Questions and Replies
22 October 2021 - NW1830
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)Whether the sporadic protests and looting that erupted in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, have affected the said upward trajectory of the recovery of the industry that the former Minister, Ms M T Kubayi-Ngubane reported during the debate on Budget Vote 38 in May 2021; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full relevant details; (2) what are the (a) programmes and (b) efforts that her department has put in place to mitigate the blow?
Reply:
1. The riots/looting and protests were broadcasted across the globe. While no study was conducted on the impact, publicity of such negative events would have impact on the brand and the sector recovery efforts. It will require more effort to reposition destination South Africa and to restore consumer and trade confidence. Disruption of tourist activities and forward bookings cancellations were the most immediate impact while the brand impact will also be felt in the medium to long term.
2. (a) and (b) The main focus is the implementation of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan. On the global front, SA Tourism will be embarking on the Global Advocacy Project in collaboration with Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) which is focused on addressing travel trade and consumer confidence building measures. In reigniting the domestic tourism and stimulating demand, Travel Week trade campaign was launched end of August 2021. The campaign is aimed at driving the trade to load their discounted deals on the Sho’t Left platform. This was followed by the consumer campaign. Furthermore, SA Tourism will be launching the Global Brand Campaign. The campaign is aimed at reigniting the regional and global demand and will be launched in September 2021.
22 October 2021 - NW1819
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether she has considered the issue of the Republic being placed on the red list in the United Kingdom about eight months ago and how does she intend resolve the matter of inbound tourism into the Republic and mend relations between the two nations; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) plans are in place to expedite the resolution of the matter?
Reply:
(a) and (b)
The department is aware of the red list. However, the department does not agree that the red list is a reflection on or has a bearing on UK – South Africa relationship. The department, South African Tourism and the industry will embark on an advocacy project to ensure that information regarding South Africa’s and in particular the industry’s management of the pandemic and efforts o support ease of travel facilitation is provided to travel trade, consumers and other inbound tourism stakeholders. This will be targeted at all our priority markets to ensure confidence building.
22 October 2021 - NW1848
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What (i) internal investigations has her department undertaken into the drowning of an adventure river guide on the Storms River near Tsitsikamma in the Eastern Cape on 26 September 2020, (ii) is the deadline for the conclusion of the internal investigation and (iii) are the terms of reference for the investigation and (b) who is undertaking such an investigation?
Reply:
(a)– (b) No investigation was done by the Department of Tourism, as it is not within its mandate.
.
21 October 2021 - NW1789
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1044 on 29 June 2021, the KwaZulu-Natal Regional Court President was subjected to a disciplinary hearing in KwaZulu-Natal in 2018; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
The Magistrates Commission was ready to proceed with the disciplinary matter since the previous response after it had already appointed two Officers to Lead Evidence (OLE). In the process in getting the OLEs to be trial ready one of the OLE, Regional Magistrate Johannesburg, indicated that he will be leaving the Judiciary to go on pension during 2022 and the matter will not be finalised by the time he leaves. Based on that reason he requested to be withdrawn as OLE.
The remaining OLE, Tshwane Judicial Administrative Region acting Head, acting Chief Magistrate has also requested to be withdrawn.
His reasons were that the matter related to Mr Nzimande comprised 165 counts, inclusive of alternative charges, of which according to him, will require months of preparation. He indicated that the OLEs must be able to have the required time on hand (many months) to thoroughly prepare for this complex matter prior it even reaching a stage of being pre-trial ready. That responsibility alone is certainly not a one-man-task and definitely requires a minimum of two persons to prepare for the leading of the evidence. It is also important to note that persons appointed as OLEs should have no prior knowledge of the merits and/or evidence to the matter and thus the preparation will include working through all the evidence, the task which consist of many lever-arch files of documents and statements.
He requested to withdraw as OLE as he will not be able to find himself in a position to time-manage his personal life in order to give this matter the time that it deserves, together with some other reasons he chose not to disclose.
The Commission has approached the Department to facilitate the appointment of other component persons to lead evidence and a team has been identified for this purpose.
21 October 2021 - NW1928
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal for the Government to recognise Muslim marriages which were supposed to have been enforced in December 2021 and his department’s failure to deal with Constitutional Court matters within its timeline and adhere to instructions by the Speaker of Parliament that such matters be dealt with within six months, what has he found to be the reasons that no progress has been made on the specified matter?
Reply:
1. On 18 December 2020 the Supreme Court of Appeal made the following orders in the matter of President of the RSA and Another v Women’s Legal Centre Trust and Others 612/19) [2020] ZASCA 177; [2021] 1 All SA 802 (SCA); 2021 (2) SA 381:
1.1 The Marriage Act 25 of 1961 (the Marriage Act) and the Divorce Act 70 of 1979 (the Divorce Act) are declared to be inconsistent with ss 9, 10, 28 and 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, in that they fail to recognise marriages solemnised in accordance with Sharia law (Muslim marriages) as valid marriages as long as these have not been registered as civil marriages. The declaration of constitutional invalidity was referred to the Constitutional Court for confirmation.
1.2 The declarations of invalidity were suspended for a period of 24 months to enable the President and Cabinet, together with Parliament to remedy the defects by either amending existing legislation, or passing new legislation within 24 months, in order to ensure the recognition of Muslim marriages as valid marriages for all purposes in South Africa and to regulate the consequences arising from such recognition.
2. Par 1.5 of the order of the Supreme Court of Appeal of 18 December 2020 makes it clear that the orders made by the Supreme Court of Appeal were not the final word on the recognition of Muslim marriages and their consequences. Proceedings would necessarily have to be brought at the Constitutional Court for the confirmation of the declarations of unconstitutionality made by the Supreme Court of Appeal.
3. On 5 August 2021 the matter of Women’s Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa and Others CCT 24/21 was enrolled at the Constitutional Court for argument. The Constitutional Court heard argument and adjourned the matter for judgment.
4. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) has consequently not failed to give effect to the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal on the matter of the recognition of Muslim marriages and their consequences. The final judgment in the matter is awaited as it will guide further development of legislation in this regard.
5. The six-month timeframe the Honourable Mr Hendricks refers to which he notes the DOJCD had to comply with to attend to the recognition of Muslim marriages and their consequences has consequently also not yet commenced but will only commence once the Constitutional Court has ruled in the matter of Women’s Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa and Others CCT 24/21.
6. Marriage Laws are now the responsibility of the Minister of Home Affairs, and the necessary legislation will be introduced by that Minister.
21 October 2021 - NW1770
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What criteria are considered when the resource allocation plan of a specific police station is calculated; (2) whether the plan is unique for every police station; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) total number of police stations of different sizes are catered for in one plan and (b) are the relevant details of the resources that are provided for the different types of police stations NW1795E
Reply:
In respect of the South African Polica Service Amendment Bill, 2030:
(a). No, the CSPS did not meet with Gun Free SA
(i)The following stakeholders were consulted
South African Police Service
Office of the DPCI Judge
Office of the Inspector General of Intelligence
Department of Public Service and Administration
State Security Agency
National Treasury
Provincial Budget Council
Local Government Budget Forum
Heads of Departments for Community Safety in the provinces
Find here: Reply to question 1770
21 October 2021 - NW2227
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) processes has she found to be too complex for the analysis of the requirements for the integration of the system of gender-based violence (GBV) and Victim Empowerment Programme that was not achieved (details furnished), (b) strategies have been put in place to address the complexities, (c) were the reasons her department failed to address the specified complexities in the planning processes and (d) role does the programme play in addressing the scourge of GBV in the Republic?
Reply:
The Department of Social Development Expenditure Analysis for the 2020/21 Fourth Quarter report discussed in Committee on 1 September 2021, it stated in programme 1 that the 'analysis of the requirements for the integration of GBV and VEP systems was not achieved'. The reasons for this was 'due to complexity of the processes'.
(a) End to end processing of Victim requires not only DSD services but other Government Departments services which is SAPS, DOJ, DCS, DBE, NPA, HEALTH, NGOs. The complexity is as a result of defining/ mapping integrated processes which required full understanding of participating departments processes towards GBV and VEP in order to develop sound Interface Control Functionality which articulates the electronic messages that will be flowing between the departments. The main challenges it where processes are not standardised within respective Departments which requires more sessions of sector standardisation of the processes first before defining integration interfaces with GBV and VEP.
(b) The plan that was executed was to have a joint consultation with all affected departments to uniformly define processes which then required more time.
(c) The complexities have been addressed. Processes are fully developed. Requirements specification developed. Currently in a process of integrating the systems which will also takes into cognisance other participating departments processes which contributes in the victims’ processes.
(d) The programme is part of the DSD’s response and contribution towards addressing the scourge of GBV by providing victim support and empowerment to victims of gender based violence. Provision of victim support and empowerment in a holistic manner reduces secondary victimisation, encourages cooperation with the criminal justice process and reinforces socially desired behaviour. Victim support and empowerment therefore contributes to crime prevention and enhances the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. The DSD is coordinating and leading the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) which is the integrated programme that addresses the diverse needs of victims in a multi-disciplinary approach within the criminal justice value chain. The DSD has developed the Victim Empowerment Programme Information Management System (VEPIMS) to capture data of all victims that serviced by the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP). Furthermore, the DSD) has since established the Gender Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) which provides professional telephone counselling and referral services to victims of gender based violence from the national call centre that is available 24 hours a day. The process of integrating the VEPIMS and GBVCC is underway in order to ensure that data collected within DSD is integrated. This data will be used to inform strategies to improve services to victims of gender based violence. This integrated DSD VEP Information Management System will be connected to interface with Integrated Justice System (IJS) Hub in order to improve access to victims’ information for further criminal justice processes such as participation in the parole processes.
21 October 2021 - NW1960
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a)(i) What is the current backlog in maintenance court cases yet to be resolved by his department and (ii) how far back do they date and (b) how does his department intend on resolving the crisis of backlogs with regard to maintenance court cases?
Reply:
- Prior to responding to the abovementioned question by Ms N.N. Chirwa, it is important to provide the definition of Backlog maintenance court cases in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
- Backlog maintenance court cases means all maintenance cases finalized after 90 days from the date of proper service of process. This definition was developed due to the fact that the Department is alive to the provisions of Section 6 of the Children’s Act 2005, which provides that all matters affecting children must be finalized speedily and any forms of delays must be avoided.
- Given the provisions of Section 6 of the Children’s Act 2005, and with the view to finalize all maintenance cases speedily, the Department firstly developed a key performance indicator: Percentage of maintenance cases finalized within 90 days from the date of proper service of process. With this, the Department planned to finalize maintenance cases within 90 days from the date that the Respondent/ Defaulter was served with the Directive/ Subpoena informing him or her of the maintenance claim and further calling upon him/ her to make good the maintenance claim and also provided that the Maintenance Application complied with the requirements of a complete maintenance application such as that the application has clearly outlined the details of the Defaulter / Respondent, proof of birth of the child and identity documents of the Applicant. Thus any application which does not have the required and necessary information will not be processed as it will negatively affect the investigation process.
