Questions and Replies
23 September 2021 - NW1409
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
Whether, with reference to the reply to question 219 on 10 March 2021 which revealed that the national and provincial spheres of government were on course to pay remuneration amounting to R4,5 billion to public service employees who were at various stages of disciplinary processes between 2019 and 2021, there are any steps that the Public Service Commission will take to ensure that pending disciplinary hearings of suspended employees do not exceed three months; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
In terms of the Disciplinary Code and Procedure, discipline is a management function, and the PSC does not have the mandate to interfere in the disciplinary process. This position was confirmed by a legal opinion obtained by the PSC from the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor.
However, as part of its monitoring and advisory mandate, the PSC held a meeting with DPSA on 28 May 2021 to deliberate on, amongst others, the issue of disciplinary management and prolonged suspensions. The DPSA indicated that they have procured a service provider to assist them to develop a strategy on how to deal with the backlog of disciplinary cases. In order to contribute to the formulation of the strategy, the PSC and DPSA explored various options, including the following:
- The reinstatement of employees whose cases have exceeded the 90 days period where the nature of the misconduct is not of a serious nature;
- The reassignment of employees whose cases have exceeded 90 days where the nature of the misconduct is not of a serious nature to other units within Departments or the Public Service;
- The establishment of a pool of capacity (i.e. Labour Relations Officers) within the Public Service to deal with backlog cases within the prescribed period; and
- The appointment of contract workers/service provides who have the required expertise to deal with some of the cases within the prescribed period.
The PSC is awaiting further engagements with DPSA on the development of the strategy and the PSC continues to urge departments to ensure that disciplinary matters are concluded timeously in the interest of sound labour relations and service delivery.
End
22 September 2021 - NW1785
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With regard to comments made by the Member of the Executive Council for Social Development in Mpumalanga that there was a marked decrease in persons collecting grants when the Republic’s borders were closed during lockdown, what (a) total number of foreign nationals are currently receiving SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants and (b) is the breakdown of the different SASSA grant types in each province; (2) what (a) total number of government officials and (b) number of (i) social development officials, (ii) SASSA officials and (iii) other government officials are currently receiving a SASSA grant?
Reply:
(1) a. The total number of foreigners (refugees) receiving social grants as at July 2021 is 13 472.
(1) b. Table 1 shows the number of social grants by grant type per province.
Table 1: Number of social grants per province
Province |
Care Dependency Grant |
Child Support Grant |
Disability Grant |
Foster Child Grant |
Grant-In-Aid |
Old Age Grant |
War Veterans Grant |
Total |
Eastern Cape |
23,417 |
1,972,830 |
178,386 |
74,893 |
34,024 |
593,929 |
8 |
2,877,487 |
Free State |
8,787 |
711,619 |
78,067 |
24,569 |
10,576 |
212,589 |
|
1,046,207 |
Gauteng |
20,916 |
2,000,812 |
120,845 |
41,371 |
10,424 |
678,524 |
9 |
2,872,901 |
Kwazulu Natal |
39,044 |
2,969,151 |
223,704 |
63,210 |
79,759 |
732,988 |
4 |
4,107,860 |
Limpopo |
16,627 |
1,963,506 |
99,816 |
40,437 |
54,687 |
489,613 |
2 |
2,664,688 |
Mpumalanga |
11,335 |
1,165,489 |
76,726 |
22,693 |
23,237 |
267,023 |
|
1,566,503 |
North West |
9,803 |
903,493 |
64,815 |
26,691 |
17,228 |
277,606 |
1 |
1,299,637 |
Northern Cape |
5,787 |
328,070 |
50,819 |
10,570 |
18,975 |
92,971 |
1 |
507,193 |
Western Cape |
16,280 |
1,052,251 |
150,624 |
32,209 |
24,110 |
379,526 |
9 |
1,655,009 |
Total |
151,996 |
13,067,221 |
1,043,802 |
336,643 |
273,020 |
3,724,769 |
34 |
18,597,485 |
(2) It is important to note that applicants for all social grants, except for the Foster Child Grant are means tested. In addition, SASSA checks all the applicants of social grants against the government payroll databases (Persal and Persol) in order to ensure that government employees do not unduly benefit from social grants. The fact that a government employee is benefitting from a social grant is not necessarily an indicator of fraud, as some of the lower level staff may still meet the means test thresholds.
