Questions and Replies
23 December 2021 - NW2302
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Police
1.Whether he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with a list containing all the details of dockets of all rhinos poached, indicating the number of poached rhinos in each national park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 2. whether all dockets contain the forensic reports regarding the bullets retrieved from the rhinos; if not, why not: if so, what are the relevant details? NW2620E
23 December 2021 - NW2482
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What are the reasons that transparent and competitive processes in the appointment of the Police Commissioner at the SA Police Service are not followed, (2) whether he will furnish Ms Z Majozi with the further relevant details on how the budget cuts in the 2020-21 financial year will affect policing over the festive season; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service {SAPS) is appointed by the President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), in terms of Section 207(1) of the Constitution of the RSA, 1906. It is, therefore, the prerogative of the President, to determine the process in appointing a National Commissioner, for the SAPS.
- Adequate human capital is, however, key to the provisioning of a comprehensive policing service, which, despite available technology, is required in order in to execute this labour-intensive function. The reduction of the SAPS staff compliment over the medium-term, by implication, negatively Influences the SAPS’ ability to maintain an adequate work-force, in the pursuance of its objectives. Currently, the SAPS Management is forced to take strategic decisions, regarding the strategic resourcing and the operational focus of the SAPS, on the basis of the budget allocation, rather than on the reality on the ground and the associated demand for policing.
The R27,7 billion budget reduction, over the 2021 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), in relation to the 2020 budget estimates, comprises a reduction of R26, 2 billion, in respect of the compensation of employees and a
R1,5 billion reduction, in respect of goods and services. Of the R26,2 billion reduction on the compensation of employees, a reduction of approximately R18,8 billion is as a result of salary increases, which have not been provided for, over the period. As a result of these reductions, apart from the salary adjustments, the SAPS s ability to sustain the new intake of new recruits, as well as the capacitation of specialised units, will be severely affected.
In order to continue to allow for rte addressing of critical vacancies only and the augmenting of capacity at police stations, reprioritisation will remain a prominent feature over the medium-term. This will be achieved, by reducing the actual number of personnel allocated to non-operational, national and provincial competencies, in order to allow for the addressing of critical vacancies and the capacity at police stations and other key frontline capabilities, so as to ensure the sustainability of service delivery to communities. The reducing of non- operational national and provincial competencies, may however, compromise the various governance-related process that these capabilities are responsible for and which the operational environment relies on.
The Visible Policing Programme comprises of three sections, the first of which is Crime Prevention, which incorporates the majority of the basic functions that are performed at police station level; certain key abilities are, such as the Central Firearms Register (CFR) and the majority of the Crime prevention- orientated partnership initiatives, such as the Community Police boards and forums. The Specialised interventions Section represents critical specialised Capabilities, including the Public Order Policing (POP) Units, the Tactical Response Teams (TRT's) and the Special Task FORGO (STF). The final section, Border Security, includes the policing and border control functions that are performed, in respect of ports of entry.
The R14, 4 billion budget reduction in the Visible Policing Programme, over the 2021 MTEF, in relation to the 2020 budget estimates, amounts to R13.6 billion reduction in the Compensation of employees and a R0,8 billion reduction in goods and services. Approximately R9,8 billion of the R13, 6 billion reduction in the compensation of employees, is as a result of salary increases, which are not being provided for, over the period. In view of the decline in the budget allocation to the compensation of employees over the medium-term, alternatives such as technological enhancements and force-multipliers will be addressed, e.g. the recruitment of reservists has been identified as a mechanism that could compliment the SAPS’ personnel numbers, over a medium-term to longer period.
The situation means that SAPS must attempt to optimally use its existing resources but it also means that during the time, where intense police operations are required, for example during the festive season, the SAPS must resort to short-term interventions, e,g. not allowing members to take leave, recalling members from rest days and making use of overtime.
The SAPS is committed to ensure that it makes optimal use of its limited resources, to ensure that policing is not compromised, during festive season,
Reply to question 2482 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICANPOLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-12-15
Reply to question 2482 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BHCELE, MP
DATE: 2021-12-21
23 December 2021 - NW2616
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to the meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on 9 November 2021 at which the SA Police Service was identified as one of the departments that has not yet provided the necessary input for the section 97 Presidential Proclamation to be signed to transfer the relevant border law enforcement functions to the Minister of Home Affairs, he has been informed that this lack of input is holding up the implementation of the Border Management Authority; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the reason for the delayed response and b) by what date will he provide the necessary inputs?
Reply:
(a) The South African Police Service (SAPS) provided inputs, with regard to the envisaged Section 97 Presidential Proclamation, to the Border Management Authority (BMA). The SAPS obtained a legal opinion, from counsel, which concludes that the envisaged Section g7 Presidential Proclamation will be ultra vires (beyond the powers).
Therefore, the SAPS is of the view that the sections of the legislation, mentioned in the envisaged Presidential Proclamation, do not deal with functions of the Minister of Police and may, therefore, not be transferred, in terms of Section 97, The only exception, is Section 92 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), which is the only section dealing with a clear power or function, assigned to the i4inister of Police. In terms of Section 92, the Minister of Police may prohibit or restrict the acquisition, disposal, possession or use of ammunition of a specified Clgss of ammunition.
(6) The SAPS and the Commissioner of the BMA are presently in a process of engagement, to find ways and means to empower border guards, to perform border law enforcement functions.
2
Reply to question 2616 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICANPOLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-12-15
Reply to question 2616 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BHCELE, MP
DATE: 2021-12-21
23 December 2021 - NW2359
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Police
(a) What progress has been made in identifying the owners of the ammunition which was recovered in the Phoenix community during the massacres in KwaZulu-Natal and (b) where was the specified ammunition sourced from?
Reply:
(a) . A total of 33 owners of ammunition have been identified and charged and the investigation is continuing.
(b). The 963 live rounds of ammunition were confiscated from the 33 arrested persons and the ammunition has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for ballistic examination, in order to determine the manufacturer of the ammunition (the source).
Reply to question 2359 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICANPOLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-12-15
Reply to question 2359 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BHCELE, MP
DATE: 2021-12-21
23 December 2021 - NW2713
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport
1. Whether, with regard to the SA Airways (SAA) flights to and/or from Brussels on and/or around 24 February 2021, he will furnish Mr R A Lees with a copy of the full investigation report on the Alpha Floor incident that occurred during the SAA flights; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 2. What are the relevant details of (a) any complaints and/or charges received from any Belgium and/or other jurisdictions and/or authorities regarding any regulation breaches allegedly committed during the SAA flights and (b) the consequences and/or action taken as a result of the specified complaints and/or charges? NW3227E
Reply:
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
1. Unlike the occurrences i.e., accidents/serious incidents conducted under either ICAO Annex 13 or Part 12 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, the SAA Alpha Floor investigation was conducted under Section 73 of the Civil Aviation Act (Act 13 of 2009).
“Section 73 reads -
2. In addition to the functions referred to in subsection (1) the Civil Aviation Authority has the following functions:
m) to investigate aircraft accidents and aircraft incidents that the Aviation Safety Investigation Board has determined not to investigate in terms of Chapter 4 and for purposes of regulatory compliance with this Act;”
Investigations conducted under the above regulation are meant to determine regulatory compliance and therefore they are not published nor shared with the public as they present the compliance status of the operator and may also include punitive action taken against the operator or licence holder by the Regulator. Regulatory compliance inspections, audits and investigations are of a confidential nature as they may contain individual organisation’s sensitive information.
(2) The SACAA, did not receive nor is aware of any complaints and/or charges received from any Belgium and/or other jurisdiction and/or authority regarding any regulatory breaches allegedly committed by SAA. Our investigation though did reveal that the Alpha Floor activation at OR Tambo for the outbound flight to Brussels was not the first one the operator had experienced; an enforcement action has been taken against the operator for a failure to report both the last occurrence and the three previous occurrences.
23 December 2021 - NW2330
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Police
What action has rte taken with regard to CAS 108/08/2021 to hold a certain political party (details furnished) responsible for damage caused to property, cars and threats of violence undertaken during a march by the specified party in Phoenix on 6 August 2021?
Reply:
A task team of Detective Service members, has been established, at the Phoenix Police Station, to investigate the matter. The task team is currently conducting enquiries with the view to obtain eyewitness statements.
The complainant alleges that there is video footage, which could help to identify the suspects. Several attempts have been made by the task team to locate the video footage, with no positive results. Up to date, no suspects have been identified, Once the suspects have been identified by witnesses, as well as video footage, thereafter arrests will be made.
