing failed transformers soon after tamper fines have been paid by the customers and the replacement criteria have been met.
(2)(b)
- Collaboration with SAPS, SSA, and NPA [MAJOC/Priority Committee, ProvJoints, NatJoints] for continued support regarding crime prevention, disruptive operations, intelligence gathering, investigations, arrests and prosecutions.
- Implementation of technology to inform security designs for substations, powerlines and all Eskom facilities.
- Continually assessing threats and risks with appropriate plans for high-risk sites.
- Collaboration with communities to create awareness and encourage them to pay for electricity and take ownership thereof.
- Collaboration with the private security industry through enabling contracts.
- Strengthening of governance among the private security role-players that conduct business with Eskom.
- Conducting risk assessments and identification and classification of high-value assets and high-risk sites.
- Strengthening of security measures through investment in physical security technologies through the leveraging of the existing resources within Eskom Distribution.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
23 February 2024 - NW131
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Considering that the President, Mr. M C Ramaphosa, has recently announced that R1 billion has been allocated to build approximately 4,000 houses across municipalities in the Northern Cape Province, how will her department ensure that, the specified project does not impact housing provisions in the rest of the Republic, especially considering the large housing backlog?
Reply:
The Northern Cape Province approached the Development Bank of Southern Africa (the Lender) to finance the acceleration of the human settlement’s development programme. The borrowing is pursued in line with the provisions of section 3 (6) of the Borrowing Act and the current Division of Revenue Act (DoRA) through a pledge of the indicative Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2025 to 2027 as detailed below:
The R1 billion allocated to build approximately 4,000 houses across municipalities in the Northern Cape Province, as announced by the President will not impact the housing provisions in the rest of the Republic.
23 February 2024 - NW13
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether he will furnish Mr N Singh with the total number of newly qualified medical doctors who cannot be placed in community service internships at public hospitals in the Republic as at 8 February 2023; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) given the current shortage of medical doctors in the Republic, what are the full, relevant details of the steps that his department is taking to ensure that all newly qualified medical doctors are fast-tracked into community service medical programmes so that they may serve the residents of the Republic?
Reply:
1. All medical doctors eligible for community service have been placed as of January 2024. This number excludes those who lodged appeals against the areas that they were placed at.
2. National Department of Health can confirm that all medical doctors that were eligible to commence community service started work on 01 January 2024. Only those who are deemed as not eligible or are late starters (i.e., completing their community service later than 31 December 2023) have not been placed. They will be placed upon completion of their community service.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW111
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether (a) the President and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet met with any member of Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) to discuss any strategy whereby South Africa could assist Hamas or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (i) 2022, (ii) 2023 and (iii) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The President (a) and or any member of the Cabinet (b) did not meet with any member of Harakat al-Mugawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) to discuss any strategy whereby South Africa could assist Hamas or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (i) 2022, (ii) 2023 and (iii) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date.
23 February 2024 - NW117
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
With reference to the South African delegation for state visits to the (a) Islamic Republic of Iran and (b) State of Qatar (i) in 2023 and (ii) from 1 January 2024 to date, what are the full details of the (a) names of the members of the delegation and (b)(i) schedule of meetings held and (ii) minutes of the specified meetings?
Reply:
There was no state visit to the (a) Islamic Republic of Iran (i) in 2023 and (ii) from 1 January 2024 to date.
A state visit was undertaken to the State of Qatar from 14 to 15 November 2023. The South African Delegation (a) consisted of:
1. H.E. Mr MC Ramaphosa President of the Republic of South Africa
2. Dr GNM Pandor: Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
3. Amb GH Asmal: South African Ambassador to the State of Qatar
4. Ms A Didiza: Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and
Rural Development
5. Ms MA Motshekga: Minister of Basic Education
6. Mr E Patel: Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
7. Ms K Ntshavheni: Minister in the Presidency – State Security
8. Ms T Modise: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
9. Ms P Baleni: Director-General and Secretary of Cabinet
10. Ms R Singh: Deputy-Director General (Chief of Staff in the Presidency)
11. Ms D Nicol: Special Advisor to the President
12. Mr N Sibiya: Special Advisor to the President
13. Mr V Magwenya: Spokesperson to the President
The schedule of meetings held in the State of Qatar (b)(i):
1. Official Talks between the RSA and Qatari delegations
2. Tête-á-tête between President Ramaphosa and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Amir of the Stet of Qatar
3. Signing Ceremony
4. Meeting with Members of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Business Association
5. Presidential Roundtable Discussion
6. Tree-planting ceremony and tour of the Qatari Pavilion at the Doha International Horticultural Expo 2023
7. Courtesy Call and Meeting between President Ramaphosa and Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al Thani, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar
The meetings held in the State of Qatar were of a confidential nature and the minutes of the said meetings are classified (b)(ii).