Access to other databases that have been brought into the SASSA environment will also assist SASSA in further refining the validations processes, to ensure that the information provided by applicants on application is checked before the grant is approved. This will assist in reducing errors of inclusion.
(2) i. The total number of Social Development officials receiving social grants is 3400. Table 2 shows the breakdown by department and grant type.
Table 2: Number of DSD official receiving social grants per province
DEPARTMENT |
Care Dependency Grant |
Com |
Child Support Grant |
Disability Grant |
Foster Child Grant |
Old Age Grant |
TOTAL |
VOTE 04 - EC: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
18 |
2 |
103 |
4 |
91 |
|
218 |
VOTE 06 - GP: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
6 |
1 |
230 |
7 |
34 |
1 |
279 |
VOTE 07 - FS: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
7 |
|
91 |
2 |
31 |
1 |
132 |
VOTE 07 - WC: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
9 |
1 |
45 |
4 |
17 |
|
76 |
VOTE 11 - NC: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
3 |
|
41 |
1 |
13 |
|
58 |
VOTE 12 - LP: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
8 |
|
158 |
6 |
27 |
4 |
203 |
VOTE 12 - MP: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
5 |
|
42 |
1 |
31 |
|
79 |
VOTE 12 - NW: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
6 |
|
59 |
2 |
30 |
|
97 |
VOTE 13 - KZN: SOCIAL DEVELOPMNT |
51 |
2 |
1876 |
101 |
132 |
79 |
2241 |
VOTE 19 - NAT: SOCIAL DEVELOPMNT |
2 |
|
12 |
1 |
2 |
|
17 |
TOTAL |
115 |
6 |
2657 |
129 |
408 |
85 |
3400 |
(2) ii. Table 3 shows that 153 SASSA employees are receiving social grants as at July 2021.
Table 3: Number of SASSA officials receiving social grants per province
PROVINCE |
CARE DEPENDENCY GRANT |
COM. |
CHILD SUPPORT |
DISABILITY GRANT |
FOSTER CHILD GRANT |
TOTAL |
EASTERN CAPE |
5 |
|
5 |
|
33 |
43 |
FREE STATE |
3 |
|
1 |
|
6 |
10 |
GAUTENG |
3 |
|
2 |
|
5 |
10 |
HEAD OFFICE |
|
|
5 |
|
1 |
6 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
10 |
|
2 |
1 |
11 |
24 |
LIMPOPO |
6 |
|
4 |
|
3 |
13 |
MPUMALANGA |
3 |
|
1 |
|
9 |
13 |
NORTH WEST |
2 |
|
|
|
7 |
9 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
3 |
4 |
1 |
|
4 |
12 |
WESTERN CAPE |
2 |
|
3 |
1 |
7 |
13 |
TOTAL |
37 |
4 |
24 |
2 |
86 |
153 |
All social grants received by SASSA employees, except for the foster child grant and the combination grants (which is a combination of foster child grants and care dependency grants, in which case both are not means tested) have been suspended with immediate effect in accordance with Regulation 29(1)(a) of the Social Assistance Act, which allows for suspension without prior notice, in cases of suspected fraud or misrepresentation.
Processes are now underway to determine the amount paid which should not have been paid, as well as the date from which these employees started being employed by SASSA, to determine the amount to be recovered. In addition, documents are being prepared for disciplinary processes to be implemented.
As a preventive measure, all Socpen data will be checked against the SASSA salary system on a monthly basis prior to the payment extraction.
(2) ii. Table 4 shows that as at July 2021, 177108 social grants were received by employees of national and provincial government departments.
