Reply:

 

1. (a) What is the duration of training for recruits on the Working on Fire (WOF) programme prior to them being stationed in a base and (b) how does this compare with the training provided to a firefighter;
2. what is the (a) stipend paid to a WOF participant and (b) average salary paid to a firefighter;
3. what are the working hours of a (a) WOF participant and (b) firefighter on a monthly basis?

1844. THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT REPLIES:

1(a)

The Working on Fire (WoF) Programme is one of the initiatives of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). It contributes to maintaining ecologically acceptable fire regimes within fire-prone biomes of the country and protection for the country’s economy from the damages caused by veld & forest (wildland) fires. The DFFE implements the WoF Programme based on the Government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) model. The WoF Programme recruits EPWP participants who undergo a vigorous 24 day training programme, consisting of:

Basic Fire Fighting skills.

• • Advance Fire Fighting skills (yellow card).
  • Skills training such as Brushcutter Operator, Chainsaw Operator, Herbicide application, SHE Representative, First Aid.

1. The Structural Firefighter training is for a 3-month fire-fighting period. The training differs in that it is aimed at fighting structural fires for example fires in buildings, shacks and houses. WoF Programme Fire Fighters are trained only in the suppression of wildfires according to the National Veld and Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)

2(a)

WoF Programme Fire Fighters are employed under the conditions of the EPWP, and stipends are accordingly determined.

The Minister of Labour in consultation with NEDLAC issued an amended Code of Good Practice for EPWP in terms of the Ministerial Determination. In this Determination, it is agreed upon to reduce unemployment, which is one of the greatest challenges facing South Africa. The government has undertaken several initiatives to address unemployment and poverty, including the labour-intensive EPWP, funded by the government. The programme includes the acquisition of skills either through accredited or experiential training, which forms an integral part of the EPWP. The Code provides guidelines for the protection of workers engaged in EPWP, taking into account the need for workers to have basic rights, the objectives of the programmes and the resources implications for the government.

Employers must pay workers at least the minimum rate as stipulated in the Ministerial Determination on EPWP. Workers are paid for the number of tasks completed. Fire-fighters are paid at a daily rate. The fire fighters are also paid a training allowance in the event they are required to attend agreed training programmes. The training allowance should be equal to 100% of the daily rate. The EPWP wage is approved by the Department of Public Works, annually.

The current approved rate for 2021/2022 financial year is R122.05 per day per 8 hours worked. This can change depending on the skills and range of job types that form part of the WoF Programme EPWP participants., e.g. a Fire Fighter that is required to have a chainsaw operating qualification is paid R136.85 per day for 8 hours of work.

2(b) Structural Fire Fighters are remunerated according to the Municipal grading and can start from

+/-R10 000.00 per month excluding benefits such as:

• • Medical aid

Pension

• • Group Life insurance, etc.

3(a) Normal working hours Out of Fire Season is 40 hours per week (8 hours per day for 5 days a week). During Fire Season, the working hours remain at 40 hours per week, although the working days are extended to 7 days a week. Fire Fighters get days off to ensure that they do not exceed working more than 40 hours a week.

1. Structural Fire Fighters (Municipal) operate on a dayshift/nightshift system with alternative days off in between shifts. The shift system is subject to change from Municipality to Municipality.

Shifts are as follows:

• • 8 hours x 5 days a week
  • 12-hour shifts (2 x dayshifts and 2 x nightshifts per week)
  • 24-hour shifts (ranging from 2 on duty and 1 day off duty)

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: .

Reply:

1.Yes, the Environmental Authorisation (EA), dated 27 March 2015, makes provision for the construction and operation of a bulk terminal for the handling of manganese ore. This manganese ore terminal includes a stockyard, conveyor systems that will link the stockyard to the tippler and the ship loader. The stockyard covers an area of approximately 40 ha in Zone 9 of the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) with a volume of approximately 1.8 million tons of manganese ore. The manganese ore stockyard and handling facility is located in Zones 8 and 9 of the Coega IDZ, which forms part of the Port of Ngqura. Therefore, the Port of Ngqura is authorised to upload and handle manganese ore.

In relation to the Record of Decision (ROD) that was issued in 2002, several inspections were conducted with the last inspection being conducted in 2010. No significant non-compliances were detected. The Environmental Management Committee (EMC) was established for the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as a requirement of this ROD, to oversee the overall compliance and environmental management performance of individual tenants, including Transnet (Port of Ngqura). The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) participates in the EMC.

2.With regard to the authorisation that was issued to the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in 2015, the DFFE wrote to the TNPA to enquire whether they had commenced with the project, as per the authorisation. In a letter, dated 10 April 2019, the TNPA advised the DFFE that they have not commenced with the project. To date, the TNPA has not submitted any notification of commencement to the DFFE. Therefore, with regard to the authorisation that was issued to the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in 2015, the DFFE has not yet conducted an inspection.

However, the DFFE has an already scheduled site inspection in September 2021 to check compliance of the TNPA with regard to the environmental legislation and conditions of their issued authorisations.

3.The Minister will only be in a position to make a statement once the planned inspection has been conducted to verify the compliance status.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE:

Reply:

1.(a) Teams made up of participants of the Government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) have been employed to manually remove Salvinia minima on the Hartbeespoort, Roodeplaat, Roodekopjes and Bon Accord dams.

2. Tenders have been awarded to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to complete the work:

a. Hartbeespoort Dam — 7 SMMEs
b. Roodeplaat Dam —4 SMMEs
c. Roodekopjes Dam —6 SMMEs
d. Bon Accord Dam -1 SMME

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is finalising the contracting process for these tenders.

3. The DFFE supported the Centre for Biological Control to import biocontrol agents into quarantine in early 2021 for testing. The scientific process is long and together with obtaining the necessray approvals, the process may take a while. These agents will have to go through rigorous tests to ensure that they are host specific to Salvinia minima before they can be released into South Africa. Therefore, these agents will not be ready for release by Spring 2021.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: 3/09/2021

Reply:

(1) (a) Mostuniversitieswerenotaffected,aslearning activitieswereconducted onlineduetoLockdownLevel4andonlyasmallnumberofstudentshadreturnedto campusesand residences.Thesestudents wereidentifiedbyuniversities and allowed tobeoncampuses during this period forvarious reasons. Theuniversities, including MangosuthuUniversityofTechnology,inKwaZulu-Natal developedmulti- prongedplanstoavertthevandalism ofpropertyfrominternal andexternalthreats during the unrest. These plans were well implemented, as no acts of vandalism occurred within universities.

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) reported that the HVTN clinic in Kliptown on the first floor of Walter Sisulu Square was vandalised. All electronic goods were stolen, as well as various other items, including medical equipment (stethoscopes,oximeters,bloodpressuremachines andaninfraredthermometer). TheWitsHealthConsortium syndicatesandsitesbasedinHillbrowandsurrounds wereaffectedandsufferedsomelosses.TheHealthConsortiumSyndicatesincludes the Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Unit, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, WitsReproductiveHealthandHIVInstitute, andtheClinicalHIVResearchUnit. Emergency repairs were made to enable the clinic and sites to commence with operations.

TheKwa-MashuSamsungCentreoftheCoastalTVETCollegeandIsithebe Campus of Umfolozi TVET College were vandalised.

(b) Alluniversitieshavecounsellingprogrammesinplacetoassiststudentsand staff members who need counselling services.

In addition, Higher Health, which is a national agency of the Department of Higher Education and Training dedicated to student and staff wellbeing, has established a 24-hour toll-free helpline offering help in 11 official languages. The service provides free telephone or SMS counselling, crisis intervention and support and referrals to mental health professionals and other psycho-social resources available to students and staff across all university and TVET college campuses.

From thereportsreceived bytheDepartment, therewerenostudentswho needed food assistance as a result of the impact of vandalism. However, many universities do assist students through existing food bank programmes

(2) TheDepartmentofHigherEducationandTrainingcontactedtheuniversities in these provinces to establish whether they were affected by any vandalism and looting that happened from 9 to 18 July 2021.

AtTVET colleges,a Principals’meetingwascalledaftertheunrest.Each Principal gave a full report of what transpired during the unrest. The Principal of Elangeni TVETCollege reportedthattheInandaCampuscomputerswerelootedand allthecomputerswererecoveredbytheSouthAfricanPoliceServices.ThePrincipal of Elangeni TVET College was notified beforehand that looters were going to vandalize theKwa-MashuCampus,securitywasbeefedupandlooterswereunable toenterthepremises.MostofthecollegeswerenotvandalisedascollegePrincipals had decided to increase the security in all their campuses.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. I’ve been informed by the Department that no Infrastructure Fund Committee has been established.

(b) (i), (ii), (iii) (iv) and (c) N/A.

Reply:

(a) Number of incoming calls picked up by the automated welcome voice message
(i) Each office	(ii) Location	(iii) Month
19984	Call centre	January
19306	Call centre	February
0	Call centre	March
0	Call centre	April
3806	Call centre	May
13759	Call centre	June
17425	Call centre	July
15859	Call centre	August
19681	Call centre	September
23393	Call centre	October
19750	Call centre	November
13097	Call centre	December

(b) Number of incoming calls that were answered by staff members (call centre)
(i) Each office	(ii) Location	(iii) Month
11684	Call centre	January
10922	Call centre	February
0	Call centre	March
0	Call centre	April
3526	Call centre	May
12643	Call centre	June
15592	Call centre	July
14218	Call centre	August
16319	Call centre	September
18412	Call centre	October
14706	Call centre	November
9780	Call centre	December

(c) Number of incoming calls disconnected without it being answered
(i) Each office	(ii) Location	(iii) Month
8285	Call centre	January
8372	Call centre	February
0	Call centre	March
0	Call centre	April
280	Call centre	May
1116	Call centre	June
1833	Call centre	July
1641	Call centre	August
3362	Call centre	September
4981	Call centre	October
5044	Call centre	November
3317	Call centre	December

Reply:

I have been furnished with a reply to the question submitted, by Ms Thabang Mampane, Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission.

Ms Mampane’s reply is as follows:

1.. “ The Uprising Youth Development file is in the custody of the Special Investigating Unit and was seized and has been in the custody of the SIU since 8 December 2020 with other files which are under investigation as per Proclamation No. R. 32 of 2020. The application form as requested by the Mr M J Cuthbert is in the file with SIU. The record has been requested from the Special Investigation Unit and will be provided in response to PQ 1900 as soon as available.

2. The organisation was funded in the period covered by the scope of the Special Investigations Unit’s Proclamation No. R. 32 of 2020 and related documents seized by the SIU on 8 December 2020.”

-END-

Reply:

As indicated in the Localisation Policy Statement, in a society with extraordinary levels of unemployment and poverty, all efforts will need to be made to find commercially sustainable ways to create new jobs in the private sector, to complement what can be done through public employment opportunities. New job growth will be stimulated by demand for the products and services so produced – these can come from a combination of expanded domestic demand and increased levels of exports. To create jobs on scale, both these drivers of new private sector job growth must be pursued.

Localisation must focus on strategic industries, defined by their capacity to be labour-absorbing or providers of critical goods or significant export earners. Localisation can provide such strategic industries, as well as other infant industries, with the space and opportunity to develop and to become globally competitive. This strategy has been followed in a number of countries, including in East Asia, where advanced manufacturing sectors have flourished under a focused strategy to direct and focus demand for goods and services towards those produced locally. The drive to create competitiveness is thus key to ensuring that investment in localisation provides the long-term dividend the South African economy recovers.

The process followed to set a target for localisation and finalise a list of products involved inter alia research on import levels, a comparative analysis of global import levels in leading economies, a number of meetings with business executives in specific sectors or from firms in specific product markets, review of the Master Plans applicable for sectors, consideration of the products that have been designated by the state for local procurement by public entities in terms of applicable legislation and engagement with social partners at Nedlac, resulting in agreements on targets and products.

First, from June 2020, Government commenced discussions with a number of different business groups, such as the Consumer Goods Council of SA and CEOs of different sectors. Separate meetings were held inter alia with CEOs of the following sectors:

• Fast-food operators;
• Grocery retailers;
• Food and beverage manufacturers;
• Clothing, textile, footwear and leather retailers and manufacturers;
• Hardware retailers; and
• Construction companies.

Discussions also took place with Business Unity SA leaders and with firms.

These discussions focussed on ways to develop a partnership between the private sector and the public sector to promote the deeper industrialisation of the SA economy, through a significant reduction in the level of imported products and considered what would be pragmatic and achievable targets over a reasonable period of time; and the identification of potential products that could be localised.

Second, the Department compiled and evaluated data on the import levels of different products and in a number of cases, shared data with business representatives, to help identify products that could be localised.

For example, the research showed that SA imported R9,1bn of edible-oils during 2019. Work was done on the local capacity in SA to be able to supply the market. Consideration was given to the decision by a large importer to refine a significant quantity of palm oil locally, adding at least 20% local value in the process.

Research was conducted on the comparative position of other leading economies, in respect of imports measured against GDP. The results of the study showed that South Africa has an over-propensity to import goods which could otherwise be produced in South Africa. Every year, the South African economy spends approximately 25% of the national wealth created, on goods imported from other countries. (See TABLE below.)

 

This propensity is far greater than in other similar countries and is out of line with our developmental needs, and impedes the opportunity for South Africa to develop its manufacturing capacity across carefully-identified selected strategic industries to take advantage of the enormous export potential, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Third, the work done with firms and associations at sector level that led to industry Master Plans being developed, were used to identify both specific products and opportunities to localise.

By way of example, the auto industry set a target to localise the components used in SA-assembled vehicles, from 39% to 60% over a 15 year period. In the sugar industry, the parties agreed to improve local sourcing from 60% to initially 80% and thereafter to improve it further. In the poultry industry, R1.5 billion was committed by local producers to expand production, with an additional more than 1 million chickens produced in South Africa per week during 2020, when compared to the prior year. In the clothing industry, retailers committed to improving the level of local procurement by 21 percentage points over a 10 year period to 2030.

Fourth, the Department undertook a review of products included in the designated public procurement list to identify further products which the private sector could be encouraged to localise. These products had been designated over a number of years and the demand available from the public sector can be enhanced by collaboration with the private sector. For a complete list of designated products, see http://www.thedtic.gov.za/sectors-and-services-2/industrial-development/industrial-procurement/.

Fifth, Government engaged social partners at Nedlac in August and September 2020 in an economic recovery plan, which resulted in a Nedlac Agreement reached in October 2020, that contained a number of pillars, including localisation.