23 February 2024 - NW212
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What strict enforcement measures has his department taken to ensure that there is vigorous monitoring of the National Minimum Wage Act, Act 9 of 2019, with severe penalties for noncompliance in relation to domestic workers, petrol attendants, security guards and cleaners?
Reply:
Domestic Workers:
There are inspections that are carried out to test compliance with the National Minimum Wage. These inspections are mostly reactive. In instances where there is non-compliance, notices are issued out. The noncompliant employers are provided with 14 days to comply. If an employer does not comply within the set time frames, there is referral to the CCMA for prosecution. The issuance of notices and referral for prosecution result in recoveries of monies in the form of underpayments. These are then handed to the workers who had been underpayment.
Petrol attendants, Security Guards and Cleaners:
These belong to relevant Bargaining Councils (BC’s) that deal with all matters that are related to Employment Standards. The BC’s have their own Agencies that have similar powers to those of Labour inspectors. They would therefore enforce compliance within these sectors. This would include compliance with the National Minimum Wage.
23 February 2024 - NW25
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What plans does his department have in place to mitigate the effects of unemployment of professionals in the field of medicine, such as doctors and nurses in each province and (b) how does his department intend to implement such mitigating measures to the provision of healthcare services in the rural areas that often have few medical professionals in each clinic?
Reply:
(a) The Provincial Departments of Health have advertised available funded posts for the various health professional categories including medical doctors and nurses. These are at different stages of recruitment.
(b) National Department of Health will provide guidance to provinces in line with the announcement that will be made by the Minister of Finance in his budget speech on 21 February 2024.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW112
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether (a) the President and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet had discussions with any member of the government or the executive of (i) the Islamic Republic of Iran and/or (ii) the State of Qatar regarding any strategy whereby South Africa could assist the Islamic Republic of Iran or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Neither the President (a) and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet had discussions with any member of the government or the executive of (i) the Islamic Republic of Iran and/or (ii) the State of Qatar regarding any strategy whereby South Africa could assist the Islamic Republic of Iran or any other country in waging a diplomatic and/or legal offensive against the State of Israel at any time in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date.
23 February 2024 - NW50
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Why are there no dedicated ambulances stationed at public hospitals and other public health facilities to transfer patients on an urgent basis to other facilities; (2) whether his department has put in place any measures to ensure that ambulances are easily accessible to hospitals without delay; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. It is not a policy requirement to allocate ambulances to hospitals. Ambulances are allocated to EMS stations which are either stand-alone or co-located in hospitals, clinics, and other public facilities. The allocation is organized according to what is practically achievable within the budget allocation. The focus is on ensuring that these ambulances are accessible and respond on time when they are needed. Nationally, of the 483 public EMS Stations, 365 (76%) of are co-located at hospitals and clinics. The breakdown of EMS Stations per province is as follows:
PROVINCE |
Total No. of Stations |
No. of Stations Stand Alone |
No. of Stations at Hospitals |
No. of Stations located at Clinics |
No. of Stations located at other sites |
Eastern Cape |
85 |
14 |
48 |
16 |
7 |
Free State |
59 |
2 |
26 |
27 |
4 |
Gauteng |
57 |
6 |
21 |
23 |
7 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
71 |
22 |
26 |
19 |
4 |
Limpopo |
57 |
10 |
26 |
18 |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
37 |
7 |
16 |
5 |
9 |
North West |
20 |
1 |
10 |
6 |
3 |
Northern Cape |
48 |
4 |
8 |
36 |
0 |
Western Cape |
49 |
12 |
25 |
9 |
3 |
TOTAL |
483 |
78 |
206 |
159 |
40 |
PERCENTAGE |
100 |
16 |
43 |
33 |
8 |
Other sites: Fire Stations, Local Govt Offices, SAPS |
2. Access of ambulances to hospitals including emergency responses within the community are subject to demand and availability of ambulances at the time required. All calls, when received, are prioritized according to patient acuity needs, triaged and dispatched to the first available ambulance. This prioritization includes interfacility transfers.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW41
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) number of health facilities have faulty and/or unreliable back-up generators and (b) urgent steps of intervention have been taken to address the issue of dysfunctional back-up generators in each health facility in each case?