- Whilst the Department had developed the said Key Performance Indicator, the Department experienced severe capacity constraints and as such resolved to introduce the implementation of the said Key Performance Indicators in identified maintenance courts also referred to as Maintenance Pilot Sites. To date, there are 241 Maintenance Courts which are implementing the said Key Performance Indicator. It is envisaged that the number of the Maintenance Pilot Sites would be increased as and when the Maintenance Courts are capacitated accordingly.
- With the view to also track the maintenance backlog cases, the Department also developed the Key Performance Indicator: Percentage of Maintenance Backlog cases finalized. The said Key Performance Indicator has been introduced in the Branch Operational Plan of Court Service and this assist the Department to track backlog cases and prioritize them accordingly.
- To date there are 2905 backlog cases (that is cases which were received in the 241 Maintenance Pilot Sites and which could not be finalized within 90 days from the date of proper service of process).
- The above backlog cases were received between the periods 2008 to 2021. The reasons for the cases not being finalized within 90 days from the date of proper service of process were also analyzed and it was found that they could not be finalized due to the whereabouts of the Respondents/ Defaulters being unknown and as such they could not be served with the Subpoenas / Directives. It should further be noted that due to the nature of the maintenance processes, the non-service of the subpoenas and directive on the Defaulter means that the maintenance case will not be hearing ripe and as such cannot be finalized. Furthermore, the backlog was also occasioned by postponements as a result of incomplete investigation of the cases. Since the introduction of the Maintenance Defaulters Track and Trace System the courts have also experienced delays in obtaining information from the Information Storing Institutions such as Banks and CIPC.
- The Department plans to deal with the backlog cases by training the Maintenance Officers and Maintenance Investigators on the utilization of civil remedies, forensic investigation and child forcedness. This will ensure that maintenance cases are prioritized.
- The Department will also train the Maintenance Officers on the utilization of the Interim Maintenance Orders option pending the finalization of investigations.
- The Department also plans to strengthen the Maintenance Defaulters Track and Trace System.
- The Department will also fill some of the vacant Maintenance Officers’ vacant position progressively.
21 October 2021 - NW2153
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department has any statistics on the number of child marriages in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what (a) is being done to prevent such marriages and (b) are the further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
The Department does not have direct statistics on number of child marriages in the Republic as this is the responsibility of the Department of Home Affairs.
a) Education and Awareness is done on Section 12 of the Children’s Act which prohibits child marriages, engaging communities, religious and traditional leaders on the implications of child marriages as well as Section 141 that prohibits child exploitation and children engaging in exploitative child labour.
Advocacy programmes on gender equality are conducted as well as intersectoral training and capacity building to key stakeholders such as SAPS and NPA on their roles and responsibility in the prosecution of perpetrators.
The department has institutionalized 365 days education and awareness programme on violence against women and children, conducted in partnership with other relevant stakeholders to educate the communities about children’s rights, protection of the rights of children from abuse and exploitation which includes child marriages.
The department further implement social behavior change programmes such as CHOMMY, a programme that is intended to equip pre-teenagers aged 10-14 with information and life skills, YOLO- teenagers aged 15-24 which serve the same purpose as CHOMMY. There is also Men and Boys Championing Change programme that is championed by men and is intended in mobilizing other Men in the fight against GBV and HIV; ad to serve as role model for boys especially those without fathers. Boys are empowered on growing up as responsible men and how to deal with issues. Social behavior change programme further includes “Asikhulume”, an InterFaith based programmes which seeks to foster social cohesion, restore moral fibre and healing to individuals, communities and the society.
Provinces embark on skill building initiatives to empower girls, families and communities through sustainable livelihood programmes and cooperatives to reduce poverty in communities which often sees a girl child traded in.
(b) Child marriage is a multi-sectoral issue which requires collaboration with different stakeholders which include government, civil society organizations, private, business, community leadership and structures, and families.
21 October 2021 - NW1797
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Following the announcement by his department earlier in the year regarding the action plan to trace maintenance defaulters and potentially ease dependency on social grants (details furnished), what are the relevant details of the progress that has been made with the specified plan; (2) What obstacles has his department encountered in carrying out the plan?
Reply:
1. The Department has conducted an investigation into the trend of the maintenance defaulters and found that most defaulters do not want to be found so as to avoid the maintenance inquiry processes and further that when they are found they conceal their means or distort the extent thereof so as to appear indigent and become exonerated from the liability to pay maintenance.
The investigation further revealed that there are two forms of economies in South Africa being Formal and Informal economies and as such most defaulters who claimed not to have means to pay for maintenance are within the informal economy. The business concerns are not registered for tax and the defaulters do not have bank accounts in their own names and thus making it difficult for the Maintenance Courts to process the maintenance cases.
In light of the aforesaid, the Maintenance Defaulters Track and Trace System was introduced. Initially it was introduced through the service provider who provided information of the defaulters such as full names, contact details, property ownership and business ownership.
The Department decided to strengthen the Maintenance Defaulters Track and Trace System by training the Maintenance Officers and Maintenance Investigators on the electronic system and investigation processes. So far Maintenance Investigators and Maintenance Officers in the Western Cape, Limpopo and Kwazulu-Natal provinces have been trained on Track and Trace System. Such training remains ongoing.
The officials in the Northern Cape Province were trained on 30 August to 3 September 2021.
The Department is developing a framework through which the concealment of income and assets gained in the informal economy can be traced for the courts to be able to grant maintenance orders in such cases.
2. The following challenges/ obstacles were encountered in implementing the plan:
2.1 The Department had advertised a tender for a service provider to provide On-line/Electronic Tracing Services. The Department received the bids from prospective service providers and the said bids were found to be way above the funds available on the budget for this purpose. This resulted in the tender process being suspended so as to enable the Department to approach National Treasury for additional funding of the project.
2.2 Covid-19 related challenges which resulted in the planned trainings being cancelled owing to officials going on sick leave, quarantine and self-isolation. Inter-provincial travel ban was also implemented in Gauteng and as such trainers who are based in Gauteng could not travel out of Gauteng to other provinces.
2.3 Lack of civil enforcement capacity and forensic investigation skills and capability.
2.4 Lack of tools of trade such as laptops, cellphones and motor vehicles which are necessary for Maintenance Investigators to conduct physical investigation of cases.
2.5 Introduction of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act 4 of 2013 which resulted in the training format being revised.
2.6 Justice College was also approached to develop a Forensic Investigation Training for Maintenance Investigators and Officers with the objective to further strengthen the System. Justice College has advised that they will have to procure the services of the curriculum expert to assist accordingly.
21 October 2021 - NW1787
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What progress has the Government made in its endeavours to secure the extradition of the Bushiris to the Republic?
Reply:
During November 2020, a request was received from the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) for the extradition of Shepherd Huxley Bushiri and Mary Bushiri from the Republic of Malawi to the Republic of South Africa to stand trial on various charges. The request was subsequently delivered at the office of the Attorney-General in Malawi on 5 December 2020. The extradition hearing proceeded in the Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court in Malawi.
On 19 April 2021, the attorneys acting on behalf of the Bushiri’s argued in court that South Africa could not rely on the SADC Protocol on Extradition as the Protocol has not been domesticated in accordance with section 211 of the Republic of Malawi’s Constitution. The court ruled that even though the Protocol had not yet been domesticated, that Malawi’s Extradition Act clearly demonstrates in the First Schedule to that Act that South Africa is a designated country for purposes of extradition, and therefore ruled in favour of the prosecution.
The matter was then postponed to Friday 4 June 2021, for the extradition hearing to start. During the proceedings the defense argued that the witnesses who would testify against the Bushiri’s in South Africa should travel to Malawi to give evidence during the extradition proceedings. The Magistrate’s Court ruled in favour of the defense that the witnesses should travel to Malawi. The DPP in Malawi advised the Department that they are of the view that the Magistrate’s Court misdirected itself as regards what amounts to a preliminary inquiry, and that Section 9 of the Extradition Act of Malawi never envisaged physical presence of witnesses in court during an extradition hearing.
The Office of the DPP in Malawi filed a review application to review and set aside the Magistrate Court’s ruling. The review application was heard on 21 July 2021, and judgment is expected soon.
21 October 2021 - NW1979
Powell, Ms EL to ask the President of the Republic
Whether he will furnish Ms E L Powell with the full details of each of the projects that he announced when he addressed Parliament on 15 October 2020 stating that a robust pipeline of projects that will completely transform the landscape of our cities, towns and rural areas with 276 catalytic projects with an investment value of R2,3 trillion had been developed by the end of June 2020?
Reply:
Through the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDS) process, a number of infrastructure projects were submitted to the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency. The 276 projects received had an estimated value of R2.3 trillion. These projects were divided per sector, of which 71 were in human settlements, 64 in transport, 42 in water and sanitation, 33 in agriculture and agro-processing, 25 in energy, 7 in digital infrastructure and 34 in other sectors such as mining, tourism and environment.
In terms of the provincial spread, 57 are in KwaZulu-Natal, 40 in Gauteng, 38 in Eastern Cape, 37 in Limpopo, 23 in Western Cape, 18 in Mpumalanga, 16 for both the Free State and Northern Cape and 12 in North West. A further 19 projects cut across provincial borders and are classified as national.
These projects were evaluated by the various technical working groups and 50 were subsequently gazetted as Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) in line with the provisions of the Infrastructure Development Act (IDA), focusing on energy, digital infrastructure, water, transport, human settlements and agriculture and agro-processing. The balance of the 276 projects require further project preparation to progress them to bankability stage.
The details of the 50 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) are contained in Government Gazette no. 43547 of 24 July 2020.
21 October 2021 - NW1796
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What total number of maintenance defaulting cases is his department currently dealing with and (b) how has he found this number to have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to date?
Reply:
In answering the above question, it is important to first understand the concept of “maintenance defaulter” in its correct perspective. A Maintenance Defaulter is a person against whom a maintenance court order has been issued but who fails to comply in full or in part with the said order for a period exceeding 10 days from the date of the issuing of the said order. The above definition therefore indicates that a distinction must be drawn between parties who fail to comply with maintenance court orders and who are simply not contributing financially to the upbringing of their children.
In this regard, the following should be noted:
- The total number of maintenance defaulters that the Maintenance Courts has dealt with since 1 April 2021 to 30 July 2021 is 16435. Of the 16435 cases, enforcement orders in the form of Emolument attachment orders and Warrant of Attachment of Debts were issued in respect of 2555 cases.
- The number of defaulter’s cases has increased since the outbreak of Covid 19 due to the fact that at the end of the 2020/2021 financial year, the Maintenance Courts have dealt with approximately 35 000 maintenance cases. However, the 2021/2022 financial year is left with 8 months before it comes to an end, but the figures are already drawing close to half of last year’s figures. This may be attributed to job losses as a result of Covid 19 and changes in parties’ personal circumstances.