The task team is also in the process of tracing the organisers of the march, to obtain their statements. The case docket with be submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority {NPA), for prosecutor-guided investigation.
Reply to question 2330 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICANPOLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-12-15
Reply to question 2330 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BHCELE, MP
DATE: 2021-12-21
23 December 2021 - NW2615
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What (a) total number of persons were arrested for offences related to the unrest that took place in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021 and (b) were they (i) arrested for and (ii) charged with; (2) whether the specified persons were found guilty; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what(a) total number of persons were found guilty and (b) are the further relevant details? NW3091E
Reply:
23 December 2021 - NW2500
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) is the basis on which (i) the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and (ii) Metrorail are renting diesel locomotives from Transnet, (b) number of Transnet locomotives have been in use under the specified rental, lease and/or loan agreement conditions in the past 36 months and (c) operational costs on the Transnet locomotives were carried by (i) Prasa and (ii) Metrorail during the past 36 months?
Reply:
(a). (i) & (ii) Leasing and usage of locomotives does not take place at PRASA Corporate, but happens at regional level.
Gauteng Metrorail is currently leasing shunting locomotives which are primarily supposed to be used for shunting operations in the marshalling yards at Wolmerton and Braamfontein depots.
The Eastern Cape service are operated with diesel locomotives as opposed to electrified motor coaches as PRASA has a 25KV AC overhead voltage as opposed to 3KV DC in other regions/provinces for commuter services.
In the Western Cape diesel locomotives are leased for hauling movements of train sets/wagons/coaches where no Over Head Traction Equipment is available to enable self powering of motor coaches. Metrorail also lease diesel locomotives for shunting purposes of coaches and train sets within the maintenance yards, other related depots as well as for train set rescue in section and emergency during incidents/accidents.
KZN Metrorail is currently leasing shunting locomotives which is primarily used for shunting operations in the Durban marshalling yard and in Springfield maintenance yard.
(b). The number of Transnet locomotives that have been in use under the specified rental, lease and/or loan agreement conditions in the past 36 months are as follows:
Region |
Gauteng |
Eastern Cape |
Western Cape |
Kwazulu-Natal |
2019/2020 |
4 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
2020/2021 |
4 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
2021/2022 to date |
8 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
- Operational costs on Transnet locomotives carried by (i) PRASA and (ii) Metrorail:
-
- Refer to response in (a)
- Operation cost per region
Region |
Amount |
Gauteng Region |
R80,735,340-75 |
Eastern Cape Region |
R75,288,586-93 |
Western Cape Region |
R11,079,828-00 |
Kwazulu Natal Region |
R2,168,752-32 |
23 December 2021 - NW2789
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
1. What total number of (a) officials and (b) vehicles does his department have assigned for deportation purposes in each province; 2.What measures are in place to curtail the influx of illegal foreign nationals into the Republic? NW3304E
Reply:
(1)(a) The total number of inspectorate officials is 677.
Province |
Total |
Head Office |
88 |
Eastern Cape |
66 |
Free State |
50 |
Gauteng |
119 |
Head Office |
88 |
Kwazulu Natal |
42 |
Limpopo |
89 |
Mpumalanga |
69 |
Northern Cape |
44 |
North West |
64 |
Western Cape |
46 |
TOTAL |
677 |
(1)(b) The total number of vehicles the department has assigned to deportations is:
Province |
Total |
Eastern Cape |
19 |
Free State |
12 |
Gauteng |
110 |
Head Office |
9 |
Kwazulu Natal |
19 |
Limpopo |
23 |
Mpumalanga |
8 |
Nothern Cape |
13 |
North West |
13 |
Western Cape |
12 |
TOTAL |
236 |
(2) The measures that are in place to curtail illegal foreign nationals into the Republic are border patrols conducted by the SANDF, immigration inspections done by Home Affairs and crime prevention and crime combatting operations conducted by the South African Police supported by other law enforcement agencies as well as Home Affairs.
END
23 December 2021 - NW2706
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the relevant details of the actual annual expenditure on all roads that fall under the mandate of the SA National Roads Agency for each financial year from 2012 to 2021 for expenditure on (a) employees of his department, (b) new road construction and (c) maintenance on existing road infrastructure for KwaZulu-Natal?
Reply:
The expenditure on the 1321 km of national roads under SANRAL in KwaZulu-Natal, including the portion of the N3 concessioned to the N3 Toll Concessionaire is summarised in the table below per financial year.
Table 1: SANRAL Annual Expenditure in Kwazulu-Natal (R Million)
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
(a) Employee Cost |
R12.4 |
R13.4 |
R16.8 |
R18.5 |
R20.0 |
R22.8 |
R24.5 |
R25.8 |
R26.7 |
R32.2 |
(b) New road construction |
R98.5 |
R65.9 |
R242.4 |
R260.8 |
R266.3 |
R593.5 |
R562.5 |
R442.0 |
R275.9 |
R62.8 |
(c) Maintenance |
R1 204.0 |
R1 475.1 |
R1 691.4 |
R1 916.5 |
R1 637.7 |
R1 128.9 |
R1 230.6 |
R1 179.7 |
R988.6 |
R918.0 |
23 December 2021 - NW2705
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the relevant details of the actual annual expenditure on all roads, including roads that fall under the mandate of the SA National Roads Agency, for each financial year from 2012 to 2021 for expenditure on (a) employees of his department, (b) new road construction and (c) maintenance on existing road infrastructure in the Uthukela district of KwaZulu-Natal?
Reply:
The expenditure on the 183.2 km of national roads which are under SANRAL in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal is summarised in the table below for each financial year. Please note that the employee cost of SANRAL’s regional office in Kwazulu-Natal has been pro-rated in proportion to the network length in the Uthukela District as SANRAL has no employees at municipal level.
Table 1: SANRAL Annual Expenditure Uthukela District (R Million)
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
(a) Employee Cost |
R2.2 |
R2.3 |
R2.6 |
R2.8 |
R3.0 |
R3.2 |
R3.4 |
R3.5 |
R3.7 |
R4.1 |
(b) New road construction |
R0.0 |
R0.0 |
R0.0 |
R15.6 |
R0.0 |
R0.0 |
R0.0 |
R0.0 |
R0.0 |
R0.0 |
(c) Maintenance |
R189.5 |
R187.5 |
R322.2 |
R218.6 |
R153.7 |
R132.9 |
R90.9 |
R206.3 |
R206.6 |
R229.8 |
23 December 2021 - NW2675
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the reasons that so little progress and improvement has been made by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), given that according to the latest State of Safety Report by the RSR a total of 3 392 operational occurrences (details furnished) have been recorded during the past year and security-related incidents per million train kilometres have increased by 105%?
Reply:
During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, operators experienced a significant increase in both recorded and unrecorded theft and vandalism security-related incidents on their assets and infrastructure. The RSR continued to advocate for means to curb these incidents throughout the rail sector influence and stakeholders. State agencies, private security employed to guard assets and infrastructure and law enforcement agencies, such as the South African Police Services (SAPS) have been actively engaged by the RSR to employ proactive measures to arrest perpetrators of these incidents. These activities included the RSR making submissions during the National Rail Crime Combating Forum under the guidance of the SAPS for action, including proactive investigations for possible prosecutions.
The 105% does not mean it is an increase between two financial periods but between 2010/11 and 2018/19 reporting. The immediate comparison between the 2019/20 and 2020/21 reporting period, reflects a decrease from 9 996 to 8 052 security-related incidents. This represents a 19% decrease.
23 December 2021 - NW2632
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Transport
What steps is his department taking to improve the functionality of trains in eThekwini?
Reply:
The eThekwini Rolling Stock fleet has been severely affected by the following:
- Theft and vandalism;
- Old railway lines affecting the condition of the rolling stock wheels.
The above mentioned resulted in the loss of coaches which could not be recovered through internal maintenance processes.
PRASA has appointed a panel of external service providers for a period of 36 months through a Maintenance Support Contract to assist with the recovery of coaches as well as reliability improvement which will result in the functionality of trains.
In addition, PRASA is also concluding the procurement of Mission Critical Components contract, which will also improve the availability of spares and sustainability of rolling stock.