The Agreement provided inter alia as follows:

Strategic localisation for jobs and growth

Social partners recognise that localisation and import replacement have significant potential for job retention and creation, the development of new SMMEs and start ups and the initiation of new technology platforms that can strengthen South Africa’s human resource endowment. Further, import replacement lowers South Africa’s vulnerability to global value-chain disruptions in strategic sectors.

The social partners agree to work jointly to:

• Reduce the proportion of imported intermediate and finished-goods;
• Improve the efficiency of local producers; and
• Develop export competitive sectors that can expand the sales of South African made products on the continent and beyond. They thus commit to:

…  Implement measurable and significant increases (by volume and value) in public and private-sector procurement from local manufacturers across value-chains set out in Annexure B by, inter alia:

• 1. Establishing targets for improvement of current levels of localisation in value chains, with the first set of targets to be announced within six weeks; and subsequent targets to be materially completed by the end of November 2020;
  2. Establishing supplier development programmes, as appropriate, on a sectoral or large firm basis;
  3. Expanding the platform used to locally manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) to other targeted sectors and large volume items where practical and feasible; and
  4. Ensuring that public and private sector infrastructure investment is underpinned by the procurement of locally-manufactured inputs and capital equipment where practical and feasible.

…

Ramp up buy-local campaigns through inter alia:

• • Joint public awareness, education and social media campaigns;
  • Retailer promotions;
  • Clearer labelling of South African manufactured products;
  • A commitment to promote ‘buy local’ statements;
  • Training of procurement entities in the public and private sector; and
  • Working with buyers and procurement entities to support and develop programmes to maximise orders with local producers.

The Agreement contained the following value-chains in Annexure B, which the parties agreed should be the primary focus of localisation:

“[NEDLAC-AGREED] VALUE CHAINS FOR PRIORITY ACTION IN RESPECT OF LOCALISATION

Agro-processing value chain, including poultry, sugar, oils, grains, juice concentrates and dairy products used in the food and grocery industries.

Health-care value-chains: pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment and medical equipment, (e.g. ventilators) used in public and private healthcare facilities.

Basic consumer goods: clothing and footwear, home textiles, consumer electronic products and appliances (including televisions, mobile phones, and white goods like fridges, stoves and washing machines), household hardware products, packaging material, furniture.

Capital goods: equipment and industrial inputs particularly used in infrastructure projects, mining, agriculture, the green economy and digital infrastructure.

Construction-driven: value-chains, such as cement, steel, piping (plastic and steel), engineered products and earth-moving equipment.

Transport rolling stock: automobile and rail assembly and component production, in preparation for the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

A working group with senior representatives of the Nedlac constituencies was composed, led by the CEO of BUSA and the general secretaries of some of the largest labour federations, which considered proposals on localisation. In addition, a number of bilateral meetings took place between Government and BUSA, which worked on establishing a quantitative target on localisation. A number of product-specific suggestions and proposals were considered. Discussions took place with organised labour, who generally favoured a robust and ambitious target. The discussions identified those products that were regarded as capable of implementation or where significant opportunity existed.

The results of the bilateral discussions were shared with the other Nedlac parties and the Nedlac working group was also able to draw on the work on trade flows, compiled by Government. Finally, a pragmatic target was agreed based on all the available information, the value of a metric against which progress could be measured and a recognition that the parties will need to approach implementation with flexibility, with the first two years setting the platform for greater localisation in subsequent years.

On 14 December 2020, Nedlac agreed to a Localisation Targets and Modalities Plan, which contained the following:

“Overview: the framework for the common commitment to promote localisation is set out in the Nedlac Economic Recovery Plan. This document sets out the agreed approach following discussions between BUSA, Government, [Organised labour/Community].

It covers the implementation of the commitments made by social partners, based on:

• A set of targets
• A set of products
• Private sector Champions
• A simple and effective monitoring and reporting arrangement.

Targets (macro):

It is agreed that the parties would use their best efforts to reduce imports of all products (excluding crude oil) into SA by 20%, to be achieved over a 5 year period. Based on the 2019 import data of R1,1 trillion (non-oil imports), this target would entail a reduction of R220 billion and an indicative annual target of R45bn a year in current prices. 

List of Products

The following products, contained in the Nedlac Economic Recovery Plan, will form the list where immediate efforts will be undertaken, with parties adding to the list as further products are identified.

Agro-processing value chain, including

• poultry,
• sugar
• edible oils
• grains
• juice concentrates
• dairy products

Health-care value-chains:

• pharmaceuticals
• personal protective equipment
• ventilators
• other medical equipment

Basic consumer goods:

• clothing
• footwear
• home textiles
• televisions
• mobile phones
• other consumer electronics
• fridges,
• stoves
• washing machines
• household hardware products
• packaging material
• furniture.

Capital goods

• agriculture equipment
• mining equipment
• green economy inputs and components
• digital infrastructure inputs, components and equipment

Construction-driven value-chains, such as

• cement
• steel products
• plastic piping
• steel piping
• engineered products
• earth-moving equipment.

Transport rolling stock:

• automobile assembly
• auto components
• rail assembly
• rail components

Product targets:

In order to achieve the overall goal of a 20% reduction in total non-oil imports, some products will need to have a target above 20% and some will be below this target, based on what is practicable.

To enable the process to start, the parties agree that the general goal will be 20% and this will be adjusted based on the work undertaken, provided they are able to still achieve the overall goal of a 20% reduction.

The targets in this document are indicative and seek to provide a set of goal posts to galvanise social partners towards greater levels of localisation across the value chains identified.”

Subsequently, at the request of the private sector, additional products were added, namely

• wheelie bins
• personal care products
• cleaning materials
• oil and gas value chains
• fire engines
• boats.

To facilitate a partnership, Chief Executive Officers and other senior leaders have agreed to serve as product champions across a number of the product areas (“Localisation Champions”).

The localisation programme will help to stimulate aggregate demand and strengthen support for the local manufacturing sector. This is an added incentive for both domestic and foreign direct investment in the production sectors of the economy.

The government’s policy in this matter is encapsulated in the Policy Statement on Localisation for Jobs and Industrial Growth, which was released on 18 May 2021. The policy is aimed at building local industrial capacity for the domestic market and for export markets. It is not a turn away from engaging in global markets, but it is about changing the terms of the engagement to one where we are no longer mainly an exporter of raw materials.

Implementation of the strategy will not be without challenges – and finding the policy blend and careful execution required to promote deeper levels of localisation, will require drawing on the skills and expertise in the private and public sectors. SA can build on a number of successes with localisation, draw the lessons and scale these up.

-END-

Reply:

I have been furnished with a reply to the question submitted, by Ms Thabang Mampane, Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission.

Ms Mampane’s reply is as follows:

a) “ The National Lotteries Commission is required to fulfil its mandate and ensure that the Commission performs its functions efficiently and effectively in compliance with this Act and any other applicable law. The NLC applies the principles of openness and transparency to advise the Minister on the efficacy of legislation pertaining to lotteries and ancillary matters, exercises its power to institute legal proceedings to properly discharge its functions and responsibilities and approach any court for any order the board deems appropriate for effective regulation and enforcement of the Lotteries Act.

In order to fulfil the above legislative requirements, law firms are chosen on the basis of expertise, skills, availability, capacity and urgency of the matters amongst others. The principle of rotation is always one that plays a part in which firm gets the brief, however the above criterion should not be viewed in isolation as capability of executing the work together with proven track record becomes key.

b) Ndobela Lamola Inc has been duly appointed through an SCM processes to serve on the NLC legal panel for two consecutive terms. The firm would have been issued with instructions that have overlapped to other financial years resulting in protracted matters that inevitably incur legal costs equivalent to the time spent on each matter. This firm specialises in conducting investigations and a bulk of the matters they have been instructed to do would commence as investigations and thereafter lead to labour and/or litigation matters which they would be requested to continue with such instructions due to it being a more efficient and effective manner of managing the brief.

Fees paid to Attorneys vary and include disbursements that would relate to travel and accommodation and those that would have been paid to other professionals outside the firm, for instance, in cases where consultants were utilised to advice in complex matters, the brief of junior and senior counsel and/or expert witnesses called in to testify. The notion of Attorney’s fees needs to be understood in context of how legal practice works.

c) (i) The Makatse matter commenced as a purely labour relations matter wherein a Disciplinary Hearing was held, thereafter the matter was subsequently referred to the CCMA situated in East London. The employee opted to abandon the CCMA process and lodged proceedings in the High Court situated in East London. The NLC defended and the matter is still ongoing. It is worthy to note that the NLC was successful in the High Court proceedings, and costs were awarded in favour of the NLC, such costs will be duly recovered. An application for an appeal was subsequently lodged by Makatse and the outcome of those proceedings are still pending.

(ii) Legal fees were spent on chairperson and evidence leader’s fees, attorney’s fees, counsel fees both junior and senior counsel, expert witnesses, travel and accommodation for trial that was held in the East London High Court for 5 days that included over 10 witness and counsel travelling outside of East London to attend the trial. Numerous postponements that were outside of the NLC’s control would have contributed to the escalation in cost.

(iii) The history of the Makatse matter is articulated in (i) above which informs reasons for costs incurred. Costs related thereto were in line with reasonable costs associated with professional services rendered for successful pursuance of instituting legal proceedings to properly discharge our functions and responsibilities in the best interest of the National Lotteries Commission. The Commission was successful in the High Court proceedings, and costs were awarded in favour of the NLC, such costs will be duly recovered.”

-END-

Reply:

A focus on localisation is at the heart of Government’s strategy to create sustainable jobs for South Africa and build the economic base for long-lasting prosperity. The reliance on imports is a challenge to the South African economy in that it makes our business and consumers vulnerable to supply shocks in other parts of the world, amply demonstrated in the Covid-19 pandemic. The undue reliance on imports also means longer lead times to get the necessary goods; and it results in South African businesses being price-takers in international markets. It undermines our strategic autonomy, and it means that we create fewer jobs at home.

At the same time, it is not desirable nor feasible to seek to manufacture all goods in a local economy – there are considerable advantages in a global trading system where countries play to inherent strengths (and create or enhance these). The issue is about an appropriate balance of locally-made and imported goods. In South Africa, it is clear the balance has not been struck at a level that enable sufficient jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for young people.

The process followed to set a target for localisation and finalise a list of products involved inter alia research on import levels, a comparative analysis of global import levels in leading economies, a number of meetings with business executives in specific sectors or from firms in specific product markets, review of the Master Plans applicable for sectors, consideration of the products that have been designated by the state for local procurement by public entities in terms of applicable legislation and engagement with social partners at Nedlac, resulting in agreements on targets and products.

First, from June 2020, Government commenced discussions with a number of different business groups, such as the Consumer Goods Council of SA and CEOs of different sectors. Separate meetings were held inter alia with CEOs of the following sectors:

• Fast-food operators;
• Grocery retailers;
• Food and beverage manufacturers;
• Clothing, textile, footwear and leather retailers and manufacturers;
• Hardware retailers; and
• Construction companies.

Discussions also took place with Business Unity SA leaders and with firms.

These discussions focussed on ways to develop a partnership between the private sector and the public sector to promote the deeper industrialisation of the SA economy, through a significant reduction in the level of imported products and considered what would be pragmatic and achievable targets over a reasonable period of time; and the identification of potential products that could be localised.

Second, the Department compiled and evaluated data on the import levels of different products and in a number of cases, shared data with business representatives, to help identify products that could be localised.

For example, the research showed that SA imported R9,1bn of edible-oils during 2019. Work was done on the local capacity in SA to be able to supply the market. Consideration was given to the decision by a large importer to refine a significant quantity of palm oil locally, adding at least 20% local value in the process.

Research was conducted on the comparative position of other leading economies, in respect of imports measured against GDP. The results of the study showed that South Africa has an over-propensity to import goods which could otherwise be produced in South Africa. Every year, the South African economy spends approximately 25% of the national wealth created, on goods imported from other countries. (See TABLE below.)

This propensity is far greater than in other similar countries and is out of line with our developmental needs, and impedes the opportunity for South Africa to develop its manufacturing capacity across carefully-identified selected strategic industries to take advantage of the enormous export potential, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Third, the work done with firms and associations at sector level that led to industry Master Plans being developed, were used to identify both specific products and opportunities to localise.

By way of example, the auto industry set a target to localise the components used in SA-assembled vehicles, from 39% to 60% over a 15 year period. In the sugar industry, the parties agreed to improve local sourcing from 60% to initially 80% and thereafter to improve it further. In the poultry industry, R1.5 billion was committed by local producers to expand production, with an additional more than 1 million chickens produced in South Africa per week during 2020, when compared to the prior year. In the clothing industry, retailers committed to improving the level of local procurement by 21 percentage points over a 10 year period to 2030.

Fourth, the Department undertook a review of products included in the designated public procurement list to identify further products which the private sector could be encouraged to localise. These products had been designated over a number of years and the demand available from the public sector can be enhanced by collaboration with the private sector. For a complete list of designated products, see http://www.thedtic.gov.za/sectors-and-services-2/industrial-development/industrial-procurement/.

Fifth, Government engaged social partners at Nedlac in August and September 2020 in an economic recovery plan, which resulted in a Nedlac Agreement reached in October 2020, that contained a number of pillars, including localisation.

The Agreement provided inter alia as follows:

Strategic localisation for jobs and growth

Social partners recognise that localisation and import replacement have significant potential for job retention and creation, the development of new SMMEs and start ups and the initiation of new technology platforms that can strengthen South Africa’s human resource endowment. Further, import replacement lowers South Africa’s vulnerability to global value-chain disruptions in strategic sectors.

The social partners agree to work jointly to:

• Reduce the proportion of imported intermediate and finished-goods;
• Improve the efficiency of local producers; and
• Develop export competitive sectors that can expand the sales of South African made products on the continent and beyond. They thus commit to:

…  Implement measurable and significant increases (by volume and value) in public and private-sector procurement from local manufacturers across value-chains set out in Annexure B by, inter alia:

• 1. Establishing targets for improvement of current levels of localisation in value chains, with the first set of targets to be announced within six weeks; and subsequent targets to be materially completed by the end of November 2020;
  2. Establishing supplier development programmes, as appropriate, on a sectoral or large firm basis;
  3. Expanding the platform used to locally manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) to other targeted sectors and large volume items where practical and feasible; and
  4. Ensuring that public and private sector infrastructure investment is underpinned by the procurement of locally-manufactured inputs and capital equipment where practical and feasible.