NATIONAL/PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT |
Care Dependency Grant |
Com |
Child Support Grant |
Disability Grant |
Foster Child Grant |
Old Age Grant |
TOTAL |
EASTERN CAPE |
413 |
47 |
8570 |
435 |
2063 |
595 |
12123 |
FREE STATE |
116 |
8 |
2916 |
114 |
529 |
144 |
3827 |
GAUTENG |
537 |
15 |
20136 |
460 |
901 |
221 |
22270 |
KWAZULU/NATAL |
1717 |
74 |
61384 |
3321 |
3414 |
8449 |
78359 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
267 |
10 |
8577 |
186 |
826 |
466 |
10332 |
MPUMALANGA |
224 |
4 |
7744 |
302 |
617 |
512 |
9403 |
NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS |
630 |
22 |
10113 |
372 |
1605 |
522 |
13264 |
NON GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS |
|
|
14 |
1 |
2 |
|
17 |
NORTH WEST |
416 |
25 |
17074 |
579 |
846 |
246 |
19186 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
127 |
14 |
3474 |
217 |
313 |
228 |
4373 |
WESTERN CAPE |
192 |
3 |
3079 |
111 |
473 |
96 |
3954 |
TOTAL |
4639 |
222 |
143081 |
6098 |
11589 |
11479 |
177108 |
Table 4: Number of National and Provincial government employees receiving social grants per province
21 September 2021 - NW2131
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What (a) number of applications for exemption from collective bargaining agreements have been (i) received and (ii) approved since the beginning of the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 in March 2020 and (b) are relevant details in each case?
Reply:
It is important for the honourable Dr Cardo to realise that majority of the bargaining councils which is +- 85% are made up of small businesses. Furthermore, out of 46 bargaining councils, 40 are private sector bargaining councils and they employ +-950 000 employees in the economy.
Not all of these bargaining councils have concluded collective agreements and/or have extended their collective agreements to non-parties. The remaining 6 are in public sector. Given that in the public sector there is one employer, there is no need for exemption applications
In terms of the law, bargaining councils are required to annually (covering 1 January to 31 December) furnish the Registrar of Labour Relations with the information on exemptions so as to see whether they have taken the affairs of small businesses into consideration.
The Registrar of Labour Relations received reports from 22 of the bargaining councils; and only 13 received exemption applications.
A total of 1443 exemption applications were received by 13 bargaining councils IN 2020:
- A total of 660 exemptions were granted to all; and out of 660, 310 were granted to small businesses;
- A total of 715 were refused; and out of 715, 329 refusals were for small business;
- Withdrawn were 34; and 11 were for small business; and
- By end December, 34 applications were still under considerations.
The granted exemptions range from wages, conditions of employment, provident/pension fund; and medical/sick funds amongst others. When application is refused, it is because it does not comply with the requirements to be granted an exemption.
END
21 September 2021 - NW1954
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What steps has the Government taken in attempts to reverse the observer status granted to Israel by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; (2) Whether the Government intends to permanently close down the Embassy of Israel in the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW 2186E
Reply:
1. The Government of the Republic of South Africa has formally, lodged an objection to the unilateral decision by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) to grant the State of Israel observer status to the African Union (AU).
- 1.1 Consequently, the matter has been placed on the agenda of the AU Executive Council that will convene on 13 and 14 October 2021.
- 1.2 South Africa and other like-minded countries that have lodged objections will, at the Executive Council meeting, vigorously pursue the conviction that the AU must, as a matter of urgency, rescind the decision on Israel's observer status unless and until it complies with all United Nations (UN) resolutions concerning its withdrawal from all occupied territories and give effect to the self-determination of the Palestinian People.
(2) South Africa maintains diplomatic relations with Israel and as per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Israel has an Embassy in South Africa and South Africa maintains an Embassy in Israel. There are no plans to request the closure of the Israeli Embassy in South Africa.
21 September 2021 - NW2132
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What (a) number of claims related to COVID-19 has the Compensation Fund (i) received and (ii) approved in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, Act 130 of 1993, since the imposition of the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 in March 2020 and (b) is the value of benefits paid to date?