With regards to infrastructure, rehabilitation work is planned for the Durban-KwaMashu line as follows:
- Substation rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation of the Over Head Tract Equipment (OHTE) system\Replace stolen signalling equipment
- Track rehabilitation\installation of backup fibre
- Bridges project
- Station rehabilitation
Infrastructure work on the Durban-Umlazi lines will cover the following:
- Substation rehabilitation
- Tunnels rehabilitation
- Signalling rehabilitation
- Perway rehabilitation
- Installation
- Bridges rehabilitation
- Station rehabilitation
23 December 2021 - NW2690
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, whilst our train services are in the lowest state ever and the bank balance of the Railway Safety Regulator is at its highest ever, it is his and/or his department’s position that the current Fine-Driving system adequately contributes to rail safety; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Penalties fees are charged in terms of section 45A of the National Railway Safety Regulator Act NO.16 of 2002 as amended and the penalty fee model developed in terms of the Penalty Fee Regulation of 2011.The penalty fees are approved by the Minister of Transport and published in the Government Gazette. The purpose of imposing such penalties is to: (i) Promote, improve and achieve sustained compliance with the National Railway Safety Regulator so that incidents where penalties are reduced over a period of time; and to (ii) promote safe railway operations.
The RSR uses various tools to regulate the rail industry which includes; issuing of safety permits, issuing penalties (fines) in accordance with the Act, conducting safety awareness and training of operators, developing standards, conducting audits, investigations and inspections to monitor compliance with the RSR regulatory tools, with the main aim of improving safe railway operations. As indicated issuing of penalties (fines) is only one of the instruments used by the RSR and it is intended to serve as a deterrent from contravening the Act. The issuance of penalties is not intended to be a revenue generating tool. It should be noted that the RSR does not budget for penalties. Penalty revenue for 2019/20 and 2020/21 amounted to R770 000 and R800 000 respectively.
The significant bank balance that the RSR has, is as a result of the entities implementation of its 2018 financial recovery plan and 2021 financial sustainability plan.
23 December 2021 - NW2335
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to the new building that has been built to accommodate the Alberton North Police Station, which is currently standing vacant and vandalised, what (a) are the reasons that the SA Police Service has not (i) taken occupation and (ii) provided security to the specified building and (b) measures have been put in place to present further vandalism to the building?
Reply:
There is no Alberton North Police Station, in Gauteng.
(a)(i) Not applicable.
(a)(ii) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
A Planned Maintenance Project was registered, by the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI), for maintenance to the existing Alberton Police Station. The project is currently dormant, due to the fact that the Contractor is in default, because of the non-fulfillment of an obligation, with respect to time (in mara).
Reply to question 2335 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICANPOLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-12-15
Reply to question 2335 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BHCELE, MP
DATE: 2021-12-21
23 December 2021 - NW2628
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
(a) What number of police stations have been built in rural areas in the 2020-21 financial year and (b) in which provinces were the specified police stations built?
Reply:
The South African Police Service (SAPS) planned to build a total number of two police stations, in the rural areas, during the financial year 2020/2021, however, these police stations are not finalised yet,
The two police stations, which were scheduled for completion, are both in the North test Province
Reply to question 2628 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICANPOLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-12-15
Reply to question 2628 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BHCELE, MP
DATE: 2021-12-21
22 December 2021 - NW2701
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 Eastern Cape and (b) current usage of the commonage land; whether the commonage land has 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; 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 parcels of land; whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the relevant information regarding (a) commonage 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? NW3214E
Reply:
(1) (a) 57 406, 6707 hectares.
(b) The current usage of the land is for livestock, crop production, and settlement.
- The commonage land belongs to different municipalities and they will assist the beneficiaries should the need for water rights arises.
- Yes. Please refer to Annexure A.
- No. There are no reports of any invasion of commonage land that has been reported to the Department by the Municipalities.
-
- ,(b) Falls away.
ANNEXURE A OF NA-QUES 2701 OF 2021
Property Description |
Hectares Acquired |
Production Type |
Water Rights |
Invasions |
Ptn 0 of the farm No: 7/R Macleantown, East London |
245,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Farm No.313, Remaining Extent of Farm No.314, Remaining Extent of Farm No.315, Remaining Extent of farm No.316, Remaining Extent of Farm No.317, Remaining Extent of Farm No.318 and Remaining Extent of Farm No.319, Stockenstrom. |
148,7439 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 0 of the farm Hogsback no178, Ptn 0 of the farm Hogsback no182, Stockenstrom |
1019,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent and Portion 1 of Farm Buxton Commonage No.1316 |
615,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 1 of the farm no: 950 Gonzana, Stockenstrom RD |
650,0000 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Farm No.162 and Remaining Extent of Farm No.188, Victoria East |
1109,6571 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Ext of Farm Keibolo No 37; Remaining Ext of Farm Elfin No 38 Elfin, Stutterheim RD |
1568,8953 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 0 of the farm No: 129. EAST LONDON RD |
212,8977 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 3 of the Farm 149, Remainder of farm 148 |
698,6132 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Farm KARKOTS KRAAL No.116; Remaining Extent of Farm No.391 |
1600,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 1 of the Farm 129; Erven 466; 467; 468 |
2448,9494 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
358/80,81,102,103,104,110,302,303,304,325,327,328,329,330,334,335,336,337; 366/1,2 |
476,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Farm No.334, Graaf Reinet |
973,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
280/R8,343/R,344/R,345,346/R1,347/R,372/2,373/R2 |
700,1537 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 1 of the farm Klipplaat Commonage no214; Ptn 0 of the farm Klipplaat Commonage no214; Ptn 3 of the farm Klipplaat Commonage no257, Jansenville |
4263,9206 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 0 of the Farm Kareedouw no797, Humansdorp |
1123,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Portion 1 of Farm Groote Vlei No.146, Baviaans |
1326,7477 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 1 of Farm No.55, Hankey |
522,8771 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 0 of the farm Grahamstown no240, Ptn 0 of the farm Grahamstown no241, Ptn 0 of the farm Grahamstown no335, Albany RD |
2070,1935 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Rem Ext of Portion 5 of the Farm BRAKFONTEIN No.241, Portion 8, 18 and 19 of the Farm KRUISFONTEIN No.249 |
597,7495 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 0 of the farm bushmans river no338, Ptn 5 of the farm Bushmans river 228, Bathutrust |
621,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent and Portion 1 of the Farm No 145; Portion 1 and 4 of the Farm Cypress Valley No.144, Aberdeen RD |
3920,0000 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 1 of Farm No.128, Takastad |
3084,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Lukhanji Commonage, Queenstown |
909,2616 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 2 of the farm commonage no164, Ptn 6 of the farm commonage no 164, Queenstown |
237,0256 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 4, 8 & 17 of the farm PAARDE KRAAL 64, Molteno RD |
741,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining extent of Portion 2, Portion 3, Portion 4 & 5 of the Farm Weltevreden No. 45 Division of Queenstown: and Remainder of Portions 1,2, &4 of farm Weltevrede Annex No. 196 Wodehouse Registration Division. |
1376,5635 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 3, Portion 11, Portion 13, Portion 14 of Farm No.50; Portion 2, Portion 4, Portion 15 of Farm No.59; Remaining Extent of Portion 1 of Farm No.61, Venterstad |
5297,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Farm No.26; Remaining Extent and Portion 12 of Farm No.32; Remaining Extent of Portion 1 of Farm No.46, Lady Grey |
2591,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Portion 2 and Portion 4 of Farm No.56; Remaining Extent of Farm No.189; Portion 1 of Farm No.190, Albert |
1700,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 0 of the farm No: 236, WODEHOUSE RD |
171,4971 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 4 and Portion 5 of Farm No.181; Portion 7 of the Farm No.180; Portion 2 and Portion 3 of the Farm No.181, Burgersdorp |
2079,0400 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 1 of Farm No.72, Portion 17 of Farm No.73, Remaining Extent of Farm No.75, Remaining Extent of Farm No.76, Steynsburg |
1228,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 0,1, of the farm DRIEFONTEIN 168; Ptn 0 & 1 of the farm COFFEE FONTEIN 138 and Ptn 0 of the farm ANDERSON VREDE 263 Wodehouse RD |
3570,0000 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent and Portion 1 of Farm No.168; Remaining Extent and Portion 2 of Farm No.138; Remaining Extent of Farm No.263, Wodehouse |
3579,3911 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
62 Ruigterfontein, 12 Melkspruit, Fonteinskloof (61/4,5,6) |
2161,0000 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
177/2 (Dunkeld) Craigievar, 203/13 Portion of Portion12) Gelege Fontein, Albert RD |
1239,1463 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent, Portion 4 and Portion 9 of Farm Vaalkop No. 48, Venterstad |
531,3468 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
22 December 2021 - NW2850
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What are the details of support that his department has provided to the Competition Commission on any of its recommendations regarding (a) price fixing and (b) data prices since 1 April 2015?
