Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

(1)

(a) I have been informed that the Department has developed 30 audit action plans out of the 30 recommendations. The Department’s internal audit unit has completed the adequacy review of the audit actions plans. Binder Dijker Otte South Africa Services (Pty) Ltd (BDO) will be testing the effectiveness of the implementation of the audit action plans on the 20 December 2021. An update will be provided to the Audit Committee who, in return, will provide it to me.Once the process has been completed, I can be in a position to provide a comprehensive response.

(b) There were two audit findings related to safety. I will provide a comprehensive report once the process mentioned in 1(a) above has been completed.

(2) The report has been tabled to the Acting Secretary to Parliament and to the Speaker of the National Assembly. It is their responsibility to table the report to the Internal Audit Committee of Parliament.

 

Reply:

Find here: (a) The SDIP compliance rate is summarised below:

 

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure [DPWI] had several engagements with the Department of Home Affairs – Border Management Authority [DHA - BMA] on this subject matter. The latest engagement was on 30 November 2021.

DPWI has provided the necessary input in relation to Section 97 Presidential Proclamation.

The Department of Home Affairs in its correspondence dated 29 September 2021 confirms the same (attached).

The Department is however, engaging with the recently revised letter of intent received from DHA’s [BMA] to jointly redraft Section 97 Presidential Proclamation to now include transfer of custodial functions from DPWI in relation to assets and liabilities within the border law enforcement area and at the ports of entry to the BMA in terms of the BMA Act No.2 (same letter dated 29 September 2021).

(a) NA.

(b)NA

 

 

 

Reply:

 

1. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020/21 financial year, the SASSA offices were originally closed, under lockdown level 5. This is as a result of the SASSA administrative services not being declared an essential service. However, despite this lockdown, the payment of social grants continued without interruption.

The movement to the lower levels of lockdown resulted in the offices progressively re- opening, albeit with staff working on rotational shifts. The rotation of staff was to ensure that social distancing could be maintained, and also ensured business continuity, where, if one team was exposed to a positive case, that team could quarantine and the other team of staff who had been rotating could come in to continue providing services. However, this staff reduction through the rotation meant that only approximately 50% of the staff were on duty at any one time, which negatively impacted on the ability to provide services to all who required these.

Measures introduced to address the need for SASSA services, while attempting to reduce the queues at local offices, included the following:

• • Dedication of specific days for specific grant types, with Mondays being for older persons; Tuesdays for persons with disabilities and Wednesdays and Thursdays being for the child grants. Fridays were reserved for people who needed appointments for specific reasons, or dealing with the overflow from the week;
  • Temporary disability grants which should have lapsed during the year between February and December 2020 were not lapsed, but kept in payment until December 2020, thus reducing pressure on local offices for these beneficiaries to have to come in to re-apply;

• • The introduction as from September 2020 of the online grant application platform for grants for older persons, child support grants and foster child grants. Work continues to improve this access channel for social grant applications so that it becomes a viable alternative to having applicants queue at local offices for a face to face service;

• • Strengthening of the call centre through a contract for support services and additional call centre agents, in an effort to reduce the need for citizens to have to go to local offices for simple queries which could be responded to telephonically or through email;

• • Introduction of the online booking system for disability grant appointments, as well as the placement of the referral from on the SASSA website. This was done to reduce the number of times an applicant has to go to a SASSA office for an application for a disability grant from a minimum of 3 to only one – which also reduces the queues at local offices;

• • Strengthening the queue walking by SASSA staff for all those citizens waiting in queues for a service, to be able to attend to those who had only come to collect forms, make enquiries or submit documents while they were still in the queue. This reduced the numbers who need to wait for extended periods for services.

• • The introduction of the R350 social relief of distress grant was done entirely electronically, to ensure that these applicants did not have to go to any SASSA office for a service. Had this not been done electronically, the local offices would not have coped at all, as this grant brought in an additional 10 million applicants, never before serviced by SASSA. During times of full staff capacity, SASSA does on average 1, 2 million applications per year. The existing staff and office infrastructure could therefore not have provided face to face services for this new category of clients served; and

• • The use of volunteers to assist with queue management, both at the SASSA local offices as well as during social grant payments, at the various outlets where beneficiaries gathered to collect their social grants. The volunteers were sourced

through a partnership with the National Development Agency and is a model which the sector would like to continue implementing, if funding is available.

1. Many of the measures introduced in 2020/21 are still in place, to assist in managing the queues at SASSA service points. However, in addition to the above, the following has been introduced since April 2021:

• • The staff complement available at local offices is managed according to prevailing lockdown levels and COVID protocols. Under lockdown level 1, most offices, where there is adequate space to ensure safe social distancing, are now functioning with 75% of the staff complement or more present on any specific day. Rotation is still exercised, to limit exposure of the staff to the virus, and also to ensure that there is staff available to ensure business continuity in the event of positive cases amongst staff or their direct family members;

• • Progressive opening of service points, where the health and safety protocols are followed. Service points take pressure off local offices, particularly in provinces such as Western Cape which has only 16 local offices. However, the re-opening of service points can only be done in collaboration with the local authorities, as SASSA has to ensure that all safety protocols are followed;

• • Applicants for older persons grants, child support grants and foster child grants are encouraged to apply for the grants online, if they have access to the internet and are able to do so. The increased use of the online platform will reduce pressure on the local offices, and reduce the time that applicants have to wait in queues. SASSA continues to work to improve the functionality of this platform, and will progressively add additional services which can be done online, as well as extend it to the other grant types.

The situation will continue to be monitored closely and corrective actions implemented where necessary. Continued education and communication is absolutely critical, as it is not acceptable for citizens to sleep outside SASSA offices overnight in an effort to access services.

Reply:

 

Municipalities that were placed under administrations were required to develop financial recovery plans, which is aligned to four key pillars used to assess municipal sustainability namely: governance, institutional stability, financial management and service delivery. The aim is to address the financial distress of the municipalities by improving short and long-term financial sustainability.

The Department, SALGA, National Treasury and provincial counterparts assist municipalities with development and implementation of financial recovery plans in line with section 136 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), section 139 of the Constitution of RSA and related prescripts, which places obligations on the national and provincial government to assist in resolving financial problems in municipalities.

Recently, National Treasury and CoGTA have concluded roadshows in all nine provinces on the correct interpretation and implementation of S139 interventions. Provinces were alerted to the hierarchy of interventions provided for in the Constitution and the conditions that must exist for each type of intervention to be invoked.

Neither the Department of COGTA nor any of its entities have regressed in it’s audit findings. The department improved from a disclaimer in 18/19 was, which improved to qualified audit outcome in 19/20, and again in 20/21 although the AG noted a reduction in the areas of qualification, specifically related to the CWP program. This is an indication that the department is on target towards achieving an unqualified audit outcome.

Reply:

1. ​At all times, the Department guided by the provisions of the Children’s Act, of which the best interest of the child is paramount on all matters concerning children. The Department is working closely in collaboration with the designated and accredited Child Protection Organisations, as well as health professionals in the clinics and hospitals to help prevent child abandonment. These include awareness as part of the 100 Days Campaign, information on services and options available to parents who are unable to care for their children, family planning, psychosocial support and positive parenting programmes amongst others. The Department also conducts community dialogues, television, radio talks and other media platforms, educating expecting mothers and the communities about children’s rights, right to life and the dangers of abandoning children.

Expectant mothers are informed of available options such as termination of the pregnancy, alternative care placement such as adoption and foster care. The Department also implement a Community-Based Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (RISIHA) that support families, parents and caregivers in distress; identifying factors that put children’s lives at risk and mitigate the identified risks and vulnerabilities by linking parents with available services and resources in their respective communities.

2. Refer to (a)

Reply:

1. The Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act No. 3 of 2019 commenced on 01 April 2021. It is important to distinguish between the leadership structures provided for in the Act. In the case of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (National House), provincial houses of traditional and Khoi-San leaders and local houses of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, the Act determines in section 63(12), (13) and (14), which section deals with transitional arrangements, that the houses that existed at the commencement of the Act, will continue to exist until their terms expire in 2022. The terms of local houses will end on 30 April 2022, provincial houses on 31 May 2022 and the National House on 30 June 2022. The reconstitution of these houses will therefore be done in 2022.

In the case of traditional leadership councils (kingship councils, queenship councils, principal traditional councils and traditional councils), section 16 of the Act requires of the Minister to issue a formula in respect of the determination of the number of members of such councils. The Act also requires that certain consultations be conducted before any formula is issued.

