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20 December 2021 - NW2679

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Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

What (a) is the (i) current state of housing in farming areas and (ii) total number of houses that have been built in the farming areas in the past three financial years and (b) challenges has her department experienced in this regard?

Reply:

 

(a.i) Farm dwellers still face extreme tenure insecurity and lack access to adequate housing and basic services. This is fuelled by matters related to management of labour relations on farms, migration out of farms due to various factors including evictions, as well as the rise of temporary and insecure work. According to the Community Household Survey (2016) the number of households engaged in agriculture was 2,3 million in 2016 compared with 2,9 million in 2011. More recent figures will in all probability confirm the trend

(a.ii) A total of 89 sites and 114 housing units were built in the farming areas, as per allocations and information provided by the Provinces of the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumulanga and North West.

  1. The specific housing related challenges include, amongst others:
    1. The provision of basic services and adequate housing on farms, based on the fact that the farms are private properties;
    2. The persistent tensions that exist between commercial farmers, farm-workers, and the enforcement of constitutional and and land rights legislation;
    3. There are serious land tenure matters that hamper and complicate service delivery with respect to farm- workers,
    4. A number of rural municipalities confront the lack of technical capacity and expertise challenges, and as a

result may not be able to adequately cope with planning and the delivery of services.

However, to ensure the specific needs and nature to provide housing and human settlements in farming areas is dealt with through the programme namely “Farm Resident Subsidies in Part 3, Volume 5 of the National Housing Code, 2009”. Its purpose is to provide a flexible mechanism that promotes adequate housing, including basic services and secure tenure to farm workers and residents in a variety of farming situations across the country. It is implemented through Provincial Development Plans and Municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs).

Additional Information For Consideration Of The Director-General and Minister In The Finalisation Of the Reply

There are other supplementary programmes such as the National Housing Programme: Rural Housing – Informal Land Rights, implemented by the Department to support programmes of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), especially where farmers reside on land in communal tenure. The National Housing Programme for Farm Residence is also aligned with Land Reform: Labour Tenant Programme that promotes a holistic solution to address the housing and development needs of labour tenants targeted by the Land Reform Programme.

It is to be further noted that the Department is participating in consultation sessions with DALRRD in the development of a Farm Dweller Programme that seeks to, among others, protect the rights of farm dwellers, provide for tenure security, etc. The draft programme will further seek to consolidate all the various interventions by a number of Departments in this sector, and most importantly, to respond critical legislative instruments that have been passed, including court judgments.

Farmworker Housing Assistance

Financial Year

Province

Sites

Expenditure Sites

Units

Expenditure Units

Profession al Fees

Actual Bulk

Total Expenditure

2018

Gauteng

100

2 104 168

0

0

875 093

0

2 979 261

 

Mpumalanga

0

0

85

7 019 974

535 205

0

7 555 179

Total

 

100

2 104 168

85

7 019 974

1 410 298

0

10 534 440

2019

Mpumalanga

0

0

0

389 389

0

0

389 389

Total

 

0

0

0

389 389

0

0

389 389

2020

North West

0

0

25

5 212 291

0

0

5 212 291

 

Eastern Cape

89

8 925

89

14 617 200

408 000

0

15 034 125

Total

 

89

8 925

114

19 829 491

408 000

0

20 246 416

Source: HSS

             

20 December 2021 - NW2716

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Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Given that in the fourth quarterly report for the 2020-21 financial year there was an underspending of R17 million for learners with severe disabilities, what is the breakdown in each province of the (a) total number of learners who were directly affected by the underspending of the budget, (b) grants which were affected and (c) total amount that was not spent in each grant; what total amount was underspent for learners with severe disabilities in the 2019-20 financial year?

Reply:

 

  1. What is the breakdown in each province of the (a) total number learners who were directly affected by the underspending of the budget? (b) grants which were affected (c) total amount that was not spent in each grant?

Response:

1 (a) No learners were directly affected by the under-expenditure as services continued to be rendered despite the under-expenditure.

1 (b) and (c): There was no under-expenditure on other grants.

What total amount was underspent for learners with severe disabilities in the 2019-20 financial year?

Response:

R10.7 Million (See attach expenditure report for details).

20 December 2021 - NW2688

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, with regard to the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme, he considered the South African rand to US dollar exchange rate when sending money to Cuba; if not, why not; if so, do students receive their allocated stipend, or is the charges and/or fees occurring in the specified exchange subtracted from their monthly stipend amount?

Reply:

 

In terms of the Agreement between South Africa and Cuba, the amount payable for tuition fees for students in Cuba is billed in US dollars and payable by the National Department of Health based on the exchange rate at the date of transfer. The amount payable is fixed per level of study per student. Stipend is also billed in US dollars.

All year calculations are made based on the current exchange rate which might fluctuate from time-to-time. The fluctuation is always accommodated to ensure that it does not negatively affect the budgeted amount. On a monthly basis students receive their stipend of USD 200.

There are no charges or fees subtracted on the stipend regardless of the exchange rate. END.

20 December 2021 - NW2689

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

With regard to the Digital Vibes tender, (a) what was the extent of vetting processes that were conducted by his department and (b) were the qualifications of team members and individuals in Digital Vibes vetted?

Reply:

 

The vetting conducted entailed the following:

  1. (i) Checked if Digital Vibes is fit to do business with the department by assessing its capability and capacity through functionality evaluation which was part of terms of reference.
    1. Checked if the Digital Vibes operates in the required business sector in so far as their registration with CSD.
    1. Checked the legitimacy by verifying its existence through the Central Supplier Database, how long they have existed, that they are actively trading, and their financial status.
    1. The department also checked if Digital Vibes and its directors/shareholders were not restricted to do business with the State through the National Treasury tender defaulters register.
    1. The department relied on the information certified by the bidder on the Declaration of bidder’s past supply chain management practices, standard bidding document 8 (SBD 8). Question 4.1 SBD 8 ask the bidder or any of its directors if they listed on the National Treasury Database of restricted suppliers as companies or person prohibited from doing business with the public sector. Question 4.2 of the same SBD 8 ask the bidder or its directors if they listed on the register of tender defaulters in terms of section 29 of the prevention and combating of corrupt activities Act (Act No. 12 of 2004).
    1. The department also checked if the bank account number belong to Digital Vibes and not individual through bank verification on the Central Supplier Database.
    2. The department made use of the declaration of interest, standard bidding document 4 (SBD 4) to be completed by the bidder and the bidder had to sign the declaration form certifying that the information furnished is true and correct. Paragraph 2.9 of the SBD 4 ask the bidder if “Do you, or any person connected with the bidder, have any relationship (family, friend, other) with person employed by the State and who may be involved with the evaluation and or adjudication of this bid”.
  1. The General Condition of Contract (GCC), which forms part of the standard bidding document issued to bidders’ states on paragraph 1.13 that “Fraudulent practice” means a misrepresentation of facts in order to influence a procurement process or the execution of a contract to the detriment of any bidder. In this case, qualifications of team members and individuals of Digital Vibes were not vetted. Bidders are bound by the GCC that their submission is truthful in all aspects and that any misrepresentation are dealt with in line with Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017. If after award it becomes apparent that the bidder misrepresented facts on the submission of their bidding documents the contract may cancelled which may lead to the entity being restricted from doing business with the state for a specified period.

END.

2

20 December 2021 - NW2687

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, with regard to the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme, there are currently any corruption charges against the specified programme; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

 

There are no corruption charges that have been brought to my attention regarding the Nelson Mandela Fidela Castro Collaboration Programme.

However, when the National Department of Health conducted an internal audit and reconciliation with the Provinces on this Programme from October to December 2021, it was not conducted for the Gauteng Department of Health.

The details from the Gauteng Department of Health are that all files relating to the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Collaboration Programme have been taken by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for an investigation.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2642

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Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Humana Settlements

a) What plans does her Department have in place for persons with disabilities who are on the waiting list for housing in each Province?

Reply:

 

  1. The Department plans to conduct a needs analysis with regards to the suitability and applicability of current programmes to meet the needs and requirements of persons with disabilities. Currently the Department provides for a top-up to the current subsidy to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities who apply and are approved for a subsidised house. The Department has received requests for the current minimum norm and standard for a house for a person

with disabilities to be increased to 45m2 in size. The intention of the needs analysis is to ensure houses are constructed that comply with Part S of the South African National Standards (SANS 10400XA). Such standards provide that the house must conform to the universal design principles to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

This implies that the houses to be build would be tailor-made to suit different forms of physical disabilities and special needs to cater for persons who use or need walking aids, partially or full-time using a wheelchair, partially/profoundly deaf, partially/ blind, partially/total movement loss/paralysis in the upper body limbs.

  1. The Department also plans to approve a policy on Special Housing Needs (SHN), in conjunction with the Department of Social Development, which will cater for those that are unable to live independently in a normal housing or require assistance in terms of a safe, supportive, and protective living environment and thus need some level of care or protection, be it temporary or permanent.
  1. The table below provides a summary of what is recorded in the National Needs Register as 24 November 2021, in relation to backlog of provision of housing for persons with disabilities..

20 December 2021 - NW2753

Profile picture: Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN

Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What plans are underway to ensure that communication around vaccination is not fueled by fear mongering, but that it emphasises personal care and survival and (b) how is the communication translated for different age groups, genders, races, sexuality, geographical occupation and other factors that contribute to language, discourse and understanding that is cognisant of social factors?

Reply:

 

(a)-(b) The responsibility of the Department of Health is to ensure that the public receives accurate and factual information from reliable sources in a manner that is reassuring and builds national trust. Part of that accurate information is to ensure that everyone understands the risks of not getting vaccinated and not adhering to personal protective practices like mask- wearing, handwashing, good ventilation and social distancing. It is also vital that older people and their families understand the substantially higher risk of Covid-19 related hospital admission and death, should they not get vaccinated as 58.4% of hospital admissions and 81.5% of deaths recorded by the end of the end of October 2021 were among people aged 50 and above.

The most effective reassurance which the National Department of Health can offer the general public is substantially reduced risk through vaccination and adherence to the personal practices described above. At the same time, the Department understands that the ‘messenger is as important as the message’ in persuading people to be vaccinated. For that reason, together with GCIS and other social partners, it engages extensively with national and provincial leadership of faith-based organisations, labour unions, traditional and Khoi-San leadership, community organisations and the business sector. It has also launched a Vooma Vax Champs initiative to encourage ordinary South Africans to become advocates among their friends and colleagues in an effort to tap into personal networks of trust.

The Department makes use of both regional radio stations of the SABC and over 65 Community based organisations to convey messaging in all 11 languages. It also distributes print material available in all 11 languages. Over 30 million brochures have been distributed through the Department of Health and partner retail stores. Print material is also available in Braille and large-print for the partially sighted and a video has been developed for people with hearing disability.

Every effort is to made to ensure that non-binary pronouns are used in the public communication to ensure inclusiveness with respect to gender identity. Where required, information is tailored for specific gendered audiences (e.g. dealing with concerns about male virility and clarifying that the vaccine is safe for men and for women who are pregnant).

A Risk, Community and Community Engagement Committee is responsible for synthesising the feedback from provinces to better understand and respond to regional issues.

The messages we disseminate are based on verified facts and we deliberately do not focus on giving airtime to the myths and misperceptions around the vaccine. Our current campaigns such as Zwakala, GenV Who You Doing It For? And the Vaccine Diaries are all based on positive reinforcement, demonstrating social proof that vaccines are safe and the continual encouragement of taking preventive behaviours.

We develop communication campaigns that are targeted to specific segments of our population, be they in a specific geography or age cohort. For example, the Zwakala campaign is targeted at youth and is primarily on social media and digital mediums. GenV is targeted at the 35+ year olds, and is on national radio and TV.

We also of course create communications for the mass market, but even when we do that, we create that content in multiple languages. Our new safer holiday campaign will be on community and national radio in all 11 official languages.

Finally, all of our communication is based on insights and data that we receive from our social listening and community engagement teams to ensure we are addressing real concerns people have around COVID-19 and the vaccine. We know that if we do this, our messages will resonate better.

Through regular coordination between the national level, provincial, sub-district level and the range of RCCE partners, we are confident that we are doing everything in our means to reach all South Africans in mediums and messages that are understandable and relatable.

The National Contact Centre has branches in six provinces to ensure a good spread of call centre operators fluent in all languages.

At the same time, we appreciate the limitations of nationally designed messaging and communication. Working with social partners and private foundations such as the DG Murray Trust and Tshikululu Social Investments, a network of close to 100 community- based organisations is supported, involving every district, to ensure that information can be contextualised and conveyed in a style and language suitable to all audiences. Partner organisations with the Department of Health, such as the AIDS Foundation of South Africa, NACOSA and Beyond Zero, assist in reaching hard to reach groups (including sex workers and other socially marginalised groups).

The Department has worked with NEDLAC, the business sector and trade unions to ensure that information is both targeted and specific to different occupational groups. The Mining Sector has done exceptionally well in attaining coverage levels of over 70%, while there is active mobilisation of the agricultural sector through joint engagement of agri-business and trade unions.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2744

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Health

In light of the United Nations Children’s Fund’s release of the annual global HIV/Aids statistics, what has his department done to ensure that children and adolescents have access to HIV/Aids treatment during the past two financial years?

Reply:

 

The Department has always paid special attention on the children and adolescent access by monitoring the age group in the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets on HIV and AIDS treatment.

The prevention of Mother to child HIV transmission is intended to reduce vertical transmission, the target is that all pregnant HIV positive women should give birth to HIV negative children, in that way this will decrease the burden of HIV in children. All these women are initiated on ART and viral suppression is monitored closely to remain at <50 or that they are virally suppressed so that they transmit the virus.

All children exposed to HIV are given HIV prophylaxis for the duration of breast feeding. Those babies who are vertically infected are initiated on ART immediately after diagnosis.

We have acknowledged the gap on access of HIV services within this population gap and have developed various strategies such as the following:

  1. Development and implementation across all the provinces of the Paediatric and Adolescent HIV Matrix of Interventions Plan: The key objectives of the intervention plan are to:
    • improve rates of earlier HIV diagnosis in children and adolescents and
    • increase access to quality HIV treatment and care for children and adolescents.
    • retain children and adolescent in sustainable treatment.
  1. Monthly provincial virtual calls as part of M&E for the programme and the Matrix Paediatric and Adolescent HIV Matrix of Interventions Plan. Provinces report back on progress of interventions, highlight challenges and share best practices that aim to improve indicators.
  1. Department of Health continues to ensure public health facilities provide adolescent- friendly health services.
  1. The Department of Health , in response to palatability of the paediatric ART suspensions, has since introduced Lopinavir/Ritonavir pellets for children, which is the new formulation of drugs, approved for use in SA. These pellets make adherence easy and encourages the caregivers to give treatment for viral load suppression.
  1. To date all provinces have procured the product and both nurses and doctors can prescribe LPV/r oral pellets.
  1. Department of Health with its partners continues to implement the Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Programme and Determined, Resilient, Empowered ,AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) program, which offers an age-tailored combination prevention package for adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 25. The DREAMS partnership is an ambitious public-private partnership aimed at reducing rates of HIV among adolescent girls and young women in the highest HIV burden districts. The aim of the project is to:
    • empower adolescent girls and young women and reduce risk through youth-friendly reproductive health care and social asset building;
    • mobilize communities for change with school- and community-based HIV and violence prevention;
    • reduce risk of sex partners through PEPFAR programming, including HIV testing, treatment, and voluntary medical male circumcision; and
    • strengthen families with social protection (education subsidies, combination socio- economic approaches) and parent/caregiver programs.