- New applications could not be enrolled during the first lock down which was proclaimed in March 2020. Similarly pending inquiries could not be proceeded with. The situation returned to normal with the announcement of lower alert levels. The courts are grappling with the backlog of matters which accumulate during the lockdown
21 October 2021 - NW1927
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he will request the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr M C Ramaphosa, to provide the Former President, Mr J G Zuma with a pardon; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Applications for pardon are considered on an individual basis based on the application made by the applicant or his/her legal representative. No application for pardon was received in respect of Mr Zuma’s conviction for the Minister’s consideration and recommendation.
My Department plays a supporting role in receiving pardon applications and processing the documents for the consideration of the President. The preparatory steps to be taken by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development fall within the auxiliary powers of the President in the decision-making process as per the case of Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development v Chonco and Others 2010 (2) BCLR 140 (CCT).
With regard to pardons in general, the President’s power to grant pardon is derived from section 84(2)(j) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution). The decision whether or not to grant pardon to an applicant rests solely with the President. Though there is no right to be pardoned, the function conferred on the President to make a decision entails a corresponding right to have a pardon application considered and decided upon rationally, in good faith, in accordance with the principle of legality, diligently and without delay. That decision and the constitutional responsibility for that decision, rests solely with the President as Head of State.
21 October 2021 - NW2226
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) are the detailed reasons for the cancellation of the tender for the development of a Substance Abuse System and (b) is the purpose and objective of the specified system, which was an item in the quarterly financial report, under programme 1, but that was not achieved (details furnished); (2) whether she will furnish Ms B S Masango with a list of bidders; if not, why not; if so, to whom was the tender originally awarded; (3) what role do the programmes in the report have in addressing the drug crisis in the Republic; (4) whether the programme also targets the homeless populations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1a) The tender was cancelled due to the scope of the project, which was not properly defined and crafted in line with the advertised terms of reference. This resulted in huge price difference between the bidders. The request for cancellation of the tender was submitted and approved by the Bid Adjudication Committee of the Department.
(b) The purpose of this project is to upgrade the monitoring and evaluation of substance use disorder treatment services in South Africa to ensure capacity for greater responsiveness to emerging substance use trends, rapid feedback to providers, policy makers through the integration with other systems on demonstrable electronic architecture. The objectives are to monitor the quality and outcomes of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) services; to improve the quality of SUD treatment in South Africa and to collect data that is needed to advocate for greater investment in SUD prevention, treatment and continuing care services.
(2) First bidder: Esoftware Solutions (PTY)LTD; Second bidder: Tirisan Teach Solutions (PTY)LTD.
The Tender was not awarded to anyone. The difference in price was enormous hence the request to cancel the tender and be allowed to redefine the scope for re-advertisement.
(3) The role of the Integrated Anti-Substance Abuse Programme is to develop, review, implement and Monitor legislation, policies and services aimed at reducing the scourge of substance abuse in the country. The system is therefore intended to monitor compliance, quality of services and trend and patterns of substance abuse in the country.
(4) The integrated Anti-Substance Abuse Programme targets children and youth in and out of school, women, people with disabilities, men, homeless people, and people living in substance abuse hot spot areas.
20 October 2021 - NW1983
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in her department based in Gauteng and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date on which her department intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians in each livestock unit of her department based in Gauteng; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service in Gauteng; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year in Gauteng and (b) interventions by her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) The total number of veterinarians in the Gauteng is 28 permanent, 2 contract and 18 CCS veterinarians.
(b) (i) The current vacancy rate is 7%. There are 2 vacancies.
(ii) The two (02) vacant posts of veterinarians have been advertised, interviews conducted and appointment process is underway.
2. The number of mature veterinary livestock unit in Gauteng is 266294. With the veterinarians allocated for animal health the ratio of livestock units to veterinarians becomes 19000 livestock units to a veterinarian.
3. Compulsory Community Service for Veterinarians is a National driven program, which is implemented in all provinces. For 2021/2022 financial year, Gauteng has been allocated 18 CCS veterinarians. These have been distributed to the four (04) regional offices.
4. (a)The animal disease outbreak that occurred during the past financial year in Gauteng is African Swine Fever.
(b)There is neither treatment nor vaccine available for the disease. In instances where pig owners were cooperated, they were assisted with culling and disposal. The department conducted an extensive awareness campaign during the last quarter of the financial year. The lack of compensation for affected farmers has made it difficult for the department to convince farmers to cull their animals.
20 October 2021 - NW1827
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What has she found to be the benefits of the Better Living Challenge in the Western Cape where residents are taught how to improve their informal settlements?
Reply:
Based on information received as well as a consultation with the Western Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements, the Better Living Challenge (BLC) started in 2014 to respond to socio-economic needs of communities and to spur job creation. It was co-funded by the Western Cape Provincial Department, of Human Settlements and Economic Development and Tourism.
The target groups of the BLC are:
- Residents who only qualify to receive a serviced site from government and are required to build their own structures,
- Residents already living within informal settlements, to assist them to build safer structures and promote dignity by utilising the principles from the tutorials, and
- Small-scale builders who are already assisting residents in informal areas, which are key to economic empowerment.
The Western Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements reported that they engaged with various communities, including in Du Noon, Khayelitsha and Philippi, on their needs and priorities to design the initiative to respond to the respective requirements and attain the necessary community support. The initiative is aimed at assisting those still waiting for housing opportunities and cannot assist themselves in any other way to, in the very least, build a safer structure. The initiative has been well received by the communities and was also nominated for a Human City Design Award in 2019 hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network, the Human Cities Network, and the World Design Organisation.
In addition, the incubator programme facilitated the training of fifteen (15) local small-scale builders from Du Noon, Khayelitsha and Philippi in the City of Cape Town informal settlements, not only building and material-selection skills, but also entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, and personal development skills. Workshops were held with community builders and stakeholders in Sibanye in Moorreesburg and Swartland, in December 2020 as well as with other communities in Grabouw in the Theewaterskloof Municipality. The BLC, via the Cape Design Institute, also developed tutorial videos, which is aimed at small scale builders and the facilitators, including municipal housing official, within the informal settlements upgrade sector who are conducting workshops with community builders.
The Province advises that the BLC has thus far assisted many informal settlement communities directly in the Breede Valley and Drakenstein Municipalities, and the Provincial Department has also shared the initiative with Non-Governmental Organisations working within informal settlement areas, Municipal human settlements and housing officials across the Province, relevant sector Departments and the National Department of Human Settlements.
The National Department has in place policies, planning, programmes and funding interventions to ensure that informal settlements are upgraded, and this includes ensuring households are provided with security of tenure and access to water, sanitation, energy with access to socio-economic development and opportunities, to ensure an improved quality of life.
The National Department of Human Settlements will undertake further consultation with the Western Cape Province to ensure that the outcomes of the BLC are congruent with that of the policies and programmes of the Department. On this matter the Department was advised that the BLC also includes an initiative to promote adequate housing. The Department has advised the Western Cape Province, that all the outcomes of the BLC must ensure that all required minimum norms and standards of the Department as well as compliance with building regulations and specifications. In addition, the dignity of all households must be respected.
20 October 2021 - NW2090
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). Whether his department will provide a (a) list of all the (i) sport and recreation facilities and (ii) heritage sites that were built and/or renovated by his department within the past 10 years and (b) status update report on all stadiums constructed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in each province; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2). what (a) total number of stadiums in communities in general in each province are not in use and (b) are the reasons in each case?
Reply:
At the moment, we are busy compiling and verifying the accuracy of the information to my department by various entities across the country. Once that process is done, we will provide the Honourable Member with the proper response.
20 October 2021 - NW2017
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(1)What are the details of the (a) commitments made by stakeholders during a meeting held with the Security Cluster pertaining to the reports of racial tensions in areas such as Phoenix in Durban during the unrest in July 2021 and (b) stakeholders who have attended the specified meeting to resolve racial tensions; (2) whether there is any intention to have a follow-up meeting; if not, why not; if so, on what date?
Reply:
(1)(a) It is unknown which Security Cluster Meeting is being referred to in this parliamentary question given that many meetings were held pertaining to the reports of racial tensions in areas such as Phoenix in Durban during the unrest in July 2021.
However, government is determined to address racial tension and concrete steps taken include the following:
- A task team has been established to fast track investigations into the killings, cases are currently being heard at the Verulam Magistrates’ Court. Investigations into the killings are ongoing. The South African Police Service is a lead department in this regard.
- Provincial Government took a decision to establish committees to facilitate dialogue between affected communities. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has also been roped in as schools are been affected by the racial tensions.
- Community dialogues are being facilitated by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Social Cohesion and Regeneration Council.
(1)(b) Given that the meeting being referred to in this parliamentary question is unknown, details of the stakeholders who attended the meeting cannot be stated with accuracy.
(2) Since the meeting referred to in this Parliamentary Question is unknown, intention on follow-up meeting cannot be state with accuracy.
Thank You.
20 October 2021 - NW2102
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether with reference to the reply to Parliamentary Question number 113 on 5 March 2021, she will furnish Ms EL Powell with a copy of the National Home Builders Registration Council report regarding the Duncan Village Temporary Residential Units, if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what date?
Reply:
The report is attached hereto as Annexure A.
20 October 2021 - NW2066
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) (a) What is the total amount of Lotto funds that were allocated via the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee to Basketball SA in each year since 2014, (b) on which programmes was the funding spent, (c) who and/or which entity administered the funds, (d) how was reporting and/or accounting for the money spent conducted, (e) what total amount is not accounted for and (f) what is the name of each person who was implicated in each case; (2) whether there has been any consequence management regarding the commissioned forensic audit into the affairs of Basketball SA and the mismanagement of Lotto funds; if not, why not; if so, what (a) steps have been taken to retrieve the money and (b) action has been taken against persons involved in the mismanagement of funds and/or criminal conduct?
Reply:
The response from SASCOC to question no. 2066 is taking longer than anticipated. As a result, we are still waiting for a substantive response, once it has been provided my office will certainly forward it for your attention.
20 October 2021 - NW2214
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether her department has distributed the money allocated to the Residential Rental Relief Scheme, which was announced on 21 July 2020, to tenants of affordable rental housing; if not (a) why not and (b) by what date will the specified measure be implemented; if so (i) what (aa) total number of tenants have benefited from the specified scheme to date and (bb) criteria were used to identify the qualifying tenants and (ii) who have been the recipients?
Reply:
Based on the provisions of the Residential Rent Relief Programme (RRRP), the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), an entity of the National Department, has been appointed as the designated programme manager for the RRRP. The SHRA utilises applicable accredited Social Housing Institutions (SHI’s) or Other Development Agents (ODA’s), as the conduits to receive and submit applications on behalf and for the benefit of tenants. An SHI and/or ODA are the landlords for units regulated by the SHRA. The successful applicants are then notified, and approved payments are then made to the landlord in favour of the tenant’s account.