The CoGTA Ministry is currently finalising consultations on the formula for determining the number of members of traditional councils. The final joint consultation meeting of Premiers/provincial governments and Provincial Houses took place on 15 December 2021. Once consensus is reached by Premiers/provincial governments and Provincial Houses, the formula for determining the number of members of traditional councils will be published in a government gazette as required by the Act and provinces can commence with the constitution of traditional councils.

In respect of the formula for determining the number of members of kingship, queenship and principal traditional councils, the Department has developed a draft formula and consulted all Premiers. It is important to note that the Act requires that the Minister consults kings, queens and principal traditional leaders as well as their two forums specified in the Act on this formula before it is published in a government gazette.

Some of the kings, queens and principal traditional leaders have established their forums for purposes of the said statutory consultations. The Department has also requested those Majesties who have not yet established their two forums to do so. The Department is working with our provincial counterparts to assist them to establish these forums as a matter of priority. Once all kings, queens and principal traditional leaders have established their forums, consultations on the formula will start.

2. It is important to note that at national level, the Department of Traditional Affairs is responsible for administrative and financial support of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and the Commission on Khoi-San Matters (Commission).

The National House is a structure that existed before the commencement of the Act and was allocated a budget at the beginning of the 2021-22 financial year. Therefore, after the commencement of the Act, the National House continued to operate in accordance with the already appropriated budget which is R22,182 million.

The Commission, however, was appointed with effect from 01 September 2021, which after the commencement of the Act and half-way through the 2021-22 financial year. The Department of Traditional Affairs is currently funding the Commission through a reprioritisation process, thus making funds available from other departmental programmes where possible.

Reply:

 

1. With regard to the Ballito matter, the SAPO Forensic Unit is working very closely with the SA Police Services with regards to the arrest and it can be confirmed that the suspect was not found in possession of SAPO/SASSA Cards. Rather, the suspect was found mainly with “White Plastic Magstripe Cards” that are used by criminal elements in skimming and cloning instances. Of the 771 cards confiscated:

• • 448 PVC white Magstripe cards with 1 SASSA Card number 4213 2911 1052 1176 encoded
  • 108 PVC white Magstripe cards with various SASSA Card numbers encoded
  • 37 Shell V Plus cards with various SASSA Card numbers encoded
  • 15 Clicks Club Cards with various SASSA Card numbers encoded
  • 222 Blank PVC white Magstripe cards and 1 Nedbank card
• 2 card skimming devices and other items used for skimming purposes were also confiscated

As the matter is being investigated by the SA Police Service and various aspects sub judice, it can be confirmed that from preliminary investigations, all the SAPO/SASSA card numbers are linked to beneficiary profiles and funds were withdrawn in the KZN region by making use of the skimming and cloning devices that were seized.

• The cards were not SAPO/SASSA stolen cards, but cards that were illegally skimmed at ATM’s where the beneficiaries transacted

To date, a total of 78 009 cards were stolen through business burglaries and armed robberies since inception of the cooperation agreement between SASSA and SAPO. I must point out to the Honourable Member all the stolen cards were timeously blocked to prevent losses.

b) SASSA has not incurred any financial losses. Any losses suffered are either by the individual or SAPO/Postbank. In cases where the beneficiaries have reported fraudulent transactions, cases are referred to SAPO/Postbank who then investigate the matter. In the last three (3) years that SAPO/Postbank and SASSA have had a contractual agreement, an amount of R90 993 960,56 has been reimbursed to 27 534 beneficiaries.

Reply:

 

The three grievances were on unfair labour practice, the fourth one was regarding threats which were allegedly made by the union against the aggrieved official, and the last one was on the non-payment of the performance management and development system (PMDS) incentives. Four of the five grievances have since been resolved, and one unfair labour practice grievance is pending.

Reply:

 

The Honourable Member will appreciate that matters of this nature take time as they involve thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies. In 2014, SASSA, through its internal investigations identified the irregular payment of invoices amounting to R4, 879, 023. 20 in respect of services rendered during the Ministerial Outreach Programme that took place in Engcobo and Nelson Mandela District in the Eastern Cape. SASSA opened a criminal case in terms of Section 300 of Criminal Procedure Act, and this was registered as per East London Crime Administration System (CAS) 145/12/2014.

The services were provisioned by service providers from EC, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. When the first leg of arrests of 10 company directors by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations was carried out it included the service providers from KZN and Gauteng. DPCI, through its criminal investigations, estimated the loss at R12 million.

The DPCI has formally informed SASSA that the second leg of arrests will be targeted at SASSA officials as well as members of the public who were involved in defrauding the Agency.

With reference to loss recovery, the Asset Forfeiture unit has started with the recovery process. The process will go in tandem with criminal prosecution.

Reply:

The DSD Youth Policy (NYP) was developed through internal expertise and extensive consultations with a variety of stakeholders such as National and Provincial Departments of Social Development, international youth organisations, other government departments, civil society organisations and youth development sector.

The Policy focuses on services and programmes such as youth mobilisation, skills development, youth entrepreneurship and life skills programmes. The costs also cover services rendered through youth development centres and support to youth clubs.

Reply:

 

1. (a) The Department pays the unit cost for each older person per month which is inclusive of the package of service provided to the older person. The stipend for employees is determined by the Old Age Home and employees as the old age run independently and not by DSD.

Subsidies were last increased in April 2012 due to budgetary constraints

Refer to 2 below

2. Yes, provinces determine their own subsidies based on funds appropriated by the Provincial Treasuries through the equitable share budget. However, DSD in partnership with National Treasury is in a process of finalising the costing model aimed at standardising funding of services across the country. The implementation thereof will be determined by allocation of funds by the national and provincial treasuries.

1

Reply:

 

1. The bid to appoint a service provider had to be re-advertised and new specifications developed. The bid specifications had to be reviewed because the pricing difference between the first and second bidder was very huge (about R20 million) and the cheaper bidder could not meet the requirements of the bid and as a result would not have been able to deliver as per the requirements of the tender. On the other hand, the other bidder’s pricing was way above the available budget.

2. Refer to (a)

Reply:

 

(1)(a) 254 cases of irregular expenditure totalling R 88 million were previously finalised by SASSA and later reversed in 2017/2018 after the AGSA advised that the CEO was not the appropriate delegated authority to condone irregular expenditure.

SASSA subsequently wrote to the National Treasury for guidance and clarity on the AGSA’s findings. The National Treasury then issued a revised Irregular Expenditure Framework in May 2019 (Instruction Note No.2 of 2019/2020) which provided guidance on how institutions and departments should record and report on irregular expenditure including the process to be followed in the investigation of financial misconduct cases resulting from irregular expenditure.

SASSA had to restart the process and treat the above irregular expenditure cases in line with the revised Irregular Expenditure Framework, and all new cases were then treated the same.

The recently issued Framework requires that the cases should be submitted to National Treasury for condonation together with evidence of corrective disciplinary outcome and proof that the Agency has implemented measures to prevent recurrence of the irregularities.

To date, SASSA has submitted a total of 521 cases amounting to R 685 007 150.89 to the National Treasury for condonation. Treasury has condoned 303 cases amounting to R536 442 320.42 and still considering the remaining 218 cases totalling R 148 564 830.47.

(1)(b) In terms of the Irregular Expenditure Framework, every case submitted to National Treasury for condonation must be accompanied by evidence of corrective disciplinary outcome implemented. In all the 521 cases reported in 1 (a) and all other cases of irregular expenditure under investigation process, SASSA is complying with this requirement.

The reasons for the slow pace in the finalisation of investigations into past transgressions of irregular expenditure (Backlog cases) are as follows:

• SASSA experienced a number of changes in accounting authorities and each accounting authority required sufficient time to understand the transgressions and implement appropriate corrective disciplinary processes
• Some of the employees who need to be interviewed or assist with the information and circumstances affecting certain transactions are no longer in the employees of the Agency. Therefore, to trace them and/or request for their cooperation is to be done in terms of applicable prescripts which slow down processes.

Some of the processes are;

• cases that are before the courts require court orders.
• applying relevant Supply Chain Management (SCM) prescripts which require SASSA to appoint legal practitioners and/or engagement with National Treasury.

1. National Treasury required assurance that SASSA and DSD had

• • identified the causes for an increased debt book,
  • developed mitigating strategies,
  • provided assurance that the social grant debtors portfolio is managed well and efforts are made to reduce the irrecoverable debts.
  • errors resulting in over payment are reduced and or dealt with internally, and improved mechanisms implemented to recover funds paid erroneously.