Reply:
The following numbers relates to Covid-19 claims received and approved by the Compensation Fund:
Number of received claims related to COVID-19 |
21 219 |
Number of approved claims related to COVID-19 |
13 958 |
The value of benefits paid to date |
R32,723,086.79 |
20 September 2021 - NW1949
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Police
1.By what date will the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) finalise the investigation which was initiated in 2018 into taxpayers’ money to the amount of R49 million that went missing with VBS Mutual Bank at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality in the North West; 2.whether any criminal proceedings have been instituted against those persons involved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The investigation is close to completion and currently awaiting the Financial Report from the Accountant, after which the case will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision whether to prosecute or not.
2. No, the case is still under investigation.
Reply to question 1949 recommended
NATIONAL COMMISSIONERGENERAL: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021/09/07
Reply to question 1949 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 18/09/2021
20 September 2021 - NW1820
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether his department has long term national plans to deal with the growing spate of robberies targeting schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether arrests and charges have been made nationwide on such malicious acts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether data on the specified arrests and charges is readily available to the public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether his department has a blueprint that informs its fight against criminals that attack schools given that minors might lose their lives during such attacks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Robberies, targeting schools, are addressed as part of the National Crime Combating Strategy of the South African Police Service (SAPS), which employs a five pillar approach, to combat crime. The five pillars are as follows:
- Pillar 1: intelligence gathering, analysis and coordination.
- Pillar 2: Proactive and high visibility approach.
- Pillar 3: Combat and reaction approach.
- Pillar 4: Reactive through detection, including an organised crime approach.
- Pillar 5: Communication and Liaison.
As part of the proactive and high visibility approach, Pillar 2, the SAPS and the Department of Basic Education have a protocol in place, since 2011, to strengthen school safety. As part of this programme, all police stations have school safety officers, who are designated to prO\/ide support to schools, educate pupils about crime and safety tips and coordinate any crime prevention interventions, in schools. The schools are also linked to their local police
stations, in order to streamline the crime reporting process. The SAPS conducts school safety programmes across the country, on an annual basis, including crime awareness campaigns, operations required by the schools and other proactive crime prevention programmes, such as the Junior Commissioner Initiative, crime dialogues and sports against crime projects.
The Department of Basic Education and provincial education departments are also involved in the structures of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, including the National and Provincia! Joint Operational and intelligence committees, which allows them to cooperate with the SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other departments in the JCPS Cluster, to ensure a coordinated response to crime and other threats targeting schools.
2. From 30 June 2021 to 26 July 2021, a total of 411 burglaries were reported at schools nationally. A total of 34 suspects were charged and referred to court, in 26 cases.
3. The JCPS Cluster and the SAPS provide regular feedback on notable successes, including arrests, but does not necessarily share information on every arrest and every person charged. Court proceedings are mostly public proceedings, which allows for the media to report on any person, who appeared as an accused in court.
4. The National Crime Combating Strategy serves as a blue print for the fight against crime and the School Safety Programme provides for a specific focus on preventing crime that affect schools, in recognition of the importance of education and of schools being safe spaces for children.
Reply to question 1820 recommended
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021/09/15
Reply to question 1820 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 18/09/2021
20 September 2021 - NW2180
Chabangu, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether his department has put any COVID-19 relief measures in place to assist small, medium- and micro enterprises to pay less at toll gates on the national roads; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The revenue losses suffered by SANRAL due to traffic reductions during lockdown, is estimated around R650 million. However, SANRAL continued to apply frequent user discounts of 20% to 40% (Class 1) and local user discounts of 40% to 90% (Class 1) on all its routes, regardless of this loss in revenue. SMME’s therefore continue to benefit from these discounts all over the country. Details of the discounted rates are available on SANRAL’s website and in the published Gazette of 11 February 2021 – Vol 668.