The National Department of Human Settlements has transferred the RRRP funds to the SHRA in the 2020/21 financial year. The SHRA has advised the Department that it has not distributed the money to the tenants of the affordable housing. However, SHRA has since procured the required resources to assist with implementation of the RRRP. To date, the SHRA has considered applications received in two rounds of requests to tenants, in the months of July 2021 and August 2021.
A total of 144 applications were received and assessed. Of these 144 applications, 54 tenants (37.5%) have been approved and are to receive a rent relief award to a total value of R324 118.53 The table below provides the details.
Table 1: Applications Rent Relief for Social Housing Tenants by province and institution - 31 August 2021
Province / Project |
No. of Approved |
Value of Grant Award Approved |
No. of Pending Application |
No. of Pending Application |
Total No. of Tenant Applications |
Eastern Cape |
1 |
9 500.00 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
Housing Authority of East London |
1 |
9 500.00 |
1 |
|
2 |
SOHCO Property Investment NPC: |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
Gauteng |
22 |
142 641.25 |
51 |
19 |
92 |
Johannesburg Housing Company |
3 |
26 600.00 |
22 |
8 |
33 |
Madulammoho Housing Association |
13 |
80 771.25 |
28 |
8 |
49 |
Norvena Property Consortium |
6 |
35 270.00 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
Kwazulu-Natal |
6 |
31 567.42 |
1 |
|
7 |
KwaZulu Natal Social Housing |
1 |
5 700.00 |
1 |
|
2 |
SOHCO Property Investment NPC: |
5 |
25 867.42 |
|
|
5 |
Western Cape |
25 |
140 409.86 |
9 |
8 |
42 |
Madulammoho Housing Association |
19 |
119 559.82 |
8 |
7 |
34 |
SOHCO Property Investment NPC |
6 |
20 850.04 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
Total |
54 |
324 118.53 |
62 |
28 |
144 |
(a) Based on the provisions of the RRRP no funds have been disbursed in favour of the tenants to date for the following reasons:
1. The waiting period for National Treasury approval for the roll-over of funds allocated in the prior financial year is required; and
2. Lower than anticipated number of applications have been received due to lack of general awareness of the programme, and qualification criteria in terms of eligibility as per the qualification criterion which includes:
a) A tenant in good standing requirement and;
b) The period of application being 01st April 2020 to 30 September 2020
c) Many tenants were not in good standing at the start of the hard lock
down or the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic manifesting post
September 2020
(b) Duration of the Programme
This Programme is a temporary relief measure based on the impact of the various state of disasters declared to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will only be considered until funds in terms of the funding allocation made by National Treasury in terms of reprioritised grant funding are exhausted. No expectation must be created that the Residential Rental Relief Programme will be extended beyond the approved stipulated time period, and/or exhaustion of the available funds allocated by the National Treasury
Given the intent of the programme to provide for those impacted by the state of disaster hard lockdowns in 2020, the Programme is to be rolled out within the 2021/22 year and the intention is not to extend the RRRP beyond March 2022.
(bb) Qualification Criteria
The following tenants qualify to apply for rent relief: -
-
-
- The tenant must be a South African citizen or in possession of a valid South African permanent residence permit.
- The tenant must have been renting the property for his/her private and primary residential use since 31 March 2020 (or before), in terms of a valid lease agreement.
- The tenant must have been in good standing at the date of the commencement of the state of disaster and level 5 lockdown, as at 31 March 2020.
- The tenant's combined gross household income must be R15 000 per month or less.
- The tenant must submit proof that her/his household income reduced by at least 50% due to the state of disaster resulting from the Covid - 19 pandemic - the material period for determinations of loss of income is the period for which relief is sought (and not income at the time of applications).
- The tenant must not have been in rental arrears, as of 29 February 2020, OR have been less than 30 days in arrears by end of March 2020.
- The tenant must have a repayment agreement in place.
- The tenant must display that she/he has been unable to pay full rental during the lockdown because of loss of income caused by the economic downturn associated with the state of disaster on the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The tenant must be over 18 years of age on the date of lodging an application for rent relief.
- The tenant must not currently own any residential property in full ownership, leasehold or deed of grant.
- Special Provisions:
- The fact that a lessee may have previously benefitted from any form of housing assistance from the Government of the Republic of South Africa, shall not disqualify him/her from receiving a rent relief grant. Being a beneficiary of the Rent Relief Programme in no way whatsoever will disqualify a qualifying lessee from future participation in another National Housing Programme.
- Preferential treatment will be given in cases of tenants who are pensioners and or disabled, or who have pensioners and/or disabled persons as part of their household
-
20 October 2021 - NW1985
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in her department based in KwaZulu-Natal and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date on which her department intends to fill the vacant positions; (1) what is the total number of veterinarians in each livestock unit of her department based in KwaZulu-Natal; (2) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial years in KwaZulu-Natal and (b) interventions by her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) The total number of veterinarians in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is sixteen (16).
(b) (i) The current vacant post is nine (09).
(ii) The Department is planning to recruit four (4) state veterinarians in the current financial year and then follows the next financial year.
2. One veterinarian in an average of 40 000 livestock unit.
3. The Department has implemented the Compulsory Community Service (CCS) since 2016. Currently we have received thirteen (13) veterinarians doing CCS. The department is in a process of procuring twelve (12) more prefabricated clinics to complement the five (5), procured by national department.
4. (a) The animal disease outbreak that occurred during the past financial year in KZN is Rabies, Brucellosis and Foot and Mouth Disease.
(b) Interventions are:
-
- Rabies: The province conducted awareness campaigns led by Hon MEC Mrs B.N. Sithole-Moloi. Strategic vaccination campaigns across the province and worked with relevant stakeholders.
- Brucellosis: Embarked on awareness campaigns led by Hon MEC Mrs B.N. Sithole-Moloi across the province. Sero-surveillance vaccinations across the province.
- Foot and Mouth Disease afflicted KZN in May 2021 and continues to be a serious concern. Surveillance has been conducted and the initial large area that was declared a Disease Management Area has been reduced. Further new information and latest control measures are being employed in the management of the disease.
20 October 2021 - NW1934
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)Whether houses at Extension 13 in Kanana near Klerksdorp in the North West have been (a) completed and (b) handed over to beneficiaries; if not, (i) why not and (ii) what remedial action will she take to resolve the situation; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what was the total cost of the housing development in Extension 13 in Kanana near Klerksdorp in the North West; (3) whether all monies were successfully paid to the contractor in order to complete the building project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) what is the reason the project has been halted, (b) on what date was the project halted and (c) what remedial actions has the (i) Member of the Executive Council, Mr M S Cwaile and (ii) former Minister, Ms L N Sisulu, taken to address the situation?
Reply:
1 a) The Houses have not yet been completed, however construction is still underway.
b) i) 41 Houses have been handed over to beneficiaries and they are still 237 houses to be handed over- the delay was due to community unrests which led to the contractor vacating the site. More delays were caused by additional remedial work that had to be done on some of the houses.
ii) We are following engagements between the councillor and the community to resolve any problems that they had with regards to the additional works that have to be done, a submission has been done by the Department of Human Settlements to request additional funding.
2) R 28 241 413.25
3) The contractor was paid all claims for work done and the department does not owe the contractor anything.
4) a) the delays were caused by community unrests which led to the contractors vacating site. More delays were caused by additional remedial works that had to be done on some of the houses and needed extra cost to complete them.
b) June 2021
c) the matter is no longer with both the Former MEC and Former Minister it is with The department of Human Settlements Administration and attending to resolve it. The current Acting Head of Department is addressing the outstanding variations.
19 October 2021 - NW2039
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) is the process that is followed for foreign postings in her department and (b) are the qualifications required for the postings; (2) whether the posts were advertised; if not, why not; if so, will she furnish Ms T M Mbabama with a copy of the advert that was posted for the postings; (3) whether there is a policy for foreign placements; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how often is the policy supposed to be reviewed and (b) on what date was it last reviewed?
Reply:
1. The Foreign Placement policy stipulates the process as follows:
(a) The vacant foreign posts are advertised, shortlisting is undertaken and interviews are conducted for final selection of candidates.
(b) The advertisement shall outline the inherent requirements such as academic qualifications as well as specific attributes as per the specific job evaluation specifications that are required for each post, in accordance with the foreign mission.
2. The posts have not been advertised. The number foreign offices have been rationalized. This took into consideration the impact over the years in various foreign offices. The posts for all foreign offices are all vacant and are being advertised. Shortlisting will be done and interviews will be conducted. Candidates will be appointed from the recommended interviewed qualifying candidates.
3. The former Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) had a Foreign Placement Policy:
a) The Policy was periodically reviewed.
b) With the merger of the two departments, a new policy has been finalised. .
19 October 2021 - NW2094
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will provide detailed reasons for the failure of agri-parks in each province across the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any persons were charged with corruption in relation to the failure of agri-parks; if not, why not; if so, what total number of persons were charged; (3) whether any persons were charged due to maladministration and incompetence in relation to the failure of agri-parks; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what (a) corrective human resources are in place to change the situation and (b) timelines are in place to ensure that (i) charges against corrupt officials are brought forth and (ii) corrective human resources are implemented for those found to be incompetent?
Reply:
1. No. The Agri-Parks programme was conceptualised to be implemented through its defined three legs as outlined in the programme simultaneously. An Agri-park comprises three distinct but interrelated basic components:
- The Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU): A rural small-holder farmer outreach and capacity building unit that links with farmers and markets. The FPSU does primary collection, some storage, some processing for the local market, and extension services including mechanisation;
- The Agri-hub (AH): A production, equipment hire, processing, packaging, logistics, innovation and training unit; and
- The Rural Urban Market Centre (RUMC): The RUMC has three main purposes. Linking and contracting rural, urban and international markets through contracts. Acts as a holding-facility, releasing produce to urban markets based on seasonal trends. Provides market intelligence and information feedback, to the AH and FPSU, using latest Information and communication technologies.
However, noting the less than desired and envisaged private sector investment and active involvement of other government departments, it became evident that implementing all three legs of the programme at the same time is not affordable. The approach of prioritising the first leg of the programme (FPSUs) became the obvious one and is what the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is focusing on.
The implementation of the programme is not unfolding as originally planned but we would not classify it as a failure given the fiscal constrains the country faced post introduction of the programme.
There are success stories that can be shared with regards to Agri-Parks. One of the success stories is support provided by the African Development Bank. In an effort to build capacity of the Agri-Parks, the African Development Bank has recently approved Technical Assistance (Transaction Advisory Service MIC TAF Grant) of UA 400,000 (about R9.9 million), to support the development of two Agri-Parks, namely Tsiame Agri-Park located in the Free State Province and Springbokpan Agri-Park, located in the North -West Province. This grant is intended to upscale the South Africa Agri-Park program to the Sustainable Infrastructure Development System (SIDS) methodology at the Infrastructure Investment Office (IIO) in the Presidency. This grant will also assist with coordination, bringing the project to financial closure and provide an operations and management structure that will enable investors to provide investment funds for infrastructure development and attract private sector investment to the respective provinces.