SASSA and DSD were requested to ensure that:

• • Grants eligibility assessment are done satisfactorily at the application stage including income checks.
  • Regular reviews are done to reconfirm eligibility including income checks across various applicable database.
  • Improved validation to ensure transfers are made to the correct beneficiary and into the correct account, and corrective measures are taken swiftly where errors have occurred.
  • Review of debt recovery mechanism to strengthen tracing and follow up of debtors and deductions from existing grants where possible.
  • A quarterly report on the progress made on the recovery of the debt book is submitted to NT
  • Development of a gatekeeping and debt management improvement strategy. A draft has been written for consultation with the National Treasury before the end of the current financial year.

(3)(a) Of the 1228 cases, 566 cases of financial misconduct relating to irregular, fruitless, damages and losses are remaining, and in progress.

(b) SASSA has set target in its 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan (APP) of 95% to finalise financial misconduct cases. Efforts are being made to ensure this is achieved before the end of the current financial year.

Reply:

 

(a)(b) and (c) The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) may be provided as a response to a disaster. This may take the form of immediate humanitarian support when community members are relocated to temporary shelters as a result of the disaster, or a cash payment once the community members return to their homes, if the disaster was such that they lost all their possessions.

All social relief provided is done in response to a completed, approved application. The only province which experienced challenges in paying social relief in cash to previously approved beneficiaries was Western Cape.

The attached table below indicates the support provided in the Western Cape for disasters.

(d)A disaster caused by a fire in Vygieskraal occurred in October 2019. SASSA responded immediately and took applications which were processed and approved. However, the ability to pay cash, as SASSA had contracted the Post Office for all social grant payments, including cash social relief payments, as from 2018 and the processes had not yet been finalised for these.

(d) The last payments for the Vygieskraal residents were made in November 2021. The ability to pay SRD in cash as a response to disasters is now fully functional.

DISTRICT	LOCAL OFFICE	DISASTER INCIDENCE	Incident number	DATE OF AN INCIDENT	TOTAL NUMBER AFFECTED	APPROVED APPLICATIONS	TOTAL PAID OUT	DID NOT COLLECT/REJECTED
Metro 1	Athlone	Fire - Vygieskraal		21/10/2019	143	117	117
	Bellville	Fire - Delft	15885	11/10/2020	28	28	28
	Khayelitsha	Fire - Taiwan	16977	01/01/2021	310	200	200
	Wynberg	Fire – Masiphumelele Hout Bay Tokai	16818 15409 15378	17/12/2020 06/09/2020 03/09/2020	2200 115 37	682 115 37	682 (bank) 115 9	148 rejected 0 28 did not collect
Metro 2	Cape Town	Fire – Du Noon	16376	14/11/2020	13	13	13	0
	Eerste River	Fire - Lwandle	16775	10/12/2020	31	31	31	0
	Gugulethu	Fire- Europe	13648	18/03/2020	24	24	24	0
	Mitchell’s Plain	Fire – Various incidents		Various dates	58	58	58	0
Boland Overberg	Caledon	none			0	0	0	0
	Paarl	Fire - Mbekweni	None	28/02/2020	32	32	32	0
	Worcester	Fire - Worcester	None	Various dates	69	69	69	0
West Coast	Vredenburg	Fire – Atlantis and Piketberg	None	20/12/2020 08/01/2021	15	15	15	0
	Vredendal	Small fire incidents in Lutzville, Clanwilliam & Citrusdal	None	Various dates	22	22	22	0
Eden Karoo	Beaufort West	Small fire incidents in Laingsburg, Prince Albert & Beaufort West	None	24/06/2020 04/07/2020 04/07/2020	10	10	10	0
	Oudtshoorn	Fire - Oudtshoorn	None	11/09/2020	14	14	10	4 rejected

Reply:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER 2021/2807

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 DECEMBER 2021

2807. Dr N V Khumalo (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

1. What measures has she put in place to combat the level of negligence and embarrassing unlawful conduct and/or decisions in the execution of duties by political principals such as the Gauteng Member of the Executive Council of COGCTA who acted outside the law;

1. whether her department has consequence management mechanisms in place to minimise unprofessionalism in the execution of functions by political principals in provincial and local government; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3327E

REPLY:

The Minister has no legislative authority to discipline or hold MEC accountable for their conduct, only Premiers and Provincial Legislatures has powers to hold MECs accountable. Honourable member is encouraged to engage Provincial legislature and premier offices on this matter.

Reply:

 

• There are provincial roads as well as municipal roads in Ward 1 in Moretele Local Municipality (MLM). The Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR) of the North West (NW) Provincial Government is responsible for all activities related to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the provincial roads in the NW province. Moretele Local Municipality (MLM) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of municipal road infrastructure within its area of jurisdiction. The Bojanala District Municipality (BDM) supports all the municipalities within the BDM in executing their powers and functions including the MLM. Furthermore, the Department of Corporative Governance (DCOG) through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) together with the sector departments provide financial support for provision of basic services that include roads.
• According to the MLM, the DPWR appointed a service provider in November 2017 as Phase 1 for the upgrading of 5km gravel road (from Z614 to Z619) to a surfaced tar road which was completed in May 2019. The DPWR then appointed another service provider for the re-construction of a 10km tarred road as Phase 2. The Phase 2 contract commenced in January 2020 and is scheduled to complete in January 2022. As part of the District Development Model (DDM), the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) through MISA, is monitoring the implementation of the project.

• The MLM, through its maintenance teams, regravels internal roads as and when necessary in all the Wards including Ward 1.

Reply:

 

The investigation has not been concluded and The Department is still awaiting further updates from the municipality and province on the matter. The Honourable Member will be provided with the update as soon as it is available.

Reply:

 

The IMTT intends to conduct and conclude the intervention in strict accordance to the mandate given by Cabinet. Section 100 of the Constitution provides that when a province cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution or legislation, the national executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation, including issuing a directive to the provincial executive, describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating any steps required to meet its obligations; an assuming responsibility for the relevant obligation in that province.

All the provincial departments in the North-West are subject to interventions, five of them being under section 100(1)(a) of the Constitution in terms of the issuing of directives; and the other five being under section 100(1)(b) of the Constitution under which there was assumption of responsibility of the provincial administration by the national government. The prerogative to intervene in the provincial departments is that of the national executive (Cabinet). Any Minister responsible for the corresponding portfolio in the provinces may request the national executive to intervene in terms of the provisions of section 100 of the Constitution.

The national departments, as part of their actions in the implementation of section 100 of the Constitution, are implementing various measures informed by the root causes to problems that led to the invocation of interventions in terms of section 100 of the Constitution. These measures are currently implemented by the national departments on concurrent functions in the corresponding provincial departments. Each national department has a responsibility to determine what type of intervention to invoke after the current intervention in terms of section 100 of the Constitution.

The IMTT will present a progress report on the matters that were outstanding from the briefing of the NCOP in September 2021. This includes the appointments of senior officials in the departments. The IMTT will outline lessons learned from this intervention as part of the presentation.

Reply:

 

The Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant was first introduced in May 2020 as part of the national response measures to mitigate the impact of the global pandemic and to control its further spread. The initial iteration of the grant ran from May 2020 to April 2021.

(a) The grant was re-introduced as from August 2021. As at 7 December 2021, the following number of requests for reconsideration have been received:

Month	Number of reconsiderations received
August 2021	984 702
September 2021	711 017
October 2021	570 111
November 2021	300 084

The period allowed for declined applicants to lodge a request for reconsideration is

30 days from receiving the outcome of the application. The above numbers, particularly for November 2021, may therefore change, as the window to request reconsideration is still open.

Applicants have to request reconsideration for each month that the application is declined, as this grant is administered on a month-to-month basis.

One of the critical compliance processes which have to be followed for each reconsideration request received, is that the application must be subjected to a means test through the banks. This is to ensure that the applicant is not in receipt of any financial support which exceeds R595 per month.

With the reactivation of the grant in August 2021, SASSA had to procure all services required for the support of this environment once again. This included services provided by the banks, with whom SASSA had a contract which ended on 31 July 2021. As a result, SASSA was advised to go on a closed tender to source services from the banks. This procurement process took time, and is still in process, which means that SASSA has not been able to attend to any of the reconsiderations received since August 2021. The process of contracting with banks is nearing finality and it is planned to be able to start processing the reconsiderations early in the new calendar year. Despite these delays, every reconsideration received will be attended to, and the grant will be paid, if approved on reconsideration

(a) Having learned from the initial iteration of the grant, where concerns were raised about the lack of communication of outcomes to applicants for the relief grant, SASSA has implemented a revised process of notification for each declined application. The applicant is sent an SMS notification to the cell phone number which he/she used to apply for the grant, advising him/her of the decline of the application, and the reason for this. He/she is then sent another SMS notification advising him/her to request reconsideration if the decision is disputed, and providing the link on which to lodge the request for reconsideration.