The department has established Youth zones in some public health facilities, priority being to improve the accessibility of health services to young people and support for the HIV infected youth. Nationally the department has established 1027 youth zones out of 3434 public health facilities.

Youth Zone are youth friendly spaces within the health facility, meant to attract more young people to access health facilities. Youth zones, by dedicating time and environmental space and prioritise youth in service provision which is not limited to biomedical but include extramural activities and other initiatives. Youth zones encourage adolescents to have support groups and discuss health related and age appropriate topics including taking ART and remaining on ART.

The National Department of Health is in partnership with loveLife and Soul City to support implementation of youth prevention interventions including prevention of HIV , starting on ART and teenage pregnancies.

Soul City’s rise young women’s club comprises young people at community level that group themselves and meet on a monthly basis to discuss the social challenges in their communities and empower each other on health related issues and discuss support of young women on ART.

END.

2

20 December 2021 - NW2737

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Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

With the looming fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the steady increase of infections, what total (a) number of (i) hospital beds and (ii) oxygen tanks have been made available in each province in anticipation of the potential increase in hospitalisations and (b) consultation has his department had with provincial departments of health following the news of the detection of the new Omicron variant in the Republic?

Reply:

 

  1. Total number of –
    1. Number of Hospital beds

The country has a total of 108 805 general beds and 5616 critical care beds all available for admission of Covid-19 patients.

    1. Oxygen tanks that have been made available in each province

The oxygen tanks are allocated per hospital and not per province. The size of the tank is based on the size of the hospital and its capability to manage patients that require oxygenation. The oxygen tanks per hospital are attached as annexure A. Over and above these tanks, Afrox has further repurposed the oxygen cylinders and increased the capacity from 9000 cylinders that were available before Covid-19 to 19 000that are available for use during the pandemic.

  1. The department held the two day workshop with the provinces, in anticipation of the fourth wave as part of the broad consultative process. This planning was irrespective of the variant, but more focused on the getting all resources ready for the pandemic knowing all variants are different but that they require proper planning. From this workshop, the provinces developed resurgence plans which are currently being implemented. Over and above these plans, the department, through the National Institute, as a partner, communicates with the provinces through the submission of the Situational Report on the variants. The departmental Incident Management Team has also allocated senior managers as provincial leads, who work directly with the provinces and they report to the National IMT every week on Thursday.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2754

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Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

In light of the fact that the 2020-21 report of the Auditor-General of South Africa to the National Assembly highlighted the general failure by his department and entities reporting to him to adhere to deviations and exceptions legislation, which then contributes to the high irregular expenditure and to an extent the corruption in his department, (a) how does he intend to resolve the specified crisis in (i) his department and (ii) entities reporting to him and (b) on what date it is envisaged that he will outline tangible measures and/or efforts working towards resolving this?

Reply:

 

(a) The department has a Loss Control Committee to deal with the Irregular Expenditure and do an analysis on some of the cases of disagreements related to the interpretation of irregular expenditure categorised under emergency procurement in line with the circular directive issued by National Treasury.

(i)-(ii) The department including the entities implemented processes to ensure end users are conscientise to comply with Irregular Expenditure Framework and its prescribed timelines. The department its further implementing processes and mechanism where all end users on procurements of goods and services are done through Supply Chain Management Cluster to ensure that internal policies and procedures are fully complied with.

Effective consequence management process when non-compliance on irregular Expenditure is detected, the department has a loss Control Committee to conduct a determination test or analyse particulars of the non-compliance to establish the facts and losses, if any, related to the transaction. The committee will then recommend appropriate action on each reported. The process is already implemented and underway, and Human Resource Labour Relation unit including Legal Service Cluster are currently dealing with the investigation of some of the cases which involves the officials and/ or service providers alleged to be committed irregular expenditure. Tangible measures and/or efforts will be determined at the end of the financial year during the audit process.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2765

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Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, with reference to reports that the Tembisa Hospital released its last two COVID-19 patients on 4 November 2021, his department has engaged with the management of the hospital to find out how they succeeded in treating patients with COVID-19 in order to adapt the strategy for other hospitals to implement it in their operations; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details?

Reply:

 

According to the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health,

  • The current Covid-19 guidelines were used in the treatment of patients who were admitted with Covid-19;
  • This period also coincided with the end of the 3rd wave;
  • There is a possibility that the community vaccination has had a positive impact on the number of people getting infected with Covid-10 and a decrease in the number of patients who needed admission.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2774

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Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Health

How ready is his department with reference to hospitals and clinics to accommodate the new cases of COVID-19 that are on the rise?

Reply:

 

The department is ready to accommodate the new cases of Covid-19 that are on the rise. All hospitals and clinics have been prepared for the fourth wave as follows:

Both hospitals and clinics have been allocated adequate resources such as beds, oxygen supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and respiratory support devices. The health care workers have also been allowed to take leave before the fourth wave.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2759

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Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

What is his department’s state of readiness to fight against the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Reply:

 

The department started planning for the fourth wave based on the experience from other countries and the advice from the scientists about the third wave. In this regard, the department worked with the provinces, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the scientists and all other stakeholders to prepare for this fourth wave. The preparations resulted in the development of the fourth wave resurgence plan for both National Department and the provinces. The planning covered various areas which are provided for in the original surge planning framework. This plan includes the following:

  • The number of beds that are available for admission of CoVid-19 patients
  • The number of respiratory support devices
  • The capacity and capacity of oxygen supply and reticulation including sustainable availability in the hospitals
  • Availability of the Human Resources by encouraging that those who were at the front line be allowed to take leave to recover from the pressure of the third wave.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2846

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Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to the transfer of early childhood development (ECD) centres to her department, her department will focus more on registering ECD centres that are currently unregistered; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; how does she intend to manage the perceptions in the sector that the transfer is going to result in more resources being directed to ECD centres; whether there has been any additional budget allocation for the purpose of the transfer of ECD centres to her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

 

  1. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is committed to creating an enabling registration process to facilitate the registration of more ECD programmes. To this end, the DBE has conducted the ECD Census to determine the number of unregistered ECD programmes and to identify areas that may require additional registration support. The Department has also held a broad stakeholder engagement session on 30 November 2021 to better understand the challenges in the registration process. It is recognised that there is a multitude of challenges facing ECD programmes in the registration process and the Department has been working alongside the Department of Social Development in the Second Children’s Amendment Bill to, among other things, address some of the challenges which arise from the legislation, regulations, norms and standards. Similarly, the Department is in the process of ensuring that an online registration capturing system is in place, come 01 April 2022, to streamline the back-end processes related to registration.
  2. The Department has been very clear in all communication to the sector that the function shift will not be resulting in additional resources to the sector. Supported by the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), the Department has held a series of stakeholder dialogues aimed at, among others, communicating facts about the function shift. Furthermore, the communication teams from both Departments, are working on a communication plan to ensure that this message is consistently communicated across all the provinces.
  3. The Department has had multiple meetings with the National Treasury to seek any additional funding for ECD. National Treasury has been clear that there will be no additional funding for the 2021/22 financial year, but that they have included ECD as a top priority in subsequent years. The Department will be working very closely with the National Treasury in the 2022/23 financial year to build a business case for additional funding. This business case will build on the evidence collected through the ECD Census (advocating for expanding access) and the Thrive by Five Index (proving the impact of the funding currently being spent). Integrating ECD into the Education Management Information System (EMIS) will further help with building credibility regarding the recipients of the subsidy.

20 December 2021 - NW2735

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Ms MD

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Whether his department has found that the series of outreaches under the banner of the Vooma Vaccination Weekend has been effective in getting persons, who would otherwise not vaccinate, to get vaccinated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

 

Three Vooma Weekends have been held, namely 3-5 October 2021, 12-14 November 2021 and 3-5 December 2021. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday is regarded as a “weekend”.

The impact of Vooma weekends (in increasing vaccinations) was independently evaluated by Genesis-Analytics.

Vooma I: 3-5 October 2021: A total of 372,252 vaccinations were conducted over the three day period, and this upward trend was sustained through the following week. The weekday average in the week following of 106,393 compared to average of 84,121 for weekdays in the previous 2 weeks (excluding the Heritage Day holiday).

Overall, Vooma achieved a 25% increase in first dose vaccinations compared to trends over the previous month. Excluding Friday (which is a normal weekday), the number of vaccinations over the weekend was 141% more than expected from 2-3 Oct. First dose vaccinations were 138% higher than expected.

Vooma II: 12-14 November 2021: A total of 263,564 vaccinations were conducted over the three day period. Excluding Friday (which is a normal weekday), the number of vaccinations over the weekend was 95% more than expected from 12-14 Nov. First dose vaccinations were 79% higher than expected and second dose vaccinations were 116% higher than expected.

Vooma III: 3-5 December 2021: Evaluation of this weekend is underway, but only a total of 227,490 vaccinations were recorded. This number excludes paper records still to be captured. Unfortunately rainy weather in most parts of the country reduced attendance.

Statistical analysis of the first Vooma weekend found that the strongest driver of vaccinations was the availability of open sites, which in turn requires staffing. The availability of funding for overtime payment of staff is a constraint in a number of provinces. In addition to site availability, this analysis showed that average vaccinations at sites were 34% higher, indicating that the support by political and other leaders as well as greater publicity has the effect of increasing vaccinations.

END.

20 December 2021 - NW2756

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Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Health

On what date is it envisaged that the community of Ward 11 in Moses Kotane Local Municipality will be provided with a mobile clinic, as members of the community are currently forced to travel a long distance to the Mogwase Community Health Clinic and to Ward 12?

Reply:

 

The community of Ward 11 in Moses Kotane Local Municipality is receiving Health Services through Mobile clinic two times a month (bi-weekly). The next visit was scheduled on the 10 December 2021. The clinic that normally serves ward 11 is Ramokokastad clinic, which is currently closed due to the destruction that was caused during the unrests in the village. This clinic will be re-opened at the end of March 2022, and this will improve access of services in the Ward.

END.

18 December 2021 - NW2781

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Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

Whether, with regard to the number of small-, medium- and micro enterprises (SMMEs) accessing procurement opportunities in government and corporates, and in light of the fact that the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) reports that clients are reluctant to provide information on contracts and procurement opportunities so accessed, Seda has tried to establish why clients are reluctant to provide information on contracts and procurement opportunities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures have been put in place for Seda to deal with this challenge?

Reply:

 

Clients associate disclosures of such information with tax information and obligations. They are never comfortable with disclosing information that may create an impression that they make a lot of money. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) has improved the Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) that Seda signs with clients when an intervention is awarded or provide support that Seda will pay for, to make it easier for the practitioners to get information for reporting.

MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

1

DSBD response to NA2781–NW3299E

18 December 2021 - NW2631

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Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

What (a) steps have been taken to assist small business owners in the informal sector, particularly the street vendors who play an important role in the economy, in the surrounding areas of eThekwini (details furnished), (b)(i) number of businesses from the specified areas have been assisted by her department thus far and (ii) businesses have been beneficiaries of her department?

Reply:

  1. The Informal and Micro Enterprises Development Programme (IMEDP) is a 100% grant offered to informal and micro enterprises from the minimum grant amount of five hundred rand (R500) up to the maximum of ten thousand rand (R10 000) to assist them in improving their competitiveness and sustainability. The Informal and Micro Enterprises Development Programme was espoused from the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS) that was developed in 2012 and 2013 to address the development void at the lower base of the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Development strategy. The NIBUS seeks to uplift informal businesses and render support to local chambers/business associations and municipal Local Economic Development offices to deliver and facilitate access to upliftment programmes. The focus is mainly on designated groups, i.e. women, youth and people with disabilities, in townships and rural areas of South Africa.

(b)(i) During the current financial year, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has assisted 83 informal business from eThekwini Municipality through the IMDEP programme. These informal businesses were mainly from Kwamashu. These IMEDP interventions assisted informal businesses with tool of trades depending on the business needs e.g, generators, baking ovens, catering equipment etc. The support provided by DSBD has managed to assist small businesses to compete with established business in terms of productivity, employment and to boost confidence to our beneficiaries.

The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) assisted with non-financial support and mentorship and post disbursement to measure impact on these businesses. The Department is also work closely with the Province, District, and municipalities to ensure that there is adequate support for small business.

The Department has further developed an informal Trader support programme which is aimed at supporting informal and micro businesses following the July 2021 unrest. In this programme each entrepreneur is provided with R3000 (once off grant) to help informal traders who lost their business after the unrest. This programme is currently ongoing and has received 7 410 applications across the country, with total disbursements made to 3 356 Informal Traders worth R10.07 million.

(b)(ii) The DSBD has assisted various businesses under the Township and rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP). TREP is made up of various interventions / schemes:

    • Spaza Shops and General Dealer Support Scheme
    • Clothing, Leather and Textile support Scheme
    • Tshisanyama and Cooked Food Scheme
    • Personal Care Scheme
    • Bakeries and Confectioneries
    • Autobody repairers and mechanics
    • Butcheries Support Programme

Further support has been provided under the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme (SEMSP), which is being implemented by the DSBD’s agency – Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa).

MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

18 December 2021 - NW2782

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Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

In light of the fact that the Small Enterprise Development Agency wants R221,4 million to be rolled over instead of the R217,5 million underspending, what (a) explanation was given in this regard and (b) was the outcome of the request for unspent funds to be rolled over?

Reply:

The underspending of R218 million resulted from expenditure budget of R990 million against the actual expenditure of R773 million and National Treasury approved the request.

  1. The R218 million was committed at year-end. Seda submitted the motivation to the National Treasury to retain these surplus funds. The explanation provided was based on the calculation that informed the surplus. The formula to calculate the surplus is based on the available cash (on the bank accounts) at year-end together with the amount due to Seda (account receivables), less the amount owed by Seda to suppliers (account payables) and lastly less commitments already made.
  2. The National Treasury approved Seda’s request, an amount of R294 million is available to be added on the expenditure budget of 2021/22.

MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

1

DSBD response to NA2782–NW3300E

17 December 2021 - NW2476

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Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development

What (a) number of early childhood development centres has her department funded in the past two financial years and (b) measures are in place to monitor how the centres spend the money?