…

Ramp up buy-local campaigns through inter alia:

• • Joint public awareness, education and social media campaigns;
  • Retailer promotions;
  • Clearer labelling of South African manufactured products;
  • A commitment to promote ‘buy local’ statements;
  • Training of procurement entities in the public and private sector; and
  • Working with buyers and procurement entities to support and develop programmes to maximise orders with local producers.

The Agreement contained the following value-chains in Annexure B, which the parties agreed should be the primary focus of localisation:

“[NEDLAC-AGREED] VALUE CHAINS FOR PRIORITY ACTION IN RESPECT OF LOCALISATION

Agro-processing value chain, including poultry, sugar, oils, grains, juice concentrates and dairy products used in the food and grocery industries.

Health-care value-chains: pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment and medical equipment, (e.g. ventilators) used in public and private healthcare facilities.

Basic consumer goods: clothing and footwear, home textiles, consumer electronic products and appliances (including televisions, mobile phones, and white goods like fridges, stoves and washing machines), household hardware products, packaging material, furniture.

Capital goods: equipment and industrial inputs particularly used in infrastructure projects, mining, agriculture, the green economy and digital infrastructure.

Construction-driven: value-chains, such as cement, steel, piping (plastic and steel), engineered products and earth-moving equipment.

Transport rolling stock: automobile and rail assembly and component production, in preparation for the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

A working group with senior representatives of the Nedlac constituencies was composed, led by the CEO of BUSA and the general secretaries of some of the largest labour federations, which considered proposals on localisation. In addition, a number of bilateral meetings took place between Government and BUSA, which worked on establishing a quantitative target on localisation. A number of product-specific suggestions and proposals were considered. Discussions took place with organised labour, who generally favoured a robust and ambitious target. The discussions identified those products that were regarded as capable of implementation or where significant opportunity existed.

The results of the bilateral discussions were shared with the other Nedlac parties and the Nedlac working group was also able to draw on the work on trade flows, compiled by Government. Finally, a pragmatic target was agreed based on all the available information, the value of a metric against which progress could be measured and a recognition that the parties will need to approach implementation with flexibility, with the first two years setting the platform for greater localisation in subsequent years.

On 14 December 2020, Nedlac agreed to a Localisation Targets and Modalities Plan, which contained the following:

“Overview: the framework for the common commitment to promote localisation is set out in the Nedlac Economic Recovery Plan. This document sets out the agreed approach following discussions between BUSA, Government, [Organised labour/Community].

It covers the implementation of the commitments made by social partners, based on:

• A set of targets
• A set of products
• Private sector Champions
• A simple and effective monitoring and reporting arrangement.

Targets (macro):

It is agreed that the parties would use their best efforts to reduce imports of all products (excluding crude oil) into SA by 20%, to be achieved over a 5 year period. Based on the 2019 import data of R1,1 trillion (non-oil imports), this target would entail a reduction of R220 billion and an indicative annual target of R45bn a year in current prices. 

Product targets:

In order to achieve the overall goal of a 20% reduction in total non-oil imports, some products will need to have a target above 20% and some will be below this target, based on what is practicable.

To enable the process to start, the parties agree that the general goal will be 20% and this will be adjusted based on the work undertaken, provided they are able to still achieve the overall goal of a 20% reduction.

The targets in this document are indicative and seek to provide a set of goal posts to galvanise social partners towards greater levels of localisation across the value chains identified.”

Chief Executive Officers and other senior leaders have agreed to serve as product champions across a number of the product areas (“Localisation Champions”).

The localisation programme will help to stimulate aggregate demand and strengthen support for the local manufacturing sector. This is an added incentive for both domestic and foreign direct investment in the production sectors of the economy.

The government’s policy in this matter is encapsulated in the Policy Statement on Localisation for Jobs and Industrial Growth, which was released on 18 May 2021. The policy is aimed at building local industrial capacity for the domestic market and for export markets. It is not a turn away from engaging in global markets, but it is about changing the terms of the engagement to one where we are no longer mainly an exporter of raw materials.

Implementation of the strategy will not be without challenges – and finding the policy blend and careful execution required to promote deeper levels of localisation, will require drawing on the skills and expertise in the private and public sectors. SA can build on a number of successes with localisation, draw the lessons and scale these up.

-END-

Reply:

The information requested on repeat offenders resides with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The SAPS is the custodian of the Crime Administration System (CAS), which captures all the criminal cases across the country and reflects the “repeat offended’ status.

The increase in rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking is being addressed through a multidisciplinary Integrated Strategic Management approach and in line with the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT).

Furthermore, the introduction of the seven integrated wildlife zones across the country has strengthened the coordination between the public and private partners operating in these areas. The necessary resources are being redirected to areas most in need of support and lessons learnt are being shared, including those related to the use of appropriate technologies to ensure surveillance, early warning and detection. The sharing of real-time information between these partners is resulting in the ability to proactively deploy in specific areas and to react quickly to report in a coordinated manner.

An additional step is being taken by SANParks, provincial nature reserves and private rhino owners who are dehorning rhinos in an effort to deter poachers, and protect the iconic animals from being killed for their horn.

SANParks is also investing in guarding rhinos through planned intensive monitoring which complements anti-poaching initiatives that focus on apprehending poachers. The Kruger National Park is currently investing in a layered approach to protect rhinos in the core rhino areas using integrated technologies and establishing a programme to improve staff integrity and morale.

Through the Environmental Enforcement Fusion Centre, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has increased analysis capability to provide support at a tactical level, as well as in relation to investigations. This has boosted anti-poaching at a tactical level and introduced integrated information-led enforcement. This work further strengthens the essential collaboration with the SAPS, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), the Department of Justice and other sectors of the security cluster to gather, analyse and share intelligence on wildlife traficking so that international syndicate-related crimes can be dealt with effectively.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE

Reply:

a) Imprisoned

REGIONS (In prison Schedule 08 offenders)	Imprisoned 2016/17	Imprisoned 2017/18	Imprisoned 2018/19	Imprisoned 2019/20	Imprisoned 2020/2	Grand Total
RC EASTERN CAPE	18 955	18 588	17 663	17 074	14 090	22 821
RC GAUTENG	32 978	32 373	31 600	29 944	23 309	41 462
RC KWAZULU-NATAL	26 663	26 038	25 094	23 563	18 894	32 366
RC LIMPOPO MPUMALANGA & NW	21 963	21 708	21 856	21 518	17 551	27 007
RC NORTHERN CAPE & FREE STATE	19 032	19 078	18 934	17 971	14 440	22 465
RC WESTERN CAPE	25 537	24 885	24 318	23 434	17 827	36 179
Grand Total	145 128	142 670	139 465	133 504	106 111	182 300

(b) Released

REGIONS (Released Sch 08 Offenders)	FY 2016/17	FY 2017/18	FY 2018/19	FY 2019/20	FY 2020/21	Grand Total
RC EASTERN CAPE	4 799	4 710	4 515	5 112	3 685	22 821
RC GAUTENG	8 242	7 917	8 294	10 209	6 800	41 462
RC KWAZULU-NATAL	6 643	6 351	6 249	7 394	5 729	32 366
RC LIMPOPO MPUMALANGA & N.W.	5 263	4 817	4 999	6 728	5 200	27 007
RC NORTHERN CAPE & FREE STATE	4 328	4 211	4 272	5 320	4 334	22 465
RC WESTERN CAPE	7 729	7 066	6 848	9 163	5 373	36 179
Grand Total ALL types of releases	37 004	35 072	35 177	43 926	31 121	182 300
Number of convicted Schedule 8 not added to the National Forensic DNA Data base (Released on parole without DNA) PQ 1660 - NW1806E	22 325	18 470	19 556	20 772	15 752	96,875
Number of other release types other than parole release E.g. Sentence Expiry Date (SED)	14 679	16 602	15 621	23 154	15 369	85 425
Grand Total ALL types of releases	37 004	35 072	35 177	43 926	31 121	182 300

END

Reply:

1(a)(b); 2; 3; 4 and 5

The initial EA for the proposed development was granted on 4 February 2019.

On 26 February 2019, the Directorate: Appeals and Legal Review within the Department received an appeal from Grassridge Wind Power (Pty) Ltd, challenging the granting of the above EA (2019 EA). The grounds of the appeal were broadly premised on procedural and substantive irregularities, with specific reference to the absence of a Wake Effect Assessment and commercial agreement as relevant considerations.

On 14 October 2019, Minister issued an appeal decision as follows:

1. uphold the appeal relating to the absence of a Wake Effect Assessment and consideration of the report thereof.
2. dismiss the ground of appeal relating to commercial agreement as a relevant consideration.
3. set aside the decision of the CD: IEA to grant the 2019 EA to the applicant; and

îv. remit the matter to the CD: IEA for further consideration and reconsideration as alluded in paragraphs 1.44 and 1.45 of the appeal decision.

Following the abovementioned appeal decision, the competent authority, after taking into consideration the Wake Effect Assessment, reissued the EA on 23 March 2021. Thereafter two appeals were received against this EA. These appeals were received from Wilderness Foundation Africa and Indalo Private Nature Reserve Association on 15 April 2021 and 24 May 2021, respectively.

The appeals are currently being considered by the Appeals Unit.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE:

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(1)

(a) With regards to the Beitbridge Border project, consequence management is in the process of being carried out against implicated officials.The remaining 11 officials have been served with charges and disciplinary hearings are underway. Progress on the process is reported to SCOPA and the Portfolio Committee of Public Works and Infrastructure on a regular basis.

With regards to the Kosi Bay border project, the KZN Department of Transport (DoT) initiated and commenced the construction of the Jersey barrier border on 10 August 2018 without priorconsultation nor any protocol or agreement being in place with DPWI as the custodian of border infrastructure.

I am informed that the acting Director-General of DPWI has since sanctioned the development of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the KZN DoT to regularise the construction of Phase 1 of the barrier wall and to record the terms and conditions which govern the cooperation between the Departments. The Department has concluded the finalization of the MOA and submitted the MOA to the KZN DoT for consideration. The Accounting Officer has further requested that the KZN DoT stops all construction on the barrier wall until all conditions are met and the MOA is finalised.

 

(b) The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is mandated by the regulations issued in terms of Section 27 (2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 to make available sites to be used as isolation and quarantine facilities as the need arises. The Regulations further grant the MEC and Municipal Managers the same responsibility in their spheres of Government. The mandate is informed by the custodial responsibility that the Minister, MEC and Municipal Managers have state-owned properties in their respective immovable asset registers within their different spheres of Government.

In order to give effect to the mandate, the Minister signed a protocol document on the 10th May 2020 which was followed by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), signed by the Accounting Officer on 15th May 2020, setting out the activities to be performed by officials with regard to site identification, approvals, procurement, preparationsand payments of invoices.

(c) As indicated above.

(2) No

Reply:

Government has designated 27 products for local production and content through the Preferential Procurement Regulations. Some of the products already designated are rail rolling stock, boats/ working vessels, power pylons, bus bodies, valves, pumps, certain pharmaceutical products, furniture products as well as the Textile Clothing Leather and Footwear sector.

For a complete list of designated products, see http://www.thedtic.gov.za/sectors-and-services-2/industrial-development/industrial-procurement/.

the dtic conducts research before a product can be designated for local production, including on procurement trends, local industrial capacity jobs implications and import profiles. During the research stage, there is consultation with the industry (associations and local manufacturers) as well as procuring authorities. Designated products have different thresholds for local production informed by the research studies looking at the economic variables aimed at supporting the manufacturing sector. Once the research is completed, the dtic reviews the designation proposals before the Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition approves it. Thereafter, the designation is forwarded to the Minister of Finance for consideration and publication of the instruction notes/circulars and implementation by organs of state.

-END-

Reply:

The below table depicts vacancies in each province due to different listed reasons such as death, resignations, dismissal, retirement and ill healthas at 31 March 2021:

Leaving Reason	HEAD OFFICE	EASTERN CAPE	FREE STATE	GAUTENG	KWAZULU-NATAL	LIMPOPO	MPUMA-LANGA	NORTH WEST	NORTHERN CAPE	WESTERN CAPE	Grand Total	% Per Reason
CONTRACT EXPIRY	27	13	21	20	44	2	4	6	6	2	145	29.2%
DEATH / DEMISE	-	29	5	3	18	10	2	2	3	4	76	16%
ILL HEALTH	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1	0.2%
DISMISSAL:MISCONDUCT	-	3	-	-	8	3	-	1	-	1	16	3.2%
RESIGNATION	6	17	17	7	23	6	8	7	10	24	125	25.2%
RETIREMENT	3	23	7	9	23	21	9	8	2	20	125	25.2%
TRANSFER	-	-	1	1	2	-	-	3	1	-	8	1%
Grand Total	36	85	51	40	118	42	23	27	22	52	496
Percentage per Province	7%	17%	13%	8%	24%	8%	4%	5%	4%	10%

Reply:

Although SANParks has no legal obligation to provide general medical services to the residents or visitors of the Kruger National Park, it is in SANParks interest to retain the provision of such essential services that include, but not limited to, emergency and occupational health services. In addition to the medical services provided by General Practitioners (at the Skukuza Medical Centre), a Clinic in Skukuza is open five days a week and available to the public. The Clinic provides a range of services including primary health care, and is able to provide support for emergencies.

The relationship of the doctor to patients at the Skukuza Medical Centre is a private relationship and is not a service provided by SANParks. However, as the service is provided on SANParks properly it has to be treated like other commercial ventures and is subject to public procurement processes.

The provision of medical services at KNP was impacted by the termination of services of the previous doctor at very short notice due to non-fulfilment of contractual obligations. As a result, despite SANParks efforts, there was not a smooth hand over between the previous and current doctors.

SANParks secured the services of Dr L Masithi Incorporated (Practice No. 0578169) - effective 01 June 2021 for a three month period ending on 31 August 2021 on an emergency procurement as per National Treasury SCM Practice note no. 3 of 2016/2017.

SANParks is redefining the scope of occupational and general medical services required in the Kruger National Park. This is with a view to the procurement of a long term (minimum five years) service provider more relevant to the emergency and occupational health needs of the Park. A RFQ is in the interim being finalised for a three month appointment (1 September — 30 November) whilst the longer term procurement is being completed.