In addition to the above process which has significantly improved communication to the affected clients, SASSA has extensively communicated through various platforms including print media, radio and social media about the need to request reconsideration for each month that the application is declined. This general communication will continue throughout the life cycle of this grant.

Reply:

 

It is important for the Honourable Member to note all matters relating to fruitless and wasteful expenditure as a result of hotel no-shows damage to hired vehicles are dealt with by the Loss Control Committee. The Committee’s key function is to investigate all cases of losses and damage and determine liability, as well as make recommendations on recovery of losses.

1. DSD Officials (i)(ii) Refer to (a)
2. There are a number of reasons and each case is investigated and judged on its own merit. Where it is found that the loss or damage could have been avoided or is due to an official’s negligence, the money is recovered from the official concerned. Some of the main reasons for hotel no-shows include late cancellation at the hotels due to the postponed or cancellation of planned events at short notice.

With regard to damage to hired vehicles, DSD officials are frequently required to travel to provinces and to unfamiliar areas where it is beyond their control to avoid damages.

1. With regard to consequence management regarding hotel no-shows and damage to hired vehicles, see summary of cases below:

No.	(a) Who is responsible	(ii) Hotel No Shows	(b) Reasons in each case	(c) Consequences to officials involved.
1.	Official No. 1	Hotel No Show	It was beyond control of the official on the basis that the SAA had a problem, and the travel agent cancelled the bookings late at the hotel.	Official not negligent. Write off the expenditure
2.	Official No. 2	Hotel No Show	The official did not show up at the hotel and she failed to cancel the accommodation on time.	Recover from the official.
3.	Official No. 3	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and she failed to explain why she did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
4.	Official No. 4	Hotel No Show	The meeting was cancelled on 16 March 2020 due to travel restrictions announced by the President on the 15th March 2020 as part of the safety precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.	Official not liable for the damage. Recover from the travel Agency.
5.	Official No. 6	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and he failed to explain why he did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
6.	Official No. 6	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and he failed to explain why he did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
7.	Official No. 7	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and she failed to explain why she did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
8.	Official No. 8	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and she failed to	Recover from the official.

No.	(a) Who is responsible	(ii) Hotel No Shows	(b) Reasons in each case	(c) Consequences to officials involved.
			explain why she did not show up at the hotel.
9.	Official No. 9	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
10.	Official No. 10	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
11	Official No. 11	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
12	Official No. 12	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
13.	Official No. 13	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
14.	Official No. 14	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation due to cancellation of an event.	Recover from the official.

CAR DAMAGE:

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
1.	Official No. 15	Car Damage (scratch on the door)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
2.	Official No. 16	Car Damage (dent on the bonnet)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
3.	Official No. 17	Car Damage (damage on front bumper)	The official was not liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Write off the expenditure.
4.	Official No. 18	Car Damage (wheel cap missing)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
5.	Official No. 19	Car Damage (dent on the left door)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
6.	Official No. 20	Car Damage (scratch on the left door)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
7.	Official No. 21	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off the expenditure.
8.	Official No. 22	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
9.	Official No. 23	Car Damage (dent on the bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off the expenditure.
10.	Official No. 24	Car Damage (bonnet, bumper, mirror)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
11.	Official No. 25	Car Damage (scratch on the rear Bumper)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
12.	Official No. 26	Car Damage (scratch on the left side of the door)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off the expenditure.
13.	Official No. 27	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
14.	Official No. 28	Car Damage (scratch on the left -door)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
15.	Official No. 29	Car Damage (dent on the left- hand side)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
16.	Official No. 30	Car Damage (roof panel, left post and bonnet)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
17.	Official No. 31	Car Damage (car accident)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
18.	Official No. 32	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
19.	Official No. 33	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
20.	Official No. 34	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
21.	Official No. 35	Car Damage (dent)	The case to be presented at the next Loss Control Committee to determine if the official is negligent.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
22.	Official No. 36	Car Damage (tyre damaged)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
23.	Official No. 37	Car Damage (2 front side mirrors, windscreen, the front left wheel and scratches on the body of the vehicle)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off expenditure.
24.	Official No. 38	Car Damage (damaged the left side of the car)	Awaiting further investigations from Labour Relations.	Loss Control Committee referred case to Labour Relations for further investigations.
25.	Official No. 39	Car Damage (front bumper)	Awaiting further investigations	Loss Control Committee referred

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
			from Labour Relations.	case to Labour Relations for further investigations.
26.	Official No. 40	Car Damage (damaged on the passenger side)	Awaiting further investigations from Labour Relations.	Loss Control Committee referred case to Labour Relations for further investigations.
27.	Official No. 41	Car Damage (windscreen chip)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
28.	Official No. 42	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
29.	Official No. 43	Car Damage (full valet)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
30.	Official No. 44	Car Damage (windscreen Chip)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
31.	Official No. 45	Car Damage (dome dents)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
32.	Official No. 46	Car Damage (wheel tyre and wheel balancing, rear bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
33.	Official No. 47	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
34.	Official No. 48	Car Damage (windscreen chip)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
35.	Official No. 49	Car Damage (replacement of Windscreen)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
36.	Official No. 50	Car Damage (wheel cap)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
37.	Official No. 51	Car Damage (scratch on the front right bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
38.	Official No. 52	Car Damage (accident)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
39.	Official No. 53	Car Damage (scratch on the rear Bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
40.	Official No. 54	Car Damage (tyre damaged)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
41.	Official No. 55	Car Damage (scratch)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
42.	Official No. 56	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
43.	Official No. 57	Car Damage (left side scratch)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
44.	Official No. 58	Car Damage ( rear bumper and tyre damage)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
45.	Official No. 59	Car Damage (Scratch on the left front rim)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
46.	Official No. 60	Car Damage (rear bumper, eft rear quarter glass, left fender liner clips, left rear door and L/F door)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
47.	Official No. 61	Car Damage (front bumper (left front fender)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
48.	Official No. 62	Car Damage (left door scratch)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
49.	Official No. 63	Car Damage (tailgate repair)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	The official was not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
50.	Official No. 64	Car Damage (windscreen chip)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
51.	Official No. 65	Car Damage (damaged both doors and mirror)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.

Reply:

 

SASSA has taken the implications of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 into account when developing the application and validation channels for the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant.

On application, the applicant has to complete and accept the consent and declaration form, which confirms that SASSA will check his/ her information against various sources, including government departments, South African Revenue Service (SARS) and financial institutions. By accepting this, the applicant grants consent for these checks to take place.

All data transfers take place through secure links and the system used to receive applications, validate and pay these grants meets the minimum-security requirements set for the industry.

All information obtained from any source is used only for the purposes intended, which is to process the application for the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant. SASSA is confident that it is compliant with the requirements to protect all personal information.

Reply:

 

The Department of Social Development (DSD) is implementing a range of protective, preventative, promotive, transformative and developmental programmes to ensure that the needs of children in child headed households are addressed holistically. Amongst these range of services is psychosocial support, educational support, health services, HIV and AIDS support, social grants, food and nutrition.

The department developed the Guidelines and Strategy for Statutory Services to Child Headed Households which highlight the rights, care and protection services to children in child headed households, as well as processes to access such services.

In addition, the department mobilized Community-Based Organisations to partner with the department in the provision of services to child headed households as a mechanism to maximise accessibility of services linking children with available services within their communities. There is also a strong Intersectoral collaboration with various departments and stakeholders to ensure that there is a seamless process for access of services by children in child headed households. The Social Assistance Act has provision for children in child headed households to be beneficiaries of social grants for themselves and their siblings.

The Department also deployed trained Child and Youth Care Workers in the communities to provide developmental support to children in child headed households. The Child and Youth Care Workers work in the life-space of children in child headed households addressing children’s immediate needs such as accompanying children to health care facilities to access medical treatment and immunisation, assist with cooking, cleaning and homework supervision, assist with application for birth certificate for those whose parents died without these documents, as well as social grants. For those children who have passed matric, they are assisted with applications to Institutions of Higher Learning and also accompanied to these Institutions for registration.