A letter of Agreement is currently under preparation by the legal team of the African Development Bank for review and signature. Once this process is completed it is estimated that the launch will be in November 2021, whereafter the process of recruiting a Transactions Adviser will commence.
2. No. There has not been corruption detected or reported on the Agri-Parks.
3. No. No maladministration and incompetence have been detected or reported.
(a),(b),(i),(ii) Falls away.
19 October 2021 - NW1863
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1199 on 8 July 2020, (a) her department acted on the court order in the case of DRDLR vs Unlawful Occupiers of R/E & PTN 1 of Farm Nooitgedacht 11 JQ, case no. 7212/2017; if not, why not; if so, what (a) was the outcome of the eviction and (b) will she do to help Mr Rakgase to get rid of the illegal occupiers?
Reply:
An order for eviction was granted by court on 15 October 2019. The Department did not act on the order because it had not yet received the Court order from the State Attorney. The delay was caused by the fact that after matters are finalised at High Court Registry files are taken and stored somewhere.
(b)The Court order was received on 30 September 2021. The State Attorney was instructed on 8 October 2021 to instruct the Sheriff to serve the order on the respondents (unlawful farm occupiers) to give them time to vacate the farm on their own accord.
(c) On the 11 October 2021 the Sheriff of Mogwase, Northwest, served the Court order on persons who reside in villages. The same process was undertaken by the Sheriff of Thabazimbi, Limpopo on persons on the farm Nooitgedacht 11 JQ.
(d)In terms of the Court order the Sheriff is authorised to evict any occupant who fails to vacate the farm, within fourteen (14) after service of the order.
(e)The countdown commenced on the 13 October 2021 and ends on 3 November 2021.
- If the occupants fail to vacate the farm on their own accord, the Sheriff will be instructed to execute the order by :
- 1.1 Demolishing the herdsmen’s shack erected on the farm.
- 1.2 Liaising with the nearest Poundmaster to find space where the livestock will be accommodated after removal from farm.
- 1.3 The Sheriff will, with the assistance of the South African Police Services remove the livestock from the farm, using trucks or hired trucks.
- 1.4 After removal the animals will be accommodated at the pound of the nearest
Poundmaster so that their owners can go and remove them there.
(f)In terms of the Court order, “in the event that that unlawful occupiers and any other unauthorised person fail to vacate the farm on 3 November 2021, the costs of removing, transporting and impounding the livestock are borne by the owners
thereof”.
19 October 2021 - NW2049
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, given reports that the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal in July 2021 resulted in the destruction of sugar cane from small-scale farmers, causing such cane to be subsequently rejected by mills, her department has undertaken any steps to ascertain the impact of the July 2021 civil unrest on agricultural communities involved in sugar cane farming in KwaZulu-Natal; if not, why not; if so, what (a) were the findings and (b) steps will her department take to ensure that affected small-scale sugar cane farmers receive support to enable them to survive the impact of the unrest on their farming operations?
Reply:
a) The sugarcane industry is regulated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and they have assessed the damage. Initial assessments have been undertaken and further information was also requested from the industry.
b) All those industries which were affected by the unrests will apply to the Sasria Insurance and National Empowerment Fund (NEF).
18 October 2021 - NW2125
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)What (a) measures have been put in place to stabilise the leadership deficit at the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) which is the umbrella body for six councils governing and leading professionals in the built environment (details furnished) and (b) are the reasons that there is a continuous exodus of senior personnel from the CBE dating back a decade ago with no intervention from either the former Minister and/or her to address the root causes of the dissatisfaction within the body; (2) whether failure for members of the CBE to register with their respective councils will render them unemployable; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what steps has she taken to encourage the councils to facilitate compliance and encourage built environment partnerships to register with their respective councils.
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) (a) I have been informed by the Department that the Council for the Built Environment’s (CBE) succession plan and other relevant HR polices are being reviewed and updated to assist with staff retention. Regarding the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO) positions that were vacated at the end of June 2021, the CBE has advertised them. Shortlisting and interviews have been held in a bid to fast-track the filling of the posts.
(b) The CEOs that have been leaving the CBE mid-term were grounded on the following.
- CEO 1 – A 3-year contract (10 February 2004 – 09 February 2007) – Suspended on 22 August 2006 until end of contract
- CEO 2 - 4-year contract (1 August 2007 – 31 July 2011) – Requested and received approval for early release on 2 June for 30th June 2011
- CEO 3 - 5-year contract (1 May 2012 – 30 April 2017) – Suspended and dismissed on 29 August 2016
- CEO 4 – 5-year contract (01 October 2017 – 30 September 2022) – Requested to be released citing the reason for leaving being to further her studies; and
- The COO left due to a job offer in another entity.
- The Manager: Legal and Regulations, was suspended on 17 November 2020 after it came to Council’s attention that he allegedly tried to interfere with the investigation in which he was implicated through the Whistle Blower allegations of the 4th Term Council and the dismissal of the former CEO, Ms. Gugu Mazibuko. The decision to suspend the manager was taken as an administrative precaution to protect the integrity of the investigation process and to ensure that the investigation into the alleged misconduct is undertaken independently. An acting Manager was appointed into the position and his contract is renewable until the investigations are concluded.
(2) For the purposes of getting contracts from the public sector, failure to register with the Councils for the Built Environment Professions (CBEP) can make individuals unemployable. For the private sector however, the restrictions are less, although exposes companies or individuals to higher risk when deciding to use the services of persons that are not professionally registered. Mainly so, because the CBEP only regulate the conduct of registered professionals. There would be very little room for recourse for a company or individual to utilize the services of an unregistered person, because the CBEP would not be able to act against such a person should their work not conform to the required standard or endanger the public. In fact, the client would be liable should the project result in the lives of the public being put in danger as a result of the work of unregistered persons.
This is partly the reason that the policy on the Identification of Work (IDoW) has been mooted. This would assist in ensuring that people work in the areas that they are most proficient in and avoid people taking on work that is classified in the higher classes of work, for which normal professional registration would be required.
Understandably, there would be persons that have gained sufficient experience and proficiency in performing different classes of work, and an opportunity exists to be professionally registered through the path of Recognized Prior Learning (RPL). Once each of the CBEP have published their IDOW policy persons will be accorded a specific time-frame to get professionally registered. However, the challenge of enforcing this in the private sector will still remain as the Acts that established the CBEP, are mainly targeted at regulating the conduct of registered professionals only.
(3) The CBE in collaboration with the DPWI, has several initiatives to promote professional registration. Quarterly forums are convened to monitor progress on candidacy programmes and to address the bottlenecks identified. The CBE further coordinates professional registration workshops wherein, amongst other things, all Councils for the Built Environment Professions (CBEP) engage on how to simplify their professional registration processes and use uniform standards where applicable. Another initiative is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which is being incorporated by Councils in route for registration process.
18 October 2021 - NW2203
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What is the update of fraud investigations by her department at the (a) North West Development Corporation and (b) North West department of public works and roads?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
a) I’ve been informed by the Department that the Department of Public Works and Roads in the North West is not aware of any investigation relating to the North West Development Corporation.
b) The Department is aware of an investigation done by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) in line with Proclamation R21 of 2021 to investigate corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the procurement of, or contracting for works or services by and on behalf of the Department relating to:
(i) Project Management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department;
(ii) Rehabilitation of flood damaged roads infrastructure in the North West Province and
(iii) The installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort and payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury and relevant Provincial Treasury.
The investigation started in March 2021 and is ongoing. It is anticipated to be concluded by the end of January 2022.
18 October 2021 - NW2213
Winkler-Lidgett, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the tourism environmental impact plans, as reported by her department to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism on 17 August 2021, what is the (a) nature and (b) scope of the specified plans?
Reply:
a) Nature of the specified plans
Environmental implementation plan (EIP) is required by chapter 3 of National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998. (NEMA). Section 11(1) of NEMA provides that every national department listed in Schedule 1 of NEMA as exercising functions which may affect the environment must within one year of the promulgation of the Act and at least every five years thereafter develop an EIP. The Department of Tourism is listed in Schedule 1 of NEMA and is thus required to develop an EIP.
In 2018 the Department of Tourism gazetted the Environmental Implementation Plan (TEIP) 2015-2020 (First edition) in fulfilment of the requirements of Section 11 (1) of National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA). The gazetted EIP reached its end of life during the end of 2019-2020 financial year. The Department of Tourism second edition EIP (2020 – 2025) is currently in the process of being gazetted.
The purpose of the EIP is to co-ordinate and harmonize environmental policies, plans, programmed and decisions of the various national departments that exercise functions that may affect the environment or are entrusted with powers and duties aimed at the achievement, promotion, and protection of a sustainable environment. It further gives effect to the principle of co-operative government in Chapter 3 of the South African Constitution.
(b) Scope of specified plans
The Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan (TEIP) contains the following:
- A description of policies, plans and programmes that may significantly affect the environment.
- A description of the manner in which policies, plans and programmes referred to above will comply with the principles set out in section 2 of NEMA as well as any national norms and standards.
- Recommendations for the promotion of the objectives and plans for the implementation of the Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) procedures and regulations referred to in Chapter 5 of NEMA.
- The 2020 - 2025 TEIP outlines 12 strategic objectives and interventions to address the key environmental impacts associated with the tourism sector’s operations.
15 October 2021 - NW2119
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises (DPE)
Whether the SA Airways has in any manner and/or form acted as an agent for any other airline and/or travel agent in the period 1 January 2021 to 15 August 2021; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of: (a) The authority under which such trading operations were undertaken, including the section of the Business Rescue Plan wherein such trading operations were approved by creditors (b) The persons and/or entities for which SAA acted as an agent, including the details of the: (i) services provided, and (ii) revenue raised?
Reply:
According to the information received from the South African Airways:
South African Airways has not acted as an agent for any other airline and/or travel agent in the period 01 January 2021 to 15 August 2021.
2119.
15 October 2021 - NW1829
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) What is the economic impact of the cyber hack on the network of Transnet in major ports of the Republic? (b) How is the cyber-attack expected to affect the position of the Republic as a ports operator in international trade in the (i) short and (ii) long term?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet:
(a) The port networks have not been negatively impacted by the attack, as the surface area of attack was on the server domain and applications.
(b) Transnet networks were shut down in the attack to prevent the spread of the malware.
(b)(i) Through the shutdown period, some terminals operated manually, while others could not operate in manual mode, given the complexity of the operations. This impacted on vessel and truck turnaround times.
(b)(ii) No long-term impact is foreseen, as catch-up planning takes place within the terminals. No IT systems were compromised or lost at Transnet Port Terminals. We have seen similar cyber-attacks on large organisations - including shipping lines - that have recovered without a long-term negative impact on trade.