It must be emphasised that by awarding contracts SANRALs contribution to SMMEs is far more significant and sustainable. Therefore, SANRAL endeavoured to ensure it continues to contribute significantly to the recovery of the country’s economy by continuing to speed up its construction programme. This was done despite challenges in the changing procurement environment to adjust to lockdown regulations. To this end, SANRAL awarded 64% more construction projects in 2020/21 financial year than in the prior year. More details of SANRAL’s contribution to SMMEs, such as the Supplier Development Desk, is published in the Integrated Report of 2021 and on SANRALs website.
20 September 2021 - NW739
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the fact that one of the biggest hindrances to the Special Investigating Unit carrying out their mandate with regard to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) was the lack of paperwork and records which have disappeared and cannot be traced, including many of the contracts that were signed between Prasa and service providers, what steps will he be taking to (a) ensure the recovery of paperwork and records of such contracts and (b) investigate how (i) the records went missing in the first place and (ii) payments on contracts were honoured if no records of such contracts exist? NW860E
Reply:
a) PRASA will request all service providers that are currently rendering services where physical contract documentation could not be traced to submit copies of the signed contract agreements with PRASA.
b) (i) PRASA has signed a Secondment Agreement with SIU to investigate all contracts that were identified in the Public Protector Derailed report and flagged also by AGSA as irregular. Such investigation would shed light on how contract documents went missing in the first place and what corrective measures should be taken against responsible individuals. Internally the key challenge is on non-availability of documents and SIU seems to be having capacity constraints. SIU has indicated that the capacity challenges are being addressed and the investigations will be finalised in June 2021.
(ii) The process to pay for services where contract documentation is missing requires end-user departments to compile the necessary submissions with relevant source documents and confirmation of receipt of goods or services for approval by the GCEO and Finance prior to processing of any payment, especially for goods and services of a critical nature that PRASA cannot afford to operate without. In instances where payments have been processed without the necessary documents, based on the SIU investigation, appropriate corrective action will be taken against responsible individuals.
20 September 2021 - NW1799
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
(a) What is the operational reasoning behind having the SA Police Service (SAPS) raiding the houses of poor persons suspected of looting during the protests that followed the arrest of the former President, Mr J G Zuma, (b) what (i) procedures and (ii) laws did the SAPS rely on to raid persons’ houses and to confiscate alleged looted food items and (c) how did the SAPS determine which goods were looted and which goods were not?
Reply:
(a) The South African Police Service (SAPS) is obliged, in terms of its Constitutional mandate to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of South Africa and to enforce the law. Police operations, which were conducted following the protest action that started, on 9 July 2021 and looting that started, on 11 July 2021, were informed by the need to restore public order, recover stolen property and enforce the law to deter further violent protests and footing.
(b)(i) Practical guidance for the procedures to be followed during searches and seizures were provided to the SAPS, in a circular issued, on 12 May 2016. This circular was distributed again to inform the procedures followed during operations, to recover stolen property, in July 2021.
(b)(ii) The SAPS relies on Sections 21 or 22 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977), that provide for search and seizure with a warrant, as we!! as search and seizure without a warrant. The SAPS also relied on Section 13 of the SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995), to cordon off particular areas to ensure the safety of the public or to restore order, in particular areas.
(c) The SAPS required people, who were in possession of suspected stolen or looted items, to provide proof of purchase.
Reply to question 1799 recommended
NATIONAL COMMISSIONERGENERAL: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021/09/15
Reply to question 1799 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date:
20 September 2021 - NW2155
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What (a) is the total number of opportunities wherein his department had assisted local businesses to access the export markets since 1 January 2021 and (b) are the full relevant details in this regard? [
Reply:
The Department has used virtual marketing tools to support local businesses to access export markets, in addition to more traditional means.
These included the following:
1. Trade Seminars
The department hosted thirteen (13) virtual trade seminars and business engagements with local and international partners.
- South Korean market initiative for the sale of South African alcoholic beverages at GS Retail Stores.
- UAE Virtual trade and investment webinar focusing on the food and beverage market.
- Inaugural South Africa – United States Black Business Summit
- Collaborated with WESGRO and the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) on two (2) key events:
- Cape Agriculture Week Inward Buying Mission.