Reply:

 

1. With more recent financial misconduct cases, SASSA has made improvements in managing them, for example, in 2020/21, 99% (66 of 67) of the financial misconduct cases were finalised within 120 days.

The historical cases are a bit more challenging. These include the following:

• The number of backlog cases for are 1,228, of which 434 cases were finalised.
• The lockdown has limited movement of investigating officers and this resulted in delays in the finalisation of cases.
• There has been a number of changes in the accounting authority of SASSA and each new accounting authority required sufficient time to understand the transgressions and implement due corrective disciplinary processes.
• Some of the employees to be interviewed or assist with the information and circumstances affecting certain transactions are no longer in the employ of the Agency. There are challenges with tracing them and/or obtaining their cooperation. Thus, SASSA is only able to pursue a legal course of action, which is a lengthy process.
• The cases that are before the courts will have a direct bearing on the internal disciplinary processes and thus these are delayed due to the legal processes that are currently underway.
• Time taken to engage National Treasury to provide clarity on the basis of classification of certain transactions as irregular expenditure

1. The following steps are being taken to improve performance in this area:

• 1. The information on progress is made public through the APP with a target of of 95% of backlog cases to be finalised by 31 March 2022. This enables Parliament and other concerned bodies to monitor SASSA’s progress.
  2. Internally, a project plans has been developed and progress is monitored monthly at the EXCO level.
  3. Major cases (6) totalling R821 million are being managed by the Accounting Authority directly with the assistance of National Treasury.
  4. Disciplinary corrective measures have been concluded for 210 cases amounting to R143 896 178.83. SASSA has submitted these cases to NT for condonation in the period 2019/20 and 2020/21.
  5. In the 2021/22 financial year the agency has already submitted 8 cases amounting to R4 668 651.64 for Treasury’s consideration.
  6. 18 cases amounting to R9 314 998.15 will be submitted to Treasury before end of December 2021.

Reply:

 

1. There are currently 13 public rehabilitation/treatment centres across the country which are situated in all the nine provinces. The breakdown per province is as follows:

Province	Facilities
Eastern Cape	Ernest Malgas Treatment Centre
Free State	Charlotte Maxeke Treatment centre
Gauteng	Dr Fabian and Florence Treatment Centre
KwaZulu-Natal	Madadeni Rehabilitation Centre Newlands Park Rehabilitation Centre Khanyani Treatment Centre
Limpopo	Seshego Treatment Centre
Mpumalanga	Swartfontein Treatment Centre Nkangala Treatment Centre
Northern Cape	Northern Cape Substance Abuse Treatment Centre
North West	JB Marks Treatment Centre Taung Treatment Centre
Western Cape	Kensington Treatment Centre

1. Public rehabilitation centres are established in terms of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act (Act No. 70 of 2008) to render counselling and treatment services for substance use disorders. The treatment services are aimed at reducing the negative health, social and economic consequences associated with alcohol and other drugs. The programmes implemented at the public rehabilitation centres include amongst others the following:
   1. Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) - the aim of the training series is to reduce the significant health, social and economic problems associated with substance use disorders. It focuses on screening, brief intervention, referral, assessment, treatment, continuum of care and continued care. The intention of the Universal Treatment Curriculum programme is to ensure that addiction practitioners working in the field develop a balanced perspective of the principles relating to both the science and art of treatment. The programme improves the knowledge, skills and competencies of treatment professionals, as well as promote evidence-based practice for the enhancement of service delivery and treatment outcomes. Through the implementation of the UTC programme, services users’/ recovery addicts receive comprehensive treatment and care for addiction management.

The implementation of the UTC programme has reshaped the delivery of Substance Use Disorders services in the country; through ensuring that treatment centres conduct a comprehensive screening and assessment of service users. The intended outcome is to ensure that people in recovery are assessed for co- occurring disorders such as: mental disorders, medical disorders and substance use disorder related treatment issues in order to provide an individualised treatment and recovery plan. The overall outcome of the programme is the provision of effective, efficient and comprehensive treatment programme.

• 1. Family Therapy is a set of therapeutic approaches that attempt to use the family’s strengths and resources to help them live without drugs or alcohol. It also seeks to reduce the harm of addiction on both the substance abuser and his or her family. Through education, the family can play a significant role in the service user’s recognition of the problem and acceptance of treatment. The aim of Family therapy is to educate family about relapse warning signs for alcohol and other drugs; and in turn help prevent a relapse.

• 1. Cognitive Behavioural therapy a tool that teaches service users to change the ways they think. It is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people to learn how to identify and change destructive thoughts that have a negative influence on behaviour and emotions.

• 1. Motivational Interviewing is a counselling approach designed to help people find the motivation to make a positive behaviour change. This is a client-oriented counselling style’ that seeks to help clients ‘explore and resolve ambivalence to change.

12 Step Model - the basic premise of the 12-Step model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from the substances or to which they are addicted. They can do this through meetings in which they share their experiences with one another and support each other in the ongoing effort of maintaining abstinence.

Pharmacotherapy - medications can help alleviate the withdrawal manifestations among service users with severe physical dependence to help patients feel more comfortable during the early stages of treatment after stopping alcohol or drug use.

Time programme is a community based multi system approach to treatment family centred services. It provides a basket of services to address the needs of service users in a systemic way and contributes to harm reduction.

Vocational and skills development -It’s a programme that promote economic viability and provide job opportunities.

Relapse Prevention - focuses on the identification and prevention of high-risk situations in which a service user may be more likely to engage in substance use. Relapse prevention include challenging the service user’s expectation of perceived positive effects of use and providing psychoeducation to help the service user’s make a more informed choice. Relapse to drug use does not mean treatment has failed, but it is part of treatment.

Reply:

 

The right to education is a fundamental human right issue and the Department always strives to ensure that children with disabilities (not living with disabilities) are not left behind. There are currently 786 ECD centres that cater for the educational needs of children with disabilities. Below is the provincial breakdown:

Province	Number of ECD centres catering for children with disabilities
EC	38
FS	10
GP	73
KZN	31
LP	59
MP	43 (up to 17 years). A total of 529 fully registered facilities have facilities to accommodate children with disabilities
NC	6
NW	35
WC	5

Reply:

 

The table below provides information on the numbers of beneficiaries receiving social grants in the Delft area, according to grant type and total value of the grants paid per month.

Grant Type	(a) Monthly grant payment	(b ) Number of community members receiving grants
(ii) Old Age Grant	R 8,659,980	4 582
(v) War Veterans Grant	0	0
(iii) Disability Grant	R 6,724,620	3 558
(iv) Foster Child Grant	R 659,400	628
Care Dependency Grant	R 807,030	427
(i) Child Support Grant	R 14,706,660	31 971
Grant-in-Aid	R 158,240	344
(c) TOTAL	R 31,265,930	41 510

Reply:

 

372 who were funded through the Department of Social Development’s Social Work Bursary Programme graduated in the 2020/21 financial year. This notwithstanding that there are other Social Work Graduate Programmes run by other institutions. Social Work graduates are placed in the database of unemployed graduates and are notified and placed when vacancies arise across the country.

Whilst the department may absorb social workers, options outside of the DSD remain available for absorption, including in the private sector, in NGO’s and Civil Society movements as well as in broader government.

It should further be noted that whilst the Department of Social Development places social workers on a regular basis, the funding for social worker posts is limited and the Department is engaging the National Treasury on the possibility of increasing funding for absorption of social workers.

The Department is currently developing a strategy for the employment of Social Service Professionals to strengthen its ability to absorb more social workers – but as noted above the funding aspect becomes important hence the ongoing discussions with the National Treasury. The first draft of the strategy following consultations with Sector Departments has been concluded. The strategy will be consulted with the NPO and private sector before approval and implementation, as we well wider government.

Every opportunity is used for the employment of graduates whilst the strategy is being developed. The Social Development Sector was able to appoint approximately 1 300 social workers on contract to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic from 01 June 2020 for a period of three months. These contracts were extended until 31 March 2021.

The Provincial Departments of Social Development have recently received allocations for the short-term employment of approximately 2000 social workers. Provincial Departments are currently in the process of employing the unemployed graduates until 31 March 2022.

The below is an indication of the placement of social worker graduates from the 2020/21 financial year. It should be noted that the departments is still gathering additional data from provinces who have yet to provide this information as noted below and same will be made available as soon as received.