Reply:

 

  1. Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres are funded by Provincial Departments of Social Development. Below is the breakdown of data supplied by provinces:

Province

Financial years

Number of ECD services

funded

EC

2019/20

2 562

 

2020/21

2 562

FS

2019/20

1 039

 

2020/21

1 064

GP

2019/20

1 509

 

2020/21

1 529

LP

2019/20

2 132

 

2020/21

2 124

MP

2019/20

1 017

 

2020/21

1 054

NC

2019/20

333

 

2020/21

320

NW

2019/20

520

 

2020/21

542

WC

2019/20

905

 

2020/21

935

  1. All provincial departments sign Service Level Agreements (SLA) with funded ECD centres. The SLA clearly states expected deliverables, financial reporting requirements and monitoring visits, amongst others. All funded ECD centres are required to comply with the norms and standards. The Department also conducts capacity building for ECD centres through the National Development Agency.

1

17 December 2021 - NW2747

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

With reference to the elephant guide who was tragically trampled by an elephant at Knysna Elephant Park at the end of October 2021, what (a) steps have been taken by her department to investigate how the tragedy came about. b) Are there protocols in place governing the interaction between wildlife guides and wildlife at privately owned game reserves?

Reply:

 

  1. The Knysna Elephant Park is privately owned and neither belongs to, nor is it managed by SANParks or the State. Therefore, the incident in question occurred in a private facility over which SANParks has no jurisdiction or control. SANParks manages the following parks in the Garden Route region: The Knysna National Park (with one remaining elephant), and the Tsitsikamma National Park and the Wilderness National Park – both Parks do not have any elephants.
  2. SANParks has a mandate to manage national parks. However, the conservation management of private nature reserves resides with the provincial entities, which in this case is Cape Nature. SANParks, therefore, has no role to ensure compliance on private nature reserves.

I suggest the Honourable Member approach Cape Nature through the relevant legislature for details on this case.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: 17 December 2021

16 December 2021 - NW2699

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Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

Whether her department has the capacity to conduct and/or roll out lifestyle audits in the various government departments; if not, on what dates are the lifestyle audits likely to be conducted and/or rolled out in the various government departments; if so, on what dates have the lifestyle audits been conducted and/or rolled out by her department in the various government departments;

Reply:

    1. The conducting and/or roll out of lifestyle audits are, in terms of regulation 22 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, the responsibility of departments. Within departments, ethics officers and investigators are required to perform the required stages of lifestyle audits (lifestyle review and lifestyle investigation). In terms of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, departments have to designate Ethics Officers to manage ethics, and in terms of the Minimum Anti-Corruption Requirements, departments have to investigators and a dedicated anti-corruption capacity. This is not a new requirement, so departments do have an established ethics management and anti-corruption capacity.

The Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU), in terms of Section 15 of the Public Administration Management Act, 2014, has the function to monitor the implementation of lifestyle audits. This Unit does not have an investigative mandate, so it will not conduct lifestyle audits.

Lifestyle audits became compulsory from 1 April 2021. To assist departments, the PDSA adopted a Guide on implementing lifestyle audits and started with awareness raising and the training of ethics officers.

Lifestyle audits could commence after Senior Management Members disclosed their financial interests in April (every year) on the eDisclosure system, and when the other designated categories did the same in June and July (of every year). The lifestyle audit process is dependent on the disclosure of financial interests on the eDisclosure system.

    1. The PAEIDTAU is not aware whether any Public Service employees have been subjected to lifestyle audits. Departments have until the end of March 2022 to conduct lifestyle audits for the current financial year.

End

The number of employees subjected to lifestyle audits and the outcomes of the process will only be known at the end of January 2022. In a Circular dated 25 October 2021 addressed to all departments and government components, departments were requested to provide feedback on their progress regarding the implementation of the Guide to the PAEIDTAU, by the end of January 2022.

14 December 2021 - NW2484

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Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

(1) What measures has her department taken to ensure a fair and equal representation of small businesses at the Intra-African Trade Fair 2021 (IATF 2021) which opened on Monday, 15 November 2021; (2) what measures did her department put in place to ensure that there is equal participation and representation of small businesses in the IATF 2021 from (a) rural areas and (b) townships; (3) in light of the selection criteria used in the selection of small businesses to participate in the IATF 2021, what major trends have been observed for small businesses that were not selected to participate?” NW2904E

Reply:

(1) The multi-sectoral SMMEs who participated at the Intra-African Trade Fair 2021 (IATF) 2021 were taken through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) Export Development Programme which focuses on among others, export information, assessment, support and market access opportunities. A call for applications was made via the Seda branch network located throughout the fifty-four (54) branch offices located throughout the nine (9) provinces of the Republic. It was also extended to the SMMEs that are participating in the DSBD’s localisation programme, provincial investment agencies and other institutions working in the SMME sector.

The identified SMMEs were assessed through a dedicated assessment tool called the Export, Readiness Assessment Tool (ERAT), to determine their export readiness. The SMMEs were then subjected to final adjudication. Qualifying SMMEs included those in the Craft Sector. All nine provinces were represented: Gauteng, Western Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North-West, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape.

Further to this, the Department also supported 45 SMMEs from the Craft Sector to exhibit at the Fair. Each province selected 10 enterprises that were presented to the National Craft and Design Body. Five enterprises per province were selected by the National Craft and Design Body on the basis of their products, capacity to deliver, colours and markets trends.

(2) A call for applications was made via the Seda branch network situated throughout the regional offices in all nine provinces and to the SMMEs that are participating in the DSBD portfolio’s Localisation programme, provincial investment agencies and other institutions working in the SME sector. These networks mentioned above include stakeholders such as municipalities that are situated in the rural and township areas.

The provincial hubs and agencies, which are key implementation partners of the DSBD, were requested to initiate a process of identifying craft SMMEs to be selected and screened from the DSBD e-commerce database called PEEK. A call for applications was also made through the Provincial Investment Agencies. This ensured representation from township and rural Craft SMMEs.

(3) Major trends observed were as follows:

3.1 Some SMMEs did not qualify as per the ERAT; and

3.2 The key areas in which the non-qualifying enterprises struggled with were Production and Markets/Marketing.

3.3 In terms of the Craft SMMEs, the following trends were observed:

3.3.1 Inconsistent product quality;

3.3.2 Lack of production capacity; and

3.3.3 Failure to differentiate between consumer and trade markets.

Non-qualifying enterprises are still supported through the Seda export development programme, with a number of interventions designed to improve their export readiness and the ability to therefore participate in market access events in the future.

MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

14 December 2021 - NW2502

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Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 152 on 7 April 2021 which revealed that over 35% of senior Public Service employees do not have the requisite qualifications for the positions they currently occupy, her department has conducted any investigation into how the specified employees were recruited and employed in the absence of the requisite qualifications; if not, why not; if so,

Reply:

  1. Subsequent to the reply to question 152 on 7 April 2021, a Circular HRD031 was sent to all Heads of Departments requesting them to verify the qualifications of their Senior Management Service (SMS) members and to update information on the PERSAL system. Verification of this information is done by departments.

As a results of information relayed in the Circular, the number of SMS members who do not have the requisite qualifications for the position they currently occupy, went down from 35% to 27.29 % by July 2021, and further to 26% by 31 October 2021. This is because, as stated before, there might be SMS members who do possess proper qualifications but such are not reflected on the PERSAL system.

  1. (a) & (b) Information received from departments pointed to the fact that Departments are not regularly information on PERSAL resulting in incomplete information. It was also revealed that some of the SMS members who were identified as not meeting minimum requirements became senior managers before the 2016 Public Service Regulations, as such they were complaint at the time of their joining the SMS.

The Circular to Heads of Departments to update PERSAL data has resulted in a steady improvement in capturing qualifications on the PERSAL system. At the moment there is no need identified to conduct any investigation into how the specified employees were recruited and employed at this stage.

The DPSA will continue to monitor the capturing of data on qualifications and such analysis will therefore inform a decision if any further investigations are warranted.

End

14 December 2021 - NW2783

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Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

What (a) are the details of the progress of the merger of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) and Cooperative Banks Development Agency (CBDA) into the Small Enterprise Development Agencyand (b) role has her department played in preparations for the merger?

Reply:

(a)&(b) On 4 August 2021 Cabinet approved the incorporation of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) and Cooperatives Banks Development Agency (CBDA) into the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to form a new entity that will be responsible for the provision of both financial and non-financial support to small enterprises throughout the entire business development lifecycle, with effect from 01 April 2022.

This will involve the conversion of Seda into a Schedule 2 Public Entity with the Minister of Small Business Development as its Executive Authority. The new entity will have both financial and non-financial small enterprise support functions. Both the conversion of Seda and the definition of the support functions will be done through an amendment of the National Small Enterprise Act. The Capacity Building function and the Central Support Services of the CBDA will also be transferred into the new entity.

Currently the Business Case, that includes the implementation plan with clear milestones and time frames, developed to guide the implementation of the merger is being finalised. Furthermore, we have established a Joint Oversight Forum which is chaired by Minister and comprises the Chairpersons of the three entities and the Executives. In line with the provisions of Section 16B of the National Small Business Amendment Act the Minister has consulted with the Executive Authorities of the designated institutions for incorporation into Seda which are the Minsters of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Finance.

We have also gazetted a notice of intention to incorporate institutions whose objectives and functions are similar into a single Agency (Seda). The process of appointing the Board of Directors, of the new Agency, has been initiated and the advertisement calling for nominations, will be published in a newspaper on 12 December 2021 with a closing date of 24 December 2021. The same advert will be placed on the DSBD, Seda and sefa websites, as well as social media pages.

The Department of Small Business Development has established the following workstreams comprising of sefa, Seda, IDC and CBDA plus organised labour:

  • Policy and Structural Reform: This team will be responsible for developing the enabling policy framework and legislation for the establishment of the Small Business Development Agency and the dissolution of the CBDA, Seda and sefa as separate, stand-alone entities.
  • Organisational Consolidation Team: This team will be responsible for developing and implementing the consolidation of the business and operations of the CBDA, Seda and sefa post-merger into one seamless business enterprise and designing and implementing the post-merger organisational chart.
  • Finance and Information Technology: This team will be responsible for developing and implementing the consolidated Information Technology and Finances of the CBDA, Seda and sefa post-merger.

On the 8th December 2021, the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, which Honourable Mthenjane is a member of, was provided with a detailed briefing on the processes towards the incorporation by DSBD and sefa, led by the Deputy Minister for Small Business Development.

MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

14 December 2021 - NW2681

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Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(a) To which position in Government has a certain person (name furnished) been employed and (b) what processes were followed in the employment of the specified person to the new position? NW3181E

Reply:

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) is not the employer of the individual. It is widely known that the individual was employed by the Presidency therefore the matter should be referred to the Presidency accordingly.

End

14 December 2021 - NW2598

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Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

Whether her department implemented the Pilot Administration Programme in KwaZulu-Natal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) will she provide Mr H C C Krüger with a report on the successes of the programme and (c) in which municipalities her department implemented it?”

Reply:

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) started implementing the Pilot Administration Programme (PASP) in KwaZulu-Natal during 2020/21 financial year. The PASP focused on institutionalising the best practises and learnings made in two seminal studies that were conducted. Two seminal projects on Ease of Doing Business in the country were implemented by the Global Indicators Group (Development Economics) of the World Bank Group in collaboration with the National Treasury of the Republic of South Africa, the then Department of Trade and Industry (currently the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition) and the South African Cities Network. The 2015 Ease of Doing Business study conducted in South Africa and the follow-up Ease of Doing Business (EODB) study conducted in 2018.

While Good practices have been found in these two studies, the potential for improvement through the emulation of good practices is limited by factors such as internal coordination between urban metropolitan areas, districts and within the local municipalities. Collaboration among the different levels of government (National, Metropolitan, District and Local Municipal) authorities is hampered by a lack of proper resource allocation.

The key focus of the PASP was to assess the following EODB/Red Tape Reduction (RTR) dimensions:

  1. Improving Municipal Service Delivery: Citizen Service Charters and Complaints Notification Systems (CNS).
  2. Improving Municipal-Business Communication and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
  3. Improving Municipal Policies, By-laws, and Regulations.
  4. Improving Supply Chain Management Processes.
  5. Speeding up Land Development Processes and Time Frames - Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA).
  6. Speeding up Building Plan Approval Processes and Time Frames.
  7. Better Management of Informal Trading.

In addition to the above mentioned areas of focus, the PASP is aligned with Government’s “One Plan” for one district and metro model and involves all relevant national, provincial and local government officials, including Provincial COGTA and SALGA, in its execution. It is also a multiyear programme that aims at provide critical synergies between us (DSBD) and the Sub National Ease of Doing Business programme of National Treasury, called the City Support Programme (CSP).

The implementation of the Programme is underway, as indicated that it is a multi-year initiative. During the current financial year, the following successes have been registered:

  • Comprehensive Red Tape Reduction Assessments were conducted with each of the three the participating Municipalities. Focus groups were conducted with small businesses in each municipality to “reality test” the information provided by each municipality, in terms of their red tape reduction activities. Compliance with the criteria for good practise as per the Red Tape Reduction Guidelines for Local Government, as well the verification of these efforts was also investigated. Functionality Scores for each of the seven red tape indicators were also computed, indicating the gap between each of the municipality’s red tape reduction efforts and their expected outcomes.
  • Scoping of the problem areas and performance cycles detected by the Red Tape Reduction Assessments were conducted. Action Plans for each of the seven indicators across the three participating municipalities were developed.
  • The Red Tape Reduction Assessment Results and Action Plans were shared with each of the three municipalities. Action Plan Registers were developed for each of the participating municipalities explaining the steps that they could follow to address the red tape problems detected. Municipalities were given the opportunity to report on which of the action plans they can implement given the fact that some of the are framed according to the immediate, short- and medium-term framework for implementation. The results of these engagements are being captured in a “Report on the Development of the proposed interventions based on the key problems identified through the municipal assessments”. This is in process.

During the last quarter of the current financial year (2021/22), the DSBD will be closely monitoring the implementation of the “action plans” by each of the participating municipalities. A “Report on Implementation of interventions and Monitoring of the performance outcomes of the interventions” will be compiled by the end of March 2022. Emerging best practises and lessons learned will be documented to be incorporated into the “One Plan” of a further five municipalities in the next financial year (2022/23) as well as another five of them in the final year of the current Medium Term Strategic Framework cycle (2023/24). This phased approach will allow for the learnings to be extrapolated to municipalities across the country, within the next three years through close collaboration with Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and South African Local Government Association (SALGA), our partners, using the District Development Model’s “One Plan” to embed these lessons into districts, across the country.

One of the successes that the Department is noting is how the programme is helping the participating municipalities realise the inter-connectedness and interdependencies between different components of local municipalities, for instance the coordination required in issue of a simple business license, between the health, fire and safety, and other forms of regulatory approvals involved in the issue of a business license. There are many centers of excellence that have also been detected across the municipalities assessed, but the administrative systems between most of them, lacks seamless administrative systems, which make for unnecessary delays, frustrations and cost burdens that small businesses have to carry. Red Tape Reduction truly does require a “whole of government approach” in order to be embedded into the fabric of good public administration.