Reply:
(a) All hospitals have backup power in a form of generators to provide back-up electricity during outages. Some hospitals also have uninterrupted power supply (“UPS”) units inbuilt as part of their power supply backup. However, the generators and UPS units are not designed to run for longer periods of time than usually anticipated, as has been experienced in the recent frequent and longer instances of loadshedding.
(b) There are maintenance plans in place for all generators to ensure that they are operational and that there are diesel suppliers on standby to ensure that the generators are fully functional at all times.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW96
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to the 2022-23 financial year budget report of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, whose objective is to, amongst others, monitor and evaluate, regulate, investigate, inspect, register and control of medicines, clinical trials and devices relating to public health matters, only 22% of new Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehouse Practices related to licenses were finalised in 125 days, what (a) are the financial implications for those whose licenses were submitted and not granted, (b) were the reasons the licences were not granted and (c) licenses were not granted?
Reply:
According to the SAHPRA:
a) SAHPRA has the mandate of regulating the efficacy safety and quality of medicines and thus the information supplied in a license application does not include information about the financial implications of not having a license ;
b) There are various reasons licenses are not granted but in essence applicants must comply with the criteria for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Warehousing Practice (GWP). This is done in accordance with the General Regulations to the Medicines Act, Regulation 23(3) and Regulation 23(4). Noncompliance with the criteria for licensing will result in a license not being issued. In some cases applicants decline an inspection when they are contacted for assessment of their license application.
However, there were delays in finalisation of inspections due to capacity constraints in the Inspectorate unit.
c) In the 2022/2023 financial year, SAHPRA approved all new license applications that were evaluated however there are delays in the inspection of applicants due to limited inspection capacity.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW211
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
In light of section 198(b) of the Labour Relations Act, Act 55 of 1995, which provides for the deeming provision and that employees must be provided with equal access to opportunities, what preventive measures has his department taken against whiteowned companies who extend fixed-term contracts for a period as long as 20 years, thereby avoiding the deeming provision and circumventing the national minimum wage legislation and making sure that the bargaining power remains in their hands?
Reply:
Honourable Ceza, any contract of employment that exceeds three months, the law deems such an employee as permanent. All the rights and obligations other employees are entitled to, such an employee is also entitled to these rights and obligations. Should such an employee be dismissed for unjustifiable reasons or denied the same right that other permanent employees have, they have a recourse through the CCMA despite the nature of their contract.
The law is clear that there is no worker or employee in this country who must be paid below the national minimum wage despite the nature of their contract. The national minimum wage is the floor right that no employee or worker should be paid below it.
The law stipulates that bargaining councils cannot negotiate wages below what the national minimum wage prescribe. Their wage negotiations start from what the national minimum wage prescribes and can only be negotiated upwards and not downwards. It is important for the Honourable member to note that our collective bargaining system is based on improving the basic conditions of employment and the national minimum wage ups.
END
23 February 2024 - NW42
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Why does Phahameng Clinic in Mamelodi still face a challenge of unfilled posts after the issue was raised with his department two years ago; (2) how many vacancies currently are unfilled in (a) the facility and (b) Gauteng; (3) whether there are challenges impeding him from filling these vacancies timeously; if so, what are the challenges; if not, by when does he envisage these vacancies to be filled? NW42E
Reply:
According to Gauteng Department of Health:
1. Phahameng Clinic is one of the 40 clinics in the City of Tshwane (CoT) that is still owned and operated by COT. The provincial government through the Tswane Health District Office assists with the staffing shortage by seconding staff to some of these clinics. There has been a moratorium placed on the filling of vacant positions since 2019 to date, due to budget constraints. The CoT and the Tswane Health District Office are in the process of considering a list of critical positions to be filled during the 2024/25 financial year, within available budget.
2. (a) Facility Level: Phahameng clinic is resourced with personnel from both the City of Tshwane (CoT) and Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH).