Reply:
Price-fixing is a statutory offence under the Competition Act (part of cartel-behaviour by firms who collude). The Competition Commission therefore does not make recommendations in this respect to the Executive but instead the Commission prosecutes firms where there is evidence of price-fixing. During the review of the Competition Act in 2017, the Ministry identified measures to strengthen the penalties applicable to cartel behavior (including price-fixing) by firms in the SA economy. This has subsequently been incorporated into law by Parliament.
In respect of data prices, the Minister requested the Competition Commission in 2017 to undertake a market inquiry into data prices charged by mobile operators. The results of the market inquiry were publicly released by the Commission and the Ministry. Based on the outcome of the market inquiry, three mobile networks reached settlement agreements with the Commission or changed their prices on data for consumers.
The Commission has provided me with information that shows that prices have reduced substantially over 2 price changes – the first in April 2020 and the second in April 2021. Vodacom and MTN implemented deep price reductions ranging from 13% to 50%. The price reductions are a combination of direct price reductions on certain bundle sizes (see details below), increases in bundle sizes on certain price points (e.g. Vodacom increased the bundle size at R12 from 39MB to 50MB) or a complete replacement of bundles (e.g. Vodacom replaced the 300MB priced at R63 with 325MB priced at R55.
Vodacom prices of the monthly 1G data bundle reduced from R149 per month (original price) to R99/ month (April 2020) and then to R85 per month (April 2021) reflecting a - 43% reduction in prices overall.
MTN prices of the monthly 1G data bundle reduced from R149 per month (original price) to R99/ month (April 2020) and then to R85 per month (April 2021) reflecting a -43% reduction in prices overall.
The zero rating of websites is another major area of impact. Before the consent agreement was reached less than 100 websites were zero rated. This grew to 2 261 websites post the intervention. This growth was further substantially spurred by the DCDT gazzetting directions for the zero-rating of websites for education and health on 5 June 2020.
The number of users of newly zero-rated websites increased 22% over the last year from 3 266 895 In April 2020 to 10 744 224 in April 2021.
I am advised that the interventions saved consumers approximately R2.1 billion (annualized at R1.97 billion) for the first 13 months from April 2020.
To enable the Commission to undertake its work on areas such as data prices, the Ministry supports the budget requests of the Commission.
-END-
22 December 2021 - NW2583
Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
1. Whether, with reference to the reply of the former Minister, Ms LN Sisulu, to question 659 on 16 April 2021, (a) she will furnish Ms EL Powell with a copy of the document title Guide to Parliamentary Questions in the National Assembly to which reference was made in the specified reply, (b) what is the status of the specified document with regard to executive replies in her department, (c) what is the date on which the specified document was adopted by her department, (d) what is the date on which the document was first circulated in her department with regard to replies to Parliamentary Questions and apply it to executive replies. 2. Whether, with reference to the Reply to PQ 659 on 16 April 2021, by the former Minister Ms LN Sisulu, she can furnish the full information including the names of contractors, if not, why not: if so, on what date?
Reply:
- (a) The Honourable Member is requested to source the document title ‘Guide to Parliamentary Questions’ from Parliament.
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
- The Honourable Member is requested to furnish the full information including the names of contractors.
No |
Name of companies contracted by the events management company of the Department – Travel with Flair (TWF) |
Amount paid (Rands) |
1. |
The Galleria |
425 113.98 |
2. |
GL Events |
97 339.52 |
3. |
Unlimited Events |
51 885.70 |
4. |
Events Options |
336 039.85 |
5. |
Bentry Projects Limited |
114 000.00 |
TOTAL |
1,024 379.05 |
22 December 2021 - NW2766
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
How has her department contributed to organic farming in the past three financial years?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) provides technical support and advice to the organic farming sector. This include cultivation practices, pests and disease control and post-harvest handling practices. Provincial departments of agriculture provide financial support to farmers through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and Ilima/ Letsema conditional grants.
Organic farming has great potential in terms of economic growth and job creation. This is due to the fact that organic farming is highly labour intensive. There is a bigger scope for increasing the size of the industry in terms of hectares and farmers because organically produced products fetch premium prices on both local and export markets.
DALRRD had also collaborating with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition regarding linking smallholder organic farmers to retail outlets, including the big supermarket chains. The biggest efforts were directed at helping farmers to comply with market requirements of these retail outlets. This was in line with recommendations from the Fund for Research into Industrial Development, Growth and Equity (FRIDGE) study on organic farming carried out through National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC).
DALLRD is also responsible for regulating the organically produced products through the Agricultural Products Standards Act (Act 119 of 1990). This is done to ensure that good agricultural products are used when products are produced as well as the post-production handling procedures to ensure the quality and safety of products destined for local as well as export markets. Inspection services of the DALRRD ensures that all farmers and other stakeholders in the food value chain comply with the prescribed requirements.
22 December 2021 - NW2803
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 North West and (b) current usage of the commonage land; whether the commonage land has 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; 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 parcels of land; whether she will provide Mr N P Masipa with the relevant information regarding (a) commonage 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? NW3323E
Reply:
(1) (a) 17 945,6863 hectares.
(b) The current usage of the land is for crop, livestock production and settlement.
The commonage land belongs to different municipalities and they will assist the beneficiaries should the need for water rights arises.
Yes. Please refer to Annexure A.
No. There are no reports of any invasion of commonage land that has been reported to the Department by the Municipalities.
,(b) Falls away.
ANNEXURE A OF NA-QUES 2803 OF 2021
Property Description |
Total Hectares Acquired |
Production Type |
Water Rights |
Land Invasions |
R/E of Ptn 1 & 34 (a portion of portion 7) Elandsdrift 467, JQ |
70,4326 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
PTN 235 ( a portion of Portion 233) and one and a half share of PTN 182 of the farm Rooikoppies 297 |
60,0000 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
PTN 23 (a portion of Portion 3), PTN 9 ( a portion of Portion 2), remaining extend of PTN 11, PTN 5 ( a portion of Portion 1, PTN 22 (a portion of Portion 3), PTN 25 ( aportionof Portion 1) and remaning extent of PTN 1 of the farm Leeuwfontein 456 |
862,0000 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Ptn 11, 25, 26 and 1/24 of Syferfontein 381 |
784,9574 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
1/48 share in R/E of the farm Klipgat 249 JQ |
807,3071 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remainder of Ptn 7; Remainder of Ptn 8; Ptn of Ptn 18; Ptn 23; Remainder of Ptn 13; Ptn 11 (Ptn of Ptn 3) of the farm Doornpan No 195, IP |
1538,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 7 of the Farm Eleazer 377, IP |
818,7054 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 24 of the farm Klipkop no 24 HP,Portion 21( a Portion of portion 5), Remaining portion of portion 4,a Portion of portion 35 of portion 29, certain portion 29 of portion 4,portion 38 (a Portion of portion 7), remaining extent of portion 7 and remaining extent of the farm LEEUBOSCH 44 HP.portion 52(a Portion of portion 50), remaining Portion of portion 50, remaining extent of portion 1and remaining Portion of portion 12 all of the farm Rietkuil 43 HP |
1464,7601 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining extent of the Farm Rosendal 673 IN |
1044,2062 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining Extent of Portion 3 (A por of Por 1) of the farm Zoutpan, Por 14 of the farm Zoutpan 349. |
425,6793 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining extent of Farm FOREST HALL 182 |
2534,4682 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Portion 3 of the farm Zoutpan 301 and portion 2 of the farm Holwater West 303 HO |
869,9300 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
farm Kareeplaas No 255 HO; ptn 2 of Smitskraal No 254 HO and Remaining extent of the farm Uitkyk No 256 HO |
3085,0000 |
Settlement |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remaining portion of the farm Witpoortje 88 and Portion 22 (portion of Portion 19 of the farm Palmietfontein 92 |
1422,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Remainder Portion 33 (Harmonie) (a portion of portion 18) and Portion 51( a portion of Portion 44) of the farm Rietdraai 51 |
72,2400 |
Crops |
Unknown |
Unknown |
portion 2 of the farm zandpootje 95 JP and portion 10 of the farm petrusdam 55 JP |
2086,0000 |
Livestock |
Unknown |
Unknown |
21 December 2021 - NW2751
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Whether, given the current outbreak of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, and the resumption of Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) data collection period, Stats SA will continue with the face-to-face data collection; if not, how will data be collected, especially in remote areas; if so, what has he found will be the impact of the outbreak of the new Omicron variant to face-to-face data collection process?