The DSBD and Provincial Partners (Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs [EDTEA], COGTA and SALGA) are working in close collaboration with three (3) target municipalities which are committed to implementing red tape reduction measures. The three municipalities are Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality (Ugu District), the City of uMhlathuze Local Municipality (King Cetshwayo District) and Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality (Harry Gwala District).

MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

14 December 2021 - NW2393

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Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

(1)       Whether she communicates with small businesses to find ways of boosting their productivity given the devastating effects of Eskom’s power cuts on small businesses; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what (a) are the estimated losses that have been incurred by small businesses because of power cuts in 2021 and (b) intervention strategies has her department put in place to assist small businesses in this regard? NW2766E”

Reply:

(1) – (2) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has a mandate to lead and coordinate an integrated approach to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship, Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and Co-operatives, and to ensure an enabling legislative and policy environment to support their growth and sustainability. This includes ensuring that the SMMEs and Co-operatives are kept productive, not only during the periods of the unfortunate Eskom’s power cuts, but as a standard support provided by the Department to the SMMEs and Co-operatives.

The ongoing widespread rolling blackouts were not anticipated, however, through messaging and support to SMME’s in this regard, the department seeks to communicate to all SMME’s of the impact of power outages to their businesses and encourage them to employ contingency arrangements and planning in accordance with the ESKOM’s power alerts schedules on outages.

In so doing, SMME’s will experience minimum disruption through proper planning until the electricity crisis is resolved by ESKOM and respective supporting departments.

The department has not done an estimate as it has not engaged in an exercise of assessing the impact of power outages to the SMME’s. Further, power outages not only affect the economic sector alone but South African society as a whole and it is not clear from ESKOM, DPE and DME when these outages will end.

The Department has in earnest started considering green energy interventions, which will assist SMMEs and Co-operatives to stay abreast amidst the power cuts, thereby boosting their productivity and sustainability. A partnership has been formalised in this area of work with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and progress being made towards the implementation of the planned interventions is reported as part of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

The DSBD’s agency, sefa, has also prioritised green industries (renewable energy, waste, and recycling management) as one of the sectors that the agency funds for qualifying business ventures.

The Minister for Small Business Development launched the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) on 18 November 2021, which is a youth start-up programme co-designed by the DSBD and its entities, sefa and Seda to contribute towards resilient, green and inclusive economic recovery. One of the innovative sectors targeted as part of the YCF is the green economy – focusing on funding youth entrepreneurs that are in the business of energy, renewables and recycling.

Despite the constant communication with the SMMEs and Co-operatives, there has not been an indication, to DSBD, of the losses that they have incurred due to the Eskom’s power cuts. However, it is understood that small business owners do from time to time approach the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), as Eskom is DPE’s entity, with an indication of the loss they incurred due to the power cuts; and DPE, working with Eskom, assists those small business where possible. It should be emphasised that DSBD’s support of small businesses is not limited to challenges faced by SMMEs and Co-operatives due to power cuts, which will be addressed through the green energy initiatives outlined above, but it's a holistic support.

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

13 December 2021 - NW2685

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1). What (a) total number of sports facilities have been built by his department in the Northern Cape in the past five years and (b)(i) are the locations of the specified facilities and (c) at what cost have the facilities been built; (2). whether his department built any sport facilities in the Namaqua District; if not, why not; if so, what are the names of the towns in which the facilities were built? NW3197E

Reply:

The Department does not have a dedicated allocation within its own budget for the provision of Sports Facilities. This responsibility lies with the Local Government Sphere in terms of the Constitution. The Department however made vigorous representation to COGTA to ensure that the allocation for Sport and Recreation Infrastructure in MIG should be located within the budget in the Department responsible for Sport. COGTA however ring-fenced funding that the Department could allocate towards the construction of Sports Facilities.

1. Since the inception of the ring-fenced Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) in 2016/17, the Department used as a funding mechanism for development of sport facilities in municipalities. Fifteen (15) municipalities have been allocated in the Northern Cape Province, and their list with corresponding budgets is as follows:

No

LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

PROJECT NAME

YEAR OF PROJECT

BUDGET ALLOCATED

1

Khai Ma

Namakwa

Construction of a multi-purpose sport field in Poffader

2016/17

R8,000,000.00

2

Umsobomvu

Pixley ka Seme

construction of Noupoort Community Indoor Gym

2016/17

R6,500,000.00

3

Gamagara

Johnn Taolo Gatsewe

Contruction of Kathu multi-purpose sport facility

2016/17

2018/19

R10,000,000.00

R2,009,250.00

4

Hantam

Namakwa

Construction of Calvinia Sports field

2017/18

R6,866,588.00

5

Sol Plaaitjie

Francis Baard

Refurbishment of Galeshewe stadium

Construction of Florenville Swimming pool

Refurbishment of De Beers Stadium

2017/18

R6,866,588.00

(Co-funding)

6

Kamiesberg

Namakwa

Upgrading of Kharkama Sport Facility

2018/19

R4,370,000.00

7

Phokwane

Francis Baard

Construction of Ganspan Sports Complex

2018/19

R11,290,750.00

8

Gasegonyane

John Taole-Gaetsewe

Upgrading and Refurbishment of Mothibastad Sports Complex

2018/19

R10,545,000.00

9

Emthanjeni

Pixley Ka Seme

Upgrading of Khwezi Sport Grounds

2019/20

R11,941,000.00

10

Dawid Kruiper

ZF Mgcawu

The development of sports ground in Rosedale

2019/20

R9,000,000.00

11

Magareng

Francis Baard

Upgrading of Ikhutseng stadium

2019/20

R8,000,000.00

12

Renosterberg

Pixley Ka Seme

Upgrading of Vanderkloof Sport Facility.

2020/21

R 11,500,000.00

13

Thembelihle

Pixley Ka Seme

Development of Steynville Sport Facility

2020/21

R 11,500,000.00

14

Khei

ZF Mgcawu

Development of Grootdrink Sport Facility.

2020/21

R 9,330,000.00

15

Nama Khoi

Namakwa

Buffelrivier Sport Facility

2020/21

R 7,500,000.00

Noteworthy to also indicate that municipalities like Siyancuma and Kamiesberg in Pixley Ka Seme District and Namakwa District respectively were also allocated during initial years of the programme, but their projects were not registered due to certain MIG requirements and their allocation went back to Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and those allocations are not included in this count.

However, Kamiesberg was re-allocated in 2018/19 for Upgrading of Kharkama Sport Facility.

1. So far the Department has allocated projects in three Municipalities in Namakwa District; which are:

i) Kamiesberg – the facility built is Kharkama

ii) Khaima - allocation made for Pofadder but the Council decided to thinly spread the R 8 000 000 allocated among its three towns without consent from the Department, and this impacted negatively on deliverables.

iii) Hantam – allocation made for Calvinia sport facility but part of it was used for upgrades in Niewoudtville.

iv) Nama Khoi – the facility is built in Buffelrivier.

13 December 2021 - NW2520

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Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

a) What (i) are the reasons that the Liliesleaf Trust is the only heritage site that will be saved from closing down and (ii) (aa) other heritage sites are closing down, (bb) is their total number, (cc) are their names, (dd) is their location, (b) how did his department save the other heritage sites and (c) what plans does his department have to save all heritage sites from closing down?

Reply:

(a)(i). My Department has not received a request from the Liliesleaf management and Board of Trustees for assistance to prevent closure of the museum. The department will consider such a request when it is received.

(ii) (aa) The Department has not received notification of heritage sites closing down. It should be noted that Heritage sites in the country are managed at different spheres of Government while other heritage sites are managed as private heritage sites either through Trusts or foundations.

(bb). The Department is therefore not in a position to know the number of heritage sites that are closing down.

(cc) The Department is therefore not in a position to know the names of heritage sites that are closing down.

(dd) The Department is therefore not in a position to know the locations of heritage sites that are closing down.

b). The request for operational funding for the next three years by the Steve Biko Museum is being considered by the Department. The three requests received for operational funding through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package has been funded.

c) The Department has been affected by budget cuts due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Some of the funds had to be redirected towards the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP), which is designed to support a spectrum of opportunities, focusing on job creation through public employment; on job retention in vulnerable sectors; on direct support to livelihood strategies; as well as on fast-tracking high-impact employment enablers. The PESP programme has already been implemented but the department will consider how best to assist heritage sites facing closure when such a request is received.

13 December 2021 - NW2602

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Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)What are the reasons that a means test is used to determine rights to a disability grant (details furnished); (2) whether she has found that Foster Care Grants should be subject to a means test like the disability grants; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date will she introduce it?

Reply:

1. In terms of section 27 of our constitution, everyone is guaranteed the right of access to Social Security and “if needed”, social assistance. By its nature, social assistance in the form of social grants are only provided to those with low or no incomes to supplement their income. Hence, all the social grants, including the disability grant, are means tested on income; and in the case of grants for adults, on assets as well.

2. The Foster Child Grant (FCG) is slightly different from the other grants. In the case of foster care, the child is removed from their parent(s) or guardian(s) by the state and consequently is under the legal custody of the state. The maintenance of the child is thus the responsibility of the state. The state partners either with child care homes or individuals to assist, on temporary basis, with the care and protection of children in its custody, for which it provides either a subsidy (in the case of children’s homes) or a grant (in the case of person(s)

13 December 2021 - NW2569

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

With reference to the National Sports Federation (NSF) receiving its grant from his department, (a) on what date is it envisaged that the NSF will receive the allocation letters for the 2021-22 financial year, (b) what are the reasons that the grant allocation for the 2020-21 financial year has still not been paid out and (c) by what final date is it envisaged that all federations will have received their full payment of the grant from his department?

Reply:

The status remains the same as indicated to the response to question 2511. Delete the rest.

13 December 2021 - NW2521

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Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether her department received any funding from any external sources to assist with the aftermath of the KwaZulu-Natal riots that took place in July 2021; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what amount, (b) from which (i) country and/or (ii) entity and (c) what (i) was funding used for and/or (ii) will it be used for?

Reply:

No.

(a),(b)(i)(ii),(c)(i)(ii) Falls away.

13 December 2021 - NW2650

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Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

With regard to the allegations that Cricket South Africa has on numerous occasions been racially profiling its members, what steps are being taken to compensate and rehabilitate players affected by racial profiling?

Reply:

During June/July 2020, noting the developments in the country with the Black Lives Matter (#BLM) campaign lead taken by National Cricket player Lungi Ngidi. That triggered many allegations of racial discrimination in cricket from other former Cricket Players like Makhaya Ntini, Ashwell Prince and others, the Minister convened a meeting with sports persons who indicated their experiences of racism.

The Minister communicated with Cricket SA (CSA) to ascertain how Cricket was dealing with the matter.

Cricket South Africa responded to indicate that they developed the Integrated Transformation Strategy that was meant to ensure that players and stakeholders (including staff and fans) could raise their complaints and pro-actively address the scourge of racism and discrimination within their ranks. The Board’s intention was to deal with all matters of discrimination, racism, and privilege in cricket in general.


They indicated that in August 2020 the CSA Board approved the Cricket for Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) Concept proposed by the Transformation Committee.

The concept included the establishment of the Office of the Transformation Ombudsman, whose core function was to manage an independent complaints system, to deal with the complaints received from the ex-players and coaches, and any stakeholder in Cricket and convene National SJN hearings. The Office of the Transformation Ombudsman is a separate entity within CSA, with powers to make recommendations to the Board and is funded by the CSA.

Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza was appointed as the Ombudsman of the Cricket for Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) project. Hearings were held from 20 July 2021 to 29 October 2021.

According to CSA, the report from this independent panel is expected by 10 December 20201.CSA will then consider the recommendations on all matters that stems from this report

13 December 2021 - NW2542

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

What are the reasons that he does not allocate funding to independent institutions that urgently require it under the Culture Promotion Act, Act 35 of 1983, which gives him the power and discretion to provide funding to independent institutions, which meet the goals, objectives and vision of his department without the National Treasury approval?

Reply:

The Minister through the Departmental National Agencies i.e. NAC, NHC, NFVF provides funding support to all kinds of entities and arts practitioners within the specific promulgated Acts governing these the Cultural and Creative Industries in the country. These funding opportunities led by the Departmental Agencies are open to all role-players within the creative and cultural industries including the independent entities as long as they are compliant with the pronounced funding prescripts.

13 December 2021 - NW2553

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Malomane, Ms VP to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Noting that numerous sporting bodies have been experiencing transformation and governance challenges which have a negative impact on the different sporting codes and that his department has been intervening in various sporting bodies, what has been the outcomes in building and strengthening sporting bodies such as (a) the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and (b) other sporting bodies?

Reply:

Government, in terms of the National Sport and Recreation Act intervenes in the governance matters of sport when sports organisations themselves have had an opportunity to deal with whatever governance problems they encounter.

(a). With regard to SASCOC itself, the Department appointed a Task Team to help ensure that the recommendations of the Zulman Committee of Enquiry on governance are being implemented. Indeed, a final meeting is being planned on the matter between SASCOC and the Department.

Our agreement with SASCOC is that they first deal with challenges within National Federations on their own, before escalating them to the Department should they fail to resolves the issues. The Department is limited in its capacity and authority to deal with the matter directly.

(b). Several incidents relating to governance like in Basketball South Africa, have indeed brought to the attention of the Minister. The Minister has advised SASCOC to deal with the issues. A steering committee between SASCOC, DSAC and Basketball South Africa was set up that finalised a roadmap towards the successful Annual General meeting that ushered in new Provincial Affiliates and a new National Executive Committee.

In some cases, like in Cricket SA Minister has had to deal with them from his office and to that end, a new Board is in place based on the Nicholson Committee of Enquiry recommendations, and the organisation is now on an upward trajectory.

With regard to Transformation, a Transformation Commission, known as the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), is already in place, which developed the requisite templates to track progress in transformation and ensures that these are completed annually with recommendations being sent to the Minister for possible action.

National Federations that do not meet their own self-set transformation targets are liable to a range of penalties that are applied at the discretion of the Minister.

In terms of MOAs between DSAC (former SRSA), SASCOC and the 19 audited national federations in relation to the transformation of their respective sport, SASCOC has to assist DSAC in the proper implementation and execution of the project by the national federation. They have to further assist DSAC to coordinate and give effect to the satisfactory and proper implementation and execution of the EPG Audit Report and the undertakings by the national federation as and when required by DSAC in writing.

13 December 2021 - NW2686

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1).Whether any libraries have been built by his department in the Northern Cape in the past five years; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the locations of the specified libraries and (b) at what cost; (2). whether the libraries are operational; if not, why not; if so, are they connected with Wi-Fi; (3). what (a) total number of libraries in the Northern Cape, and with specific referral to the Namaqua District, has been identified by his department as not able to function, because of (i) personnel shortages and (ii) a lack of budget and (b) are the names of the towns in which such libraries are located; (4). (a) what is his department’s budget allocation towards building new libraries in the Republic in the 2019-20 financial year and (b) at which locations in the Republic does his department intend to build libraries?