The clinic has the following vacancies:
- 1 Chief Community Health Nurse (CoT)
- 1 Nursing Assistant (CoT)
- 1 Community Health Nurse (GDoH)
- The above positions have been vacant for less than 2 years.
b) Data is awaited from Gauteng Department of Health and will be provided as soon as we receive it.
3. Yes, budget constraints experienced by COT and the provincial government, impede the process of filling vacancies. The CoT and Tswane Health District are in the process of considering a list of critical positions to be filled during the 2024/25 financial year, within available budget.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW64
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)With reference to the Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is taking place in Panama from 5 to 10 February 2024, (a) what is the Government’s latest position and/or mandate of the delegations in relation to the COP agenda and (b) which policy and/or other legislative document supports and/or informs the specified mandate; (2) (a) what is each delegation’s mandate on (i) combustible cigarettes, (ii) non-combustible nicotine products and (iii) harm-reduction policies, technologies and evidence-led scientific findings and (b) which policy and/or other legislative document supports and/or informs the mandate in each case?
Reply:
(1) (a) The delegates are mandated to advance the interests of South Africa and of the Continent with regard to aspects that promote public health in relation to the control of tobacco and related products.
(b) South Africa is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC is a Global public health treaty which informs South Africa’s mandate in this regard.
(2) (a) Mandate on:
(i) combustible cigarettes
To ensure decisions made at COP will protect public health, reduce demand and supply and protect vulnerable groups and non-smokers and to identify new risk based on available scientific evidence.
(ii) non-combustible nicotine products
South Africa supports agenda items and decisions aimed at protecting public health. Our main objective to protect public health, reduce demand and supply and protect vulnerable groups and non-smokers against the harm caused by nicotine and to identify new risk based on available scientific evidence.
(iii) harm-reduction policies, technologies, and evidence led scientific findings
The Department of Health is not in support of the proposed promotion of harm reduction strategies and technologies, since what is proposed by the tobacco industry in this regard remain harmful to the public. The unregulated and uncontrolled use of nicotine poses a health risk and therefore, the Department is committed to the regulation of all tobacco and related products. The objective at all times is to promote public health and protect the vulnerable groups against the harm posed by the tobacco and related products.
(b) South Africa, in our pursuit to regulate all tobacco and related products, is guided by local and global studies that have provided significant evidence about the harm caused by both combustible and non-combustible tobacco and related products. These include the emerging products flooding the market worldwide.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW58
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) may have been the cause of the lack of improvement at the Cape Town harbour in December 2023 and (b) was the level of efficiency of the Cape Town harbour in December 2023; (2) Whether there has been an increase in shifts and manpower during the busy deciduous export season at the Cape Town harbour; (3) Whether there were any major delays at the Cape Town harbour over the period of December 2023; if not, what caused the inefficiency at the harbour; if so, what caused these delays; (4) Whether the seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes that were delivered in December 2023, have been integrated into the harbour’s activity yet? NW59E
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet.
Major problems at CTCT that impact on its operations is twofold:
(i) The first is the extreme windy conditions which paralyzes operations for long periods of time. Transnet has obviously no control over this problem.
(ii) The shortage of equipment.
(iii) Not withstanding the above, excellent progress has been made by putting in place an experienced management team, installing new equipment on an incremental basis and ensuring that both cranes and other equipment are able both to steady ships in rough weather and cranes which operate in windy conditions.
(1)(a) CTCT only executed 12 vessels for the month, compared to an average expectation of 20 per month. In 2023, CTCT recorded the highest number of hours lost due to strong winds in December, with 183 hours (equivalent to eight days) lost compared to 150 hours during the same period in 2022. The increased wind speed experienced also prevented the safe docking of some vessels into the terminal. When the terminal goes windbound, it means that the terminal must cease operation for safety reasons.
CTCT has also been challenged with equipment unavailability of especially Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes and Haulers, which have exceeded their design life. Equipment breakdowns result in crane down time and reduced productivity over the quay. TPT have since made significant strides in improving the availability of equipment, particularly through the delivery of 7 used RTGs in December 2023, 6 of which are already in operation. Training has been done on this new equipment.
In addition to the above, the terminal was shut for the public holidays on 25th December 2023 and 1st of January 2024.