- Biofach eSpecial (an organic virtual trade fair).
- Footwear and Leather Virtual Exhibition event, targeting the Middle East and Africa, with particular focus on UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ghana and Kenya.
- Webinar on Trade, Investment and Boat Buying Tourism Opportunities in the Boatbuilding Sector in South Africa.
- Webinar between Export Promotion: North America and USAID for funding opportunities for PDI’s, SMME and Women owned Enterprises.
- Webinar with the US Food and Drug Administration about information companies need to know to export food products to the USA.
- Brazil Agribusiness Trade and Investment webinar hosted in partnership with DIRCO.
- South African companies were introduced and received online training on a Russian e-commerce platform, OZON as a tool to further access the Russian market.
- South Africa-Argentina Webinar: Opening South-South Business Opportunities
- Undertook an outward investment mission to Côte d'Ivoire to assist a South African solar company to enter the energy sector.
2. Trade leads to businesses
It provided 122 trade leads to businesses.
To date, the Department through South African Embassies and Consulates has received and disseminated 122 trade leads linked to export opportunities in 34 territories, including China, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Italy, Singapore, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Mauritius, France, USA, Thailand, Argentina and Zimbabwe
3. Assistance with market access
It assisted companies with two 2 market access interventions in terms of product certification in key markets.
- The Department intervened in assisting a BEE company to be certified for beef exports to China.
- The Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), assisted a company to overcome challenges related to the company’s exportation of live animals (sheep, goats and cattle) from South Africa to Kuwait.
4. Export training programmes
As part of growing and diversifying the exporter base, the department provided thirty (30) exporter awareness and capacity building sessions
- Twenty (20) Global Exporter Passport Programme (GEPP) sessions were held where 270 individuals were trained in the following districts:
City/Town |
Province |
GEPP Training Phase 1 |
GEPP Training Phase 2 |
GEPP Training Phase 3 |
Trained companies per city/town |
Port Elizabeth |
Eastern Cape |
18 |
15 |
13 |
46 |
East London |
9 |
9 |
|||
Mbombela |
Mpumalanga |
5 |
5 |
||
Virtual Training (1) |
National |
11 |
18 |
29 |
|
Virtual Training (2) |
32 |
15 |
25 |
72 |
|
Tshwane |
Gauteng |
16 |
15 |
31 |
|
JHB Sandton |
11 |
8 |
19 |
||
JHB Constitution Hill |
13 |
9 |
6 |
28 |
|
Tzaneen |
Limpopo |
11 |
11 |
||
Durban |
KwaZulu-Natal |
11 |
9 |
20 |
|
Totals |
63 |
88 |
119 |
270 |
- Ten (10) Export Awareness sessions involving 224 individuals were held as follows:
Province |
City/Town |
Persons |
Date Of Seminar |
Platform |
1 January 2021 – 30 March 2021 |
|
|||
None |
||||
1 April 2021 – 30 June 2021 |
||||
Gauteng |
Alexandra |
20 |
06-04-2021 |
Physical |
Midrand |
23 |
21-04-2021 |
Virtual |
|
Johannesburg |
17 |
09-06-2021 |
Physical |
|
Johannesburg |
35 |
21-06-2021 |
Physical |
|
Limpopo |
Thohoyandou |
9 |
26-05-2021 |
Physical |
Giyani |
7 |
27-05-2021 |
||
Polokwane |
11 |
28-05-2021 |
||
Northern Cape |
Kimberley |
11 |
26-06-2021 |
Virtual |
1 July 2021 – Current |
|
|||
Gauteng |
Johannesburg |
37 |
09-07-2021 |
Virtual |
Mpumalanga |
Ermelo |
48 |
28-07-2021 |
Virtual |
TOTAL |
224 |
5. Incubation programmes
The Department coordinated an incubation programme for women entrepreneurs.
The Department has an agreement with the German Ministry and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to collaborate on capacitating South African companies that wishes to do business in Germany with adequate understanding of the market and business culture. The programme is executed in a form of mentorship and incubation by German companies and is designed to assist companies to develop an in-depth knowledge of international trade, using access to the German market as a case the study.