Reply:

1. A total number of sixteen (16) new libraries were built in the Northern Cape Province in the past five years. The (a) location and (b) costs of the libraries are as follows:

NO.

NAME

LOCATION

MUNICIPALITY

TOWN

COST

1.

Afrika Gaenakgang Library

Tsineng

Joe Morolong

Kuruman

R6 200 000

2.

Ester Molete Library

Churchill

Joe Morolong

Kuruman

R20 900 000

3.

Moeshoeu Piet Melamu Library

Logaganeng

Joe Morolong

Kuruman

R4 300 000

4.

M S Kitchin Library

Kuruman

Gasegonyana

Kuruman

R29 000 000

5.

Ritchie Library

Ritchie

Sol Plaatje

Ritchie

R5 700 000

6.

Greenpoint Library

Greenpoint

Sol Plaatje

Kimberley

R17 300 000

7.

H O Kgadiete Library

Warrenton

Magareng

Warrenton

R4 700 000

8.

Izak September Library

Petrusville

Renosterberg

Petrusville

R7 600 000

9.

Kamasies Library

Kamasies

Kamiesberg

Springbok

R4 300 000

10.

Sisonke Library

Carolusberg

Nama Khoi

Springbok

R6 800 000

11.

Anna Kamfer Library

Askham

Dawid Kruiper

Upington

R4 300 000

12.

Jacky Greef Library

Louisvale

Dawid Kruiper

Upington

R4 500 000

13.

Sandile Present Library

Upington

Dawid Kruiper

Upington

R37 200 000

14.

Homevale Library

Homevale

Sol Plaatje

Kimberley

R2 800 000

15.

Hector Peterson Library

Novalspont

Umsobomvu

Colesberg

R2 600 000

16.

Noxolo Mpinda Library

Noupoort

Umsobomvu

Colesberg

R4 200 000

 

2. The libraries are operational and have internet connection. However, it must be noted some libraries may be occasionally closed due to COVID compliance.

3. There are (a) 218 libraries in the Northern Cape, 50 are located in the Namaqua District, (i) no library has personnel shortages and (ii) no library has a lack of budget.

4. (a) The Department’s budget allocation towards building new libraries in the Republic in the 2019-20 financial year was R317 307 million provided from the community library conditional grant and (b) twenty-six (26) new libraries are intended to be built as follows in the Republic:

NO.

NAME

LOCATION

MUNICIPALITY

1.

Cookhouse Library

Eastern Cape

Sarah Baartman: Blue Crane Route Local Municipality

2.

Mango Modular Library

Eastern Cape

Alfred Nzo: Umzimvubu Local Municipality

3.

Van Stadenrus Library

Free State

‎Xhariep‎ District: Naledi Local Municipality

4.

Zuurbekom Library

Gauteng

‎Westonaria District: ‎West Rand Municipality

5.

Kocksoord Library

Gauteng

West Rand District: Randfontein Municipality

6.

Mullerstein Library

Gauteng

Sedibeng District: Emfuleni Local Municipality

7.

Dukuduku Library

KwaZulu-Natal

Umkhanyakude District: Mtubatuba Local Municipality

8.

KwaMdakane Library

KwaZulu-Natal

Amajuba District: Dannhauser Local Municipality

9.

Nquthu Library

KwaZulu-Natal

Umzinyathi District: Nquthu Local Municipality

10.

Endaleni Library

KwaZulu-Natal

Umgungundlovu District: Richmond Local Municipality

11.

KwaDlangezwa Library

KwaZulu-Natal

Uthungulu District: Umhlathuze Local Municipality

12.

Umzumbe Library

KwaZulu-Natal

Ugu District: Umzumbe Local Municipality

13.

Sankotshe Modular Library

KwaZulu-Natal

Ethekwini Metro

14.

Seleteng Library

Limpopo

Capricorn District: Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality

15.

Mavalani Library

Limpopo

Mopani District: Greater Giyani Local Municipality

16.

Botshabelo Library

Limpopo

Mopani District:

17.

Vleifontein Library

Limpopo

Vhembe District: Makhado Local Municipality

18.

Tshaulu Library

Limpopo

Vhembe District: Thulamela Local Municipality

19.

Newtown Library

Mpumalanga

Nkangala District: Steve Tshwete Local Municipality

20.

Schoemansdal Library

Mpumalanga

Ehlanzeni District: Nkomazi Local Municipality

21.

Provincial Depot Library

Northern Cape

Francis Baard District: Sol Plaatjie Municipality

22.

Lethabong Library

North West

Bojanala District: Rustenburg Local Municipality

23.

Dinokana Library

North West

Ngaka Modiri Molema District: Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality

24.

Moshana Modular Library

North West

Ngaka Modiri Molema District: Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality

25.

Wolmaranstad ext 15 Library

North West

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District: Maquassi Hills Local Municipality

26.

Bereaville Modular Library

Western Cape

Overberg District: Theewaterskloof Municipality

13 December 2021 - NW2627

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Whether, in light of the eviction of traditional healers from the Motouleng Caves in 2020, where farm owners and private land owners blocked black persons from accessing caves and other historically spiritual places on the basis that the caves were on private property, his department is considering to declare such areas as heritage sites that can be accessed by our people; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the progress made in that regard?

Reply:

The honorable member should note that the site is privately owned, although the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Free State Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (FSPHRA) can declare the sites at provincial or national level, the owner reserves the right to admission.

It is our considered view that a negotiated Management Conservation Management Plan (CMP) can aid an amicable agreement. The site is nominated and served at the Free State Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (FSPHRA) grading and declaration committee.

  • The Committee considered giving this site a Grade II status due to its importance to people in the Free State and recommend that an application be submitted to South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) for Grade I due to the site’s national significance.
  • The FSPHRA is will meet with Setsoto Municipality to discuss and to map a way forward regarding the protection of the site.

13 December 2021 - NW2532

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)With reference to COVID-19 relief funding via the Tourism Relief Fund, what (a) processes, procedures and controls are in place to investigate and criminally charge officials who processed non-qualifying beneficiaries who applied for the fund and (b) are the timelines, time frames and deadlines in this regard respectively; (2) what total (a) number of beneficiaries and (b) amount was paid to each (i) SA Social Security Agency grant beneficiary, (ii) Unemployment Insurance Fund beneficiary, (iii) deceased person, (iv) person in the employ of the State in any capacity, (v) person with invalid identity numbers and (vi) person with incorrect identity numbers?

Reply:

1. The Department will conduct an independent investigation into the double payment to one beneficiary. This is scheduled to conclude by end of April 2022.

2. Only (iv) person in the employ of the State in any capacity, is applicable as part of the findings related to Tourism Relief Fund (TRF). The Department is liaising with the Accounting Officers of the Directors/Owners of such beneficiary businesses to establish whether they had permission to conduct business. This is scheduled to conclude in March 2022 and the outcome will guide the department’s actions.

13 December 2021 - NW2727

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1). Whether he will provide Mr T W Mhlongo with a list of all forensic investigation cases undertaken in his department over the past three years, indicating the (a) cost of each investigation and (b) outcome and/or status of each investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2). whether he will provide Mr T W Mhlongo with (a) a list of all court cases that have been brought by the arts sector against (i) his department and (ii) the entities reporting to him and (b) the reasons for each of the cases; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) &(2). Yes, I will provide Mr.Mhlongo with the required information, see attached documents

CASES BY ARTS SECTOR

REASON FOR EACH CASE

Timbila TA Afrika // Minister of Arts and Culture

The matter emanates from the contract MOA between the Department and Limpopo Arts and Culture Youth Forum in August 2018. The plaintiff was contracted by the Beneficiary to supply the sound system, jumping castles and security.

Golola Consultancy (Pty) Ltd // Department of Arts and Culture

Department awarded a tender on 06 July 2004 to a consortium of which Golola (Pty) Ltd was a member. The tender was for the rendering of professional and technical services to the department regarding the project known as Telephone Interpreting Services of South Africa (TISSA). Golola Consultancy is suing the Minister of Arts and Culture for the alleged outstanding invoices for the services rendered in 2005.

The Plaintiff withdrew the matter and tendered wasted costs and party costs.

The Department is recovering the wasted cost

Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) // South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) & Others wherein the DAC has been joined as a third party

This matter concerns a 2005 lawsuit wherein the GEPF is suing the SABC for payment of arrear rental (including damages) owed by the former Bophuthatswana (BOP) Broadcasting Corporation (now part of the SABC). The lease was for a period of 20 years starting on 1/12/91 and terminating on 30/11/11. It is alleged that the National Government through the Department of Communications and the former DACST were obliged to implement Cabinet Resolutions relating to the settlement of this intergovernmental dispute. Cabinet has in fact instructed DOC and DAC to establish an adjudication and evaluation panel to ensure the protection of fiduciary duties of stakeholders and government objective to empower, support and promote SA music content

Outlook Security Services and Cleaning and Mr Collins Mabaso

The Department received copies of the pleadings from the Acting CEO of Downtown Music Hub who are the First and Second defendants in this matter and the Department and the DG Mr Mkhize are cited as the Third and Forth Defendants. Plaintiffs are suing the Defendants for the alleged breach of the security contract and claims damages in the sum of R758 000

Trade Union for Musician of South Africa (TUMSA) // Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Equality Court matter- TUMSA alleges that the criteria for the covid-19 relief funding unfairly discriminates against its members-a social group of musicians who have suffered financial prejudice

Guild of Choral and Indigenous Music Practitioners NPC and Thomas Kolo // Minister of Arts and Culture and Others

The Plaintiff/s brought an action against the Department alleging that the Department failed to pay the amount agreed to as per the Memorandum of Agreement

   

University of KwaZulu Natal // Minister of Sports Art and Culture

The Plaintiff has issued summons against the Minister for breach of contract

CASES BY PUBLIC ENTITIES

RESON FOR EACH CASE

Zixolisile Feni // Minister of Arts and Culture and PanSALB

Review Application launched on 09/11/2012 at the North Gauteng High Court

The Applicant, Mr. Feni is a former employee of the PanSALB who is challenging the Ministers authority and power to appoint a Caretaker CEO of PanSALB and ultimately the decisions taken by the Caretaker CEO who is alleged not to have been appointed in compliance with the legislation.

Karabo Mbele & 17 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture, Case Number: 50349/15

High Court, PTA

Applicants (Former employees of PanSALB) instituted an application against the Minister of Arts & Culture and Others for amongst other things, to initiate an investigation to determine the fitness and suitability/ dissolution of all members of the PanSALB Board

Karabo Mbele & 20 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture, Case Number: J823/15

Labour Court , Braamfontein

The Applicants (Former employees of PanSALB) instituted an application against the Minister of Arts & Culture and Others for amongst other things, to declare as unlawful and setting aside the appointment of the Second respondent as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Third Respondent(PanSALB) and directing the Second and Fourth Respondents to immediately retrospectively reinstate the Applicants.

Mbulungeni Madiba and 9 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture and 2 Others

Former Board of PanSALB is challenging the Minister’s decision to dissolve the Board of PanSALB

TN Monyela // Ditsong Museum of South Africa and the Minister of Arts and Culture

The Plaintiff, a Director at Ditsong Museum of South Africa is suing the Ditsong Museum and the Minister of Arts and Culture for damages

Atlantis Corporate Travel (Pty) Ltd // National Heritage Council (NHC) and Another

Atlantis has sued the National Heritage Council for breach of contract.

RRM Monareng // the Minister of Arts and Culture and Pan South African Language Board

The Applicant is challenging the Minister’s decision to discipline him as the CEO of PANSALB in the absence of the Board of PanSALB –

Johannesburg Labour Court.

B.D Mabasa // National Library of South Africa and Others

Case No: 22483/19

The Plaintiff claims that the Defendants breach the conditions of the Settlement Agreement between the him and the First Defendant (NLSA) when the First Defendant made statements in Parliament regarding the Defendant’s case and alleges that those statements were misleading and made with intention to injure the Plaintiff’s professional

reputation

The National Arts Council of South Africa // The Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture and 4 Others

The Applicant brought an application to review and set aside the Public Protector’s report No. 125 of 2019/2020 dated 15 June 2020, its findings and the recommendations arising therefrom. There is no relief sought against the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture

Classic Arms (Pty) Limited // The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and 3 Others

The Applicant brought an application declaring the decision of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) dated 14 October 2020 invalid and setting aside the decision to stop the processing of Section 32(9) permits for heritage firearms. An order ordering The National Commissioner of the South African Police Services to process permanent export applications for firearms that require Section 32(19) permits in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999

Asstej SA and Others // National Arts Council and Others

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the High Court Western Cape Division as a Second and Third Respondents for an urgent application in reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent that is National Arts Council (“NAC”), its executive council, or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilateral reducing the amounts to be paid to the First, Second and Third Applicants in accordance with the Grant Agreement concluded between the NAC and Applicants, for payment of amounts under Presidential Employment Stimulus Package.

National Arts Festival vs National Arts Council and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the High Court of SA Gauteng Local Division as Second and Third Respondents for an urgent application in reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent that is National Arts Council (”NAC”), its executive council or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilateral reducing the amounts to be paid to the first applicants in accordance with the Grant Agreement concluded between the NAC and applicant, for payment of amounts under Presidential Employment Stimulus Package.

The NAF is claiming R8, 000, 000.00 from the NAC

The Applicant lodged an appeal with the Minister on 12 March 2021 to set aside the decision taken by the NAC.

Sonwabile Mancontywa // Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and National Heritage Council

The applicant brought an urgent application amongst others to declare that the Minister lacked the authority and acted ultra vires in the appointment of the administrators for the Second Respondent

VR Theatrical (Pty) Ltd and Another // National Arts Council (NAC) and Others

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the Western Cape Division, Cape Town as Second and Third Respondents for an application amongst others reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent (the NAC), its executive council, or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilaterally reduce amounts to be paid to the applicants in accordance with Grant Agreements concluded between the NAC and the applicants, for payment of amounts under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (the “Grant Agreements”).

The table below provide a summary of legal cases against public entities

NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL

PARTIES

DESCRIPTION OF THE MATTER

STATUS OF MATTER

QUANTUM CLAIMED

NAC // National Arts Festival NPC (NAF) Gauteng Local Division

Case no.: 14206/2021

High court application in terms of which the NAF sought an order declaring that the terms of the grant agreement concluded on 28.01.2021 remain in force and are binding on the NAC in particular that the NAF be entitled to grant amount of R8 000 000.00 and directing that the NAC make forthwith payment to the NAF in the amount of R5 600 000.00.

Application for special leave was dismissed by the SCA with costs.

The original claim was for R8 000.000.00 of which

R3 486 400.00 has already been paid per judgment of Wepener J, balance owing in terms of judgment is R4 513 600.00 of which

R3 000 000.00 was paid on 18.10.2021 and the balance is to be paid on 15.12.2021. bills of costs are to be prepared which will either be taxed or agreed upon to

determine the quantum of costs.