15 October 2021 - NW2019
Mabhena, Mr TB to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Whether, given the recent alleged cyber-attack at Transnet that occurred on 22 July 2021 and the resultant notice of declaration of a force majeure event on 26 July 2021 by Transnet which has resulted in a ports crisis, (a) his department and (b) the Ports Regulator of South Africa have been informed that no import containers have left South African ports since the crisis ensued; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) Whether there are any plans to engage the relevant stakeholders to resolve this; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether any penalties will be imposed on Transnet by the Ports Regulator of South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what will be the nature and scope of the penalties? (4) Whether, in view of the fact that vessels have started to omit South African ports altogether and are dumping containers at other ports in Africa, there are any plans in place to avert the resultant massive delays in the receipt of goods affecting all industries; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the plans?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet:
(1)(a) The Shareholder Ministry - the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) - has been kept abreast of all developments pertaining to the declaration of a force majeure, following the incursion on Transnet systems that occurred on 26 July 2021. It is not accurate to suggest that the force majeure has resulted in a ports crisis. The current status of the global shipping environment has been as a result of a number of factors which are more often than not, exogenous to Transnet’s operations. The current perception of Transnet as the fault-line and the cause for a “ports crisis” is factually incorrect. 1a
(1)(b) Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has engaged with the Ports Regulator of South Africa on measures to follow in the event of a similar incident recurring. 1b
(1)(c) We have provided a detailed analysis of the number of import containers that have left the country since 26 July 2021, to-date. (see the attached annexure A)
(2)(a) Transnet has engaged all affected stakeholders following the incursion on the systems.
(2)(b) Since the ICT challenges first began on Thursday 22 July 2021, Transnet Port Terminals has continued to keep all customers and stakeholders informed of the progress made, both on the ICT side and on the operational recovery. This has taken the form of daily meetings and letters, among others.
(2)(c) Whilst the frequency has declined as the crisis was addressed, as at 20 September 2021, Transnet still conducts the following stakeholder engagements:
- A daily operational meeting with port stakeholders (shipping lines, transporters, freight forwarders, TNPA, TFR, TPT)
- A weekly engagement with the citrus stakeholders
- A weekly engagement with members of Business Unity South Africa
(2)(d) Transnet will continue to engage in dedicated recovery forums, until all operations and the entire supply chain have normalised.
(3) The question should be directed to the Department of Transport as the Port Regulator of South Africa is an entity under its authority.
(4) There are a number of reasons for Shipping Lines omitting South Africa from their schedules, these include:
4.1. Omissions for shipping line convenience (trying to catch-up on schedule integrity/make the next window in the following port; profitability; inability to complete the customer’s voyage, e.g. when the vessel plans to omit a destination port in Europe).
4.2 Blank voyages (lack of vessels on a line service network e.g. there should be 7 vessels in a row to make a weekly call in every port, but due to shortages of vessels the line plans to only have 6 vessels, in order to save costs and effectively balance supply with anticipated logistics delays which may impact any one of the number of ports within the schedule).
4.3 Omissions because of delays in the port (caused by TPT operational inefficiencies/delays; wind delays; port congestion; landside congestion. It is worthwhile to note that it becomes difficult to quantify the percentage of TPT’s responsibility because all incidents (wind, operational, congestion etc) have a combined impact on the total terminal delay, resulting in decisions by the shipping line to omit. It is worthwhile to note that it becomes difficult to quantify the percentage of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) responsibility because all incidents (wind, operational, congestion etc.) have a combined impact on the total terminal delay resulting in decisions by the shipping line to omit.
- TPT is undertaking initiatives to reduce congestion at the ports. This includes increasing equipment availability to improve productivity. The initiatives are tracked through the Durban Decongestion Workstreams, where all stakeholders participate. These include:
- Decongesting Durban Container Terminal (DCT) imports through promoting prompt evacuation in partnership with the shipping lines (carrier haulage).
- Working closely with citrus exporters to ensure the export reefers arrive within the terminal in time to make the vessel sailing deadlines.
- Mass evacuation of imports through Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) supporting the short-haul evacuation to back-of-port facilities in the greater Durban precinct.
14 October 2021 - NW1326
Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with regard to the six District Hubs that are envisioned as part of the implementation of the District Development Model, she will furnish Mr C Brink with a plan and/or estimate indicating the (a) capital cost of establishing each of the District Hubs, (b) annual operational cost of running each of the District Hubs and (c) total number of personnel that will be required to operate each of the District Hubs; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the further relevant details in each case?
Reply:
DDM Hubs are part of the overall institutional arrangements for the implementation of the DDM. They are an extension of CoGTA capacity deployed in districts for purposes of driving the institutionalisation of the DDM and facilitating the formulation, adoption, implementation, monitoring and review of the One Plans. A DDM Hub is conceived as a functional network of support and a facilitation system for Intergovernmental Planning in relation to a specific district or metropolitan space or a combination of district spaces or metropolitan spaces. These Hubs will be established in a phased and differentiated manner across the various districts and metros taking into account the dynamics of each district and metropolitan spaces. DCoG in consultation with provinces and municipalities will determine where such hubs are needed and could potentially be established provided the required financial and funding resources are available.
To date, fully-fledge DDM Hubs have been established in the three DDM pilot sites of eThekwini metro, OR Tambo, and Waterberg districts. The Hub Managers for all three pilots are in place. Seven out of the eight approved positions have been filled in OR Tambo, the Senior Development Planner commenced duty on the 16 August 2021. Seven out of the eight positions were filled in the Waterberg District, there are challenges in filling the position of the Capacity Building Coordinator. Two out of the four approved positions for eThekwini have been filled. The Implementation Support Specialist position will be advertised based on the recruitment plan.
a) The design and composition of a DDM Hub will differ from district to district and metro to metro as demonstrated by the experiences in the three DDM pilot sites, thus influencing the capital costs for establishing these Hubs.
b) Following from the above, annual operating costs are dependent on the design and composition of a DDM Hub in terms of staff size and associated overhead costs.
c) The staffing compliment for each DDM Hub is informed by needs and skills analysis informing a recruitment plan for each of the DDM spaces in collaboration with the respective provinces and municipalities.
14 October 2021 - NW1339
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with regard to her replies to question 587 on 26 March 2021 and 1013 on 33 June 2017, she will clarify the discrepancy, wherein the 2017 reply it is that a backlog for resurfacing and rehabilitation of roads was 2 500km and/or R11,25 billion, yet in the 2021 reply the figure was 1 352km and/or R3,1 billion; if not, why not; if so, what total amount, in each year, between 2017 and 2021 did her department spend on resurfacing and rehabilitation of roads, to warrant such a drastic decrease?
Reply:
The Parliamentary Question PQ 587, with its reply provided on 26 March 2021, is similar to PQ 194. The reply to PQ 194, which is attached as part of the annexure, was submitted to Parliament.
I have requested the Provincial Department to furnish further details of work done during the period in question. We will make this information and anys supporting ducuments available to the honourable member.
14 October 2021 - NW2253
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether her department has developed mechanisms with sector departments to implement township economic zones within rural municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
We have integrated township development to the District Development Model (DDM) One Plans. The effort of pursuing a coordinated framework through the DDM approach presented an opportunity for balanced ecosystem for integrated development. This process requires cooperation of all three spheres of government to ensure efficient and well-coordinated implementation of the interventions and programmes including the Special Economic Zones.
We are working closely with The Department of Small Business Development, which is currently implementing the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) that is reflected in various Municipal Economic Recovery Plan that were developed with guidance from the Department of Cooperative Governance as a critical programme to relieve Township business from the haltfelt impact of the pandemic. The TREP is a dedicated programme to transform and integrate opportunities in townships and rural areas into productive business ventures. The focus is to create platforms which provide the business support infrastructure and regulatory environment that enables entrepreneurs to thrive. TREP places priority on spatial location as it is focused on enterprises based in townships and/or rural areas that have the potential or capacity to supply goods and services to public and private sector, local, provincial, and national government departments on a sustainable basis.
There are operational Special Economic Zones that are located in townships in partnership with rural municipalities, including the Nkomazi SEZ in the Mpumalanga, Nkowankowa SEZ and Seshego SEZ, both in Limpopo. Furthermore, there are 10 designated and proposed Special Economic Zones in seven Provinces which include, Duwazi SEZ in Limpopo, Namakwa SEZ in Northern Cape, Bojanala SEZ in Northwest, Vaal River SEZ in Gauteng which are located in townships.
It is for this reason that the Department of Cooperative Governance plays an active role in the Project Steering Committee (PSC) of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on SEZ and Industrial Parks to address challenges that are encountered at municipal level in the implementation of SEZs including Red Tape related challenges. Other challenges that has been noted particularly in the township economic zones include issues of infrastructure, electricity, access to water and rail and road facilities. These challenges have an impact on the investor confidence. In this regard, several recommendations have been put forth to the DTIC in relation to the role of SEZs in the South Africa economic reconstruction and recovery plan.
It is against this background that the Department approached the United Nations in South Africa to support the implementation of the DDM and to enhance the Department’s support initiatives. The outcome has been the development of district specific implementation plans built on three interrelated pillars: Unlocking Economic Value Chains, Social Transformation and Service Delivery enhancement. The first pillar encompasses the development of tools and unlocking of opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The delivery mechanism arranged to carry out these interventions has been realised in the establishment of Business Solution Centres, structures setup to provide business development services for micro- and small-enterprises with special focus on women- and youth-led SMMEs. The Business Solution Centres will also function as one-stop facilities whereby a range of services will assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in overcoming obstacles such as lack of management skills and access to capital and market entry. Through this provision, training and services will endow this important sector with the skills and capabilities to succeed in the economic ecosystem and realise its full potential.
14 October 2021 - NW2272
Dyantyi, Mr QR to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) total number (i) of applications for claims to estates were registered with the Master’s Offices during the period 1 April 2020 to 30 April 2021 and (ii) of the specified applications were (aa) successfully or (bb) unsuccessfully attended to, (b) was the overall quantified amount during the specified period and (c) was the breakdown of the applications in each province; 2) How long does it take before an applicant receives an acknowledgement?
Reply:
1. In terms of sections 29 and 31 of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, all claims against Deceased Estates must be lodged with the appointed executor, and not the Master.
In terms of sections 32 and 33 of the Act, the Executor can dispute or accept these claims against the estate and any party aggrieved by such decision of the executor can either proceed to proof his/her claim in court. Alternatively, the claimant may wait until the executor lodge the Liquidation and Distribution Account and then formally, in terms of section 35(7) of the Act, object to the Liquidation and Distribution account to include his/her claim.
It is the duty of the executor to ensure that all heirs and creditors specified in the approved Liquidation and Distribution account are paid accordingly.
The Master does not receive or decide on the validity of claims against Deceased Estates and does not keep record of such information. This information can be obtained from the lodged Liquidation and Distribution Account in each estate above the value of R250 000.