The Medical practice at Kruger National Park (KNP) was not permanently closed, there has been a continuous medical service provided in the Kruger National Park by private doctors who are appointed through a tender process.

Dr L Masithi Incorporated was appointed; and

Dr L Masithi started working on 01 June 2021.

The Medical practice is offering a full spectrum of medical services on Weekdays (7am — 12 noon and 1pm — 4pm) and Saturdays (7am — 12 noon) and after hours emergency services.

KNP has a budget of approximately R1 million per annum for the newly appointed doctor to provide specified services. The budget includes monthly retainer payment and costs for equipment and operations. In addtion, all equipment needed for a doctor to run a practice is available and the equipment is owned by SANParks.

Files have been requested from the previous doctor and to date there has been no response as

per KNPs request. Several attempts were made to retrieve the files from the previous doctor without success. The newly appointed doctor has initiated a process of opening a new file for every patient that comes for consultation.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE:

Reply:

1(a)(i) Crew Leader Type 2: the incumbent must have Fire Fighter training, one (1) year experience, completed and passed a Crew Leader Type 2 training programme.

(a)(ii) Crew Leader Type 1: the incumbent must have Fire Fighter training, two (2) years of experience, Crew Leader Type 2 training, completed and passed Crew Leader Type 1 training programme.

b). Base Manager: they are normally recruited from Crew Leader Type 1 group, dependent on the needs of the Working on Fire (WoF) Programme and Partner (A partner can be an Entity, namely South African National Parks (SANParks), Municipality, or Landowner).

c) Regional Manager: all Type 1 Crew Leaders are eligible to apply for a Regional Manager position if and when required, through normal transparent recruitment processes.

2(a)(i) Crew Leader Type 2 = R246.95 per day

(a)(ii) Crew Leader Type 1 = R303.65 per day

b) Base Manager = R385.00 per day

c) Regional Manager= R16 500.00 per month

3(a) The WoF Programme has an annual turnover of approximately 100/ of Fire Fighters, so roughly 450 of the current 4 500 on average employed per year. The average length of service ranges from 2-5 years.

(b) The total number of new recruits trained every year is dependent on turnover as well as budget availability.

4. The number of Fire Fighters recruited is dependent on budget availability. An increased budget can cater for more Fire Fighters. Presently, the WoF Programme has around 4 500 Fire fighters.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: .31/08/2021

Reply:

Universities

Institution	University of Mpumalanga
Did youhaveacertification backlog bytheendofJuly 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	560StudentsowingfeestotheamountofR10575321.62
On what date will it be cleared?	Whenthefeeshavebeenpaidintermsoftheuniversity’s policy.
Institution	SefakoMakgatho University
Did youhaveacertification backlog bytheendofJuly 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	The following are the reasons for the backlog: 1. In terms ofthe university’srules, degreeand diploma certificates shall not be released tostudents until alloutstanding debts havebeensettled.There aretwo categories of backlogs:  Historic (from 2015 to 2020) - 1 690  2021 - 992 Total - 2 682 2. TheUniversitydoesnotpostcertificatestostudents toavoidthemgettinglost.Studentsareexpectedtocollect their certificates or todecide for somebody tocollect on their behalf or to collect them using a courier service.
On what date will it be cleared?	It will depend on when: students pay their debt; or those who are not owing, come to collect them.

Institution	Rhodes University
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	Duetothevirtualgraduationceremoniesof2020and 2021, students have not collected their parchments or arranged couriering thereof.We are again reminding students ofthis. Some students are yet toenter into an agreement contract with the university in terms of outstanding fees
On what date will it be cleared?	Studentsarebeingremindedtoarrangeforcollectionor couriering of parchments.
Institution	University of Limpopo
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	All certificates are ready. The challengewas their collectionasitcoincidedwiththethirdwaveoftheCOVID- 19 pandemic.
On what date will it be cleared?	Thecertificatesarebeingcourieredtograduates.The process will end by 17 September 2021.
Institution	Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	CPUTSmartGraduationwasconcludedon29June2021. On30June2021,duringlockdownlevel4,whileuniversity staff were requested to work from home, Assessment and Graduation Centre staff were granted permission by the InstitutionalCovid-19Clustertocommencetheprocessof sendingallgraduationcertificatestostudentsviacourier

	services. CPUT had 7 149 certificates to process. The process involved the following: Onlineconfirmationfromallgraduatesforup-to- date contact information and physical addresses during lockdown level 4. Confirmation from the courier service provider that they will be able to manage the workload. Ensure Covid-19 protocols were met in our workspace. Update and statistics to date: 5 200 Certificates according to contact information received from graduates were sent successfully. 163Errorswerereceivedfrom theserviceprovider with contact details concerns and no responses at the point of contact. This list is now a prioritytomatch thelist with emails of concern about delayed delivery. Errors are corrected as we receive correct information and courier packages are dispatched. Theserviceproviderreporteddelaysduetostaff shortages for various reasons. We havebeen granted access to generate our own waybills to increase the number generated per day, despite the delays at the service provider.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 September 2021
Institution	Mangosuthu University of Technology
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	ThebacklogrelatestoNSFASstudents,asNSFAShas not settled the debt for all NSFAS students.

On what date will it be cleared?	AssoonasNSFASsettlesthedebts,certificateswillbe issued to NSFAS students.
Institution	Central University of Technology
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	Thefirstrelatestooutstandingfees.Secondly,certificates thatweresentvia courierswerereturnedtotheuniversity because the recipients were not at the delivery address.
On what date will it be cleared?	Thereisnospecificdateindicatedforclearance.However, Managementisengaging possibleapproaches/strategies toaddress thismatter.Thecampaignwillbeongoinguntil resolved.
Institution	UNISA
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	There is a delay in the issuing certificates because of the opening and closure of the university informed by regulations. Currently, autumn certificates are being issued in different regional offices.
On what date will it be cleared?	Anticipating the clearing thereof in October 2021.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges

TheDepartmenthasmadesignificantstridesregardingthereductionofcertificationbacklogs. AdedicatedtaskteamcomprisingtheDepartment,SITAandUmalusihasmanagedtoreduce thecertificationbacklog(historicalbacklog)by96.81%.All eligiblestudents whowrote examinationsandsatisfiedtherequirements,theDepartmenthasoverthepastyearreleased certificates to colleges within 90 working days after the release of results.

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA)

SETA	Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	The COVID-19 pandemic risk-adjusted strategy alert levels significantly affected the certification process, as documents had to be manually processed. Awaiting training providers to close gaps identified during the verification.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 November 2021
SETA	WholesaleandRetailSectorEducationandTraining Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	W&RSETA did not have an information management system to produce certificates. A service provider has been appointed to assist.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 September 2021
SETA	ChemicalIndustriesEducationandTrainingAuthority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe	The COVID-19 pandemic risk-adjusted strategy alert levelssignificantlyaffectedthecertificationprocess,as

certification backlogs?	documents had to be manually processed.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 November 2021
SETA	Manufacturing, Engineeringand Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	The COVID-19 pandemicrisk-adjusted strategy alert levels significantly affected the certification process.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 September 2021
SETA	Banking Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	The backlog was caused by insourcing the hosting of the Learner Management System. The process included the acquisition of Microsoft credits for hosting the system in the cloud. The procurement of the credits has been finalised.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 September 2021
SETA	Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs?	Some skills development providers closed their businesses before learning achievements were presented for quality assurance and certification of the enrolled learners.Inmostcases,norecordsareavailableforthese

	learners. Most learning programmes were extended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This caused a delay in the completion and certification of learners. The certification award process is underway for learners who successfully completed the programmes.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 December 2021
SETA	Culture,Art,Tourism.HospitalityandSportSector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	Some skills development providers have not loaded the assessmentsoftheirlearners.Thisprocessisrequiredto generate the certificates.
On what date will it be cleared?	31 December 2021
SETA	Services Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	The printing and issuing of certificates and/or statements of results canonly be performed onsite. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions limited office access at various intervals to officials who quality assures, print and issue certificates and/or statements of results. Notwithstanding, the main reason for the current backlog is due to the Learner Management Information System being down for 3 months from May to July 2021.
On what date will it be	31 December 2021

cleared?
SETA	Transport Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	The COVID-19 risk-adjusted strategy alert levels had negative implications about certification. Certification is a highly sensitive matter and cannot be completed while working remotely for security purposes.
On what date will it be cleared?	31 December 2021
SETA	Energy andWater Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	The COVID-19 risk-adjusted strategy alert levels had a negative impact regarding certification processes as trade test centres were closed during certain alert levels, coupled with restricted access of SETA staff to the office impacted the certification process.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 November 2021
SETA	Health andWelfare Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	Marko Institute,a skills development provider (SDP) is currentlyuploading theassessmentsontheHWSETA system, specifically for the Child and Youth Care Worker qualification and the Social Auxiliary Work

	qualification. The SDP currently does not meet the requirementstoapplyforanextensionofscopeastheydo not have a current tax clearance certificate, which is a requirement for this application. The service provider, National Association of Child Care Workers'(NCCW) taxaccreditationcertificateexpired,and they did not have access to the system after the expiry of theiraccreditation.TheSDPhassincebeenre-accredited, and they are currently uploading the assessments. The due date is three weeks after the completion of the uploadingof assessments by theSDP. Theuploadingof assessments is for Social Auxiliary Services. The date for issuing certificates for Ancillary Health Care and for the NationalAssociationofChildCareWorkerscertificationis 22 October 2021.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 September 2021
SETA	Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority
Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	The SETA is withholding the issuing of certificates as the skillsdevelopmentprovideriscurrentlyunderinvestigation for alleged improper conduct. The PSETA has decided to institute an independent investigation into this matter to assess the veracity of the allegations. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether the SETA issues the certificate or not.
On what date will it be cleared?
SETA	Local GovernmentSector Education and Training Authority

Did youhaveacertification backlog by the end of July 2021?	Yes
Whatarethereasonsforthe certification backlogs and	The learner documents were misplaced between the provincial and national offices, which resulted in the delays of trade testing for learners. An internal investigation on thematterwill be conducted. TheSETA will take the necessary disciplinary action against the responsible individuals by imposing consequence management.
On what date will it be cleared?	30 November 2021

Reply:

a) As at 11 May 2021 a total of 12 542 persons between the age of 16 and 25 were incarcerated in Correctional services facilities. The breakdown per region is as follows:

Total Number Of Persons Between The Age Of 16 And 25 Incarcerated In Correctional Services Facilities
Region	Age group 16 to 25 years incarcerated
Eastern Cape	2 238
Gauteng	1 226
KwaZulu-Natal	1 763
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West	1 776
Northern Cape & Free State	2 219
Western Cape	3 320
Grand Total	12 542

(b)(i) Murder

Number of the specified persons between the age of 16 and 25 incarcerated for murder
Region	Murder
Eastern Cape	440
Gauteng	218
KwaZulu-Natal	402
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West	347
Northern Cape & Free State	430
Western Cape	616
Total	2 453

(b)(ii) Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)

Number of the specified persons between the age of 16 and 25 incarcerated for grievous bodily harm
Region	Grievous Bodily Harm
Eastern Cape	153
Gauteng	58
Kwazulu-Natal	61
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West	100
Northern Cape & Free State	130
Western Cape	193
Total	695

END.

Reply:

1. The NHI is designed to purchase healthcare benefits directly from public and private providers. All prices will be set nationally and will be published by the NHI Fund for everyone to see what the fund is paying for. The Fund will not purchase any goods (healthcare products) for service providers. The Bill provides for an Office of Health Products Procurement that will describe, set standards and set prices of all products that are required in a national Formulary that is needed to deliver the services according to standard clinical guidelines. The digital systems of the NHI are already under development to manage the benefits, record accreditation of health care providers (establishments and individuals) and to capture the individual data required to process and make payments to providers. The systems are designed to identify any aberrant use patterns by patients, providers or suppliers and to flag them for investigation. This will include outright rejection for abuse to managing utilisation and provision patterns. The NDOH has been working with the SIU to develop the Risk Management Framework for the NHI. The Auditor General (AGSA) is the auditor of all public entities and will be responsible for oversight of systems and governance integrity. All attempted abuse will be reported and where appropriate placed in the public domain. The Bill provides for an Investigation Unit to follow up on identified or reported fraud or abuse. There is also provision for public reporting of Fraud.

2. No funds will be allocated to medical schemes. The Bill provides that medical schemes will be allowed to cover only those benefits that are not covered by the NHI Fund. The NHI Fund will be the ‘single’ purchaser of all benefits that are covered by the NHI.

3. Under NHI the GEMS, will cover only those benefits that are not covered by the NHI Fund. In the interim the department does not monitor any medical schemes as there is an independent regulator, the Council for Medial Schemes, (CMS) responsible for that function. GEMS is an entity of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).

END.

Reply:

1. To ensure that there is uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace, the Department of Employment and Labour issued the Direction on Occupational Health and Safety Measures, which was gazetted on 11 June 2021. The Direction requires employers to give employees paid time off to be vaccinated against COVID-19; and to recover from the side effects of being vaccinated.

Should an employee suffer the side effects as a result of the vaccination, the Direction states that the employer must in accordance with section 22 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act place its employee on sick leave. They further state that once the sick leave has been exhausted, employees should be given further paid time off if they’re still ill; or a claim may be lodged for compensation in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act of 1993 (COIDA). In terms of the sick leave, the guidelines state that an employer may accept a COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued by an official vaccination site in lieu of a medical certificate.

2. Yes, the Department of Employment and Labour has Health and Safety inspectors who their role is to enforce compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including with the COVID-19 Directions issued under this Act.

3. The Department of Employment and Labour believes that the Directions, which were widely consulted with organised business, organised labour and community constituency are suffice as measures in dealing with the challenges posed by COVID-19 and further encourages all workers to vaccinate.

Secondly, in the workplace where COVID-19 may be found to be causing serious challenges, the Directions encourage employers to work together with the employees to analyse carefully, deeply and soberly the danger that they may all be facing, if the situation is left unattended, and without appropriate actions being taken. Approaching it in this manner is to tap on the democratisation of the workplace to work for the benefit of all.

Reply:

Independent schools are registered in line with terms and conditions laid down by the Department and Provincial Regulations. The Department monitors compliance to the conditions set out during registration through Circuit Managers for support and intervention purposes. This is followed by the deregistration of the independent school should the provided support and intervention fail.