Province:	Scholarship Graduates 2020/21:	Number of Social Work Graduates placed:
NW	75
FS	36
GP	39
KZN	55
LP	25
MP	21
NC	18	14
WC	26	2
EC	77	None places
TOTAL	372

Reply:

 

(1)(a) The total deportations conducted for the specified years: -

(i) 2017	-	14428
(ii) 2018	-	23525
(iii) 2019	-	26912
(iv) 2020	-	17743
(v) 2021	-	15148

(1)(b) Deportations were conducted via the following border posts as per table below:

PROVINCE	NAME OF PORT
EASTERN CAPE	QASHASNECK
FREE STATE	CALEDONSPOORT

	FICKSBURG BRIDGE
	MASERU BRIDGE
	VAN ROOYENSGATE
GAUTENG	OR TAMBO
	LANSERIA
KWAZULU NATAL	GOLELA
	KOSI BAY
	ONVERWACHT
LIMPOPO	BEITBRIDGE
	GROBLERSBRUG
	MAKHALEEN BRIDGE
	PAFURI
MPUMALANGA	BOTHASHOOP
	EMAHLATHINI
	JEPPE’S REEF
	JOSEFSDAL
	LEBOMBO
	MAHAMBA
	MANAGA
	NERSTON
	OSHOEK
NORTHERN CAPE	VIOOLSDRIFT

(2)(a) The Department only has one detention facility which is the Lindela Holding Facility in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.

(2)(b) The maximum capacity of Lindela Holding capacity is 4000.

END

Reply:

It is worth noting that the development of the upstream oil and gas industry is part of South Africa’s economic recovery strategy. Indigenous production of oil and gas will support the country’s energy security and provide an opportunity for local beneficiation of oil and gas. The IRP2019 has a large renewable energy build programme which needs to be supported by gas-to-power to ensure stability of the electricity grid. It would therefore be an added benefit to the economy if the gas to be used in the gas- to-power programme is indigenous gas. Having said the above, the decision made by the Department to grant the exploration right and approve the Environmental Management Programme was based on the following: 1. The application for the exploration right and the development of the Environmental Management fulfilled the prescribed regulatory framework i.e. Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 and its Regulations. 2. The potential impacts associated with the proposed exploration activities on marine life were identified and assessed. The Department’s evaluation was that the proposed exploration activities would not cause detrimental impact on the environment as the majority of the potential impacts were assessed to have very low significance when taking into consideration the implementation of the mitigation measures. 3. The measures to prevent and minimise impact on the environment and marine life were also deemed suitable to manage potential environmental impacts. The Department therefore does not find it necessary to review its decision to allow Shell to undertake the 3D seismic survey as part of its exploration right.

Reply:

Legislative Review



Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996) will be strengthened through legislative amendments.

 The Department has issued a guideline for a mandatory COP on the right to refuse dangerous work. All mines are encouraged to popularise this COP so that mineworkers can exercise this important right without any fear of victimisation.

 The Department has also issued a guideline for a mandatory COP for the management and mitigation of COVID-19 at SA mines. The Department continues to encourage all mineworkers and their loved ones to vaccinate. As on the 14 December 2021, about 70% of the employees in the mining sector have been vaccinated.

Issuing of Chief Inspector of Mines (CIOM) Directives

 The Department issue CIOM directives where necessary to enhance the health and safety of the mineworkers. The following directives have been issued by the DMRE:

• Elimination of rock-burst and rockfall accidents as a result of remnant pillar extraction.

• Elimination of shaft and winders accidents.

• Elimination of fire, explosion, heat and oxygen deficiency accidents.

• Emergency preparedness and secondary outlets.

• Start –up procedure and return to work post Covid -19 lockdown.

• Vigilance on health and safety matters during last quarter of the year.

Monitoring and enforcement of compliance

 The Department will be reviewing the organizational structure which will also ensure that the capacity to monitor the mining sector is strengthened.

 The Inspectors continuously monitor health and safety matters at mines by conducting proactive routine inspections and audits at various mines.

 During the routine inspections and audits Inspectors, as empowered by the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), do issue relevant statutory notices/instructions in case of non-compliance to the legal provisions and dangerous conditions or practices which may endanger the health and safety of mineworkers. The relevant statutory notices include orders to stop an unsafe mine or part thereof in terms of MHSA Section 54 and Section 55 provides for the ordering of compliance to the provisions of the MHSA.

 During the 2021/21 financial year the Department issued 2 115 Section 54 instructions and 1 080 Section 55 instructions to various mine employers. In the current financial year(2021/22) from April to September, the DMRE has issued 750 Section 54 instructions and 794 Section 55 instructions. Before the said statutory instructions can be lifted, the mine management together with all organised labour representatives at that mine, are requested to confirm full compliance with the Inspector’s instructions through a formal presentation to the respective regional Principal Inspector of Mines.

Conducting of Investigations and Inquiries

 The Department conducts accident investigations and inquiries in case of serious mine accidents to determine the cause of each mine accident, appropriate remedial measures to prevent recurrence and in case of gross negligence by any person, then make necessary recommendations for prosecution to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

 The Department will suspend or withdraw legal appointments and the Government Certificate of Competency of the responsible managers, engineers and supervisors who fail in their duties to safeguard the health and safety of mineworkers in their areas of responsibility.

Stakeholder Engagements

 The Department engages the CEOs of mining companies and Minerals Council of SA (former Chamber of Mines), to present their turn-around health and safety strategies and commitments.

 Mines are encouraged to adopt best/leading practices and technology advances to enhance and safety.

 Meetings are also held with organized labour to discuss on the areas of concern and remedial actions.

 The DMRE has also established Regional Mine Health and Safety Tripartite forums in all the nine provinces where relevant officials of the Department, mine management and representatives of organised labour regularly meet to share mine health and safety challenges, best mining practices and proposed way forward to safeguard the mineworker’s health and safety.

 The Minister in collaboration with organised labour and business leaders convened a MineSafe conference on the 25 November 2021. The aim of the MineSafe was for the sector to recommit to health and safety as well as to urgently focus on actions to address the loss of life of the mineworkers. Subsequently, the stakeholders agreed on actions which will be implemented to ensure improvement.

Skills Development

 The Department is collaborating with the Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) on implementing health and safety skills programme including on the training and supporting learners in the sector to register for a qualification related to seismology and rock engineeringas part of the efforts to mitigate the prevalence of FOG incidents.

  Also, the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) finalized the development of the business plan for Phase 2 of the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

 The following were the key recommendations of the business plan that would enable the implementation of Phase 2 of the CoE:

• Re-skilling of Mining and Mineral sector workforce.

• Development of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training programmes that cater for modernized mines in line with 4IR developments.

• Inclusion of innovative technologies and techniques into training.

• Augmentation of the proposed career paths by linking them with other industries’ career paths in OHS.

NW2739E

Reply:

 

Legislative Review



Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996) will be strengthened through legislative amendments.

 The Department has issued a guideline for a mandatory COP on the right to refuse dangerous work. All mines are encouraged to popularise this COP so that mineworkers can exercise this important right without any fear of victimisation.

 The Department has also issued a guideline for a mandatory COP for the management and mitigation of COVID-19 at SA mines. The Department continues to encourage all mineworkers and their loved ones to vaccinate. As on the 14 December 2021, about 70% of the employees in the mining sector have been vaccinated.

Issuing of Chief Inspector of Mines (CIOM) Directives

 The Department issue CIOM directives where necessary to enhance the health and safety

of the mineworkers. The following directives have been issued by the DMRE:

• Elimination of rock-burst and rockfall accidents as a result of remnant pillar extraction.

• Elimination of shaft and winders accidents.

• Elimination of fire, explosion, heat and oxygen deficiency accidents.

• Emergency preparedness and secondary outlets.

• Start –up procedure and return to work post Covid -19 lockdown.

• Vigilance on health and safety matters during last quarter of the year.

 

Monitoring and enforcement of compliance

 The Department will be reviewing the organizational structure which will also ensure that the capacity to monitor the mining sector is strengthened.

 The Inspectors continuously monitor health and safety matters at mines by conducting proactive routine inspections and audits at various mines.

 During the routine inspections and audits Inspectors, as empowered by the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), do issue relevant statutory notices/instructions in case of non-compliance to the legal provisions and dangerous conditions or practices which may endanger the health and safety of mineworkers. The relevant statutory notices include orders to stop an unsafe mine or part thereof in terms of MHSA Section 54 and Section 55 provides for the ordering of compliance to the provisions of the MHSA.