NAC/ ASSITEJ & 2 others Western Cape (CT)

Case no.: 5380/2021

High court application in terms of which ASSITEJ seek an order

reviewing the NAC’s decision to reduce the amount to be paid to the applicants in accordance with the grant agreements concluded between them and the NAC; directing the NAC to abide by the grant agreements and to pay the

applicants the sum of R269 810.00

The NAC has filed its answering affidavit to the claim and awaits confirmation of the allocation of a court date. The factual matrix of this matter is substantially to that in the NAF case and the outcome in that case although not binding on the court in a different jurisdiction will have

significant persuasive influence.

Total combined claim is

R269 810.00 plus costs.

NAC/ Schoeman Smit

High court application (combined with VR Theatrical) in terms of which an order reviewing the NAC’s decision to reduce the amount to be paid to the applicants in

accordance with the grant agreements concluded between

Application

Claim R200 000.00.

NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL

PARTIES

DESCRIPTION OF THE MATTER

STATUS OF MATTER

QUANTUM CLAIMED

 

them and the nac; directing the nac to abide by the grant agreements.

   

NAC/ VR Theatrical

High court application (combined with smit) in terms of which an

order reviewing the NAC’s decision to reduce the amount to be paid to the applicants in accordance with the grant agreements concluded between them and the NAC; directing the NAC to abide by the

grant agreements.

 

Claim R389 840.00

Downtown Music Hub // NAC gauteng local division

case no.: 39800/2021

High court application in terms of which downtown seek relief on the basis that the NAC provide downtown with a contract for the approved stream 1 relief and pursuant thereto that the NAC pay downtown an amount of

R8 289 493.00

Answering affidavit filed on 15.10.2021. await applicant’s replying affidavit.

Claim per nom is R8 289 493.00.

NATIONAL FILM AND VIDEO FOUNDATION

PARTIES

DESCRIPTION OF THE MATTER

STATUS OF MATTER

QUANTUM CLAIMED

Golden Nugget / NFVF

On 05 March 2020, the NFVF entered into a service level agreement with Golden Nugget for the latter to source sponsorships and assist the former with the production of the 14th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) as a project manager. The SAFTAs were scheduled to take place on 27 and 28 March 2020 at the Sandton Convention Centre, with the production cost funded from the sourced funds by the service provider as sponsorship. On 12 March 2020, the NFVF received a letter from the service provider requesting an advance of R2 645 000.00 against Purchase Orders received from prospective sponsors. The NFVF agreed to advance the funds upon the conclusion of an addendum to the service level agreement and on the premise that the NFVF will not incur production costs. When awards were cancelled Golden nuggets returned only R1 150 000. NFVF withheld the commission in lieu of monies owed. The service provider then instituted legal claim against the NFVF for general damages and loss of income.

The Matter has gone for pre-trial, however NFVF still hope to settle the matter through mediation and arbitration.

R 31 009 018

IZIKO MUSUEMS OF SOUTH AFRICA

PARTIES

DESCRIPTION OF THE MATTER

STATUS OF MATTER

QUANTUM CLAIMED

Iziko

Alleged copyright infringement relating to an image use of an individual used on a poster by Iziko

Case not pursued since no further correspondence has been received from the claimant

Unknown

(2) Whether he will provide Mr T W Mhlongo with (a) a list of all court cases that have been brought by the arts sector against (i) his department and (ii) the entities reporting to him and (b) the reasons for each of the cases; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

CASES BY ARTS SECTOR

REASON FOR EACH CASE

Timbila TA Afrika // Minister of Arts and Culture

The matter emanates from the contract MOA between the Department and Limpopo Arts and Culture Youth Forum in August 2018. The plaintiff was contracted by the Beneficiary to supply the sound system, jumping castles and security.

Golola Consultancy (Pty) Ltd // Department of Arts and Culture

Department awarded a tender on 06 July 2004 to a consortium of which Golola (Pty) Ltd was a member. The tender was for the rendering of professional and technical services to the department regarding the project known as Telephone Interpreting Services of South Africa (TISSA). Golola Consultancy is suing the Minister of Arts and Culture for the alleged outstanding invoices for the services rendered in 2005.

The Plaintiff withdrew the matter and tendered wasted costs and party costs.

The Department is recovering the wasted cost

Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) // South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) & Others wherein the DAC has been joined as a third party

This matter concerns a 2005 lawsuit wherein the GEPF is suing the SABC for payment of arrear rental (including damages) owed by the former Bophuthatswana (BOP) Broadcasting Corporation (now part of the SABC). The lease was for a period of 20 years starting on 1/12/91 and terminating on 30/11/11. It is alleged that the National Government through the Department of Communications and the former DACST were obliged to implement Cabinet Resolutions relating to the settlement of this intergovernmental dispute. Cabinet has in fact instructed DOC and DAC to establish an adjudication and evaluation panel to ensure the protection of fiduciary duties of stakeholders and government objective to empower, support and promote SA music content

Outlook Security Services and Cleaning and Mr Collins Mabaso

The Department received copies of the pleadings from the Acting CEO of Downtown Music Hub who are the First and Second defendants in this matter and the Department and the DG Mr Mkhize are cited as the Third and Forth Defendants. Plaintiffs are suing the Defendants for the alleged breach of the security contract and claims damages in the sum of R758 000

Trade Union for Musician of South Africa (TUMSA) // Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Equality Court matter- TUMSA alleges that the criteria for the covid-19 relief funding unfairly discriminates against its members-a social group of musicians who have suffered financial prejudice

Guild of Choral and Indigenous Music Practitioners NPC and Thomas Kolo // Minister of Arts and Culture and Others

The Plaintiff/s brought an action against the Department alleging that the Department failed to pay the amount agreed to as per the Memorandum of Agreement

   

University of KwaZulu Natal // Minister of Sports Art and Culture

The Plaintiff has issued summons against the Minister for breach of contract

CASES BY PUBLIC ENTITIES

RESON FOR EACH CASE

Zixolisile Feni // Minister of Arts and Culture and PanSALB

Review Application launched on 09/11/2012 at the North Gauteng High Court

The Applicant, Mr. Feni is a former employee of the PanSALB who is challenging the Ministers authority and power to appoint a Caretaker CEO of PanSALB and ultimately the decisions taken by the Caretaker CEO who is alleged not to have been appointed in compliance with the legislation.

Karabo Mbele & 17 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture, Case Number: 50349/15

High Court, PTA

Applicants (Former employees of PanSALB) instituted an application against the Minister of Arts & Culture and Others for amongst other things, to initiate an investigation to determine the fitness and suitability/ dissolution of all members of the PanSALB Board

Karabo Mbele & 20 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture, Case Number: J823/15

Labour Court , Braamfontein

The Applicants (Former employees of PanSALB) instituted an application against the Minister of Arts & Culture and Others for amongst other things, to declare as unlawful and setting aside the appointment of the Second respondent as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Third Respondent(PanSALB) and directing the Second and Fourth Respondents to immediately retrospectively reinstate the Applicants.

Mbulungeni Madiba and 9 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture and 2 Others

Former Board of PanSALB is challenging the Minister’s decision to dissolve the Board of PanSALB

TN Monyela // Ditsong Museum of South Africa and the Minister of Arts and Culture

The Plaintiff, a Director at Ditsong Museum of South Africa is suing the Ditsong Museum and the Minister of Arts and Culture for damages

Atlantis Corporate Travel (Pty) Ltd // National Heritage Council (NHC) and Another

Atlantis has sued the National Heritage Council for breach of contract.

RRM Monareng // the Minister of Arts and Culture and Pan South African Language Board

The Applicant is challenging the Minister’s decision to discipline him as the CEO of PANSALB in the absence of the Board of PanSALB –

Johannesburg Labour Court.

B.D Mabasa // National Library of South Africa and Others

Case No: 22483/19

The Plaintiff claims that the Defendants breach the conditions of the Settlement Agreement between the him and the First Defendant (NLSA) when the First Defendant made statements in Parliament regarding the Defendant’s case and alleges that those statements were misleading and made with intention to injure the Plaintiff’s professional

reputation

The National Arts Council of South Africa // The Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture and 4 Others

The Applicant brought an application to review and set aside the Public Protector’s report No. 125 of 2019/2020 dated 15 June 2020, its findings and the recommendations arising therefrom. There is no relief sought against the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture

Classic Arms (Pty) Limited // The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and 3 Others

The Applicant brought an application declaring the decision of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) dated 14 October 2020 invalid and setting aside the decision to stop the processing of Section 32(9) permits for heritage firearms. An order ordering The National Commissioner of the South African Police Services to process permanent export applications for firearms that require Section 32(19) permits in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999

Asstej SA and Others // National Arts Council and Others

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the High Court Western Cape Division as a Second and Third Respondents for an urgent application in reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent that is National Arts Council (“NAC”), its executive council, or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilateral reducing the amounts to be paid to the First, Second and Third Applicants in accordance with the Grant Agreement concluded between the NAC and Applicants, for payment of amounts under Presidential Employment Stimulus Package.

National Arts Festival vs National Arts Council and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the High Court of SA Gauteng Local Division as Second and Third Respondents for an urgent application in reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent that is National Arts Council (”NAC”), its executive council or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilateral reducing the amounts to be paid to the first applicants in accordance with the Grant Agreement concluded between the NAC and applicant, for payment of amounts under Presidential Employment Stimulus Package.

The NAF is claiming R8, 000, 000.00 from the NAC

The Applicant lodged an appeal with the Minister on 12 March 2021 to set aside the decision taken by the NAC.

Sonwabile Mancontywa // Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and National Heritage Council

The applicant brought an urgent application amongst others to declare that the Minister lacked the authority and acted ultra vires in the appointment of the administrators for the Second Respondent

VR Theatrical (Pty) Ltd and Another // National Arts Council (NAC) and Others

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the Western Cape Division, Cape Town as Second and Third Respondents for an application amongst others reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent (the NAC), its executive council, or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilaterally reduce amounts to be paid to the applicants in accordance with Grant Agreements concluded between the NAC and the applicants, for payment of amounts under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (the “Grant Agreements”).

(2) Whether he will provide Mr T W Mhlongo with (a) a list of all court cases that have been brought by the arts sector against (i) his department and (ii) the entities reporting to him and (b) the reasons for each of the cases; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

CASES BY ARTS SECTOR

REASON FOR EACH CASE

Timbila TA Afrika // Minister of Arts and Culture

The matter emanates from the contract MOA between the Department and Limpopo Arts and Culture Youth Forum in August 2018. The plaintiff was contracted by the Beneficiary to supply the sound system, jumping castles and security.

Golola Consultancy (Pty) Ltd // Department of Arts and Culture

Department awarded a tender on 06 July 2004 to a consortium of which Golola (Pty) Ltd was a member. The tender was for the rendering of professional and technical services to the department regarding the project known as Telephone Interpreting Services of South Africa (TISSA). Golola Consultancy is suing the Minister of Arts and Culture for the alleged outstanding invoices for the services rendered in 2005.

The Plaintiff withdrew the matter and tendered wasted costs and party costs.

The Department is recovering the wasted cost

Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) // South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) & Others wherein the DAC has been joined as a third party

This matter concerns a 2005 lawsuit wherein the GEPF is suing the SABC for payment of arrear rental (including damages) owed by the former Bophuthatswana (BOP) Broadcasting Corporation (now part of the SABC). The lease was for a period of 20 years starting on 1/12/91 and terminating on 30/11/11. It is alleged that the National Government through the Department of Communications and the former DACST were obliged to implement Cabinet Resolutions relating to the settlement of this intergovernmental dispute. Cabinet has in fact instructed DOC and DAC to establish an adjudication and evaluation panel to ensure the protection of fiduciary duties of stakeholders and government objective to empower, support and promote SA music content

Outlook Security Services and Cleaning and Mr Collins Mabaso

The Department received copies of the pleadings from the Acting CEO of Downtown Music Hub who are the First and Second defendants in this matter and the Department and the DG Mr Mkhize are cited as the Third and Forth Defendants. Plaintiffs are suing the Defendants for the alleged breach of the security contract and claims damages in the sum of R758 000

Trade Union for Musician of South Africa (TUMSA) // Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Equality Court matter- TUMSA alleges that the criteria for the covid-19 relief funding unfairly discriminates against its members-a social group of musicians who have suffered financial prejudice

Guild of Choral and Indigenous Music Practitioners NPC and Thomas Kolo // Minister of Arts and Culture and Others

The Plaintiff/s brought an action against the Department alleging that the Department failed to pay the amount agreed to as per the Memorandum of Agreement

   

University of KwaZulu Natal // Minister of Sports Art and Culture

The Plaintiff has issued summons against the Minister for breach of contract

CASES BY PUBLIC ENTITIES

RESON FOR EACH CASE

Zixolisile Feni // Minister of Arts and Culture and PanSALB

Review Application launched on 09/11/2012 at the North Gauteng High Court

The Applicant, Mr. Feni is a former employee of the PanSALB who is challenging the Ministers authority and power to appoint a Caretaker CEO of PanSALB and ultimately the decisions taken by the Caretaker CEO who is alleged not to have been appointed in compliance with the legislation.

Karabo Mbele & 17 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture, Case Number: 50349/15

High Court, PTA

Applicants (Former employees of PanSALB) instituted an application against the Minister of Arts & Culture and Others for amongst other things, to initiate an investigation to determine the fitness and suitability/ dissolution of all members of the PanSALB Board

Karabo Mbele & 20 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture, Case Number: J823/15

Labour Court , Braamfontein

The Applicants (Former employees of PanSALB) instituted an application against the Minister of Arts & Culture and Others for amongst other things, to declare as unlawful and setting aside the appointment of the Second respondent as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Third Respondent(PanSALB) and directing the Second and Fourth Respondents to immediately retrospectively reinstate the Applicants.

Mbulungeni Madiba and 9 Others // Minister of Arts and Culture and 2 Others

Former Board of PanSALB is challenging the Minister’s decision to dissolve the Board of PanSALB

TN Monyela // Ditsong Museum of South Africa and the Minister of Arts and Culture

The Plaintiff, a Director at Ditsong Museum of South Africa is suing the Ditsong Museum and the Minister of Arts and Culture for damages

Atlantis Corporate Travel (Pty) Ltd // National Heritage Council (NHC) and Another

Atlantis has sued the National Heritage Council for breach of contract.

RRM Monareng // the Minister of Arts and Culture and Pan South African Language Board

The Applicant is challenging the Minister’s decision to discipline him as the CEO of PANSALB in the absence of the Board of PanSALB –

Johannesburg Labour Court.