(1)(b) While CTCT’s headline productivity measure is the Moves per Ship Working Hour (SWH), which measures the average container moves on a vessel per hour, the current focus is on a number of containers moved over the quayside over a 24 hour period. This helps to maximise the volumes rather than focusing solely on SWH which can be compromised if the focus is on volumes.
For the month of December, CTCT averaged an SWH of 27,6 moves per hour, servicing a 2-Berth operation for a portion of the month while the 7 used RTGs were discharged at one of the berths. In January, the terminal resumed a 3-berth operation, but this means that cranes and supporting RTGs and Haulers were spread across 3 vessels instead of 2, resulting in a reduction in equipment allocation per vessel. As a result, the SWH for January 2024 was 22.
A more realistic indication of the operational improvement is the overall throughput across all berths, which is measured by the daily container moves. For the month of December, the terminal moved an average of 700 containers per day. Container moves in January increased to 842 moves per day and 1164 moves per day for February month to date. Furthermore, the average daily rate for the last 7 days is 1238. This reflects an upward trend in operational activity. The immediate target is to ramp up to 1500 container moves per day, with an aspiration to improve further to 1700 per day.
(2) Since the beginning of December, CTCT appointed additional personnel, which coincided with the ramp-up of the current deciduous season. These include appointments of Diesel Mechanics, Millwrights, Driver Articulated Vehicles and Operators of Lifting Equipment amongst others. A Team from Navis, the software system used to operate the terminal, is also in CTCT to train the Planners and Supervisors to use the system optimally and improve efficiencies.
(3) In 2023, CTCT recorded the highest number of hours lost due to strong winds in December, with 183 hours (equivalent to eight days) lost compared to 150 hours during the same period in 2022. The increased wind speed experienced also prevented the safe docking of some vessels into the terminal. When the wind is terminal bound, it means that the terminal must cease operation for safety reasons.
As previously indicated above, the delays can be linked to the equipment availability challenges, particularly with aging RTG cranes and Haulers which CTCT currently faces. This has led to downtime and reduced productivity along the quay. TPT has made significant progress in addressing this, obtaining 7 used RTGs in December 2023, with 6 already in operation and staff trained on the new equipment.
(4) Since the delivery of Rubber-Tyred Gantries (RTGs) on 11 December 2023, the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has completed the following:
- Fully commissioned a total of six RTGs with the seventh still in progress.
- A total of 54 Operators of Lifting Equipment (OLE) have completed training on the pre-used RTGs.
- Six RTGs have been successfully handed over to Operations. These machines now fully form part of our RTG fleet.
- The seventh RTG wasn’t successfully commissioned due to additional parts it required, which are on order from abroad. The commissioning process is in progress. It is projected that all seven RTGs will be operational by the end of February 2024.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/ Comments
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date:
23 February 2024 - NW43
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Health
Which hospitals and healthcare facilities in rural areas do not have doctors, considering statements from his department that doctors reject placement in rural facilities?
Reply:
The departmental statement referring to some medical doctors rejecting placement in rural facilities is based on historic trends that led to delays with recruitment for rural hospitals as well as the recent Internship and Community Service Placement (ICSP) statistics. During the 2023/2024 cycle, the Department received 109 appeals against placements for Community Services Medical Officer posts with majority being posts in rural facilities.
However, the Department can confirm that there are medical doctors in all hospitals and healthcare facilities that are designated to have medical doctors as part of the workforce, including those in rural areas.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW46
Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health
Why is the facility manager in Malepelepe clinic in OR Tambo region acting as an operations manager since April 2021 without an acting allowance?
Reply:
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH):
The clinic supervisor that was overseeing seven (7) clinics in the local area of the Mhlonlo Sub-district of OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape (EC), retired in 2021, and the appointed operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic who was the most senior professional nurse in the area, was delegated to oversee the seven (7) clinics as a clinic supervisor.
Since, as per Department of Public Service and Administration Regulations, the post of operational manager of Malepelepe Clinic was still filled by the person who was appointed acting clinic supervisor, the acting operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic could not receive an acting allowance.