So far in 2021, the programme has benefitted 65 South African companies (44 of which are women-owned) from the following provinces:
- Eastern Cape (6)
- Mpumalanga (1)
- North West (3)
- Gauteng (32)
- Western Cape (19)
- KwaZulu-Natal (4).
The continuing Covid-19 pandemic compelled the programme to be facilitated virtually for a period of 8 weeks. The total of 65 companies were divided into three groups which received training on the following dates:
- Group 1: 1 March 2021 until 23 April 2021
- Group 2: 2 June 2021 until 23 July 2021
- Group 3: 6 July 2021 until 27 August 2021.
6. Export marketing assistance
The Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) funding rules were revised to support South African companies to also participate in virtual exhibitions and missions.
In addition to the existing EMIA support measures, the following support measures were approved for virtual exhibitions and missions:
- Procure and funding 100% digital platform (virtual space/ digital exhibition/ Virtual B-B platform, listing/registration).
- Procure and fund physical stand in a case of hybrid missions and complement with relevant ICT infrastructure, gadgets and related data.
- Assist with digital marketing content/profile development (Digital videos, Digital Profiles, Digital Catalogues, Destination advertising / material / branding and Website) limited to R5, 000 per company participating.
- Transportations of material and samples.
- Procure and provide translators for virtual Group Missions.
- Air time/ mobile data for internet access to qualifying companies (based on need assessment) limited to R200 per event.
- Digital sales lead management and tracking.
7. Unblocking obstacles for investors
Invest SA assisted with the following:
- BMW: Facilitated the unblocking of port clearance procedures that affected the production of the BMW X3 which is destined for the Domestic and Export Market. Due to the challenges at ports, an urgent shipment containing parts were delayed at the Cape Town Harbour. BMW were notified that a Detention stop has been put on these containers by Customs Border Control. The net impact of this would have been the shutdown of the plant which would have impacted their export commitments. InvestSA intervened by escalating the matter to Transnet and had the matter resolved.
- AMKA: Invest South Africa facilitated port clearance for raw materials required for the production of cosmetics for domestic consumption and for exports to markets in Africa.
- LULU Group: Facilitated the shipment of Lulu Groups, buying office containers which were delayed in the port of Cape Town with export products destined for Middle East market.
8. Sector support
The following are highlights of the assistance to local businesses in Footwear & Leather Goods sector through South African Footwear & Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) to access the export markets since 1 January 2021:
The exports Footwear & Leather exports by value to Middle East increased from R 1.5m value to over R 14 million, to USA by 20% and to UK by 6%. New Markets accessed in Poland, Rumania and Russia brought additional R 1.2m export revenue. Setting up of a New Virtual Show room on SAFLEC website and development of New Virtual Trade Platforms. Launch of new virtual platform for Trade promotion. Addition of 10 more companies to SAFLEC virtual show room. Conversion of 31 companies to virtual platform. This resulted in an increase in exports by 63% in comparison to the 2020 exports largely affected by Covid-19.
Due to the restriction on physical trade promotion resulting from COVID, SAFLEC continues to prioritize Africa, Europe, America’s as well as Australia as markets for South African footwear through virtual platforms to retain the awareness of South African manufacturers. Africa was prioritized as the low hanging fruit. Asia and Europe markets are looked at for Handbags and Leather Goods.
9. Industrial funding and support
The Industrial Financing Branch (IFB) has taken the following actions over the last few months to assist South African exporters:
- Twelve companies that received support from January to July 2021, reported export sales of R542 million. Seven of these companies are Black Industrialists, one is involved in the processing of oysters and is supported by the Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme and the other four are beneficiaries of the 12I Tax Allowance Incentive. Two of these 12I companies are operating in the food and beverage industry, one in the home and personal care products and the other in pharmaceuticals.