B.D Mabasa // National Library of South Africa and Others

Case No: 22483/19

The Plaintiff claims that the Defendants breach the conditions of the Settlement Agreement between the him and the First Defendant (NLSA) when the First Defendant made statements in Parliament regarding the Defendant’s case and alleges that those statements were misleading and made with intention to injure the Plaintiff’s professional

reputation

The National Arts Council of South Africa // The Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture and 4 Others

The Applicant brought an application to review and set aside the Public Protector’s report No. 125 of 2019/2020 dated 15 June 2020, its findings and the recommendations arising therefrom. There is no relief sought against the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture

Classic Arms (Pty) Limited // The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and 3 Others

The Applicant brought an application declaring the decision of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) dated 14 October 2020 invalid and setting aside the decision to stop the processing of Section 32(9) permits for heritage firearms. An order ordering The National Commissioner of the South African Police Services to process permanent export applications for firearms that require Section 32(19) permits in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999

Asstej SA and Others // National Arts Council and Others

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the High Court Western Cape Division as a Second and Third Respondents for an urgent application in reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent that is National Arts Council (“NAC”), its executive council, or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilateral reducing the amounts to be paid to the First, Second and Third Applicants in accordance with the Grant Agreement concluded between the NAC and Applicants, for payment of amounts under Presidential Employment Stimulus Package.

National Arts Festival vs National Arts Council and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the High Court of SA Gauteng Local Division as Second and Third Respondents for an urgent application in reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent that is National Arts Council (”NAC”), its executive council or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilateral reducing the amounts to be paid to the first applicants in accordance with the Grant Agreement concluded between the NAC and applicant, for payment of amounts under Presidential Employment Stimulus Package.

T

he NAF is claiming R8, 000, 000.00 from the NAC

The Applicant lodged an appeal with the Minister on 12 March 2021 to set aside the decision taken by the NAC.

Sonwabile Mancontywa // Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and National Heritage Council

The applicant brought an urgent application amongst others to declare that the Minister lacked the authority and acted ultra vires in the appointment of the administrators for the Second Respondent

VR Theatrical (Pty) Ltd and Another // National Arts Council (NAC) and Others

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been served with papers from the Western Cape Division, Cape Town as Second and Third Respondents for an application amongst others reviewing and setting aside the decision of the First Respondent (the NAC), its executive council, or any other committee or person, taken during or before March 2021, purporting to unilaterally reduce amounts to be paid to the applicants in accordance with Grant Agreements concluded between the NAC and the applicants, for payment of amounts under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (the “Grant Agreements”).

13 December 2021 - NW2548

Profile picture: Adams, Ms R C

Adams, Ms R C to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

What steps are being taken by (a) his department and/or (b) the entities reporting to him to promote and support the creative sector in (i) forging social cohesion and (ii) advocating against social ills such as gender-based violence and femicide, given that the forging of social cohesion is a national imperative and one of the seven apex priorities of the sixth administration in which the creative sector can play a major role in communicating a positive message which heightens national consciousness through music, poetry, literary works, sport and many other creative works?

Reply:

a) My Department promote and support the creative sector by providing funding to Entities reporting to me, these Entities then engage the creative sector to forge social cohesion and advocate against social ills. Examples on how the Department’s entities directly and indirectly support the sectror are as follows;

  • The Market Theatre Foundation, is currently creating a play about gender-based violence for teenagers, to be disseminated digitally to high schools nationwide. The play is designed to help high school learners identify gender-based violence and the way it affects their lives, as well as equip them with knowledge, skills, and resources to support them in situations in which they survivors of gender-based violence. In addition, the Market Theatre Laboratory works extensively with its own students on building awareness around gender-based violence through a series of workshops. The students create plays throughout the year exploring this and other socially relevant themes. In 2021, the Market Theatre Laboratory partnered with an independent theatre company to host performances of the play “Text Me When You Arrive: a guide on how not to get raped and killed in South Africa”, a play also grappling with this theme.

The National Film and Video Foundation’s stance has been reflected through the following projects:

  • Research conducted in partnership with Sisters Working in Film & TV (SWIFT) entitled “Gender Matters in the South African Film Industry” (2018) which aimed at providing information and statistics on women participation, challenges and roles in the local film industry,
  • An MOU signed with SWIFT which covered amongst other things, the implementation of a Code of Good Practice: Handling Sexual Harassment in the Film and Television Industry (“The Code”) which promotes workplaces that are free of sexual harassment, where employers and employees respect one another’s integrity and dignity, their privacy, and their right to equality.
  • In partnership with GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH), the NFVF institutionalised gender sensitivity training and GBV training with industry proessionals and AFDA students respectively

The Robben Island Museum hosted a social cohesion programme in the form of an Annual Spring School programme held on the island aimed at capacitating the youth and recently held one on 04 - 09 October 2021. The main objective of all the Nation Building Youth Camps facilitated by Robben Island Museum is to create an opportunity and space to debate on social ills, pertinent issues affecting communities, inclusivity and leadership skills. The theme of the 2021 Spring School was Young people acknowledging that the epidemic of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa is a national crisis. The 2021 Spring School Programme was made possible with the support from the DSAC’s Sub-Directorate on Social Cohesion and Nation Building.

In addition to the above, other specific programmes implemented include the following:

Social Cohesion Advocates Programme

Through the Social Cohesion Advocates Programme, the Department has been able to implement GBV Dialogues and Seminars in churches, institutions of higher learning such as at then Vaal University of Technology (VUT). As part of creating platforms for promoting Social Cohesion and Nation Building Social Cohesion Advocates have engaged in After School care programmes to empower girls and young women.

During the July 2021 Unrest, Social Cohesion Advocates have been able to participate in fact finding missions. They have engaged communities in dialogues including trainings on Mediation, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. There have also been initiatives on Healing of Memories and Trauma and Trauma Counselling session.

Preventing Gender Based Violence

Where Gender Based Violence (GBV) is concerned, the idea is to prevent it from happening as opposed to providing interventions when it has happened as that tends to be costlier and unsustainable. As the adage goes Prevention is better than cue. Communities need to understand the Concept of Gender so that they can understand why the scourge is called GBV. Capacity Building in the form of Training has therefore been engaged into including two (2) Gender Sensitisation and GGBV Workshops have been held. A Gender Sensitisation and GBV Workshop was conducted for Albinism Advocacy Access (AAA) on 20 – 22 October 2021 Another one was conducted at Inanda which is one of 30 hotspot areas in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) as communicated by the Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele. The Department intends massifying these awareness creation workshops including in areas such as Delft and Lusikisiki.

Funding to Non Profit Organisations

Over and above these, the Departments funds several Non Profit organisations that encourage Prevention of GBV. In this financial year, three (3) such organizations. These organisations have programmes such as After school Programmes that reduce the exposure of children to GBV plus unwanted and or unplanned pregnancies.

Campaigns led by the Department

The Department has also engaged in active campaigns such as The Orange Day Campaign which marks the 25th as a day to wear orange and unite to end violence Against women and Girls (VAWG). This way, on a monthly basis, 365/24/7. we are able to promote the message of GBV prevention as opposed to focusing exclusively on 16 Days of Activism on No Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). This also ensures that there is monitoring of progress especially as DSAC reports on a monthly basis to the Department of Women Youth and People with Disabilities, under Pillar 2 of the Gender Based Violence National Strategic Plan 2030.

Further, Department has launched two programmes in an aid to raise awareness against GBVF. The programmes are Golekane and Baqhawafazi. Golekane is a campaign which endorses a call to action for men by men to end GBVF through behavioural dialogs, panel discussions, grassroots anti GBVF activations and father and son camps.

Baqhawafazi is a movement that seeks to raise awareness against gender based violence, intimate partner violence and femicide in South Africa. It is comprised of testimonials telling the untold stories of GBVF through raw footage from survivors of GBVF. Some of the activities implemented include The Survivors Guild- August 2021, A walk fit for purpose- August 2021, Digital Content on Social Media pages – September 2021, Filming and production of interviews – September 2021, Media Placement- Erection of billboards and Street pole ads- September 2021.

13 December 2021 - NW2511

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

(1) Whether each national sports federation received their grants; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date is it envisaged that they will get their allocations; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he can furnish Mr T W Mhlongo with a list indicating the number of federations that (a) received their grants and (b) did not receive their grants; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the (a) swimming and (b) gymnastics federations received their grant; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether all the federations received a letter of grant allocation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2934E

Reply:

1. Not all of the sport and recreation bodies have received the grants for 2021/2022 financial year.

(a). Before the 2020/2021 financial, this prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic the Department allocated funds to the sport and recreation bodies utilizing the historical data. This enabled the Department to manage the process of allocating and transferring funds with relative ease.

However, after considering the representations made by Federations through SASCOC on the devastating effects of COVID-19 the Department had to review the approach in order to respond to the immediate needs of the Federations.

Whilst in the pre COVID-19, a small portion of the grant was set aside for Administration, with the larger portion being for programmes and projects. This had to be reviewed. The priority has now been given to

(i). job retention, (ii). organizational sustainability, and (iii) programmes and projects and identified priorities.

In terms of the revised approach, the sport and recreation bodies have to submit the compliance documents as well as business plans prior to allocations being made after assessment of each application.

The Department made a call to sport and recreation bodies to submit the documents on 11 June 2021. The key documents are primarily for compliance requirements in line with particularly section 38 (1) (j) of the PFMA which requires transferring departments to ensure that funds are transferred to entities that administer sound financial management systems and controls.

It should be noted that by the 12 of October 2021 only 24 out of 68 sport and recreation bodies has submitted the documents. This made it difficult for the Department to make the allocation because ideally the total budget for sport and recreation bodies, which is R114, 142,000, should be allocated across the 68 sport and recreation bodies at the same time. This to avoid overcommitting to a selected few (24) that have complied.

In order to avoid further delays, the Department proceeded to assess the submitted applications assisted by a representative from SASCOC. This with some checks and balances to avoid the risk of over committing to the 24 bodies. We also noted that some sport and recreation bodies could not spend their entire allocated budget from the 2020 / 2021 financial year.

In this regard, these sport and recreation bodies were granted permission to roll-over the funds to the current financial year perhaps resulting in the slow process of submitting for 2021 / 2022 financial year.

(b). The dates for transfers depends on when the sport and recreation body signs and returns the Allocation Agreement which is prepared after the assessment of fully compliant documents. The Department however requires a week to process a transfer provided all compliance requirements have been fulfilled. Therefore, it is impossible to indicate specific dates on which the transfers would be made.

2(a) and (b) A list showing the status of each sport and recreation body is attached.

3. (a) The following 24 sport and recreation bodies have received allocation letters and agreements. This because they have submitted the required documents;

SPORT AND RECREATION BODY THAT HAVE RECEIVED ALLOCATION LETTERS AND AGREEMENTS

1. South African Rugby Union

2. South African Hockey Association

3. South African Gymnastics Federation

4. Sport Coaches Outreach

5. Cricket South Africa

6. South African Fencing

7. South African Handball Federation

8. Lifesaving South Africa

9. Canoeing South Africa

10. Cycling South Africa

11. South African Aerobics and Fitness Federation

12. Fencing South Africa

13. South African Baseball Union

14. Motorsport South Africa

15. Master sports South Africa

16. Sailing South Africa

17. Snow Sport

18. Transplant South Africa

19. South African Wrestling Federation

20. Volleyball South Africa

21. Gary Kirsten Foundation

22. South African Deaf Sport Federation

23. Badminton South Africa

24.South African Orienteering Federation

(3). Swimming SA only submitted their last batch of compliance documents on the 11 November 2021, which will still be adjudicated. The South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) submitted a Draft Financial Statements in July and the original, final Audited Financial Statements on 22 November 2021. The transfer payment for SAGF is being processed because it has been assessed and is now fully compliant. It should be noted that the Department is unable to transfer funds before the sport and recreation body meets all compliance requirement.

(4). A letter of grant allocation is issued to sport and recreation body that has submitted the required documents, and assessed by the department. As of now the following fifteen (15) sport and recreation bodies have recently submitted required documents which have been assessed and their allocation letters and agreements are being prepared;

SPORT AND RECREATION BODIES THAT HAVE RECENTLY SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS WHOSE ALLOCATIONS LETTERS AND AGREEMENTS ARE BEING PREPARED

1. Softball South Africa

2. South African of Cue Sport

3. South African Table Tennis Board

4. Karate South Africa

5. South African Football Association

6. Jukskei South Africa

7. Archery South Africa

8. Surfing South Africa

9. Athletics South Africa

10.Cycling South Africa

11. South African Sports For the Physically Disabled

12.Bowls South Africa

13. Ringball South Africa

14. South African Equestrian Federation

15. South African National Amateur Boxing Organisation

13 December 2021 - NW2601

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Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)What is the total number of cases of abuse of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) Child Support Grant that have been reported to her department in each province since 1 January 2015; (2) what is the total number of cases in which the Child Support Grant (CSG) has successfully been transferred to an alternative caregiver; (3) what happens to the (a) CSG and (b) child in question in cases where there is no alternative caregiver; (4) what mechanisms have been put in place by her department and/or the SASSA to mitigate against the abuse of the CSG grant by the caregiver; (5) what support does her department and/or SASSA offer in order to assist the caregiver who has been reported as allegedly abusing the CSG grant?

Reply:

The data requested from 2015 is not readily available and a script has to be written to retrieve information from Socpen.  The Business Intelligence System used by SASSA for reporting was only commissioned in 2018.  This has resulted in SASSA needing to retrieve historical data from Socpen.

It is also extremely difficult to separate cases where the reason for the change of care giver is attributed to abuse of the grant, as this information is not captured on the system.  However, information will be provided on change of care givers which were processed.

The expected date by which this may be ready is 17 December 2021.

13 December 2021 - NW2560

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

What are the reasons that he opposed the Culture Promotion Act, Act 35 of 1983, and is reluctant to apply the specified Act to support those independent entities that are in desperate need of funding, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Reply:

The Minister has not opposed the Culture Promotion Act 35 of 1983. The Department applies itself according to the Cultural Institutions Act 119 of 1998, which specify that Declared Cultural Institutions are the responsibility of the Department regarding funding support for operational and specific artistic activities.

For an example; several Independent entities received support in the past few months from the Presidential Employment Stimulus Program; and evidence of this is available. Further, the department opens opportunities through the different work-streams within the Mzansi Golden Economy, which are not excluding anyone in the industry; as long as they meet the set requirements. The department has multiple demands on its very limited financial resources and is not capable to cater for all. In order to afford equal opportunities for all in the entire creative and cultural landscape, including independent entities, funding entities such as NAC, NFVF, NHC etc. have been established to administer the disbursement of funding to all who meets the set out criteria. Funding efforts have been especially heightened during covid-19 pandemic.

13 December 2021 - NW2510

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Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

(1). What was the (a) daily and (b) total allowances that was paid to (i) each athlete, and (ii) the President of the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) for attending both the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2021; (2). whether any allowance was paid to any other SASCOC elected and/or appointed Board member; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the detailed amounts and (b) from which funding sources was it paid?

Reply:

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) in its response indicated the following;

1)(a)(i). Each Athlete received a flat allowance of 400USD for their attendance at both the Olympics and Paralympics Games.