On 1 February 2024, the operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic, who was overseeing the seven (7) facilities, was appointed in the post of Clinic Supervisor, and the post of operational manager for Malepele Clinic became vacant. The person delegated to act as operational manager for Malepelepe Clinic will receive an acting allowance as from 01 February 2024 and the vacant post of operational manager for Malepele Clinic will be filled in line with government recruitment processes.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW110
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether (a) the President and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet met with or had a telephone discussion with (i) Mr Ismail Haniyeh and/or (ii) any other members of the Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full details of the (aaa) discussions and (bbb) concrete agreements reached?
Reply:
The President (a) did not meet with or had a telephone discussion with (i) Mr Ismail Haniyeh and/or (ii) any other members of the Harakat al- Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date.
Regarding contact with any member of Cabinet (b), it should be recalled that DIRCO issued a media statement on 17 October 2023, confirming that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr GNM Pandor, received a request to call the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to discuss getting humanitarian aid to Palestine. During the call, and In line with the Government’s position, Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s solidarity and support for the people of Palestine and expressed sadness and regret for the loss of innocent lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. The statement further indicated that Minister Pandor and the Hamas leader discussed how to get the provisional supply of necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian territories.
23 February 2024 - NW59
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether compared to December 2022 there have been any improvement in January 2023 in the turnaround time in respect of cargo handling, especially of deciduous fruits being exported from Cape Town; (2) What (a) was the impact of strong winds/bad weather on the efficiency of the harbour at Cape Town during 1-31 December 2023 and (b) total number of working days or hours were lost due to bad weather in this period; (3) Whether, with regards to big shipping companies diverting their ships away from the Suez Canal via Cape Town, there has been an increase in ships docking at the port in Cape Town due to this diversion; if so, how many?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(1) and (2) Kindly see the response provided in Parliamentary Question No. 58
(3) Cape Town Terminals have contracted line services calling in accordance with the terminal’s full capacity design. Therefore, any additional vessels are reviewed and handled on an ad-hoc basis, depending on the occupancy and availability.
Cape Town will see short-term benefits as there is an opportunity for the Western and Northern Cape deciduous fruit exporters to export more of their produce to Europe and America.
Most vessels now re-routing via the Cape of Good Hope (COGH) would still have cargo for foreign destinations and therefore would not necessarily request to stop in South Africa for additional volumes. However, the South African Ports will continue to pursue additional business opportunities which may arise from the additional vessels calling via COGH.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/Comments
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date:
23 February 2024 - NW37
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) What is the Government’s long-term strategic plan for energy procurement, (b) how does the specified strategic plan align with the overall energy security objectives, (c) what measures are in place to ensure a sustainable and reliable power supply beyond the 2024-25 financial year, (d) what criteria will be used to select vendors for the supply of energy and (e) what mechanisms are in place to prevent any undue influence and/or favouritism in the procurement processes; (2) Whether there are any plans in place to invest in long-term projects that enhance the nation's energy capacity and resilience, reducing the likelihood of last-minute rushes for power procurement during critical periods; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) The government’s strategic plan on energy procurement is codified in the 2023 draft IRP which has been released for public participation and comments.
(b) The IRP sets the strategic plan which includes the optimal energy mix to achieve our energy security objectives with due regard to our energy resource endowments
(c) The energy action plan sets out short and medium interventions measures to balance the energy supply and demand which includes interventions to;
(i) Strengthen and/or repurpose the existing Eskom fleet including gas to energy on both open and close cycle gas turbines,
(ii) Optimize the uptake of private renewable energy investment both through renewable energy independent producer programme, embedded generation programmes and commercial/domestic rooftop solar solutions
(iii) Modernize and expand the transmission infrastructure
(iv) All procurement will be done in line with section 217(1) and (2) of the constitution
(v) refer to reply above
(2) Based on the 2019 IRP government will in 2024 will commence the procurement of:
(i) 2500MW nuclear energy
(ii) The conversion of Gourikwa and Ankerlig to gas from diesel/open gas turbine OCGT which will yield 2000MW and a further 1000MW conversion into Closed Cycle Gas Turbine OCGT
(iii) An additional 3000MW is approved in Richards Bay
Eskom will rollout plans for the development of solar PV coupled with battery energy storage systems which will yield 4000MW.
23 February 2024 - NW3
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What is the current status of the private sector participation tender regarding the Ngqura Container Terminal in Port Elizabeth? (2) Whether there are sufficient bid submissions to proceed with the specified tender in its original format; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? (3) Whether any changes will be made to the tender guidelines to improve private sector participation in the tender process; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? (4) Whether he will make a statement on the matter.