Reply:
Yes, Honourable Komane
Stats SA intends to roll out multi-modal data collection tools, namely (i) Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI), (ii) Computer Assisted Telephonic Interviewing (CATI) and (iii) Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). The latter is also referred to as face to face interviewing.
The CAWI and CATI modes allows us to collect and interact with the public remotely, hence we encourage all people/households and institutions to register to be enumerated on our data-free platforms (getcounted.statssa.gov.za) or call our Tollfree service (0800 110-
248) to help them register. This process triggers members of the public to share with us their contact details, which will aid us to engage them even remotely (telephonically- CATI)
Face to face has been undertaken during the last pilot (August 2021). The challenge has been the discomfort from the public to open their doors to the field staff. The level of restrictions imposed at a given time will determine the roll out of face to face (e.g., any restrictions from level. 3 and lower still allows us to conduct face to face- with appropriate PPE equipment.). Any higher levels of restrictions (level 4-5) will lead to the rescheduling/ delayed deployment of face to face).
We are aware of limitations in rural areas either due to literacy levels or connectivity challenges, hence we advocate that CAPI is still the best mode to reach all settlements and population groupings (homeless, transients, households and the institutionalized).
We therefore intend to use all these methods in rural areas. In areas/cases where these other two modes cannot be deployed, we intend to deploy face-to-face primarily with the appropriate levels of restrictions as determined/pronounced from time to time.
The approach will be to provide all our field staff with (appropriate PPE’s, face masks and sanitizers), in addition our training includes a module on adherence to Occupation, Health and Safety (OHS) measures/guidelines in line with COVID-19 regulations. This includes either conducting interviews in open spaces within, outside the dwelling unit or asking for telephone numbers and calling the respondent immediately thereafter via using the tablets (over the fence or otherwise).
Finally, we also have a workplace vaccination program, wherein we encourage our employees to be vaccinated by setting dates for vaccinations within our various national and provincial offices in collaboration with GEMS.
Thank You.
21 December 2021 - NW2843
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) is the total number of nursing colleges in each province in the Republic and (b)(i) number of nursing colleges have been shut down in the past two financial years and (ii) were the reasons for closing the colleges; whether he has found the nursing colleges to be effective and running smoothly; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; what is the total number of graduates who have (a) graduated from the colleges and (b) been absorbed into the departments in each province over the past five years?
Reply:
- (a) There are 10 nursing colleges in the Republic. One located in each of the nine provinces and the 10th being the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). These colleges have 45 campuses and 40 sub-campuses located in district and subdistrict level in each of the provinces to ensure access to nursing education by local communities
(b) (i) None of these colleges were shut down in the past two financial years.
(ii) Not applicable
- The colleges are running effectively and smoothly, phasing in new programmes whilst phasing out the legacy (old) programmes in compliance with relevant legislation guiding nursing education. While the accreditation process by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) for some programmes has been slower than expected, department is communicating with the CHE to expedite the accreditation of these programmes.
- (a) Table 1 overleaf reflects the number of graduates who were produced by South African Nursing Colleges in the past five-years in question:
Table 1. Number of graduates produced by South African Nursing Colleges in the past five years
Province |
Name of the College of Nursing |
Graduates produced per year: |
|||||
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Total |
||
Eastern Cape |
Lilitha College of Nursing |
358 |
331 |
426 |
336 |
322 |
1773 |
Free State |
Free State School of Nursing |
165 |
155 |
144 |
152 |
145 |
761 |
Gauteng |
Gauteng College of Nursing |
620 |
614 |
507 |
593 |
847 |
3181 |
KwaZulu Natal |
KwaZulu Natal College of Nursing |
316 |
533 |
393 |
512 |
164 |
1918 |
Limpopo |
Limpopo College of Nursing |
218 |
188 |
200 |
235 |
169 |
1010 |
Mpumalanga |
Mpumalanga College of Nursing |
322 |
76 |
304 |
243 |
146 |
1091 |
Northern Cape |
Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College |
25 |
44 |
18 |
46 |
13 |
146 |
North West |
North West College of Nursing |
275 |
130 |
118 |
200 |
269 |
992 |
Western Cape |
Western Cape College of Nursing |
243 |
250 |
77 |
34 |
6 |
610 |
SAMHS |
SAMHS Nursing College |
61 |
40 |
56 |
14 |
41 |
212 |
Total |
11 694 |
(b) The following table reflects the number of eligible graduates who were absorbed into statutory posts for Professional Nursing Community Service in the past five years (The numbers below are inclusive graduates from Nursing Colleges and Universities)
Table 2.
Province |
Graduates absorbed as Community Service Nurses in each year: |
|||||
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Total |
|
Eastern Cape |
582 |
514 |
621 |
551 |
587 |
2855 |
Free State |
217 |
195 |
211 |
173 |
164 |
960 |
Gauteng |
683 |
781 |
677 |
655 |
970 |
3766 |
KwaZulu Natal |
648 |
700 |
684 |
687 |
439 |
3158 |
Limpopo |
171 |
212 |
276 |
323 |
279 |
1261 |
Mpumalanga |
265 |
208 |
217 |
295 |
251 |
1236 |
Northern Cape |
74 |
53 |
102 |
74 |
92 |
395 |
North West |
390 |
304 |
394 |
471 |
268 |
1827 |
Western Cape |
384 |
381 |
364 |
323 |
364 |
1816 |
SAMHS |
61 |
40 |
56 |
14 |
41 |
212 |
Total |
17 486 |
NB. After completing Community Service, Professional Nurses are not automatically absorbed into permanent posts. They need to apply and compete for advertised positions either Public Service or Private Sector. Based on the individuals performance during the selection process the favourable candidate is appointed into a post.
END.
2
21 December 2021 - NW2381
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and his department will furnish Mrs M R Mohlala with further details of the transactions and/or loan agreements between TCTA and the Development Bank of Southern Africa as well as agreements with the five major banks in the Republic?
Reply:
The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) raised R15.45 billion from six local banks, including DBSA, in May 2021, as part of its mandate to raise and manage funding for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (“LHWP”), including the construction of Phase 2. This followed the raising of R6.5 billion in 2018 from three local banks. The loans contribute to:
- Fulfilment of South Africa’s obligations in terms of the Treaty with Lesotho;
- Servicing of the existing debt portfolio; and
- New capital expenditure on LHWP-2 and liquidity management.
The LHWP augments the Vaal River System (VRS) which supplies water to 45% of South Africa’s population in Gauteng municipalities including Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Rustenberg in the North West; as well Govan Mbeki Municipality (Secunda, Evander, and Bethal) in Mpumalanga. The Vaal River System also supports 60% of the South African economy, including:
- The bulk of Eskom’s power stations;
- Sasol’s plants in Sasolburg and Secunda;
- The goldfields of the North West and Free State provinces;
- The Iron and Manganese mines in the Northern Cape; and
- ArcelorMittal South Africa’s steel works in Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.
The long-term outlook for the VRS is that water requirements are outstripping the available water resources and there is a need to assure water security for the several provinces dependent on the VRS.
The transactions are an investment in an impactful project that contributes to social and economic development. Apart from the direct benefit of additional water supply for the VRS, the LHWP-2 is anticipated to contribute and maintain a total of R244.4 billion (in 2018 constant prices) GDP and Sustain 544 586 new job opportunities, of which just over 214 570 will be for unskilled workers; thereby significantly contributing to South Africa’s job creation, according to a Technical Due-diligence Report prepared by consulting company called WSP for the benefit of Development Finance Institutions lenders.
The loans are all denominated in local currency and therefore do not have foreign currency exposure and have maturities of between 5 and 20 years. They will be repaid through water tariffs charged by the Department of Water and Sanitation on the Vaal River System water users.
The TCTA's repayment obligations under the LHWP are covered by an explicit South African Government Guarantee as required by the Treaty on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The details of the loan agreements are provided in table 1 below.