2. In terms of Section 29 of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, every executor shall, as soon as may be after letters of executorship have been granted, cause a notice to be published in the Gazette and in one or more newspapers circulating in the district in which the deceased ordinarily resided at the time of his death and, if at any time within the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of his death he so resided in any other district, also in one or more newspapers circulating in that other district, or if he was not ordinarily so resident in any district in the Republic, in one or more newspapers circulating in a district where the deceased owned property, calling upon all persons having claims against his estate to lodge such claims with the executor within such period (not being less than thirty days or more than three months) from the date of the latest publication of the notice as may be specified therein.
In terms of section 32, if an executor disputes any claim against the estate, he may by notice in writing:
a) Require the claimant to lodge, in support of his claim, within a period specified in the notice, an affidavit setting forth such details of the claim as the executor may indicate in the notice; and
b) With the consent of the Master, require the claimant or any other person who may in the opinion of the Master be able to give material information in connection with the claim, to appear before the Master or any Magistrate or Master nominated by the Master, material information in connection with the claim, to appear before the Master or any Magistrate or Master nominated by the Master, at a place and time stated in the notice, to be examined under oath in connection with the claim.
14 October 2021 - NW1884
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) What are the full details of companies and/or entities to whom the recent Eskom coal contracts were awarded and; (b) At what price in each case?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom:
(a)
Eskom has concluded 2 Coal Supply Agreements (“CSA’s”) for FY2022 as follows:
- Modification to the CSA with South32 SA Coal Holdings (Pty) Ltd from MMS to supply Duvha Power Station.
- A new CSA with Arnot OPCO (Pty) Ltd from Arnot Mine to supply Arnot Power Station.
(b)
Eskom cannot, at this point in time, fulfil the parliamentary request of disclosing the contractual prices of the above-mentioned CSA’s.
Eskom is currently progressing with coal supply negotiations with the shortlisted tenderers from RFP’s issued to the market. By disclosing this information to the public, the tenderers could potentially use this information to erode Eskom’s bargaining power.
14 October 2021 - NW2273
Dyantyi, Mr QR to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) total number of applications by persons who are entitled to monies from the Guardian Fund in the Master’s Offices are received each week and (b) is the provincial breakdown of such applications; 2) What total number of litigation cases have been lodged against the Master’s Offices; 3) What is the quantified total amount that should have been distributed to families and individuals, but are still in the accounts of the Master’s Offices; 4) Whether any consequence management action has been taken against any personnel; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 5) How does he intend to turn things around?
Reply:
1. All applications received by the Guardian’s Fund is captured on the Application Tracker System by each office. However, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Information Technology Systems are currently down, hence the inability to extract and provide such information at this stage.
2. Though various litigation cases are served on the Master annually, they are not necessarily lodged against the Master, as the Master is and have to be, in many instances, cited as an interested party due to the functions of the Master as prescribed in the various acts governing the Master. In most of those matters, no specific relief is necessarily sought against the Master. The tables below provide details of all litigation matters received in which the Master is cited according to the records kept:
1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 |
Total |
|
Unopposed summonses |
74 |
|
Opposed summonses |
6 |
|
Unopposed applications |
574 |
|
Opposed applications |
costs only opposed |
22 |
application opposed |
6 |
|
Matters where no specific action was filed (withdrawn, incorrectly cited, etc.) |
25 |
|
Annual Total |
707 |
1 April 2021 – 30 June 2021 |
Total |
|
Unopposed summonses |
29 |
|
Unopposed applications |
207 |
|
Opposed applications |
costs only opposed |
4 |
Matters where no specific action was filed (withdrawn, incorrectly cited etc.) |
15 |
|
Quarter 1 Total |
255 |
3. The only funds held by the Master, is that which have been deposited into the Guardian’s Fund in terms of the applicable laws.
Funds are received or accepted by the Master into the Guardian’s Fund for the benefit of a specific beneficiary. The Master opens an account in the name of the person to whom the money belongs to or the estate of which the money forms part of. Only that beneficiary may claim the funds due to him/her once it becomes claimable. The Master will administer the funds, free of charge, for the minor until he/she turns major (now 18 years of age) or reach the age as indicated in the Will/Testament.
Deceased Estate funds in the Guardian’s Fund becomes claimable by beneficiaries as soon as they reach the age of majority, or such other date as may be determined by a Will/Testament. Funds which earn interest will still bear interest for a period of five (5) years after it became claimable. Claimable funds are also advertised in the Government Gazette for three (3) consecutive years in September each year (Section 91). These adverts must also be displayed at all Magistrate Courts. The advertisement is further also placed on the Master’s Website
Whilst the funds are not yet claimable by the beneficiary, the guardian of a minor/persons incapable of managing their own affairs can claim maintenance/allowance from the Guardian’s Fund. The Master is entitled to pay for maintenance, such as school and university fees, clothes, medical fees, boarding and lodging and any other needs that can be fully motivated. Payments can be made directly to the service provider such as schools, universities, bookshops, etc.
In terms of Section 92 of the Administration of Estates Act, if funds are not claimed for thirty (30) years after it became claimable, it is forfeited to the State and are paid over to the Commissioner of Revenue. All funds which have not yet been claimed prior to thirty (30) years are still claimable by the relevant beneficiaries.
As the Master does not have control over who decides to claim the funds, maintenance etc. and how much they want to claim – it is not possible to indicate a quantified amount which should have been distributed to families or an individual, but is still with the Master. As from the above explanation, it is clear that all funds in the Guardian’s Fund, can be applied for by the beneficiary, guardian, etc. at any stage, from the date it is deposited, up to 30 years after it became claimable.
4. Yes, action has been taken against relevant personnel. Below are the relevant details:
NATURE |
NUMBER |
STATUS |
OUTCOME OF THE SANCTIONS |
Bribery |
3 |
2 Finalised |
2 Final Warning |
1 Not Finalised |
1 Pending |
||
Corruption |
7 |
5 Finalised 2 Not Finalised |
1 Suspension |
1 Verbal Warning |
|||
1 Written Warning |
|||
2 Dismissal |
|||
2 Pending |
|||
Fraud |
3 |
1 Finalised |
1 Withdrawal |
2 Not Finalised |
2 Pending |
||
Insubordination |
3 |
1 Finalised |
1 Final Warning |
2 Not Finalised |
2 Pending |
||
Intimidation |
1 |
Not Finalised |
1 Pending |
Negligence |
3 |
1 Finalised |
1 Dismissal |
2 Not Finalised |
2 Pending |
||
Unauthorised Absence |
1 |
Finalised |
1 Written Warning |
Unethical Behaviour |
2 |
Not Finalised |
2 Pending |
Maladministration (Busasa) |
1 |
Not Finalised |
Pending |
Non-Disclosure (Busasa) |
1 |
Not Finalised |
Pending |
Total |
25 |
11 Finalised 14 Not Finalised |
14 Pending 1 Withdrawal 2 Written Warning 1 Verbal Warning 3 Final Warning 3 Dismissal 1 Suspension |
5. A new administration and financial system for the Guardian’s Fund was developed together with Information Systems Management.
The tender process has been done in the 2020/21 financial year, and it is envisaged that development of this system will be finalized and rolled-out in the 2022/23 financial year. The new system will be a full financial system which will ensure accurate financial statements and management. The move to a fully financial system will guarantee accurate records and reports while simplifying processes of the Master’s office in Guardian’s Fund matters.
14 October 2021 - NW2161
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AffairsQUESTION
What interventions has she made to assess the incapacity of the City of Cape Town and Western Cape provincial government to resolve flooding, which occurs during rainy seasons as a result of wrongfully planned drainage systems in areas like Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, KwaLanga and in all informal settlements?
Reply:
A rigorous process of assessing the state of local government (SOLG) culminated in the Cabinet considering the SOLG report in June 2021. The assessment included all service delivery issues including drainage systems in the City of Cape Town (CoCT). Cabinet resolved that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and National Treasury should lead the process of the development of the municipal support plans in collaboration with sector departments, SALGA, provinces and municipalities. This process is underway and the target date to complete the municipal intervention and support plans (MISP) is the end of October 2021. This MISP will include plans to address the challenges mentioned above.
As stated above, the compilation of MISP brings together all sector departments as advocated for by the District Development Model as service delivery challenges of informal settlements go beyond flooding challenges, but include lack of basic services and housing among others.
We are also planning to brief the nation on the 21 October 2021 on the seasonal weather forecast. This briefing will include the state of readiness in municipalities across provinces to deal with disasters resulting from the seasonal rainfall.
13 October 2021 - NW1958
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What steps has she and/or her department taken to resolve the problem of sewer spillage onto the streets in Ward 2 of the Naledi Local Municipality?
Reply:
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Disrict Municipality (DRSDM) is the Water Services Authority (WSA) in its area of jurisdiction which includes Naledi Local Municipality (NLM) area. The Water Services Act, 108 of 1997 defines a WSA as any municipality responsible for ensuring access to both water and sanitation services. The sanitation services include the management of sewered systems. In executing its functions, which include the WSA function, DRSDM gets grant funding and technical support from the provincial and national government departments. NLM monitors the projects implemented by the district in its area of jurisdiction and liases with DRSDM. The Department of Corporative Governance (DCOG), through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) provides technical support to both DRSMD and NLM in accordance with the District Development Model (DDM).
According to NLM the sewer spillages in Ward 2 in NLM are caused by the blocked sewer line and faulty manhole in Sonneblom Street, Colridge (in Vryburg). DRSDM appointed a contractor to perform the necessary construction repairs under emergency works. NLM is monitoring the works and liasing with DRSDM.
The contractor has already installed a temporary pump and bypass line (102m long) to avert the spillage problem and to re-route the live sewerage for construction repair works to be performed under workable dry conditions. According to NLM the bypass system has been in operation since 10 September 2021 and the work area has dried out sufficiently, as shown on the picture below, to allow repair works to be conducted.
The excavation for the pipeline replacement and new manhole construction is underway. Completion and re-commissioning of the effected sewerage infrastructure is anticipated to be by the end of October 2021 subject to favourable weather conditions as it is now in the rainy season.
Supporting Photographs:
Photo 1: Faulty sewer line before commencement of repair works
Photo 2: Temporary pump and bypass line installed
Photo 3: Temporary pump secured with barricade netting
Photo 4: Excavations around manhole (note area dried out)
13 October 2021 - NW2024
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2436 on 13 November 2020, the investigation has been concluded; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether the information has been obtained; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. According to information from Province and the municipality, only Section 106 investigations have been completed. The investigation by the HAWKS on the matter have not been concluded; and
2. The information therefore remains unavailable, since the matter is still under investigation by the HAWKS.
13 October 2021 - NW1948
Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
By what date will a forensic investigation be conducted by her department into what happened to the missing R49 million from the coffers of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality in the North West, which had invested taxpayers’ money to the amount of R150 million with VBS Mutual Bank?