The Provincial Education Department in North West is finalising its investigation at Naledi Christian School. Recommendations will be forwarded to the Head of Department and the Administrator for their final decision on the future of the school, which is still operating with a provisional registration certificate that will be due for review.

Reply:

The question has been referred to all provincial departments of education for detailed information. The response will be provided as soon as all provinces have submitted and the responses collated.

Reply:

1.  The SAFE (Sanitation Appropriate For Education) programme was launched to eradicate BASIC PIT toilets.  Countrywide, there are currently 2 913 schools on this programme.  1 159 of these 2 913 schools, appropriate toilets have already been constructed.  In Limpopo, there are 455 schools that form part of the SAFE programme.  Of these 455, 170 projects have already progressed to Practical Completion. 

2.  There are 2 initiatives related to BASIC PIT toilets to ensure the safety of children.  The first is to build appropriate toilets at schools (see progress reported above).  The second is to demolish the old BASIC PIT toilet structures.  This second initiative is driven by the Provincial Departments of Education.  For example, in Limpopo there are 239 schools that have appropriate toilets, but the old BASIC PIT structures were still on site.  At 86 of these 239, contractors have been appointed and the old BASIC PIT toilets have been demolished.

3.  The eradication of BASIC PIT toilets has already commenced with progress as indicated above 

Reply:

NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

1. (a) No tender irregularities with regard to the procurement of personal protective equipment was recorded in the National Department of Health.

(b) and (c) Not applicable.

2. (a), (b), (c) Not applicable.

EASTERN CAPE

1. (a) No tender irregularity findings have been reported to the department to date.

(b) and (c) Not applicable.

2. (a), (b), (c) Not applicable.

FREE STATE

1. (a) No tender irregularities with regard to the procurement of personal protective equipment were found and/or investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

(b) and (c) Not applicable.

2. (a), (b), (c) Not applicable.

GAUTENG

1. (a) The Department incurred costs to the value of R2,394,514,261.70 (Two billion three hundred ninety-four million five hundred fourteen thousand two hundred sixty-one rand and seventy cents) for procurement of goods relating to PPE.

(b) The SIU is performing the said investigation by order of the President in terms of Presidential Proclamation R23 of 23 July 2020. As soon as the report are made readily available a determination will be made available.

(c) The SIU is performing the said investigation by order of the President in terms of Presidential Proclamation R23 of 23 July 2020. As soon as the report are made readily available a determination will be made available.

2. (a) , (b) and (c)

Officials and other persons have been charged pertaining to the SIU investigation. The SIU is performing the said investigation by order of the President in terms of Presidential Proclamation R23 of 23 July 2020, the SIU reports directly to the President and for that reason, any questions pertaining to the SIU investigation should be addressed to the Presidency.

3. The SIU is performing the said investigation by order of the President in terms of Presidential Proclamation R23 of 23 July 2020. As soon as the report are made readily available a determination will be made available;

4. The SIU is performing the said investigation by order of the President in terms of Presidential Proclamation R23 of 23 July 2020. As soon as the report are made readily available a determination will be made available.

KWAZULU-NATAL

1. (a) R86,064,628.50 (Eighty-six million and sixty-four thousand six hundred and twenty-eight rand and fifty cents).

(b) Not applicable.

(c) None.

2. (a), (b), (c) None. Special Investigating Unit (SIU) started investigations in June 2021. The investigation is currently still on-going.

LIMPOPO

1. (a) R240 000 (Two hundred and forty thousand rand) has been found to be irregular expenditure.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) None

1. (a) Four officials are undergoing disciplinary processes.

(b) and (c) None.

MPUMALANGA

1. (a) The total amount paid by the Department for tender irregularities is amounting to R18,863,628.50 (Eighteen million eight hundred sixty-three thousand six hundred twenty-eight rand and fifty cents), as investigated by Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

(b) The Department is still awaiting the Final Investigation Report from SIU for the period from August 2020 to 31 March 2021.

(c) There was no amount recovered from the above tender irregularities as there was no element of fraud identified however, there were non-compliance during the procurement processes.

2. (a) Department has suspended two senior officials relating to the same tender irregularities.

(b) and (c) None.

NORTHERN CAPE

1. (a) R77,558,766.53 (Seventy-seven million five hundred fifty-eight thousand seven hundred sixty-six rand and fifty-three cents) are still being investigated for any irregularities.

(b) The breakdown of transactions under investigation are as follows:

No.	Supplier name	Total amount
1.	DNS Supplies	528 195,00
2	C-Med Medicals	7 447 681,00
3	Revolt Headboy	2 947 200,00
4	Asijiki Sound Bytes	13 918 100,00
5	Macronym 37 (Pty) Ltd	26 960 025,00
6	MKV Investments	16 906 667,50
7	Logan Medical	8 850 898,03
Grand total	R77,558,766.53

(c) Investigation is still in progress.

2. (a) On 23rd August 2021, the former Acting Head of Department and the Chief Financial Officer were arrested by the HAWKS.

(b) and (c) None.

NORTH WEST

1.(a) None.

(b) and (c) Not applicable.

2. (a), (b), (c) Not applicable.

WESTERN CAPE

1. (a) None.

(b) and (c) Not applicable.

(2) (a), (b) , (c) Not applicable.

END.

Reply:

The question has been referred to provincial departments of education for detailed information. The response will be provided as soon as all the responses have been received and collated

Reply:

a) Covid-19 Vaccines are widely available across all provinces and there are vaccination sites, fixed or mobile in every local municipal area.

b) (i) Two vaccines are presently in daily use

(ii) Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson

c) (i) Sinovac has been conditionally approved by SAHPRA for use in adults. The conditions primarily relate to evidence of efficacy and safety for use in people with HIV & AIDS and evidence of efficacy against Delta variant in a real-life setting (not laboratory Based). The NDOH has conducted an economic assessment and is presently engaged in the preparatory procurement process to obtain a price and availability information from the applicant.

(ii) The regulator has received two applications for Sputnik V vaccine but neither has been approved for use yet..

END.

Reply:

In respect of Question(s): (a)(i) and (ii); (b); (c); (d); (e); (f) and (g)(i):

Sexual misconduct cases are reported to the employer, who in terms of section 3(1)(b) of the Employment of Educators Act, 76 of 1998, is the Head of the Provincial Education Department entrusted with the responsibility to enforce the disciplinary code and procedures against all employees employed at the provincial level.

Therefore, the question is more relevant to the provincial administration, since it is the responsibility of the employer. 

The question should therefore be forwarded to the relevant employer for details and response.

Consequently, the Department has a zero-tolerance against any educator who has committed sexual misconduct towards any learner. 

In respect of Question (g)(ii):

The provision of section 54 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 32 of 2007, (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) and section 110 of the Children’s Act, 38 of 2005, put an obligation on any person who becomes aware of any abuse or incident, involving a child, to report such incident to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or Department of Social Development (DSD);

Section 26 of the Employment of Educators Act and section 26 of the SACE Act, also put an obligation on the employer to report to SACE every case, where disciplinary steps were taken against an educator, resulting in a sanction other than caution or reprimand.

Besides the above legislative provisions, the Department of Basic Education has developed two (2) Protocols, namely, Standard Operating Procedures for the Employers of Educators and Protocol for Reporting and Management of Sexual Abuse and Harassment in schools.  These protocols outline the responsibilities of the PEDs (schools, Circuits and Districts officials), ELRC, SACE, SGBs, including the Department of Social Development and Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on reporting and handling misconduct cases committed by educators, learners and other PEDs employees.

The latest amendment to the Regulations of the Employment of Educators Act, Government Gazette No 44433, dated 09 April 2021, provides that an educator found guilty of sexual misconduct towards a learner, is indefinitely prevented from re-employment in education. 

There is also the ELRC Collective Agreement 3 of 2018 "Providing for Compulsory Inquiries by Arbitrators in Cases of Disciplinary Action Against Educators Charged with Sexual Misconduct in Respect of Learners" which provides for an expedited, independent disciplinary process against an educator for alleged sexual misconduct committed towards any learner.

Reply:

(a). In the past three years my department undertook atotal of forty (40) overseas trips, i.e. 2018 - 19 trips, 2019, 18 trips and only 03 trips in 2020.

(b)-(d). See the attached report on the reasons and number of officials, accommodation roa and flight class used.

(a)(i). The number of overseas trips in the past three year undertaken by Entities reporting to me are:-

The attached spreadsheed contains details of Overseas travel by Public Entities.

Reply:

a) The COVID-19 vaccination education drive is a multi-faceted programme that involves the public and private sectors across the entire government (all departments and all three spheres) and that has many contributing private companies.

• High programme visibility: Specific Activities

• Visible signage of the vaccine roll-out on large key billboards in high transit areas
• Use of taxi rank TV, Digital Billboards and others to promote vaccination messages
• Conspicuous telescopic and other large banners at malls, places of worship, taxi ranks, retail stores, schools
• Conspicuous and recognizable branding and clear signage at vaccine sites
• Champions: Identifying apolitical vaccine champions that are relevant to the target group and have wide reaching influence (key influential leaders; Traditional Leaders, Faith Based, Business sector, Civil society and Celebrities) e.g. Limpopo targeted ZCC church leader
• Involvement of Political leaders as champions: Health MEC and other political leaders such as Premiers, Mayors, Ward Counsellors
• Partnership with private sector to collaborate on media campaigns and vaccine roll-out branding e.g. Medical Aids like GEMS, Discovery etc. and other businesses

• Information in people’s hands: Specific Activities

• Guide the community on where they should go to, who they should listen to and which number they should call to get the correct information on anything to do with vaccines
• Use the time that clients spend at vaccination sites to empower them to be vaccine ambassadors
• Use the observation time to educate the clients and equip them to be able to answer common misinformation questions e.g. Is it true that people are dying after they vaccinate?
• Provide comprehensive IEC material on vaccines and adverse events following immunization with the call center number clearly visible that they can refer to and share with others.
• Share information on the nearest functional vaccination sites; operating hours; dates for outreach with all stakeholders: radio stations, newspapers, community leaders, religious leaders, schools, workplaces, and all social media platforms
• Use of social media to get the correct information into young people’s hands so that they do not discourage the elderly from vaccinating through sharing of misinformation they consume on social media
• Use of teachers to get the right information into young people’s hands so that they can correct misinformation from social media and other sources at home
• Address the play-off between various vaccines and preferences

• Use of local media: Specific Activities

• Continuous engagement to reinforce positive messages about vaccinations and to counter misinformation and disinformation
• Ongoing “human” stories by individuals representing the target group to show authentic stories of registration and vaccination on radio, local newspapers, and all social media platforms
• Radio stories addressing identified concerns about vaccines in local languages
• Radio slots to boost confidence in vaccination explaining all the key steps in the vaccination journey
• Collaboration with local newspapers, Radio stations, leadership, NGOs, Civil society organizations, tertiary institutions, schools, Unions, businesses, private vaccination sites in spreading correct information about vaccines
• Public health messaging to raise public awareness of the notable fatality rate and potential long-term sequela of COVID-19
• Weekly local radio station slots for advocacy messaging, adverts in local print media.

• Local mobilisation and canvassing: Specific Activities

• Whole society area based (ward-based) approach improving reach and raising capacity through collaboration with other stakeholders i.e. Private sites, Sector engagements (Business, Civil Society, FBOs, Traditional Authorities, Men’s Forum, Older Person’s Forum and people with disabilities e.tc. to be engaged during the month of August)
• Identify and appoint area-based leads, local civil society activators and communicators who will play the catalytic role of bringing all these people together
• Out-reach service: share the schedule with the sites, times and dates; plan well with all relevant local stakeholders to ensure that there is sufficient demand creation and social mobilization in the community leading up to the out-reach date including use of loud hailers
• Identify individuals who can be vaccination ambassadors or champions with vaccine branded clothing with messages like do have any questions about vaccines? ‘Ask me’, who can be easily identifiable as they walk around the community and use local media to inform the community about them and to ask them questions.
• Use of community WhatsApp groups to communicate correct information and counter misinformation and disinformation.
• Work with local comedians to create fun videos on platforms like TikTok that can be shared on social media
• Coordinating all of the community development practitioners, health care workers and resources to intensify the together with Door-to-door, Site visits by Executive Council and Mayors to mobilise communities.

• Access strategies: Specific Activities

• Transport: provide transport where possible; ensure that clients know when, how, which number to call, where to go and who is eligible to access this service
• Home based vaccinations
• District based promotion of vaccination sites, available assistance at all sites, pop up sites taken to remote areas, ward-based vaccination sites, mass vaccination sites opened across the districts, more sites opened on weekends to provide access to those at work during the week.
• Increase outreach/mobile sites and strategical place them in areas with low uptake as informed by data
• Increase sites in underserved areas
• Increase sites that operate on weekends and make sure they are advertised widely including operation hours
• Adopt specific strategies like Churches on Sunday, Malls on Saturdays, especially on weekends
• Build trust in the system by providing excellent client friendly service so that positive reviews spread by word of mouth
• Use familiar sites as vaccination sites e.g. churches, synagogues, mosques, malls

• Other Activities

• Continue with regular feedback and monitoring of daily performance through feedback sessions between Province & districts Mon-Fri
• Each district, through the district vaccination coordinating committees meets at least three times a week to monitor progress and identify pressure points and problem areas to reaching targets.
• Retain focus on >60 years as the most vulnerable population group until targets are met
• Encourage clinicians to counter patients’ anecdotal “bad reaction” stories with “good reaction” stories rather than statistics.
• Use messaging like “your parents made sure you were vaccinated as a child now it’s your turn to return the favour”, to encourage younger people to bring older people.
• Coming up with little songs about vaccinations that can be taught at ECDs and Schools and share it through ECD networks (Vaccine, Vaccine on your arm, Will keep you safe from COVID-19).

b) Budgets that have been set aside for this come from all partners. Some are directly budgeted items funded from government departments, including GCIS, but the majority are cash and cash-in-kind contributions from the private sector (through Solidarity Fund and by media houses). We do not have a Rand value for all of these contributions at this stage.

c) The relevant time frames are that several activities have already commenced and all are continuing for the remainder of this year and into 2022.

END.

Reply:

a) Yes, Social Workers are front-line workers in the care of the public.

b) Yes Social Workers were prioritised in the vaccination roll-out. After the healthcare workers the vaccination programme embarked on vaccination of workers in the basic education sector, police, social development and several other priority essential services sectors. Social Workers (public and private), along with all Social Service Professions registered with the Council were offered vaccination. The table below provide the details.