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
1. The Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) private sector participation (PSP) transaction ran alongside the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 transaction, with the intention to position it as a transshipment hub for SA, based on the location of South Africa, adjacent to major sailing routes such as Asia and West Africa and Asia and South America trades.
There was an initial interest for the PSP in the terminal, as demonstrated by responses received during the Request For Information and the Request For Qualification processes, with four respondents shortlisted to participate in the Request For Proposals (RFP) process. However, there was no response received on the final RFP submission date. Some respondents cited challenges in meeting the volume requirements for NCT, which were stipulated in the RFP documents, and therefore the PSP for NCT was not awarded.
2. There was no response to the RFP process as outlined above and the PSP could not be awarded.
3. Transnet’s strategy to position the terminal as a transshipment hub has not changed. Management is considering options on how to proceed with the PSP, and a decision has not been taken yet whether this will include amending the RFP requirements or whether other alternatives to the initial PSP process will be considered.
4. Further announcements will be made when there is further progress.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/Comments
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
23 February 2024 - NW66
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)With reference to the Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is taking place in Panama from 5 to 10 February 2024, what are the details of the (a) size and (b) composition of the delegation from (i) his department and (ii) public sector entities reporting to him; (2) what is the (a) total cost estimate and (b) breakdown thereof for the delegation in terms of research, training, policy formulation, travel and subsistence; (3) whether the specified costs will be funded fully by his department; if not, (a) which external parties have provided funding and (b) what total amount; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a), (b) (i) and (ii)
One official from the Department of Health was delegated to attend COP 10. No other officials from other entities were delegated by the Department to attend.
2. The cost for travel and subsistence for 1 person was R175 040.46. There was no other cost involved.
3. The cost is funded by the Department only.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW24
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
What substantial measures has his department taken to solve the funding dilemma and/or budget constraints that are often cited as a reason for the shortage of medical personnel at public hospitals in the Republic, as these factors give rise to skilled doctors emigrating for employment opportunities?
Reply:
As reflected during the media briefing hosted on 05 February, fiscal challenges facing the country and also impacting on the health care system are acknowledged. The Provincial Departments of Health continue to actively engage their Provincial Treasuries to find ways of addressing the unemployment of health professionals, including medical doctors. According to the 09th February 2024 PERSAL print out, 425 Medical Officer appointments were captured for January 2024. Of these, 371 are Medical Officer Grade 1 category.
As reported in Parliament during the State of Nation Address (SONA) Debate on 13th February 2024, working with the Minister of Finance, a solution to address the current challenge of doctors wishing to stay in the public service is being worked out. The details will be furnished after the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech on 21st February 2024.
There is no documented evidence that links the choice to emigrate with the delayed employment by the state. Contrary to that is the demonstration of aspirations to serve the South African Public Health system as expressed by the recent outcry by the “unemployed doctors”.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW65
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, with reference to the Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is taking place in Panama from 5 to 10 February 2024, the delegation, including potential members from other government departments, public sector entities and participants not working in the public sector have been mandated to agree to any new stipulations under the COP Treaty; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the extent of the mandate and (b) on what current legislative provisions is the mandate based; (2) whether public comment on the legislative process related to the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill has been incorporated into the delegation’s mandate; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether, in terms of the delegation to the COP’s decision-making and mandate formation, any measures have been put in place to ensure that its work does not pre-empt the legislative process and/or nullify the public participation process on the Bill; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) The South African delegates were mandated to advance the interests of South Africa and of the Continent with regard to aspects that promote public health in relation to the control of tobacco products, electronic delivery systems and related products.
(b) The mandate is based on the fact that South Africa is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC is a Global public health treaty which informs South Africa’s mandate in this regard. The treaty is evidence-based and reaffirms the rights of all people to the highest standard of Health. In addition, South Africa is guided by local and global studies that have provided significant evidence about the harm caused by both combustible and non-combustible tobacco products.
(2) No, the public comment on the legislative process related to the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill has not been incorporated into the mandate, because legislative processes pertaining to the Bill has not been completed yet. Many of the COP issues are similar to the provisions of the Bill, and this is a justifiable coincidence since the two are dealing with the same subject matter at different levels. The Bill process is a law-making process at national level whilst COP deals with tobacco control and regulation at international level.