TABLE 1: LOAN AGREEMENTS DETAILS
Lender |
Loan Type |
Purpose of the loan |
Loan Amount |
Effective Date |
Final Repayment Date |
ABSA |
Long-Term Loan |
Refinancing of existing debt |
R1,000,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
31 March 2026 |
DBSA |
Long-Term Loan |
Capital Expenditure |
R2,500,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
30 April 2045 |
DBSA |
Long-Term Loan |
Capital Expenditure |
R3,000,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
30 April 2045 |
Investec |
Long-Term Loan & Revolving Credit Facility |
Refinancing and/or Capital Expenditure |
R1,500,000,000 |
25 July 2018 |
25 July 2036 |
Investec |
Long-Term Loan |
Refinancing and/or Capital Expenditure |
R1,650,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
30 May 2036 |
Nedbank |
Long-Term Loan |
Capital Expenditure |
R2,000,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
27 May 2031 |
Rand Merchant Bank |
Long-Term Loan |
Refinancing and/or Capital Expenditure |
R3,800,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
27 May 2026 |
Standard Bank |
Long-Term Loan & Revolving Credit Facility |
Refinancing and/or Capital Expenditure |
R4,000,000,000 |
27 July 2018 |
27 July 2033 |
Standard Bank |
Long-Term Loan |
Refinancing and/or Capital Expenditure |
R600,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
30 April 2027 |
Standard Bank |
Long-Term Loan |
Refinancing and/or Capital Expenditure |
R900,000,000 |
27 May 2021 |
28 April 2028 |
21 December 2021 - NW2844
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) number of surgeries and/or operations were (i) cancelled and (ii) postponed in each province since the start of the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 and (b) is the breakdown of reasons why the surgeries and/or operations were postponed and/or cancelled considering that patients wait for months for the dates to have surgery performed and/or operations done?
Reply:
The Honourable Member is kindly informed that this kind of information is not readily available at the National Department of Health. This information must be sourced from hospitals in provinces, and therefore the department is busy collating the information from the hospitals through the provinces. The information will be shared with the Honourable Member and Parliament as soon as it is received from the provinces.
END.
21 December 2021 - NW2606
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) are the reasons that the same exam leakage report has not been tabled and (b) happened to the two staff members working at the Government Printing Works who were implicated in leaking the exam question paper?
Reply:
- The finalisation of the report on the National Investigation Task Team, was delayed by the outstanding forensic investigation report that was carried out on the cell phones that were voluntarily submitted by candidates. The final Report has since been submitted to the Portfolio Committee.
- The investigation relating to the Government Printing Works as well as the other components of the investigation are part of the criminal investigation that is conducted and managed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). All information relating to the criminal investigation will only be made available to the Department of Basic Education, after the investigation is concluded and the courts have ruled on the matter.
21 December 2021 - NW2845
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) number of officials in his department have been suspended due to the Digital Vibes scandal and (b) progress has been made with the disciplinary actions in this regard; whether any person has been charged yet for the Digital Vibes scandal; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; what consequence management strategy has been put in place so that such scandals do not reoccur in future?
Reply:
- There are four officials from the National Department of Health (NDOH) that have been suspended and are currently undergoing a disciplinary hearing. Charges were served on the officials and the Disciplinary Hearing commenced on 22 November 2021, it is currently underway.
- Kindly refer to (1) above, charges have been served on the four implicated officials.
- The NDOH has resolved to minimize the use of deviations, and these will only be resorted to under extremely exceptional circumstances. In addition, the NDOH is the process of improving its contract management processes to ensure efficient and effective contract management.
END.
21 December 2021 - NW2736
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
What interventions has his department assisted with at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in the Northern Cape, in view of some of the recent reports of the specified hospital having lost several medical officers in 2021; whether he has found that the administrative issues at the hospital have had any impact on the surgery backlog; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; whether he will commit to investigating the challenges faced by the hospital; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The following interventions are made to assist the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital:
(a) The hospital has an annual turnover of about 30 – 50 community service doctors;
(b) The hospital annually plans by commencing interviews with community service doctors who may be interested to continue working at the hospital around June – July;
(c) The hospital has completed the human resources process on time and the applicants were informed of the outcome of the interviews and the list of recommended applicants has been sent to the Head of Units;
(d) The hospital is currently filling 31 posts, following a resignation of a medical officer
2. Yes.
(a) The hospital always had backlogs in ophthalmology, general surgery, and orthopaedics. This is due to an ongoing challenge of a shortage of nurses trained in theatre technique. The hospital does, from time to time, arrange blitz sessions to reduce the backlog;
(b) The total backlog for general surgery currently stands at 492;
(c) The long-term plan is active recruitment, coupled with training nurses in theatre technique to cover the rest of the province. This will allow the hospital to plan outreach programmes into the districts to minimise the burden on the tertiary hospital for beds.
(3) The Ministry and National Department of Health will continue to support the province as we do with us provinces in the identified area of staff shortages across all categories.
END.
21 December 2021 - NW2859
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health
What specific interventions has he made to include African traditional healers in the fight against COVID-19?
Reply:
The outbreak of Covid–19 brought new challenges in the Traditional Health Practice, which led to the Department of Health developing Guidelines for Traditional Health Practitioners in dealing with Covid-19.
The Department supported the role played by Traditional Health Practitioners during the hard lockdown period by providing them with travel permits to allow them to continue looking after their patients and assist in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Traditional Health Practitioners have also been supported by the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), by providing them with PPE procured through the Global Fund money.
END.
21 December 2021 - NW2860
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) total number of public hospitals have declared state of readiness for the new COVID-19 variant and (b) measures have been put in place to boost the capacity of those hospitals that are not ready yet?
Reply:
(a). All gazetted hospitals in the country are declared ready for the Covid-19 variant. These hospitals are able to manage Covid-19 cases in the context of the hierarchy of health services per type of facility. This arrangement ensures that the patients are referred the next level of care as and when the condition of the patient changes, from mild, moderate to severe state.
(b). The department has prepared all the 336 gazetted public hospitals plus the private sector hospitals for Covid-19 variant depending of the packages of services and hierarchy of care for each level of the hospital. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the department did the following in order to determine the state of readiness for Covid-19 admissions:
-
- conducted an audit for oxygen reticulation capability;
- identification of respiratory support devices needs;
- determined infrastructure needs as well as Human Resource needs.
This is the information that has been used to ensure that the hospitals are ready for all various Covid-19 variants, including preparations for this current variant. Based on the Intra-Action Review that was conducted for the third wave, the department was confident to confirm during the planning for the fourth wave that all hospitals are ready for this new variant.
END.
21 December 2021 - NW2806
Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Health
Taking into consideration that the number of persons getting vaccinated is low, whilst there seems to be a budget increase towards efforts to encourage persons to get vaccinated, how does his department intend to ensure balance in return on investment in this regard?
Reply:
The department regrets to report that there has been no additional budget for demand generation. The additional resources have been provided by the private sector and voluntarily placement of advertisements and radio slots. The investments include making vaccination mean more to people (through demand creation) and making it easier to get vaccinated (through establishing more vaccination sites, using outreach and extending vaccination site times, primarily to weekends). Doses in the arms, especially of older people mean a lot fewer admissions and savings to the health system. Calculations have been done which show that vaccination of people over 65 years saves the health system around R850 per vaccination based on a cost of admission which is about R75 000 per admission. It has also been estimated that vaccinating 83 men over 65 years could prevent 1 admission, saving R903 in admission cost for this group.
The cost of vaccines and associated supplies remains the major investment. The cost of the logistics to provide the vaccinations increases exponentially as it becomes more difficult to reach people. Increasingly more effort and investment are required to drive towards critical thresholds of coverage. People who are willing to vaccinate if their personal costs or constraints are reduced cost the vaccination programme more to reach than those who have no limitation on access at their own costs.
The public investment case is that COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on both society and the economy:
- COVID-19 has increased the number of deaths by about 30% since May 2020. There were 238,949 excess deaths in South Africa recorded between 3 May 2020 and 14 August 2021 (age-standardised excess death rate of 401 per 100,000 population).
- Vaccination against COVID-19 will provide a return on investment of 11 to 20 times in terms of infections averted and costs to the economy.
- COVID-19 related mortality is concentrated in older age groups: 82% of COVID-19 deaths recorded in South Africa have been among people over fifty years of age and 61% of recorded deaths among people over 60 years.
- The net saving to the health system of vaccinating all men and women over 65 years of age is approximately R1.3 billion (R500 and R250 per person respectively), based on a mortality hazard ratio of approximately 2:1,4 an average cost per hospitalisation managed in a public general ward of R75,0005 and an unit cost of vaccination of R350.