(a)(ii).The SASCOC President received a daily allowance of 350USD for each of the games. SASCOC policy provides that the President is to receive a daily allowance of 500USD. However, the Finance Committee has requested that the entire policy be reviewed and in the interim, subject to this review, the Presidents allowance be reduced to the second tier level as per the policy.

The SASCOC Policy Development Commission is currently undertaking a rewrite of all policies and the SASCOC Remunerations Committee will be attending to the review of all policies related to board and staff allowances and remuneration.

(b)(i). The total allowances paid are as follows:-

Athletes at Olympics Games: 72 000usd (180 x 400)

Athletes at Paralympics Games: 14 400usd (36 x 400)

(b)(ii). The total allowances paid to the Board President is as follows:-

Olympics: 5 512.50USD

Paralympics: 4 462.50USD

(2) No other SASCOC elected and/or appointed Board member attended the Tokyo Games

13 December 2021 - NW2531

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With reference to COVID-19 relief funding via the Tourism Relief Fund, what (a) processes, procedures and controls are in place to ensure that funds are properly paid to the correct beneficiaries and (b) are the timelines, timeframes and deadlines in this regard; (2) what (a) processes, procedures and controls are in place to recoup funds paid incorrectly to beneficiaries and (b) are the timelines, time frames and deadlines in this regard; (3) what (a) processes, procedures and controls are in place to criminally charge non-qualifying beneficiaries who applied for the fund and (b) are the timelines, timeframes and deadlines in this regard?

Reply:

1. (a) The Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) processes were put in place based on segregation of responsibilities as a control measure. These enabled the separation of application processing, verification, evaluation, validation and approval through different functionaries. Furthermore, payments were completely separated and processed through South African Tourism.

(b) The TRF was a once off capped grant assistance to Small Micro and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the tourism sector relief funding measure implemented during 2020/21 financial year.

2.(a) The Department instituted a recovery process for part of the double payment to one beneficiary business through the State Attorney’s office. Furthermore, the Department is liaising with the Accounting Officers of those Directors/Owners identified as state employees to establish if they had permission to do business. The Department will be guided by the outcome of this process in terms of the way forward.

(b) The process with the Accounting Officers is scheduled to conclude by March 2022.

3. The independent investigation into the double payment (R50 000) is scheduled to conclude by end of April 2022.

13 December 2021 - NW2764

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Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

(a) To what extent did a certain person (name and details furnished) play a role in securing funding from his department for a certain person (name and details furnished), (b) what were the terms and conditions of the funding and (c) what is the name of the person in his department who approved the funding? NW3279E Original Question:-To what extent has, the former Speaker of Parliament Mrs. Baleka Mbete influenced the funding for Actress Natasha Thahane for a New York scholarship? What were the terms and conditions of this funding to Natasha? And who approved the funding in the department?

Reply:

(a). My Department is not aware of the role played by the former Speaker of Parliament, Mrs. Baleka Mbete towards securing the funding for the, Actress Natasha Thahane. What we know is that Ms. Thahane made a request for financial support towards her studies at the New York Film Academy directly to me as the Minister.

This request is similar to many others that my office and the Department constantly receives from members of the public. The public does this possibly because I am the political head of the Department.

(b). The funds were for Ms. Thahane’s tuition fees at the New York Film Academy in New York (USA) and the terms for her contract with the department was for her film studies and the condition was that she should complete her studies in film.

(c). The funding was approved by Deputy Director-General (DDG/IG) for Institutional Governance branch, (as DDG for the branch in 2017).

13 December 2021 - NW2561

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

What (a) investigations have been conducted at the National Arts Council of South Africa, (b)(i) are the names of the persons and (ii) is the name of the company and/or institution who were appointed to do the investigation (c) are the names of the persons who appointed the investigators, (d) was the date on which the investigative service were advertised, (e) was the (i) cost and (ii) outcome of the investigation and (f) steps have been taken by his department in this regard?

Reply:

The National Arts Council of South Africa conducted four (04) investigations as explained hereunder:-

INVESTIGATION 1

a) Forensic audit regarding the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package at the NAC

b) (i) CEO and CFO

(ii) Appointed company was Mazars Forensic services

c) Company was appointed by Council of the National Arts Council

d) Services were advertised on 21 May 2021

e) (i) Cost of the investigation was R1572 486.08

(ii) Outcome of the investigation was as follows:

  • There were several irregularities pertaining to the management of the PESP. These include financial mismanagement, process irregularities and lack of adequate oversight
  • All funds have been accounted for at the NAC;
  • Newly appointed Council Members (from the 1st of January 2021) were all cleared of any wrong-doing;
  • The Report confirmed the findings of the State Law Advisor stating that newly appointed Council members whose organisations had applied for the PESP could not have been conflicted, as they had not commenced their appointment at the NAC at the time of applying and completion of adjudication.
  • The Report however did identify conflict of interest in respect of some Former Council Members, who contravened Section 8(5) of the NAC Act by participating in the PESP processes and failing to declare their directorship in companies that applied to the PESP.
  • Former Council Members disregarded their own resolution of 19 September 2020 by allowing five Council Members to actively participate in the evaluation of applications, thereby contravening the provisions of the NAC Act.
  • The five former Council members were cumulatively paid R511, 452 for performing work of independent Panel Members. These payments are regarded as irregular expenditure as these Council members contravened the provisions of the NAC Act.
  • Failure to meet deliverables within the timeline of the PESP Programme.
  • Failure to take effective and appropriate steps to prevent irregularities in the adjudication process, including irregular spending.
  • Failure to provide financial oversight regarding the implementation of the PESP within the allocated budget of R285 million, resulting in an over-commitment amount of R428,073,778 (More than double the allocated budget)

f) The Department has mandated Council to implement the recommendations of the forensic report. Disciplinary steps are currently underway.

INVESTIGATION 2

a) The investigation was to identify the person/s within the NAC who may have leaked information to the media, Sunday Times and the Sowetan.

b) (i) Ms. Molekwa, Ms. Makgoka and Ms. Diphofa.

(ii) Grant Thornton

c) The appointment was through the normal Supply Chain Management process and the appointment was signed off by the CEO.

d) The investigative service advertisement cannot be traced

e) (i). The cost for the service was R388 252.00

(ii) The outcome of the investigation was that:

  • Ms. Makgoka appeared to have contravened the NAC’s Code of Ethics, Information Technology Policy and her conditions of employment by leaking confidential information.
  • Ms. Molekwa appeared to have contravened the NAC’s Code of Ethics, Information Technology Policy and her conditions of employment by leaking confidential information to Ms. Makgoka as recorded in the Molemo letter of appeal.

f) The Department tasked the NAC Council to implement the recommendations of the investigation report, which led to disciplinary charges being instituted against the implicated official.

INVESTIGATION 3

a) Allegations that a grant application by the South African Roadies Association was deliberately declined because the NAC Senior Management failing to adhere to the grant funding policies of the NAC

b) (i) Ms. Mangope, Ms. Makwetla and Ms. Diphofa.

(ii) Business Innovation Group (BIG)

c) The investigation was commissioned by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

d) The advertisement was through Request for Quotation as it was below the threshold for open tender.

e) (i). the cost for the service was R235 812.

(ii) A report was released, and the findings included:

  • DAC Management inform Mr Nyathela about the outcome of the investigation
  • The DAC Management provides feedback about the outcome of the investigation to the NAC and its Board/ Council.
  • The NAC conducts an audit to establish whether all awards made under the Expired projects, Surplus policy adhered to all applicable Acts and Regulations, and that the projects awarded achieved the objectives of the NAC.
  • The NAC conducts training awareness and workshops with staff and other stakeholders during which the policies and procedures of the NAC are explained.
  • NAC should as a matter of urgency seek legal opinion on the validity of the Expired and Surplus Policy GR003/4/2015. The policy might be in breach of the PFMA and Treasury Regulations, if funding received from the National Government is not declared and disposed of in terms of the regularity framework applicable. In addition, the policy could be used to favour particular grant applicants as the discretion for award rests solely with the NAC.

f) The NAC Council was tasked implementing the recommendations of the forensic report.

INVESTIGATION 4

a) An investigation was authorised for the following allegations: Conflict of interest involving BIG employee

Review of the awarding of a grant of R50 000.00 in 2013

Review of the awarding of a grant of R1 889 000.00 in 2016

Conflict of interest involving the CEO and Lalela Projects Administrator

b)(i), Ms. Mangope, Ms. Son and Ms. Diphofa

(ii) Gobodo Forensic and Investigative Accounting Investigations (GFIA)

c) The investigation was instructed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

d) The investigation was not advertised as it was below the threshold for tendering. Request for Quotations was sourced.

e) (i) The cost for the service was R373 061 000

(ii) A report was released, and the outcome was that the CEO was charged with the following:

    • Gross Negligence
    • Gross Dishonesty
  • Bringing the name of the institution/organisation into disrepute
  • Failing to act in the best interest of the employer
  • Contravention of section 38 (iii) of the PFMA

The Arts Development Manager was charged with the following:

  • Charge 1: Approval of funding of the Lalela project whilst it was classified as an expired project
  • Charge 2: Approving the Lalela project payment whilst it did not follow the proper funding application process

The CFO was charged with the following:

  • The NAC charged Ms. Son for non-disclosure of her NFVF investigation. This was the only charge the NAC could pursue against the CFO.

f) The Department instructed the NAC to implement the recommendations of the report and the 3 people concerned were taken through a disciplinary process with the following outcomes:

  • The CEO was exonerated from all charges, and she was recalled to resume her duties at the NAC.
  • The Arts Development Manager was exonerated from all charges, and she resumed her duties immediately.
  • The CFO tendered her tendered her resignation and her hearing did not sit as scheduled.

13 December 2021 - NW2591

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Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the (a) extent of the commonage land in the Western Cape and (b) current usage of the commonage land; (2) whether the commonage land has any water rights to allow farming to take place; if not, what steps will her department take to ensure that there are water rights; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether there are farming activities taking place on the commonage land; if not, why not; if so, what farming activities are taking place on the pieces of land; (4) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the relevant information regarding (a) land that has been invaded and (b) the action(s) that were taken regarding the situation; if not, why not; if so, by what date?

Reply:

(1)(a) The extent of the commonage land in the Western Cape is 8 617,0442 hectares.

(b) The current usage of the land is for horticulture, crop, and livestock farming.

(2),(3) Please refer to Annexure A.

4. Yes.

  • a) The land that has been invaded is Erf 3617 in Citrusdal in Clanwilliam Registration Division measuring 87,4921 hectares and which is under the ownership of Cederberg Municipality.
  • b) There is a Notarial Deed registered against the property to be used only for agricultural purposes. The Department had previously supported the famers through the One Household One Hectares Programme.

ANNEXURE A OF NA-QUES 2591 0F 2021: COMMONAGE PROPERTIES

Farm/ Project name

Property Description

Hectares Acquired

Commodity

Production Type 1

Water Rights (including relevant details) Yes or No and what steps to be taken to ensure water rights

Current Situation

Vredendal Saamwerk Boerdery

The Remaining Extent of Erf 771 in Vredendal (Matzikama Municipality) in the Vanrhynsdorp registration Division

21,7302

Vegetables

Horticulture

Yes, 5ha of water rights is registered

This commonage is not in optimal use as the farmers are not using the full 21.7 ha but is farming on a piece of the adjacent land which is an airstrip. The farmers have formal leases with the Municipality.

Petersfield

Erf 3617 in Citrusdal in Clanwilliam Registration Division

87,4921

Vegetables

Horticulture

Yes, 10ha of water rights is registered

The property is under ownership of Cederberg Municipality and currently illegally occupied. Absence of formal contracts between Municipality and Farmers. There is a Notarial Deed registered against the property to be used only for agricultural purposes. The Department had previously through the One Household One Hectares Programme supported the famers.

Prince Albert Commonage

Portion 1 of the farm Damascus Nr 153, Prince Albert Municipality

5 580,3060

Crops and Livestock

Crops and Livestock

No, the land has Schedule 1 water, as it is only suitable for livestock use, therefore no water rights are required to be registered.

Commonage is still under the ownership of the Municipality and leased to farmers.

Beaufort West Commonage

Farm Bulskop No.423

2 667,0374

Red Meat

Livestock

No, the land has Schedule 1 water, as it is only suitable for livestock use, therefore no water rights are required to be registered. The Municipality has registered boreholes on the property.

Beaufort West Municipality sold the commonage to a commercial farmer to purchase Hansrivier for water for the town.

Bitou Commonage

Remainder of Farm No. 487

196,4785

Vegetables

Horticulture

Yes

Commonage transferred back to the DALRRD. This property forms part of the PLAS projects allocation done and 30 years lease signed.

Oudtshoorn Commonage

Remainder of Portion 11 of Welgemeend

64,0000

White Meat

Livestock

No, the land has Schedule 1 water, as it is only suitable for livestock use, therefore no water rights are required to be registered. The Municipality has registered boreholes on the property.

The Municipality is currently leasing the land to the Oudtshoorn community farmers farming with pigs on a three years renewal contract. DALLRD Recap branch previously tried to support famers through 1hh1ha unfortunately the program was discontinued.

13 December 2021 - NW2674

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

What (a) is the total cost for investigating irregular activities involving the (i) former Chairperson of Council and (ii) former Chief Executive Officer of the SA Heritage Resources Agency, (b) are the names of the persons who (i) were appointed to do the investigation and (ii) appointed the investigators, (c) date was the investigative service advertised, (d) was the outcome of the investigation and (e) steps have been taken by his department in this regard?

Reply:

a) The National Treasury covered cost of the investigation.

b) (i) Price Waterhouse Coopers conducted the investigation;

(ii) The National Treasury appointed the investigators.

c) The National Treasury did the procurement process.

d) The recommendations of the forensic investigation were as follows:

  • Disciplinary action should be taken against Ms Baduza for contravening the legislative prescripts and practice notes of SAHRA’s Supply Chain Management Policy.
  • SAHRA should assess the extent to which Ms Motsisi, Ms Baduza and Anix Consulting can be held liable for the losses incurred on the project.
  • SAHRA should recover the VAT overcharged by Anix Consulting and determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against the officials involved in the payment process.
  • Engage with the Law enforcement agencies for them to determine whether any SAHRA official illegally benefited from the irregular appointment of Anix Consulting and extension of scope.
  • Institute a further investigation into payments made to service providers (Trans Pacific, Creative Axis, and Anix Consulting) through the law enforcement agency to quantify the loss suffered by SAHRA and initiate a recovery process.
  • Consult with legal advisors to determine what amounts can be claimed from Anix Consulting and to commence with this process.

.e) The Department played its oversight role to ensure that Council of SAHRA implements the recommendations of the forensic report. This has led to the dismissal of the former CEO, after undergoing a disciplinary process. In addition, the matter is currently being investigated by the Law enforcement agencies as per the recommendations of the report. The Special Investigation Unit is currently conducting further investigation on the matter under Proclamation 38 of 2019 issued on 12 July 2019.