NO	CATEGORY / ELIGIBILITY	RATIONALE
1	Group A: DSD National and Provincial Staff (all on PERSAL) (Incl. of SACSSP Staff as well as cleaning and security staff)	Rationale: All frontline staff who are in direct contact with members of the public through NPO registration, monitoring and evaluation, processing of child protection register applications, consultations for adoptions, engagements with CSOs, civil society and stakeholders, incl. distribution of food parcels to the public, customer related queries etc. amongst others.
2	Group B: SASSA Staff Nationwide (all on PERSAL)	All front frontline staff dealing with grant applications incl. home visitations to assist i.e. the elderly, persons with disabilities, and child support grant beneficiaries amongst others,
3	Group C: National Development Agency: (all on NDA database)	Our staff are in direct contact with the public collecting applications on a daily basis for consideration of grant funding for projects, in addition, they do capacity building training and monitor projects on sites across the republic. Furthermore, they include a cohort of people who assist in manning SASSA queues.
4	Group D: Social Service Professions; (incl. SW +ASW + CYCCs + ACYCCs +Student Social Workers + CDPs)	Social workers who provide psychosocial support to citizens affected and infected by covid-19 as well as other social ills, conduct site visits and work with DoH across the country. Incl. of CDPs. Incl. Private sector/ NGO’s / Public Sector etc.
5	Group E: ECD Workforce: (Incl. of entire workforce)	A cohort of educators looking after children at ECD centers which remain open during the current lockdown alert level, and are thus at risk in the a similar manner in which school teachers are. Data base from ECD PES + ISF (for unregistered ECDs)

 

END.

Reply:

1. (a) Government facilities providing services for childhood vaccination programmes already had cold chain capacity before COVID-19. As a result of the oral polio vaccine program in the country, most public health care establishments already have -20-degree storage capacity plus 2-8 degree storage. A cold chain audit has further assisted in informing procurement of equipment in the provinces. Provincial procurement processes have already taken place.

(b) Roles and responsibilities must be in line with the Rules relating to Good Pharmacy Practice published in terms of the Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974. All sites that store COVID-19 vaccines must have contingency plans to manage power failures, equipment breakdowns, or cold chain breaches.

1. Store the vaccine in a purpose-built vaccine refrigerator.
2. Ensure that sufficient cold chain capacity is available for all thermolabile medicines stocked, including Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.
3. Products must be stored in a temperature-regulated environment as per the manufacturer's product recommendations.
4. Enough refrigerator capacity should be available to allow orderly arrangement and air circulation.
5. WHO-approved/compliant continuous temperature recording devices must be installed.
6. Regardless of the system used, the temperature should be monitored physically twice daily.
7. The cold storage area or refrigerator must be connected to a standby generator.
8. The devices must be connected to an alarm and/or warning system in the event of a power failure or other events that may lead to temperature excursions.

2. Yes.

END.

Reply:

(a) Provinces are verifying data on the drop-out rate, since learners returned to school in the third term.  The verification process has to be carefully executed for a number of reasons, so that learners are not counted as drop-outs, when that is not the case.  Some schools follow a weekly rotation timetabling; learner attendance is marked when it is a learner's turn to come to school.  In some cases, learners are absent for an extended period of time, and this may erroneously be interpreted as a drop-out.  Some learners are physically at school, but are either learning virtually from home or are participating in home education programmes.  As provinces are verifying learner drop-out statistics, they need to consider these issues, which may be construed as drop-out.

(b) Strategies to get all learners back to school include schools supported by districts; and following-up on learners who have not returned to schools.  This includes engaging with parents or caregivers to address the issues that result in learners not going to school.  To minimise learner drop-out, at the national level, the Quality of Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) is the most effective instrument that is being used, to engage with all relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to parents, schools and local authorities. 

Reply:

The procedures in relation to the appointment of foreign nationals in South Africa are regulated in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002, as amended), and the Immigration Regulations  2014 (as amended); with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as the custodians.  Therefore, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) established a procedure for the appointment of foreign educators in State-paid posts at public schools.  The procedure is aligned with the provisions of the Immigration Act and its Regulations.  Thus, (a) the procedure in relation to the appointment of foreign educators will differ in that it is subjected to the provisions as stipulated in the Immigration Act and Regulations; and (b) In principle, foreign educators are considered as a last resort, and currently are considered in subjects identified as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).  A guideline document on the employment of foreign educators, which is aligned with the provisions of both the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations, has since been adopted, and is implemented when foreign educators are appointed.  A working relationship between the DBE, DHA and the Department of Labour has also been established.          

Reply:

Yes, the Department did make payments to Digital Vibes.

a) Digital Vibes was appointed on the 15th of November 2019 through a deviation process, which was approved by National Treasury, to provide communication services in relation to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill as released by the Cabinet for Parliament consideration. On the 25th of March 2020, the Department extended the scope of work of Digital Vibes to include Covid-19. This was done in accordance with the Emergency Procurement rules issued by National Treasury for COVID-19 Procurement.

b) The following table reflects the details in this regard.

END.

Reply:

1. Details on Legal costs incurred by entities attached.

2. Details of consultant’s fees paid by entities attached.

The legal costs incurred by my department in the past three years are as follows:-

18/19                  19/20                  20/21                 

R5, 4 mill             R8, 2 mill             R3, 1 mill = Total to-date – R16, 7 mil

The reasons for legal action ranges from:

1. Breach of contract – 25 matters
2. Labour laws and regulations – 7 matters
3. Ethics and Integrity – 2 matters
4. Public Interest Matters – 10 matters
5. Damages – 6 matters
6. Intellectual Property - 1 matter

(ii) The legal costs incurred by the service of the legal representative are as in roman figure (ii) above.

(c) The amounts that have been paid are as in roman figure (ii) above.

 

Reply:

The Department has drawn up a Process Map; that is made up of the following Phases and Key activities and timelines:

• PHASE 1: Project Planning including setting up of a Project Management Team; workshopping of the new Council members in affected PAIs; establishment of the Joint Task Team; formulation of terms of reference; appointment of service provider (where applicable); review of applicable legislation for alignment; preparation of public notices for gazzetting: JUNE 2021 – MARCH 2022 (Step one in this Phase has started)
• PHASE 2: Councils reconfiguration processes implemented as informed by outcome of Phase 2: 4 – 6 MONTHS in 2022/23
• PHASE 3: Detailed Amalgamation process; including selection of systems, standardised policies and procedures and identification of the necessary steps to implement the amalgamation; consolidation of Stream Plans; Development and implementation of the Change Management Plan; Development and implementation of the Budget Plan; amongst others : 6 MONTHS in 2022/23
• PHASE 4: Migration to central or standardised accounting and administration systems including supply chain processes and systems; Migration to a single payroll and human resource platform; Standardisation of communication platforms including email and office automation; amongst others: 6 MONTHS in 2023/24
• PHASE 5: Benefits realisation: This will be determined by the established benefits tracking process which requires reporting on the amalgamation process including the implementation progress and the savings which have been achieved: 6 MONTHS in 2023/24

NB: - The Phases are inter-dependent therefore the projected timelines might change

Reply:

Ketlaphela SOC Ltd was established as a subsidiary of Pelchem SOC, a subsidiary of South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. These SOCs are part of the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The Department of Health is not the responsible Department for Ketlaphela, the Department can therefore not comment on the current operational status.

 

END.

Reply:

1. The reference date of 2 May 2021 was before the start of the National Vaccination rollout programme on the 17 May 2021. As of 31 August 2021, at 14h50 a total of 3,567,652 individuals older than 60 had registered for vaccination on the EVDS;

2. The response is as follows:

• There are three options to self-register at no cost to the individual namely:
• • • Through the internet at vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za
    • Through WhatsApp by sending a Whatsapp Message – Register to 0600123456
    • Through USSD by dialling *134*832#

    Two options for assisted registration exist namely:

• Registration points at vaccination sites
• Dial the National Call Centre Toll free numbers 0800029999, the call centres agents will assist the individual to register while on the call.

3. Yes.

 

END.

Reply:

The national minimum standards for provision of air ambulances, regardless of whether is a rotor-wing helicopter or a fixed-wing aircraft used, is prescribed in the EMS Regulations, 2017.

EMS Regulations in relation to aeromedical services indicate that:

• the provider is required to be registered to provide such services within the category of Aeromedical Services with the respective provincial Department of Health where it is operating from.
• This registration should also involve the inspection and accreditation of the station/hangar operated from.
• The aircraft operator must hold the appropriate G7 licence and CATS Part 138 accreditation as specified by the Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa.

An extensive minimum list of equipment is detailed in the attached Annexure B of the EMS Regulations.

With regards to the medical crew:

• The senior medical staff member on the air ambulance must be registered in the category of a Paramedic or Emergency Care Technician or Emergency Care Practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, who shall hold valid CAT 138, Aviation Health Care Provider, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Intermediate Trauma Life Support or Advanced Trauma Life Support and Paediatric Advanced Life Support or equivalent certificates.
• The minimum staffing requirement for the second staff member on an ambulance shall be a person registered in at least the category of Basic Ambulance Assistant with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
• All crew are required to practice within their respective scope of practice as approved by the Health Professions Council of South Africa: Professional Board for Emergency Care.

Annexure B

Airway Equipment	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Oropharyngeal Airway Nos. 00,0,1,2,3,4	2 each	2 each	2 each	2 each	2 each	2 each
Hard Suction Catheter (Paediatric)	2	2	2	2	2	2
Neonatal Suction Catheters Size No. 5 FG	2	2	2	2	2	2
Neonatal Suction Catheters Size No. 6 FG	2	2	2	2	2	2
Neonatal Suction Catheters Size No 8 FG	2	2	2	2	2	2
Paediatric Suction Catheter Size No. 10 FG	1	1	1	1	1	1
Adult Suction Catheter Size No. 12 FG h	1	1	1	1	1	1
Adult Suction Catheter Size No. 14 FG	1	1	1	1	1	1
Neonatal Suction Catheters Size No. 5 FG	1	1	1	1	1	1
Neonatal Suction Catheters Size No. 6 FG	1	1	1	1	1	1
Neonatal Suction Catheters Size No 8 FG	1	1	1	1	1	1
Paediatric Suction Catheter Size No. 10 FG	1	OPTIONAL	1	1	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL
Adult Suction Catheter Size No. 12 FG	0	1	0	0	1	1
Adult Suction Catheter Size No. 14 FG	2	2	2	2	2	2
Portable Suction Apparatus (Combination of Battery and Electrically Operated)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Manual Hand Operated Portable Suction Apparatus (As a backup device)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Stethoscope (Combination of diaphragm and bell type head)	1	1	1	1	1	1

Endotracheal Intubation Equipment	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Laryngoscope set for adult and paediatric including the following:
Handle with batteries in full working condition	0	1	0	0	1	1
Batteries - spare for laryngoscope	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 0 blade	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 1 blade	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 2 blade	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 3 blade	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 4 blade	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 5 blade	0	OPTIONAL	0	0	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL
Disposable, sterile ET tubes including the following:
Size 2.5 mm ID ET tube	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 3 mm ID ET tube	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 3.5 mm ID ET tube	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 4 mm ID ET tube	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 4.5 mm ID ET tube	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 5 mm ID ET tube	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 5 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 5.5 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 6 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 6.5 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 7 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 7.5 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 8 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Size 8.5 mm ID ET tube (cuffed, high volume, low pressure)	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 1	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 1.5	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 2	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 2.5	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 3	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 3.5	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 4	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 4.5	0	2	0	0	2	2
Sub-glottic Laryngeal Mask (LMA), size 5	0	2	0	0	2	2

Endotracheal Intubation Equipment Continued	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Small ET tube introducer	0	1	0	0	1	1
Large ET tube introducer	0	1	0	0	1	1
Gum Elastic Bougie	0	1	0	0	1	1
Magill forceps - Adult	1	1	1	1	1	1
Magill forceps - Paediatric	1	1	1	1	1	1
10ml syringes	0	1	0	0	1	1
20ml syringes	0	2	0	0	2	2
Pair sharp, clean scissors	0	1	0	0	1	1
1m Tape / ET tube securing device	0	2	0	0	2	2
Water soluble lubricant gel	0	2	0	0	2	2
Heimlich type Flutter valves	0	2	0	0	2	2
Heat moisture exchanger valve for ventilated patients	0	1	0	0	1	1

Breathing / Ventilation Equipment	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Adult oxygen masks providing 40% inhaled oxygen with tubing	4	4	4	4	4	4
Adult non-rebreather masks providing 100% inhaled oxygen with tubing	2	2	2	2	2	2
Adult oxygen nebuliser masks including tubing and fluid reservoir	2	2	2	2	2	2
Nasal cannula with tubing	2	2	2	2	2	2
Paediatric oxygen masks providing 40% inhaled oxygen with tubing	2	2	2	2	2	2
Paediatric non-rebreather masks providing 100% inhaled oxygen with tubing	2	2	2	2	2	2
Paediatric oxygen nebuliser masks including tubing and a fluid reservoir	2	2	2	2	2	2
Oxygen T-Piece with tubing	2	2	2	2	2	2
Adult Bag-Valve-Mask with Reservoir and adult mask (size 4)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Paediatric Bag-Valve-Mask with Reservoir and paediatric mask (size 1)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Neonatal Bag-Valve-Mask with Reservoir and neonatal mask (size 0)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Oxygen Humidification Device	1	1	0	0	1	1

Oxygen Supply	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Minimum of a portable oxygen cylinder. Size “D”	2	2	2	2	2	2
Portable oxygen cylinder gauge with flow meter	1	1	1	1	1	1
Fitted oxygen cylinder/s, size “F” capable of supplying a minimum of 30 minutes of oxygen at a flow rate of at least 15 litres per minute.	2	2	0	0	0	2
Fitted oxygen cylinder gauge with flow meter	1	1	0	0	0	1

Ventilator	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Mechanical volume cycled ventilator with PEEP valve & pressure relief valve, with appropriate fitting allowing connection to fitted oxygen supply within the ambulance, including the following features (requires annual calibration certification):	0	1	0	0	1	1
• Volume and pressure control:
• Volume
• Inspiratory Pressure
• PEEP
• Fi02
• Rate
• Alarms (Peak Inspiratory Pressure, Low Pressure)
Heat moisture exchanger valve for both manual as well as mechanical ventilation methods.	2	2	2	2	2	2