- The vaccination of younger people (aged 18-39 years) is crucial in securing the social and economic returns on investment in the medium-term. In the short-term, the vaccination of younger people will incur a net cost to the health sector (about R300 p.p.). However, they constitute over half (56%) of the total population and their uptake patterns will largely determine whether or not we reach critical thresholds of coverage.
END.
2
21 December 2021 - NW2648
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What is the total number of young persons who have dropped out of school over the past 20 years, (b) at which grade do most dropouts take place and (c) what interventions has her department made to curb the rate of school dropouts?
Reply:
- While dropping out is a matter that the Department of Basic Education monitors closely, it would be difficult to provide a response to question (a) for two reasons. Firstly, how the Department has monitored dropping out over the years, has changed as methodologies and data have improved; meaning that there is no comparable number for each of twenty years which can simply be added together. It should be pointed out that dropping out is seldom, if ever monitored in the manner implied by the question. Secondly, even if an attempt were to be made to standardise values over time, this would have to be in response to a question that defines clearly who is a dropout. There is no universally accepted definition of this. Young people, who leave school before obtaining the ‘Matric’ to find work, or to further studies somewhere else, are not easily identified or defined.
It should be clarified that the Department takes the matter of dropping out very seriously, and reports transparently and frequently on this. The annual report on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, available on the Department’s website, provides comprehensive analysis of who obtains and who does not obtain the National Senior Certificate (NSC). For example, the report for the 2020 examinations indicates that ‘the percentage of youths successfully completing Grade 12, has increased from about 45% in 2005, to around 57% in 2019’. The 57% implies that around 420 000 in one youth age cohort, do not obtain the NSC. Statistics South Africa data indicate that a further 3%, do not obtain the NSC; but do obtain some other national qualification outside the schooling system, for instance at a college. (This is explained in, for instance, the Department’s Action Plan to 2024.)
The 2020 NSC examinations report, moreover makes the important point that successful completion of twelve years of education in South Africa is roughly to similar to that found in other middle income countries. The key point is that the situation is improving in South Africa. A growing percentage of young South Africans, have been obtaining the NSC, and the NSC with a Bachelors-level pass in particular.
- Most dropping out, occurs between Grade 10 and Grade 11, and between Grade 11 and Grade 12. Figures in this regard appear in the 2020 NSC report.
- Dropping out is caused mostly by learners not coping academically. By far the most important interventions implicitly aimed at combatting dropping out, focus on improving the quality of learning and teaching. Such interventions include upgrading the skills of teachers at the secondary level, and initiatives aimed at ensuring that learners have all the textbooks they need, as well as the support / remedial programmes they require. Important longer-term interventions, include improving the way reading, writing and numeracy are taught in the earliest grades. Details appear in the Department’s Annual Performance Plan and other documents on the Department’s website.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic poses immense threats to educational quality. In this regard, the Department has focussed strongly on returning learners to regular daily attendance, for instance by insisting on the prioritisation of teachers in the national vaccination programme.
21 December 2021 - NW2382
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What are the (a) findings and (b) recommendations that the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company made in its report regarding the challenges associated with the Vaal River System?
Reply:
The findings and recommendations of the Report of the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company are indicated in the table below:
Findings |
Recommendations |
Non-establishment of the two key Governance Structures, the Political Steering Committee and the Project Steering Committee; resulted in delays for approval of the intervention implementation plan |
Key Governance Structures should be established to make key decisions on budgetary issues and project implementation issues. |
The Project Management Office (PMO) should have been appointed shortly after appointing ERWAT as an Implementing Agent to ensure efficient handling of the project plan and procurement of services. |
The PMO should have been appointed shortly after appointing ERWAT as an Implementing Agent |
There was a long lead time in Supply Chain Management processes (MFMA Compliance which affected the pace of the project. |
Due to the urgent nature of the project, special procurement processes should be put in place to ensure that the needs of the project are met in a timeous manner |
There was a lack of a structured communication and engagement protocol |
Councilors need to conduct regular public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the objectives of the intervention to:
|
Community awareness campaigns should be a constant feature/activity in projects of such a nature to manage community expectations. |
|
The role of the Labour Unions and communities as key stakeholders, was not acknowledged which resulted in a lack of buy-in from the Metsi- a-Lekoa personnel for the project |
Labour unions should play a greater part in projects of such a nature for the good of the project. |
The establishment of Labour Desks at an early stage is key so that the project can be implemented with the inclusion of SMMEs and taking into consideration job seekers in the area. |
|
Buy-in from the local communities, Community Leadership, Business Forum Leadership, MKMVA Leadership was crucial for the project. |
|
There was scope creep between the Sedibeng Regional Sewer Scheme (SRSS) and the Vaal River System Intervention (VRSI) resulting from inadequate integration of the SRSS and VRSI Projects. |
Allocation of resources and integration of projects such as the SRSS and the VRSI should be given priority even before the commencement of the project. This will also avoid delays due to interdependencies. |
Better planning and coordination is required for integration of SRSS into VRSI. |
|
Finalisation of scope of works for refurbishments was delayed |
The Department should prioritise finalization of scope for refurbishment when they take over project implementation. |
The O&M aspect of the project should be implemented first before the Capex rollout for infrastructure refurbishment to ensure that the Implementing Agent understands the process |
Findings |
Recommendations |
deficiencies and the sequence of the refurbishment process. |
|
Human resources, equipment and fleet were found to be inadequate within Emfuleni Local Municipality and presented challenges in the operation and maintenance of the sewer infrastructure |
The project should have commenced by mobilizing resources such as staff, fleet, tools, equipment, for Metsi-a-Lekoa. Capacitatation of ELM from inception would have made skills transfer from ERWAT an easy process. |
Poor power supply to pump stations and Water Care Works (WCWs) affected water quality. |
Back-up generators should be procured to ensure continuous adequate power supplies. |
21 December 2021 - NW2731
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Basic Education
In view of the submission by her department in Centre for Child Law and Others v Minister of Basic Education and Others (2840/2017) 2020 (3) SA 141 that there were 830 698 learners of South African origin admitted, subject to the condition that they will be excluded should they not produce the requisite documents at the expiry of 12 months, what (a) number of the specified learners were able to produce the necessary documents within the provided 12-month period, (b) is the current number of learners of South African origin admitted subject to the specified condition (i) in total and (ii) in each province and (c) engagements have been held with the Department of Home Affairs in order to address the challenge of learners of South African origin who do not have a birth certificate?
Reply:
Response: (a)
Please note that the department does not have comparison of learners without IDs between 2020 and 2021. However, the number of learners uploaded on LURITS were verified with the Department of Home Affairs. This analysis is not specific for the last 12 months. About 91.3% of learners with ID’s were verified with the Department of Home Affairs.
Table 1: Number of South African learners with verified ID numbers on LURITS, in 2021
Province |
Total number of learners of learners uploaded to LURITS |
Number of learners with verified ID's on NPR |
Eastern Cape |
1,688,327 |
1,612,153 |
Free State |
738,304 |
695,056 |
Gauteng |
1,899,470 |
1,607,654 |
KwaZulu- Natal |
2,251,344 |
2,122,383 |
Limpopo |
1,780,306 |
1,712,546 |
Mpumalanga |
1,128,591 |
1,052,018 |
Northern Cape |
304,675 |
297,210 |
North West |
862,259 |
816,303 |
Western Cape |
1,252,233 |
958,568 |
Total |
11,905,509 |
10,873,891 |
Source: 2021 LURITS
(b)(i)(ii)
Table 2 indicates that there were 465 826 South African learners without ID numbers captured in the School Administration System in 2021. The majority of these learners are in Gauteng, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 144 218 and 92 572, respectively.
Table 2: Number of South African learners without ID numbers submitted on LURITS, in 2021
Province |
Total Number |
Eastern Cape |
55,537 |
Free State |
30,546 |
Gauteng |
144,218 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
92,572 |
Limpopo |
46,455 |
Mpumalanga |
56,689 |
Northern Cape |
4,978 |
North West |
26,922 |
Western Cape |
7, 909 |
Total |
465 826 |
Source: 2021 LURITS
c) Engagements between the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Home Affairs have been enhanced and formalised under the leadership of Deputy Ministers of both Departments. Officials have also established teams not to only focus on South African learners, but all undocumented learners in all schools. The teams are led by the Deputy Directors-General of the two departments, and these teams include Chief Directors and Directors. Through the collaboration, the Department of Home Affairs has access to schools; and both departments exchange information of undocumented learners with the aim of facilitating their registration.