(3) The National Department of Health respects and values the legislative process that the Bill has to undergo and that includes the public participation process. The Bill before Parliament aims at regulating and controlling the tobacco and related products in the interests of public health. The WHO FCTC is a regulatory instrument on tobacco control at international level. Both WHO FCTC and the National legislation (Tobacco Products Act 83 of 1993), Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill are dealing with the same subject matter namely the regulation and control of tobacco and related products, including electronic delivery systems. Therefore, you may find similar aspects covered in the Bill being discussed at COP as the body implementing the WHO FCTC. As a matter of course, the resolutions and recommendations of international bodies do influence the direction of national laws to the extent allowed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
END.
23 February 2024 - NW45
Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he has been informed of the shortages of biocides, hand sanitizer and hibiscus hand soap in health facilities across the Eastern Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) urgent steps of intervention has he taken to address the situation and (b) are the details of the time frames put in place to curb the shortages?
Reply:
The National Department of Health (NDoH) was aware of the shortages of biocides, hand sanitizer and hibiscus (hibiscrub) hand soap in the facilities across the Eastern Cape.
a) There are interventions that the NDoH implements to ensure that there are no supply shortages at facilities. These interventions are informed by the cause of the supply challenge.
- Where the supply constraint is due to operational matters, e.g. machine breakdown, labour unrest, theft, post importation testing, etc., the NDOH would source products from alternative local suppliers with registered products using the quotation process.
- Should the supply constraint result in a longer term supply challenge, such as regulatory matters including amendments to the dossier that requires approval from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), including a change/addition of an active pharmaceutical ingredient source and/or manufacturing site, the transfer of ownership of dossiers which results in a change of marketing authorization, delays in the issuing of the permits for imported medicines, manufactured products requiring additional quality checks by SAHPRA, etc. and no alternative local suppliers with registered products are available; an application would be made to SAHPRA for the acquisition of unregistered medicines for human use in South Africa Act use in terms of Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act.
b) Health facilities in the Eastern Cape place their orders with the depot on a weekly basis, and the depot processes these orders efficiently with a lead time of a week.
In most cases including the recently reported case, the medicines supply challenges are transient in that an item may be reported as out of stock and soon after the item is back on stock.
Currently, there are no the shortages of biocides, hand sanitizers and hibiscus hand soap in health facilities across the Eastern Cape. The table below shows the current availability of the items in the Eastern Cape health facilities including the depots:
Item Description |
Quantity on stock |
Stock Provision in Months |
Hibiscus (Hibiscrub) Hand Soap 500ml |
6 826 |
2.5 months’ supply |
Hand sanitizer without emollient 500ml |
8 590 |
4 months’ supply |
Biocide 100s |
6 060 |
2 months’ supply |
Table 1. Stock on hand of selected items as at 12 February 2024
END.
23 February 2024 - NW9
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Given that the courts have recognized the right of prisoners to further their education and highlighted the importance of personal computers as tools of education, how does his department intend to facilitate access to educational resources, considering the (a) evolving nature of study material s being available in electronic format and (b) alignment of security measures with the ruling within correctional facilities.
Reply:
a) In line with Formal Education Procedure- section 7.2.7.1, indicates that all offenders who have registered for education programmes that require access to electronic material are granted the use of computers/ laptops within the Correctional Centre. Personal laptops are allowed for educational purposes with the approval of the Head of the Centre.
b) As outlined in the Formal Education Procedure- section 7.2.9, the Department of Correctional Services has a secure room within the Correctional Centre or at the school available specifically for the placement of computers/ laptops for offenders.
A designated official is assigned to specifically control the use and access to all computers/ laptops in the secured room.
END
REPLY:
22 February 2024 - NW80
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3473 on 10November 2023, the 59 buffalos, whose meat was sold to the Kruger National Park staff and residents, were tested for Tuberculosis (TB) before sale for human consumption; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
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22 February 2024 - NW79
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:
(a) On what date did the Skukuza Game Meat processing facility re-opened after the restriction to combat the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted and (b) what (i) is the total number of persons employed at the plant, (ii) total amount does it cost to run the plant, (iii) total number of animals were processed in the plant in 2023 and (iv) was done with the meat of the processed animals?
Reply:
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