 During the 2021/21 financial year the Department issued 2 115 Section 54 instructions and 1 080 Section 55 instructions to various mine employers. In the current financial year (2021/22) from April to September, the DMRE has issued 750 Section 54 instructions and 794 Section 55 instructions. Before the said statutory instructions can be lifted, the mine management together with all organised labour representatives at that mine, are requested to confirm full compliance with the Inspector’s instructions through a formal presentation to the respective regional Principal Inspector of Mines.

Stakeholder Engagements

 The Department engages the CEOs of mining companies and Minerals Council of SA (former Chamber of Mines), to present their turn-around health and safety strategies and commitments.

 Mines are encouraged to adopt best/leading practices and technology advances to enhance health and safety.

 Meetings are also held with organized labour to discuss on the areas of concern and remedial actions.

 The DMRE has also established Regional Mine Health and Safety Tripartite forums in all the nine provinces where relevant officials of the Department, mine management and representatives of organised labour regularly meet to share mine health and safety challenges, best mining practices and proposed way forward to safeguard the mineworker’s health and safety.

 The Minister in collaboration with organised labour and business leaders convened a MineSafe conference on the 25 November 2021. The aim of the MineSafe was for the sector to recommit to health and safety as well as to urgently focus on actions to address the loss of life of the mineworkers. Subsequently, the stakeholders agreed on actions which will be implemented to ensure improvement.

Skills Development

 The Department is collaborating with the Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) on implementing health and safety skills programme including on the training and supporting learners in the sector to register for a qualification related to seismology and rock engineering as part of the efforts to mitigate the prevalence of FOG incidents.

 Also, the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) finalized the development of the business plan for Phase 2 of the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

 The following were the key recommendations of the business plan that would enable the implementation of Phase 2 of the CoE:

• Re-skilling of Mining and Mineral sector workforce.

• Development of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training programmes that cater for modernized mines in line with 4IR developments.

• Inclusion of innovative technologies and techniques into training.

• Augmentation of the proposed career paths by linking them with other industries’ career paths in OHS.

(2) whether his department is investigating the high number of fatalities and injuries; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

DMRE REPLY

Conducting of Investigations and Inquiries

 The Department conducts accident investigations and inquiries in case of serious mine accidents to determine the cause of each mine accident, appropriate remedial measures to prevent recurrence and in case of gross negligence by any person, then make necessary recommendations for prosecution to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

 The Department will suspend or withdraw legal appointments and the Government Certificate of Competency of the responsible managers, engineers and supervisors who fail in theirnduties to safeguard the health and safety of mineworkers in their areas of responsibility.

 

Reply:

1) (a)(i) The provincial breakdown of the number of cases finalised during 2017 to 2020 is attached as Annexure “A”.

(b)(i) The NPA does not record rhino related prosecutions but does record the number of accused convicted, as reflected in the table on Annexure “A”

(b)(ii): The NPA does not record the number of accused released on bail involving matters of rhino prosecutions. The Department of Justice and Constitutional  Development does not keep such information either, but has however advised that the charge of “ Possession of an elephant tusk or a rhinoceros horn without he or she being the holder of a permit which authorizes him or her to do so” , has recently been added in the 2021/22 financial year. Therefore, the Department will not be able to report on the rhino matters for the years in question. However, in the near future, the Department would be able to supply such information.

(b)(iii): The Department of Correctional Services has further advised that their

Department does not keep information on bail granted or “ jail sentences” handed down.

2) The relevant department to respond is the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE).

 

Reply:

The Department of Women, Youth and Person with Disabilities (DWYPD) assists the victims of gender-Based Violence who report their matters to the Department by referring the cases to the appropriate unit at the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) for intervention.

If the matter is not effectively addressed, the DWYPD (through the office of the Director-General) expedites the process by directly liaising with the relevant department or unit to ensure that prosecution takes place, and justice is subsequently served.

Concurrently, the Civil Society Organizations within the ambit of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide collaborative platform also intervene at a local level. For instance, after ascertaining the exact location of the victim, a further referral is made to the local court / SAPS unitfor immediate intervention. This is followed up until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the survivor

Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane,MP
Minister
Date: 27-12-2021

Reply:

a) The panel of six forensic investigation firms have been appointed and contracting negotiations concluded. Firms will be commencing with the work from January 2022, though the initial planning is being conducted in December 2021.

 SNG Grant Thornton/TSF Africa Forensics

 Abucus Pty (Ltd)

 Nexus Forensic Services

 Stone Turn Group South Africa Pty (Ltd)

 BDO/Hidden Links

 Bowman Gilfillan Incorporated

Find here: Terms of reference 

Reply:

Ministerial Advisers are appointed on a five (5) year contract basis, linked to the term of the Office of the Minister.

Dr Jonathan Lewis and Ms Onke Mjo are the Advisers attached to the Minister of Employment and Labour.

Among many, their responsibilities are:

 To contribute in the development of pieces of legislation as well as policies

 To play a role in the interpretation of the laws and advise where there may either be deficiencies, insufficiencies, gaps or over-elaboration, redundancies and irrelevancy.

 To assist in the process of reviewal of any statutes as and when that may be deemed to be necessary

 To advise on cross-cutting or transversal government positions to ensuring integrated governance

 To advise as to how best government policies could be implemented

 To work on Cabinet Memoranda to ensuring that they remain consistent with the direction that government has elected to take

 To provide support and serve as a resource to the Executive Authority when meeting both departmental, national and international stakeholders

 To monitor and observe both the internal and external environment relevant to the portfolio and advise the Executive Authority while providing responses to what may be needing such

 To scrutinise Departmental submissions addressed to the Minister and provide appropriate advice to the Executive Authority

 To write speeches for the Minister and conduct some relevant research

 To ensure that Minister’s views are communicated widely by contributing in developing media statements and giving a helping hand on fourth estate enquiries

 To perform such tasks as may be appropriate in respect of the exercise or performance of the Executive Authority’s powers and duties

When it comes to qualifications, please see below:

Dr Lewis

Matric
Bachelor of Arts
Master of Arts
Doctor of Philosophy

Ms. O Mjo

Matric
Bachelor of Arts: Human Movement Studies
Honours Bachelor of Arts: Exercise Science
Postgraduate Higher Diploma: Education

Pertaining to salaries, they are stipulated below:

Dr. JP Lewis
R1 614 972.00

Ms. O Mjo
R1 388 640.00

Ministerial Advisers are provided for in the Ministerial

 

Reply:

The company is located at 3 Sparrow Close, Magaliessig Ext 22, Benrose, Gauteng.

There is only one director namely: Sujata Singh

The company was contracted period 23 July 2018 to 22 July 2022. The contract period was for 36 months and extended for an additional period of twelve months. The current addendum contract duration is valid from 22 July 2021 to 21 July 2022.

The annual cost of the contract is stipulated below:

Year 1: R14 464 700.00

Year 2: R15 187 935.00

Year 3: R15 947 331.75

The total cost of the contract is R45 599 966.75 and the amount for the current addendum is R 25 934 535.00. An amount of R60 069 112.64 has been paid to Vindhya since inception of contract.

total return on investment of money saved for the UIF by the company’s risk management services; if not, why not, in each specified case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

The service provider delivered all the services contracted by UIF to provide support and maintenance to the existing and new UIF Systems. The service provider delivered the projects in the agreed time frames and requirements. The allocated consultants by the service provider went beyond the expectation of the UIF to ensuring that the pandemic projects (COVID 19 TERS and WABU) are implemented in tight frames. On a daily basis the COVID 19 TERS processing of applications and payments are conducted after hours to ensure that the clients are paid within shortest time period as possible. Therefore, the Fund has received return on investment on the current contract.

 

 

3

Reply:

Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is still contracted with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Among others, SIU is conducting the investigation on possible acts of corruption, fraud, maladministration and negligence. There is some progress that has been recorded in these investigations. But there remains more work that is still underway.   As a matter of fact, UIF and SIU met on the 3rd December 2021 to see to it, as to how best to tighten up the loose ends In that meeting, a decision was taken that a Steering Committee be established that should work through all the cases that are on record to provide progress on investigations The findings and/or outcomes of these investigations shall be communicated to the Hon. Member (a) when they are completed and (b) when they do not pose any potential damage either on any ongoing disciplinary process or to any other further investigation that may be deemed necessary

Reply:

1. The official unemployment has increased by 0.5 percentage points from June 2020 at 34.4% to September 2021 at 34.9%. It is recorded as the highest since 2008, as the first QLFS was conducted. It appears like there is no dent of boom in the unemployment figures, as illustrated over time in Figure 2 below.