21 December 2021 - NW2853
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
Which recommendations have been made for children under the age of five to receive vaccination, given that the Omicron virus is reported to affect children under five years the most?
Reply:
No COVID-19 vaccines are currently approved for use in South Africa in children under the age of 12 years.
Trials in young children have been completed for two inactivated vaccines (Sinovac-CoronaVac and BBIBP-CorV), and these products have been approved by Chinese authorities for use in children 3-17 years. However, although these vaccines have received emergency use approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) for adults, they have to date not been approved by WHO for use in children1. Several additional COVID-19 vaccines are undergoing trials in young children (including children as young as 6 months of age). Results from these trials are expected in late 2021 or early in 2022, and it is likely that the manufacturers will then apply for regulatory approval for the vaccines to be administered to children under five years of age. Decisions to vaccinate young children in South Africa will require approval by SAHPRA, and will be guided by recommendations of the Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee.
It should be noted that whilst initial COVID cases caused by the Omicron variant included a large proportion of children under five years of age, this pattern has changed with more cases now being seen in older (adult) age groups. The incidence and severity of disease in young children is being carefully monitored in order to understand the impact of the new variant on young children.
Caregivers should protect young children from COVID infection by ensuring that all household members and other close contacts who are eligible to be vaccinated, are fully vaccinated, and that standard COVID prevention practices are followed at all times.
END.
1 World Health Organization. Interim statement on COVID-19 vaccination for children and adolescents. 24 November 2021
21 December 2021 - NW2729
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What was the total amount of (a) bonuses and (b) benefits paid to employees of his department in the 2020-21 financial year who (i) were on suspension and/or (ii) resigned while under internal investigation?
Reply:
- A total of R 11 504 666, 67 bonuses has been paid during the 2020-21 financial year for the 2019/20 Performance management cycle.
- The following amounts were paid iro benefits to employees:
- R 1 109 654,60 paid to employees who were on suspension
- R 1 788 516,00 paid to employees who have resigned while under internal investigation.
END
2729. Mr A C Roos: (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs: Written Reply
21 December 2021 - NW2784
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
How will his department, through its newly formed Border Management Agency, ensure that (a) there is free trade between the Republic and other African countries and that it does not act as a restriction, (b) there will be no stampede of truck traffic and/or of persons going in and out of the Republic to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and vice versa at the border gates, especially Beitbridge and Lebombo, to avoid the incident that occurred in December 2020 and (c) the security is reinforced at the other ports of entry, such as public and private airports, especially at the Fire Blade private airport, to ensure that there is no smuggling of the goods?
Reply:
(a). Based on section 5 of the Border Management Authority Act, the Authority is required by law to ensure the effective management of the movement of people, goods and services across the country’s Ports of Entry (PoE). Therefore, the establishment of the Authority is intended to improve efficiencies in the facilitation of trade between South African and the rest of the African continent and the world. Further, the establishment of BMA seeks to ensure the integration of various functions (e.g. immigration, port health, agriculture, access control) which are currently implemented by individual government departments in a fragmented manner. Therefore, BMA’s establishment seeks to improve efficiencies in this regard by integrating all those functions into a single command and control. To this end, in executing its functions, the BMA will remain guided by the overall policy directives adopted by the respective parent departments and therefore will in no way work towards hindering any trade activities or market access between South Africa, African countries and the world.
(b). The BMA, in collaboration with relevant government stakeholders, has prepared an operational plan for the border environment for the 2021/22 festive season wherein mitigation strategies have been developed for identified challenges such as traffic congestion and crowd control. The plan has been endorsed by multiple stakeholders including the National Joint Operational Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Provincial Joint Operational Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) especially those of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Free State. Further, the Border Management Authority is leading discussions at the Joint Technical Committees with our respective neighbours to ensure the alignment of systems to ensure the smooth movement of cargo between our respective Ports of Entry. We have also finalised discussions to increase the operating hours and the deployment of additional human resources especially in the busiest ports such as Beit Bridge, Lebombo, and Maseru Bridge, amongst others.
(c). Whilst the leadership of Border Management Authority is busy putting systems in place to operationalise the Authority and the ultimate deployment of the Border Guards, the Ports of Entry are currently secured by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in order to deter and intercept any illegal activities in the port environment. Regarding security at the private and public airports, the members of SAPS are working closely with the private security company to ensure that the port environment is fully secured and protected. These security arrangements also cover the Fire Blade private airport area as described in order to ensure that there is no smuggling taking place in the environment.
21 December 2021 - NW2730
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) Given that it can take several months to get an appointment to apply for a passport and then 12 to 24 months to process such applications, what plans are in place to reduce this unacceptable turnaround time; (2) whether he has considered an online application system for passport renewals from overseas countries with a large number of South African citizens with biometrics to be done at the relevant offices of his department at a South African consulate, embassy, mission and visa and/or permit facilitation centre; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3245E
Reply:
-
- The department is considering various options including the usage of third parties (e.g. courier companies) to facilitate the turnaround times for passport applications abroad in the interim, while the long-term include the deployment of e-Home Affairs and Live Capture abroad.
- The department is in the process to establish the viability of extending the online passport application systems abroad which will significantly shorten the time-frame for issuance of passports. The installation of the e-Home Affairs and Live Capture System in offices abroad is receiving attention.
END
20 December 2021 - NW2744
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Department of Health continues to ensure public health facilities provide adolescent- friendly health services.
- 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.
- To date all provinces have procured the product and both nurses and doctors can prescribe LPV/r oral pellets.
- 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 - NW2754
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 - NW2847
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) is the total staff component at the (i) Helen Franz and (ii) Tshilidzini Special Schools in Limpopo and (b)(i) number of vacancies are there currently in each school, (ii) for how long have the vacancies existed and (iii) by what date is it anticipated that the specified vacancies will be filled; whether there are any therapists at the specified schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; on what date (a) did she last undertake an oversight visit to the schools to ensure that our learners with special needs are being catered for appropriately and (b) does she intend to report the findings of her oversight visit to the schools to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education?
Reply:
1(a) (i)(ii) and 1(b)(1). The table below shows the information on the staff component of all non-teaching posts including professional staff (Therapists, Social Workers and Nurses)
School Name |
Number of posts-1 (a)(i)(ii) |
Vacant -1(b) (I) |
Helene Franz Special School |
78 |
32 |
Tshilidzini Special School |
109 |
50 |
1(b) (ii) The vacancies reported have accumulated since 2015, which was the last time posts were filled at both schools.
1(b)(iii) 36 posts for special schools targeted for learners with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability have been advertised for filling with effect from 01/04/2022. Some of the posts, once filled, will offer services to the two schools. Furthermore, 228 additional posts (professional and non-professional) to be distributed to all special schools in the province have been submitted to the Provincial Treasury for approval to be filled during the 2022/23 financial year.
- There is currently one (1) Therapist post filled at Tshilidzini Special School with 11 vacant, and none at Helene Franz Special School with two (2) vacant. Both schools are currently receiving therapeutic support provided by Therapists appointed through the Learners with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disability grant.
- There are no recorded oversight visits to the specific schools at national level.
20 December 2021 - NW2756
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.
20 December 2021 - NW2849
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What are the details of the interventions that have been put in place to address the challenges and/or problems related to learner admissions and placement in schools for the 2022 school year?
Reply:
Learner admission, is a provincial competency. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) developed Business Processes that all provinces should implement in the management of the admission process. The DBE has ensured that all provinces have:
- developed Circulars to guide the admission process in the admissions in line with the Business Process;
- used various media platforms to conduct advocacy to inform parents and stakeholders about important dates and procedures for admissions;
- established admission committees at provincial and District level to manage admissions in the province;
- established a team to manage and respond to appeals;
- established centres to deal with late registration and the distribution of learners from over-subscribed to where there is still available space.
20 December 2021 - NW2774
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 - NW2765
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 - NW2753
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 - NW2759
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 - NW2737
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:
- Total number of –
-
- 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.
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- 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.
- 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 - NW2865
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Basic Education
On what date is it envisaged that a primary school will be built for the community of Ward 13, Carousel View, in Moretele Local Municipality, where learners currently travel the long distance from Hammanskraal to Pienaars?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the North West Department of Education and a response will be submitted as soon as it is received.
20 December 2021 - NW2846
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.