Reply:
The response below was provided by the province:
Various investigations have been instituted by the province, municipality and law enforcement agencies in relation to the Venda Building Society Mutual Bank (the VBS) investments. On 28 March 2019, the municipality Council took resolution number 44/2018/19 to appoint an independent investigator to investigate allegations relating to the missing R49 million. The investigation report has been completed and there is no record of the missing R49 million and the Curator also confirmed that the amount that is in the records of VBS is R150 million. As such, there is no need for the department to institute further investigation on this matter.
Some of the investigations which have been conducted with regard to the above mentioned allegations are listed below:
Report |
Description |
10/10/2018 |
Report by Sekela Xabiso to HoD of Department of Finance tittled: “INVESTIGATION INTO THE INVESTMENTS MADE BY NORTH WEST MUNICIPALITIES AT VBS MUTUAL BANK (DR RS MOMPATI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY)” |
23/02/2021 |
Report by Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality to MEC Ms Cwale tittled: “REQUEST FOR PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATIONS OF RECOMMENDATIONS EMANATING FROM FORENSIC REPORT IN RESPECT OF THE VENDA BUILDING SOCIETY MUTUAL BANK (VBS) INVESTIGATION” |
24/02/2021 |
Report by Katake Attorneys to Dr RS Mompati District Municipality titled: “LEGAL OPINION REGARDING LEGALITY OF DISCIPLINARY PROCESS AGAINST THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER” |
13 October 2021 - NW2193
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) total number of municipalities have completed the review of their indigent lists and (b) action has been taken against the Municipal Manager of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality who billed a pensioner an amount of R11,000,00 for her son’s business that has a lease of land with the municipality?
Reply:
a) All municipalities have indigent registers which are reported to be reviewed on an annual basis as per the Non Financial Census (NFC) published on the 31st March 2021. It should be noted that Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) collects information relating to indigents management in municipalities based on the indicators which have been provided by the Department of Cooperative Governance. Furthermore, the Department compiles a Programme Performance Monitoring Report on the mechanisms utilised for the provision of Free Basic Services (FBS) to poor households in all the municipalities on an annual basis. The report covers a wide range of disciplines such as number of municipalities implementing indigent policies and with indigent registers. It further identifies gaps that need to be addressed by relevant stakeholders including the municipalities themselves.
b) The Department provides support and guidance to all municipalities with regards to the provision of free basic services to indigent households. Furthermore, the Department works closely with Provincial COGTAs; Municipalities and all other relevant Stakeholders with the objective being to ensure that municipalities provides free basic services to all qualifying indigent households. The Department will engage both Mpumalanga Provincial COGTA and Steve Tswhete Municipality to seek more clarity
13 October 2021 - NW1950
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What initiatives has she put in place to ensure that the relevant Members of the Executive Council do not abuse their powers by using section 139 interventions to fight party-political battles, as is the case in the North -West?
Reply:
In terms of approval requirements of Section 139 of the Constitution, the Minister exercises the power assigned to approve or disapprove the intervention invoked by the Provincial Executive Council if the municipality cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution or legislation. Approvals of interventions are based on sufficient evidence of the failures of the executive obligations by the municipality. Approvals are also based on when the decision of the Provincial Executive Council to intervene in the affairs of the municipality solely on failures to fulfil an executive obligations by the municipality.
Section 139(2)(a)(i) of the Constitution provides checks and balances in that “If a provincial executive intervenes in terms of subsection (1)(b), it must submit a written notice of the intervention to Cabinet member responsible for local government affairs”. In terms of Section 139(2)(b), the intervention must end if the Cabinet member responsible for local government affairs disapprove the intervention within 28 days after the intervention began, or by the end of that period has not approved the intervention. Similarly, section 139(3)(a)(i) of the Constitution provides that “If a Municipal Council is dissolved in terms of subsection (1)(c), the provincial executive must immediately submit a written notice of the dissolution to the Cabinet member responsible for local government affairs”. In terms of Section 139(3)(b) the dissolution takes effect 14 days from the date of receipt of the notice by the Municipal Council unless set aside by the Cabinet member responsible for local government before the expiry of those 14 days. These mechanisms are meant foresee the correct invocation and application of section 139 of the Constitution.
13 October 2021 - NW1788
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs QUESTION
Whether all the administrators that are appointed in terms of section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, when municipalities that do not perform well are placed under administration, meet the minimum qualification requirements for municipal managers; if not, what total number of administrators in each such municipality do not meet the minimum requirements for municipal managers; if so, what total number of administrators in each such municipality comply with at least the minimum qualification requirements for municipal managers; (2) whether the qualifications of administrators are verified by external independent entities and/or committees before they are appointed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. The Municipal Managers are appointed in accordance with the regulations on appointment of senior managers. The minimum qualifications requirements on appointment of the Municipal Managers are a bachelor’s degree. In terms of the provisions of the Constitution, it is the prerogative of the Provincial Executive Council to invoke and subject a municipality to an intervention in terms section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution. To that end, it is also the prerogative of the Provincial Executive Council to determine the caliber of person(s) to be appointed as Administrators of municipality placed under intervention.
2. Provincial Executive Council as the appointee of Administrators should follow all regulations on appointment of senior managers, including verification of qualifications.
12 October 2021 - NW2151
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
In view of the fact that the SA Revenue Service and the National Prosecuting Authority are issuing summonses to taxpayers with outstanding tax returns as part of the compliance drive which also aligns with the proposed expatriate exit tax, what specific initiatives has the National Treasury put in place to ensure that the amassed revenue is not lost through embezzlement, rampant corruption and mismanagement?
Reply:
I will attempt to answer this question, even as I request the Honourable Member to clarify the question he is asking. There are a number of unverified factual statements contained in the lead-up to the question, which seem to have limited relevance to the question itself.
Firstly, it is not clear on what basis the Honourable Member makes the claim that SARS and the NPA are issuing summonses to taxpayers with outstanding tax returns as part of a compliance drive which aligns with the proposed expatriate exit tax. What summonses is the Honourable Member referring to and by whom, from SARS or the NPA? SARS does not disclose any secret or protected taxpayer information matters to the Minister of Finance, in keeping with the provisions of the Tax Administration Act. I would therefore request the Honourable Member to provide more information on what facts he is basing this claim - we all need to take great care not to spread false information and rumours in the world we live in. The NPA also does not report to the Minister of Finance, and I cannot answer for the NPA, but here too the Honourable Member needs to provide more clarity on what basis he is suggesting that the NPA is involved in issuing taxpayer summonses.
With regard to a proposed “expatriate exit tax”, can the Honourable Member indicate what specific tax he is referring to, or which announcement in the last or previous Budget Review was such an announcement made? Perhaps he is referring to recent amendments – some already enacted in our tax laws and some proposed this year and not enacted as yet - that affect South African taxpayers who change their tax residency at some point in their lives, which addresses a number of long-standing inequities in our residency-based tax system. In the past, tax administration of foreign incomes and movement of taxpayers was hampered by a lack of jurisdictional assistance and poor information beyond the jurisdiction of any tax authority. The international sharing of information between tax authorities is enabling revenue collection options that were long difficult to pursue, even in cases where South Africa may have had taxing rights in principle. Our recent amendments, that some colloquially (and inaccurately) refer to as an “expat tax” or “exit tax”, remove exemptions that have benefited South African tax residents who spend a portion of their time in employment out of the country. This means that any increases in the tax liabilities faced by those taxpayers arise from the cessation of generous exemptions, rather than the imposition of new taxes.
With regard to any concern that the “amassed revenue is not lost through embezzlement, rampant corruption and mismanagement”, the Honourable Member is reminded that section 213 of the Constitution requires that all revenue collected from a national tax or levy must be paid into the National Revenue Fund (NRF), except money reasonably excluded in terms of an Act of Parliament. Further, money can only be withdrawn from the NRF via an appropriation or direct charge in terms of an Act of Parliament. The NRF is also annually subject to an audit, and its financial statements tabled in Parliament every year. The Treasury is able to assure the country that the flow of revenue from SARS after it has received the revenue due from taxpayers to the NRF is safe and there is little risk of losses through corruption and embezzlement – the biggest scope and risk of corruption occurs once funds are allocated from the NRF to organs of state in terms of the Budget, when it is up to the accounting officer or accounting authority to manage the spending of budgeted funds, including their procurement processes, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act or Municipal Finance Management Act. It is in this spending and procurement phase that we need to improve all our mechanisms to keep funds safe and ensure that all spending is in line with budgeted objectives and that the state gets full value-for-money.
08 October 2021 - NW2268
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, concerning the policy on the Pathway for Registration of South African Citizens who hold Foreign Qualifications not prescribed for registration as medical practitioners, the Government has considered less restrictive ways for the registration of South Africans who obtained medical qualifications in foreign countries to practice as medical practitioners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what total number of foreign trained South African citizens who hold medical qualifications and who applied to the Health Professions Council of South Africa have to date not been granted the opportunity to sit for examinations and to undergo supplementary clinical training?
Reply:
1. According to Section 4 (Application for registration) of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Regulation R101, An application by any foreign qualified person for registration as a health practitioner in any of the professions registered under the Act shall be made on the prescribed application form obtainable from the professional board concerned, and shall be accompanied by - (e) in the case of an application for registration in a profession for which internship training is a requirement, a certificate of completed training as an intern or of similar training or experience obtained elsewhere and the Programme for such training; (g) an original certificate of good standing, which shall not be more than six months old, issued by the foreign registration authority where the applicant is or was registered”.
Most of the South Africans who study abroad in institutions not recognized by the HPCSA are unable to meet these requirements. The pathway was intended to assist such applicants by providing an opportunity for clinical exposure and registration as student interns so that they could then be able to undertake formal internship. Unfortunately the pathway, which was approved by the National Health Council (NHC), has not been fully implemented because of the outstanding issues between HPCSA and medical schools, in terms of providing this opportunity for these students interns training.
(2) All applicants who are eligible and/or have submitted compliant documents have been allowed to sit for examinations. It should however be noted that, because of the COVID19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, there were no exams held in 2020. This led to a backlog that has, since the beginning of 2021, been attended to. The HPCSA is currently processing new applications that are currently being received for future examinations.
END.
08 October 2021 - NW2267
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, in light of vaccination hesitancy surrounding the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, the Government intends to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory by law; if not, why not; if so; (2) whether such mandatory vaccinations will be required for all persons in the Republic by law; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the mooted mandatory vaccination will be targeting some industries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which industries and (b) what are the reasons; (4) what informs the Government’s position on making vaccinations mandatory by law; (5) whether the Government will allow the private sector leeway to impose such mandatory requirements for COVID-19; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. No, Government does not intend to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory by law. the government approach is to invest in persuading in people seeing the life-saving value of vaccination.
2. As stated above, government wants to emphasis on rather convincing people of the value of vaccination.
3. While the state has no intention to make vaccination mandatory, we also have no intention to interfere in internal policies of private and independent institutions, including on the public health policies.
4. Not applicable.
5. As stated in (3), government has no intention in interfering in internal policies of private and independent institutions in this regard.
END.