Reply:

A company that opts for mandatory Covid-19 vaccine policy, such a policy should be in consultation with the employees or their organisation(s). It is in their consultative process with employees or their organisation where they will have to deal with all the details and the implication of their policy choice. Should the employees or organisation(s) feel that the policy choice is unfair, they have the right to challenge such a policy.

 

Reply:

The panel of six forensic investigation firms have been appointed and contracting negotiations concluded. Firms will be commencing with the work from January 2022, though the initial planning is being conducted in December 2021.

Reply:

 

The post of Ambassador in Thailand became vacant on 15 December 2020; Yes, the next Ambassador has been informed of their posting.

 

Reply:

department approached the NT for funding with a view to employ more social work graduates.

Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme, the department appointed approximately 1300 social workers in the eight provinces commencing 1 June/July 2020 respectively for a period of three months. There was a further extension of the contract employment of social workers from 1 November/December 2021 respectively to 31 March 2022 due to the extension of the stimulus programme.

Reply:

The African Union (AU) Constitutive Act gives the continental body the right to intervene in a Member State in grave circumstances such as war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity [article 4(h)], while Member States may also request the AU’s intervention to restore peace and security in their territory [article 4(j)]. Article 13.1 of the Protocol on the Establishment of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) provides for the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF) to enable the PSC to perform its responsibilities with respect to the deployment of peace support missions and interventions pursuant to article 4 (h) and (j) of the Constitutive Act.

In cases of terrorist attacks that come as a result of a Member State’s intervention in fighting an insurgency beyond its borders or in a neighbouring country, local law enforcement agencies undertake the necessary responses to address such attacks. The ASF can only intervene to support a Member State in dealing with an insurgency at the Member State’s explicit request in terms of article 4 (h) of the AU Constitutive Act.

The structures of the African Union are currently giving consideration to a Memorandum of Understanding between the AU and the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms which will formalise and strengthen the partnership between the AU and sub- regional organisations on the deployment of the ASF.

1

Reply:

 

 

The AU has and continues to advocate for the easing of debt burden owed by African countries, especially the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) and Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC), with the majority of them coming from the African Continent. The devastating impact of the debt burden to the economies and sovereignty of many countries in the Continent is hard to ignore. It is for this reason that the AU has and continues to use multiple approaches to urge developed countries including International Financial Institutions to ease the debt burden owed by African countries. This includes the utilisation of the Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Finance, which is an STC composed mainly of Ministers of Finance.

South Africa, in its capacity as the Champion of Covid-19 for the African Union, nominated by the AU Assembly in 2021, was tasked with the responsibility soliciting debt relief measures for AU Member States from donors and international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors such as China. However, such measures are determined by bilateral and contractual obligations, underpinned by the sovereignty of each member state.

Reply:

 

As the Honourable Member is aware, the Department currently provides Social Relief of Distress, in the form of the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant, which covers those aged 18-59. The Department is of the view that the implementation of the Special COVID- 19 SRD Grant has provided a basis for the introduction of the Basic Income Grant. However, I must point out to the Honourable Member that this require an amendment of existing legislation.

Depending on costs and the fiscal position of the country, it may take a few years to progressively implement. Until then, the Department is however, currently motivating for the extension of the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant, preferably over the medium- term period. This should provide the much-needed income support to cushion against the economic hardship occasioned by the advent of COVID-19 pandemic for the 18- 59 years.

Reply:

 

Currently, the KZN Provincial Department of Social Development employs 19 social work graduates on temporary contract. The KZN Department has received a funding allocation to employ additional 387 social workers between December 2021 and end of the current financial year.

Between 1 June and July 2020, the Department through the Presidential Stimulus Employment Programme appointed approximately 1 300 social work graduates in eight provinces for a period of three months, including KZN. There was a further extension of the employment contract from 1 November/December 2021 respectively to 31 March 2022 due to the extension of the stimulus programme. It is not factually correct to state that the Department refused to appoint social workers on permanent basis as this is subject to a number of issues, key amongst which is the availability of resources. The Department is engaging with a number of stakeholders, both in government and private sector, with a view to absorb social work graduates into permanent employment.

Reply:

The African Union is constituted by Member States who have the sovereign rights to determine their domestic priorities in line with their national interests. The prerogative to choose or establish measures to reduce debt burden or relief solely rest with each Member State of the African Union.

Nevertheless, and to the extent to which the debt becomes a burden to AU Member States, the AU has and continues to advocate for the easing of debt burden owed by African countries, especially the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) and Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC), which the majority from them come from the Continent. The devastating impact of the debt burden to the economies and sovereignties of many countries in the Continent is hard to ignore. It is for this reason that the AU has and continues to use multiple approaches to urge the developed countries including International Financial Institutions to ease the debt burden owed by African countries.

At the Heads of State level, the AU Assembly has on numerous occasions taken bold resolutions and decisions urging the developed countries as well as International Financial Institutions to ease the debt burden owed by African countries. The Heads of States and Government of the AU have also been extremely vocal against the imposition of unilateral coercive measures on the right to development, international relations, trade, investment, cooperation, and peace and stability by African countries and countries such as Cuba.

The AU Ministers of Finance and Trade continue to use the annual Special Technical Committee of the AU to urge the G7, China and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to ease the debt burden owed by the African countries.The AU Ministers of Finance and Trade also use the international meetings at the UN, WTO, and Meetings on Financing for Development to advocate for the easing of debt burden owed by African countries.

AU Commission as the Organ responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Organisation as well as the AU’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOC) continue to engage the International Financial Institutions and with the support of the United Nations, the Commission has played a huge role in advocating for the easing of debt burden by African countries.

South Africa for its part, used its Chairship of the AU in 2020 to advocate strongly for the easing of debt burden by African countries, whose ability to pay their debt has been affected heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic. As early as March 2020, President directly engaged with the leaders of both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as the leaders of the G7 to play their part in easing the debt burden in the Continent. South Africa also used its membership of the G20 to remind the 20 largest economies in the world of the urgent need to address the debt burden and its impact on the LDCs and HIPC. In March 2020, President Ramaphosa appointed NgoziOkonjo-Iweala of Nigeria, Donald Kaberuka of Rwanda, Tidjane Thiam of Senegal and Trevor Manuel of South Africa. The goal of the Special Envoys was to secure debt relief of US$44 billion, a generalised suspension of interest payment for all of Africa’s economies, and a stimulus package of US$100-150 billion. The suspension of payment of interests to IFIs will go a long way in easing the burden by African countries and will greatly assist many of the African countries to prioritise the revival of their respective economies, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

While the negotiations for the debt cancellation still ranges on, the gains made in the easing of debt burden needs to be noted. Thanks in large part to South Africa and indeed other AU Member States the World Bank and the IMF has and continues to engage the African on this matter and there are already positive outcomes. To date, more than 28 countries from Africa are benefitting from the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) established by the Paris Club.

South Africa and other Member State of the AU will continue to use the convening power of the AU to continue to advocating for the easing of the debt burden owed by African countries so that African countries should not face the difficult choice of having to either pay their respective debt or revive their economies, amid the pandemic.

Reply:

(1) 30 June 2022.

(2) Yes, the next ambassador has been informed of their posting.

(3) Yes, the Ambassador in Khazakstan was extended until 30 June 2022.

 

 

Reply:

 

By their very own nature, Child and Youth Care Centres provides alternative care and support for children in need of care. The Children’s Act No 38 of 2005, Section 176 makes provision for children to remain in alternative care beyond the age of 18 years:

Section 176(1) of the Act makes provision for a child placed in alternative care after reaching 18 years to remain in that care until the end of the year in which that person reaches the age of 18 years.

Subsection (2) of the Act makes provision for the Provincial Head of Social development to allow a young person who has reached the age of 18 years to remain in alternative care until the end of the year in which he or she reaches the age of 21 years if:

1. The current alternative care-giver is willing and able to care for that person; and
2. The continued stay in that care is necessary to enable that person to complete his or her grade 12, higher education, college education, internship or learnership and Subsection (c) indicates that an application contemplated in subsection (2) must be submitted before the end of the year in which the relevant child reaches the age of 18 years, but a late application may be condoned, upon good cause shown, if such application is submitted within three months after such date.

Section 191(3) (e) makes provision for the programme to assist a person with the transition when leaving a child and youth care centre after reaching the age of 18. In compliance with this section, the department has developed guidelines for independent living programmes for children placed in alternative care. The Department is providing an ongoing training on the said guidelines and has trained 250 Social Service Practitioners in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga.

It is also important to highlight that each child is assisted to develop a Personal Development Plan which outlines future plans for children as they transition into adulthood and independent living.