Diagnostic /Therapeutic Equipment	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Sphygmomanometer including adult, paediatric and neonatal cuffs	1	1	1	1	1	1
Pupil torch	1	1	1	1	1	1
Glucometer and blood glucose monitoring strips	1	1	1	1	1	1
Pulse Oximeter (if not included as a feature of an ECG monitor or electronic patient monitor)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (annual calibration not required due to self-testing and self-calibration of the unit)	0	0	0	0	0	0
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that is approved by the manufacturer for use in a moving vehicle, To be used in combination with a Vital Signs Monitor that includes visual 3 lead ECG Monitoring and a ECG rhythm printer/recorder feature (Vital Signs Monitor requires annual calibration certification)	1	0	1	1	0	0
OR
ECG monitor and defibrillator featuring 3 lead ECG monitoring capability, 3 lead cable, AED capability, AED pads, manual defibrillation, recorder / printer with paper and hard defibrillation paddles (requires annual calibration certification)	1	0	1	1	0	0
ECG monitor and defibrillator featuring 3 lead ECG monitoring capability, external cardiac pacing, cardioversion, pacing/AED pads, manual defibrillation, recorder / printer with paper and hard defibrillation paddles (requires annual calibration certification)	0	1	0	0	1	1
Defibrillation gel	1	1	1	1	1	1
End Tidal CO2 Monitor – Capnograph (if not included as a feature of an ECG monitor or electronic patient monitor)	0	1	0	0	1	1

Miscellaneous Disposable Equipment	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Boxes of disposable examination gloves (S,M,L)	1 each	1 each	1 each	1 Each	1 Each	1 each
Wound dressings 100mm x 100mm	5	5	5	5	5	5
Wound dressings 100mm x 200mm	4	4	4	4	4	4
Hydrogel Burn Dressing 100mm x 100mm	2	2	2	2	2	2
Hydrogel Burn Dressing 200mm x 200mm	1	1	1	1	1	1
Hydrogel Burn Dressing 200mm x 450mm	2	2	2	2	2	2
Gauze swabs (100mm x 100mm)	20	20	20	20	20	20
Roll of 25 mm adhesive tape (zinc oxide)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Roll of 10 mm adhesive tape (hypo-allergenic)	1	1	1	1	1	1
75mm elasticised bandages	4	4	4	4	4	4
100mm elasticised bandages	4	4	4	4	4	4
Sealed maternity pack (including 2 x sealed & sterile surgical blades, 4 x sealed sanitary pads, 2 x sealed space blankets, 4 x sealed & sterile umbilical cord clamps, 1 x sealed & sterile mucous extractor)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Regurgitation bags Or Large kidney bowl / receiver (may not be a bedpan)	4	4	0	0	0	4
	1	1	0	0	0	4
Sealed space blanket	4	4	4	4	4	4
Clear safety goggles	2	2	2	2	2	2
Range of nasogastric tubes, including:	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 5 French	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 8 French	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 10 French	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 12 French	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 14 French	0	1	0	0	1	1
Size 18 French	0	1	0	0	1	1
Urine drainage bag	0	2	0	0	2	2
Foleys catheters FG5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18	0	1	0	0	1	1

Intravenous Therapy Equipment	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Alcohol Swab (30mm x 30mm)	30	30	30	30	30	30
14 gauge intra-venous catheters	2	2	2	2	2	2
16 gauge intra-venous catheters	2	2	2	2	2	2
18 gauge intra-venous catheters	2	2	2	2	2	2
20 gauge intra-venous catheters	2	2	2	2	2	2
22 gauge intra-venous catheters	2	2	2	2	2	2
24 gauge intra-venous catheters	2	2	2	2	2	2
60 micro drops / ml – Administration Sets	2	2	2	2	2	2
Intraosseous needle or device with needle	0	1	0	0	1	1
15 drops / ml or 20 drops / ml- Administration Sets	2	2	2	2	2	2
10 drops / ml – Blood Administration Set	2	2	2	2	2	2
High Capacity 10 drops / ml Administration Set	0	1	0	0	1	1
Volume Control Administration Set (eg. Buretrol, Dosifix)	0	1	0	0	1	1
200ml Normal Saline – IV Fluid	2	2	2	2	2	2
1000ml Ringers Lactate – IV Fluid Or 1000ml Balsol – IV Fluid	2	2	2	2	2	2
	2	2	2	2	2	2
500ml Synthetic Colloid e.g. Haemacell / Haes-sterile	1	1	1	1	1	1
Transparent, waterproof, IV securing dressing (e.g. Tegaderm or similar) minimum of 10cm x 12cm dimensions	8	8	8	8	8	8
Infusion flow regulators (eg Dial-a-Flow, Dosi Flow)	2	2	2	2	2	2
3 Way Stopcock	1	2	1	1	2	2
Spencer Wells Artery Forceps	2	2	2	2	2	2
Pressure Infusion Bags	0	2	0	0	2	2

Medicines Therapy Sundries	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
50 ml syringes	0	1	0	0	1	1
20 ml syringes	2	2	2	2	2	2
10 ml syringes	2	2	2	2	2	2
5 ml syringes	2	2	2	2	2	2
2 ml syringes	2	2	2	2	2	2
1 ml syringes	0	2	0	0	2	2
16 gauge needles	4	4	4	4	4	4
20 gauge needles	4	4	4	4	4	4

Medicines	ILS	ALS
	Medicines to be carried by the on-duty registered practitioner as per HPCSA approved scope of practice for a registered Ambulance Emergency Assistant or a registered Emergency Care Assistant.	Medicines to be carried by the on-duty registered practitioner as per HPCSA approved scope of practice for a registered Paramedic or a registered Emergency Care Technician or registered Emergency Care Practitioner.

Transport and Immobilization Equipment	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Hard/Stiff Neck Cervical Collars – Small	2	2	2	2	2	2
Hard/Stiff Neck Cervical Collars – Medium	2	2	2	2	2	2
Hard/Stiff Neck Cervical Collars – Large	2	2	2	2	2	2
Full set of Soft Cervical Collars (Small, Medium, Large)	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL
Patient Extrication Device – Adult (e.g. KED)	1	1	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL
Patient Extrication Device – Paediatric (e.g. KED)	1	1	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL
Long spine board	1	1	0	0	0	OPTIONAL
Scoop stretcher	1	1	0	1	0	1
Vacuum Mattress	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	0	0	0	1
Set Head Blocks	2	2	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	2
Spider harness	2	2	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	2
Lower extremity traction splint – Adult	1	1	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL
Lower extremity traction splint – Paediatric	1	1	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL	OPTIONAL
Long splints – Leg	6	6	6	6	6	6
Short splints – Arm	4	4	4	4	4	4

Other	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Pillow	2	2	0	0	0	2
Sheet	6	6	1	0	1	1
Blanket	2	2	0	0	0	1
Bedpan/urinal	1	1	0	0	0	OPTIONAL
Waste disposal facility (enclosed container)	1	1	0	0	0	1
Red, medical waste disposal plastic bags	6	6	6	6	6	2
Enclosed, commercially manufactured, disposable sharps container	1	1	1	1	1	1
Suitably manufactured Jump Bag for safe, clean and secure storage and transportation of medical equipment	1	1	1	1	1	1
Suitably manufactured Drug Pouch for safe, clean and secure storage and transportation of medication and administration accessories	0	1	0	0	1	1
Pair rescue scissors	1	1	1	1	1	1
High visibility, reflective vest and / or jacket	2	2	1	2	1	OPTIONAL
Safety helmet	2	2	1	2	1	OPTIONAL
Fire Extinguisher (minimum of 2KG dry powder)	1	1	1	1	1	OPTIONAL
Thermometer (standard)	1	1	1	1	1	1
Casebook or patient record sheet	1	1	1	1	1	1
Map book or fitted GPS device	1	1	1	1	1	1

Requirements for MICU transfers - the following requirements are per station, and not per vehicle (mandatory)	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Vital signs monitor (requires annual calibration certification) - or separate automated NIBP, SpO2, electronic capnograph	0	1	0	0	1	1
Infusion pump including appropriate administration sets (requires annual calibration certification)	0	1	0	0	1	1
Syringe driver including approved syringes (requires annual calibration certification)	0	1	0	0	1	1

Requirements for MICU neonatal transfers – the following requirements are per station, and not per vehicle (optional):	ILS Ambulance	ALS Ambulance	ILS Response Vehicle	Medical Rescue Vehicle	ALS Response Vehicle	ALS Air Ambulance
Automated neonatal ventilator (requires annual calibration certification) - or mechanical ventilator featuring neonatal, paediatric and adult ventilation modes	0	access	0	0	access	1
Transport incubator with backup power and on board alarms (requires annual confirmation of servicing)	0	access	0	0	access	1
Vital signs monitor with neonatal probes (requires annual calibration certification)	0	access	0	0	access	1
Oxygen inspired analyser	0	access	0	0	access	1
Incubator head box	0	access	0	0	access	1
Neonatal SPO2 probe and monitor (if not included as a feature of the vital signs monitor)	0	access	0	0	access	1

 

END.

Reply:

According to the reports from the DATCOV, in South Africa, children make up a smaller proportion of those tested for SARS-CoV-2, confirmed cases, hospital admissions and in-hospital deaths, despite comprising 37% of the population. The picture here below shows the low rate of infections among children including the data for the third wave, which is why the department has adopted an attitude of alert and caution on the infection and admission rate of children.

Figure 1: Incidence risk of SARS-CoV-2 cases per 100,000 persons, by age group and epidemiologic week, South Africa, 5 March 2020-14 August 2021

Hospital admissions

The records from the DATCOV show that Covid-19 hospitalisation rate is low among children in all three waves, compared to adults. However there was a 44% increase in admissions in children <19 years, in 3rd wave compared to the 1st wave peak. Among individuals under 19 years, the highest rate of hospitalization is in children < 1 year. The reasons for this increased admission is likely testing for non-COVID indications, because clinicians were likely admitting them as a precaution in this younger population group.

Figure 2: Incidence risk of COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 persons, by age group and epidemiologic week, South Africa, 5 March 2020-14 August 2021

Although there have been slightly more children admitted during the third wave compared to the first, the delta virus doesn't seem to be causing more severe infections in children. It is for this reason that it is unlikely that paediatric hospital bed capacity and critical care capacity will be overwhelmed as has been seen in adults.

Despite these low numbers, the health system has made adequate provision for the increased hospitalisations for all age groups during all various waves of Covid-19 pandemic. With the information having come to our attention, the health system will pay special attention to this possibility during the review of the implementation of the third wave resurgence plans, which will include planning for the fourth wave.

Of the 11 129 COVID-19-associated admissions among individuals aged ≤19 years, 688 (6.2%) were admitted into ICU and 252 (2.3%) were ventilated at some point during admission. Children are generally managed in line with the guidelines on Covid in Children contained in the National Essential Medicine List Standard Treatment Guidelines. A more detailed guideline (Managing Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa: A clinical guide for health workers and clinical managers) provides additional detail. Children and adolescents with mild disease should be managed at home, whilst those with moderate or severe disease should be admitted in the health facilities. From the previous waves, it has been shown that children and adolescents rarely required admission to ICU.

The public sector has approximately 11,000 paediatric beds and 3,000 neonatal beds (DHIS data). To date there has been sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional workload resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Adolescent beds are generally only available in central hospitals, with the result that many adolescents are cared for in adult wards in most hospitals, which are in good supply. Whilst the number of adolescents requiring admission and ICU care in particular remains small, these numbers have been included when planning for surge capacity during all waves.

Afrox, as the service provider for oxygen supply and support, has made provision for all means of supply ranging from different kinds of cylinders to the reticulated bulk oxygen supply. This includes coverage of paediatrics wards.

END.

Reply:

(1) (a) (b) The Department of Basic Education has put in place a three year Recovery Annual Teaching Plan for each subject in each grade, to help guide teachers focus on key concepts, content and skills to be taught per subject over the next three year period. The curriculum statement for each grade and subject was evaluated by a panel of curriculum content experts and the content was reduced so as to ensure that only the core concepts, knowledge and skills are taught for each subject and grade. It is anticipated that over the next three years, learners would have covered the core content in the subject and the curriculum statement, post the three year period, would be reviewed to take learners forward in their learning process. The three year recovery period, is tentative at this stage and may be extended if necessary based on the findings from the continuous research, monitoring and support provided by the DBE and PEDs to schools

The DBE has developed guidelines for teachers on fundamental content that must be prioritised and the guidelines will be used on an annual basis, as they are aligned to the curriculum. In terms of this strategy, and given the variation in teaching time across the schools, there is now a higher dependence on the teachers professional judgment. Teachers are provided with a Planner and Tracker, which lists the reduced content to be covered in the week, and teachers must record coverage so as to ensure that every teacher has a record of curriculum coverage, per grade, which will be transferred to the next teacher. This will ensure continuity from one grade to the next. The new strategy also moves the focus to Assessment for Learning (formative assessment) as a teaching strategy.  This implies that the teacher not only assesses at the end of the learning process to make judgment on the learning gains but assess the learner on a continuous basis during the learning process to support the learning process. Assessment weightings in Grades 4-11 have also been adjusted to ensure that optimal time is used for teaching and learning.

The key tenet of the strategy is to reduce the curriculum to focus on key concepts, skills and knowledge that are essential for deeper learning and the development of cognitive skills that will promote creative thinking, problem solving and effective communication. 

(2) The DBE has learnt that plans that are put in place to reduce the impact of future disruptions must be agile and must take into consideration the various school contexts. In accommodating the various school contexts, much is left to the teacher's professional judgment and expertise. Hence, teacher development, training and support is now more crucial in capacitating the teacher to manage his/her classroom context. The DBE has also learnt  that the continuous monitoring of teaching and learning in the classroom is important as the data gathered from such monitoring will help adjust the intervention strategy and the long term plan to recover the teaching losses. The ongoing monitoring will inform the additional support programmes , such as TV and Radio broadcast lessons, that are aligned to the Annual Teaching Plans. Collaboration with stakeholders such as Teacher Unions, School Governing body Associations, Professional Bodies and research institutions is vital as to ensure buy-in, support and input on latest developments as the situation unfolds.

Reply:

When an individual is exposed and then infected with COVID–19 the signs and symptoms usually appear after 5 to 7 days. If these symptoms are significant the person would then probably seek medical attention. It is at that point usually that a COVID test is recommended and results become available about 2 days later so from the time of infection an individual will be confirmed as positive only 7 to 9 days later. Most infected persons have very limited recollection of all the activities they were involved in a week ago and of those activities it would be impossible for a person to know exactly where or when exactly he/she became infected or the circumstances that lead to them becoming infected. Provincial health departments also report that persons that test positive are either unable to recall or reluctant to share information about their contacts as well which has hampered contact tracing efforts.

We therefore do not have data on exactly where a particular person has been infected.

END.

Reply:

1. (a) Please be informed that the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has taken steps against the parties implicated/involved, including civil litigation, as such the matter is sub-judice and we cannot disclose the names of the parties and companies involved in line with the Constitution of the Republic. The matter is now with the Law Enforcement Agencies.

• The tender irregularities were uncovered in 2016 after whistle-blower complaints were received;
• A comprehensive forensic investigation, overseen by the Board was launched and was completed early in 2018. At the commencement of the investigation, key stakeholders including the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) and the Minister for the Public Service and Administration were briefed. Members of GEMS were informed at the Scheme’s Annual General Meeting held on 31 July 2017 and the updates that could subsequently be provided were included in the GEMS Annual Integrated Reports. A copy of the signed 2017 AGM minutes can be provided if required. Stakeholders were kept informed as the investigation unfolded and the finalised forensic reports were handed over to the Council for Medical Schemes;
• Criminal charges were laid with the SAPS on conclusion of the investigation and the forensic investigation reports were submitted to the SAPS. The matter is with the HAWKS at present;
• The Scheme bound by the Laws of the Republic is unable to provide the names of the individuals as well as companies until this matter has been heard in court.

(b) With regards to GEMS executives who directly benefitted from such irregular payments -

• As a result of the investigation by GEMS, disciplinary cases were brought against 7 employees. Of the 7 employees, 5 resigned during the disciplinary hearings in 2017 and 2 employees were dismissed after the hearings, also in 2017. The Scheme terminated all implicated contracts; and
• The Scheme has taken steps against the parties as indicated above, laying criminal charges (Case number: CAS 244/04/2018 was opened at Brooklyn Police Station). Civil litigation is also underway and as such the matter is sub-judice and GEMS cannot disclose the names of the parties involved in line with the Constitution of the Republic. The matter is now with the Law Enforcement Agencies.

(2) (a) Processes, policies and procedures that are in place in GEMS to prevent corruption and fraud

• The Scheme strengthened existing controls, implemented new controls and enhanced policies and systems subsequent to the forensic investigation. This includes the implementation of a strengthened ethics management programme and enhanced/new policies regulating supply chain management, vetting of Scheme officers, recruitment of employees and whistleblowing;
• There was also the introduction of an internal whistle-blowing hotline and the establishment of an internal forensic investigation unit in addition to the systems already in place for investigating member and healthcare provider claims fraud.

(b) Checks and balances are in place to prevent conflicts of interest

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) is registered as a restricted membership medical scheme under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, as amended.

• The Scheme is run by a Board of Trustees, where 50% of the Trustees are elected by members and 50% appointed by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration;
• The Scheme finances and systems are subjected to internal and independent external audit reviews and these are reported to the Board via the Audit Committee and ultimately the Public through the Annual Integrated Report;
• All GEMS officers, including the Independent Audit Committee members are subjected to vetting. Vetting reports are compared to the Declaration of Interest forms submitted by Scheme officers (and updated annually) and inconsistencies/red flags are followed-up;

• During the Scheme’s procurement processes, all Board members, Scheme Management and employees involved in the procurement processes are required to complete additional declarations of interest. In this regard, Scheme Officers are provided with a list of bidders, the directors and shareholders of bidders as well the bidders’ employees who would be involved in rendering services should the bidders be contracted. Scheme officers are then required to declare any conflict of interest against this information. Should a potential conflict be declared, the matter is referred for an independent legal opinion;
• Further to the declarations of interests submitted, checks are performed against a procurement database to rule out any conflict of interest;

The Scheme is also implementing lifestyle audits for executives and has already piloted the new process.

END.

Reply:

(1) The Gauteng Health Department reported that immediately after the fire, the City of Johannesburg inspected the facility and found out that the hospital was not compliant in several aspects. The hospital has more than 1500 fire doors, which are at the back of the wards and lead to the fire escape routes. The hospital had to remove burglar doors next to the fire doors and this meant wards were left with no protection on access to the wards. This meant that the risk of criminals entering the wards was high in the wards using the back side of the wards without being detected. Plans are in place to review different options of securing the units without compromising fire regulations policies, including extending the CCTV installation to the fire escape routes.

(2) The hospital entered into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the security company. The SLA under schedule of penalties give guidance to parties on handling of violations to any terms contained in the agreement. It has been difficult to apportion the liability to the security company as all hospital staff had to vacate the building due to the uncertainty on the safety of the building, including security personnel.

During the temporary closure of the hospital, the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) took advantage of the situation and invited contractors to do fire remedial work and some maintenance work in the wards. This meant that the hospital had several contractors on site.

(3) Most of the hospital walkways are covered by camera surveillance except for the fire escape routes as per a response to question number 1. The fire escape routes did not have CCTV coverage, they had bugler proofs. As a result, it was not possible to review that footage in the areas where equipment was stolen.

The monthly payment of R450 000 is for repairs and maintenance of CCTV equipment. The monitoring/surveillance of cameras is done by physical security.

CCTV’s have assisted before in identifying and investigation of criminal activities within the hospital. Where criminals are identified the hospital submitted footage to SAPS and had successful prosecutions before. It is for this reason, that the hospital is now exploring the latest technology to have surveillance in fire escape routes.

END.

Reply:

1. Yes, my Department is currently engaging with the government of the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to raise this matter within the context of our strategic bilateral relationship. Such matters form part of our ongoing engagements and exchange of views on bilateral, regional and global issues that present challenges and opportunities to both our countries. The UK has placed South Africa on the Red List meaning that both SA and UK travellers face heavy restrictions when travelling to the UK. South Africa being placed on the Red List has caused distress to many South Africans living in the UK who are unable to attend funerals of loved ones in South Africa as well as visit sick family members due to the punitive costs of mandatory quarantine they would bear on their return to the UK. The travel restrictions on travellers from South Africa has also severely impacted trade and tourism between South Africa and the UK.

In my most recent meeting with Foreign Secretary Raab, the issue of mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our economies was indeed discussed and we agreed that we need to continue our collaboration on how to best deal with this scourge.

South Africa’s High Commission in London has also held discussions with the Office of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Africa) at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr James Duddridge in this regard.

The severe constraints in travel have prompted the South African expat community and others in the UK to launch a petition in order for this matter to be debated in the House of Commons. For a debate in the Commons to take place, 10 000 signatures are required. The petition has now been signed by more than 10 000 people.

As Government, we firmly believe that our country must be removed from this Red List as soon as possible and this is based on a number of issues:

• 1. Government has launched an extensive public awareness campaign on the Covid-19 virus and South Africans are taking the necessary precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. The government vaccine rollout is fully on track, and many South Africans have had their first jab of the Pfizer vaccine and are awaiting their second jabs, while the number of people opting for the One Shot J&J vaccine is also on the increase. Having covered the most-at- risk demographics, the government recently announced that the 18-34 year olds can now get vaccinated.

• 1. The South African government continuously monitors the Covid 19 situation and has established testing sites all over the country which are easily accessible to the general population.

• 1. Statistics indicate that Covid figures have decreased steadily.

• 1. The South African government has now downgraded the country to Level 3 (from level 4) due to the encouraging statistics. Restrictions are consequently relaxed.

• 1. South Africa has recently successfully hosted the British and Irish Lions tour where all Covid protocols were observed.

1. South Africa’s Covid-19 response remains a government-wide intervention. In this regard, Minister Sisulu and I are conscious that the United Kingdom (UK) is South Africa’s number one source of long-haul tourism in the world, a position it has not relinquished for the past 18 years. The travel restrictions on British passport holders during the lockdown and subsequent period have caused the numbers of British tourists to SA to reduce drastically for the year 2020 and the first half of 2021, which has negatively impacted on the tourism sector. Plans are being finalised for Government to significantly increase its lobbying efforts to ensure that South Africa is removed from the UK’s Red List soonest.

2

Reply:

1. Costs incurred to date for

(i) Advertisements on newspapers is R42 209 19

(ii) Venues for local consultations were provided by municipalities free of charge

(iii) Honoraria paid to the Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee is R 23 998.19

(iv) Honoraria paid to the South African Geographical Names Council for its sitting is R147 986.00.

(2) Details of consultations and dates. The Provincial Geographical Names Committee did consultations on all twenty-three names at the same meetings as follows:-

NELSON MANDELA METRO

1. 13 November 2018 Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre.
2. 14 November 2018 Port Elizabeth City Hall.
3. 20 November 2018 Uitenhage Town Hall.
4. 21 November 2018 Chatty Community Hall.
5. 22 November 2018 Nangoza Jebe Hall.

MACLEAR

1. 27 February 2019 Town Hall.

BUFFALO CITY

1. 19 November 2010 King Williamstown Town Hall.
2. 21 November 2019 Berlin Town Hall.
3. 26 November 2019 East London City Hall.

OBJECTIONS TO THE NAME CHANGES

Objections that were received were for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality names as community members that lodged objections argued that the processes of public consultations were inadequate, and some were unhappy with change of name of Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha. The main objections were for renaming of Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee’s Objections Committee subsequently sat for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in 2019 and found the objections to be baseless as the consultation processes were thorough and Gqeberha was for the popular choice.

In relation to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, objection was for East London, and for East London Airport, new names were submitted being Steve Biko Airport, King Hintsa Airport and Chief Phato Airport.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee subsequently sat for Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and processes were found to be sufficiently consulted in relation to Qonce, Ntabozuko and King Phalo Airport. However, in relation to East London, the name of Gompo was found to be problematic as there was already a settlement with that name in the city. A new name has to be agreed upon, and the ECPGNC is ceased with this task.

Reply:

South African Nursing Council (SANC)

1. The SANC is looking into allegations made against Dr Manamela as nurse practitioner, registered in terms of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005).

The process to discipline nurse practitioners is prescribed in regulations, and the SANC follows the legislated processes to investigate any allegations of unprofessional conduct against nurse practitioners so that where there is evidence of unprofessional conduct, appropriate action is taken.

The time it takes to finalise cases is dependent on the complexity of the matter as well as the number of and co-operation from role players involved in the matter and the timeous submission of the required information to SANC

2. (a) The disciplinary cases of the health official is still ongoing.

There was no delay on the side of SANC. Several correspondences to Gauteng Province were issued as soon as the matter was brought to the attention of SANC to request for further information to enable the relevant committee of Council to conduct the investigation accordingly.

There was, however, a delay in the provision of such information despite several follow ups made by the office of the Registrar at SANC.

(b) This is not possible to predict as it is dependent on many external factors and procedural factors for instance but in no way limited to:

1. Availability of evidence;
2. Availability of witnesses;
3. Any legal challenges against or during the process; and
4. Volume of the evidence both written and oral to be considered and or canvased

(c) Two committees of Council are responsible for the majority of the process, the Preliminary Investigating Committee, which has finalised the preliminary investigation and the Professional Conduct Committee, to which the matter has been referred, to effect a formal hearing.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

1. The HPCSA has taken disciplinary steps against Dr TE Selebano following the report of the Health Ombudsman.

The investigation was conducted and on the 11&12 October 2018 the matter was placed before the Fourth Preliminary Committee of Inquiry of the Medical and Dental Professional Board (“the Committee”).

After deliberations based on the available evidence the committee determined that there are grounds for a professional conduct inquiry into the conduct of Dr TE Selebano and directed that an inquiry into matter be held.

2. (a) The disciplinary cases of the health official is still ongoing

The matter had been set down for hearing on several occasions and had been postponed for a variety of reason including the obtainment of the transcripts from Judge Moseneke’s arbitration, lockdown due to COVID 19 making it impossible to have a physical hearing (and respondent objecting to virtual hearing), the delays in the appointment of new professional boards in 2020, unavailability of respondent legal representative, and inquest proceedings.

(b) The parties have agreed to set the matter down for 13-15 October 2021.

(c) Fourth Preliminary Committee of Inquiry of the Medical and Dental Professional Board.

END.

Reply:

(1)(a). The Audit firm was appointed on 28 June 2021 through an open tender process.

(b). The law firm appointed is Mazars Forensic Services (Pty) Ltd.

(c). The law firm was appointed by the Council of the NAC.

(d). An open tender process was followed where a tender advert was placed on 21 May 2021 in the National Treasury e-portal and NAC website, the tender closed on 03 June 2021. Tenders received were checked for administration compliance, thereafter functionality was evaluated by the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) the functionality criteria comprised of the following criteria: Company Experience (20 points), Capacity (25 points), Methodology (30 points) and Track record/References (25 Points), bidders needed to score a minimum of 80 points in order to be evaluated further on price and preference. Bidders who scored the minimum threshold were evaluated for price and preference, then recommendations were made to the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC), presentations by the bidders who scored the minimum threshold of 80 points were invited to make presentations. The final recommendations were done and recommended to council for approval.

(e). Terms of reference are as outlined:-

• Determine if there were any irregularities or inconsistencies in the management, adjudication, and approval of PESP applications received from the sector,
• Determine if there is any culpability with regard to those entrusted with PESP application and administration process
• Determine if there has been gross negligence, misconduct, or dereliction of duty in respect of the CEO tasked with the management of the PESP process,
• Determine if there has been gross negligence, misconduct, or dereliction of duty in respect of the CFO tasked with the management of the PESP process,
• Determine if there has been gross negligence, misconduct, or dereliction of duty in respect of the Previous Council tasked with the management of the PESP process,
• Determine if there has been gross negligence, misconduct, or dereliction of duty in respect of the any NAC staff/ Management/ Panel Member/ Council tasked with the management of the PESP process,
• Performing a reconciliation on PESP related funds, confirming cash on hand.
• Provide a comprehensive report with recommendations for Council’s consideration and action, where possible.

(f). The NAC informed the Department that the appointment was a fair and transparent process and so when they undertake the investigation, they are an independent firm that will report to council on its findings. Council will then share the findings with the Minister.

(2). The Forensic auditors are working independently from any internal influence by the NAC officials or Council.

(3). The public will get a full report.

(4). Action will be taken on those found to be guilty.