- On 26th August 2021, IFB through a SEDA online platform, conducted a virtual national SMME exporter development briefing session with SMME’s located across the country. Over 400 SMME across different economic sectors were invited.
- On 26th May 2021, the Branch in partnership with Wesgro conducted a briefing session on export incentive offerings.
- In September 2021, a digital export event support component for emerging exporters was introduced in the revised Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS) guidelines.
In addition. To the above, there are a number of projects supported y the NEF, IDC and ECIC which assist SA-based companies to increase their exports to the rest of the continent. To illustrate this, the ECIC is providing support to SA companies linked to the Amandi Rail Ghana and Amandi Hospital Ghana projects. This includes exports by Macsteel an SA supplier on the project. The involvement of Macsteel in this Project will advance the objectives of the Steel Master Plan of the dtic. The exports sourced from the South African exporters will have an impact on the South African economy.
10. Regulator efforts
The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) issues permits for exports of Covid-related products. This included
- Hand sanitisers
- Vaccines
- Face-masks and shields
ITAC assists SA exports by issuing rebate and drawback certificates based on the value of imported inputs to final export products. The main users are the agriculture and agro--processing, clothing and textiles, chemicals and plastics, and metals and machinery industries.
Rebate item 470.03 provides for rebate of customs duty upon importation of components and materials specified in the permits and are intended for use in the manufacture, processing, finishing, equipping or packing of goods exclusively for export:
- 98 certificates issued from January to August 2021, covering a wide variety of products.
Drawback item 521.00 provides for drawback of customs duty that was paid on imported components and materials used in the manufacture, processing, finishing, equipping or packing of goods already exported:
- 117 certificates issues from January to August 2021, covering a wide variety of products.
-END-
20 September 2021 - NW1790
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1) With reference to his reply to question 450 on 7 April 2021, (a) in what total number of cases, as specified in (1)(a) of the reply, has the DNA tests per category been outstanding since 1 March 2021 in each forensic laboratory of the SA Police Service and (b) for what time period; (2) what (a) do the reagens chemical shortages in each separate forensic laboratory entail with regard to the different kits, as specified in (2)(a) of the reply and (b) are the reasons for the shortages; (3) what (a) total number of the specified contracts with regard to the reagens chemicals, the service, maintenance and calibration of equipment, as specified in (2)(b) of the reply, is still outstanding and (b) are the reasons for this; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1)(a) The total number of cases outstanding, since 1 March 2021, in each forensic laboratory of the South African Police Service (SAPS), is reflected in the table below:
Biology |
|||||
Category |
Biology Eastern Cape |
Biology KwaZuIu- Natal |
Biology Head Office |
Biology Western Cape |
Total |
Unclassified > 3 ' days |
7 050 |
8 438 |
34 829 |
14 197 |
64 514 |
Routine > 35 days |
921 |
81 |
4 399 |
2 539 |
“ 7 940 |
DNA Intelligence > 90 days |
0 |
0 |
25 996 |
14 483 |
40 479 |
Non-routine » 113 days |
0 |
0 |
10 |
22 |
|
Reference Index Intelligence > 90 days |
0 |
0 |
72 615 |
52 051 |
124 666 |
Total |
7 971 |
8 519 |
137 849 |
83 292 |
237 631 |
Find here question reply
17 September 2021 - NW2126
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(a) With reference to her reply to question 857 on 23 April 2021, what is the value of the current maintenance project WCS 046748 of the houses of Members of Parliament (MPs), (b) what is the name of the contractor who was awarded the maintenance contract, (c) on what date was the contract awarded and (d) by what date will the intruder alarm system challenge in the MPs’ houses be addressed?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
a) I have been informed by the Department that the value of the current maintenance project WCS 046748 is R 88, 997, 040.00 including VAT.
b) The name of the contractor who was awarded the maintenance contract is "Ilitha Painters & Decorators" t/a The Construction Co.
c) The contract was awarded on the 7th of April 2020.
d) The intruder alarms system challenges will be addressed, per Parliamentary Village, on the dates listed below:
- Acacia Park – on works completion of the Park on the 19th of May 2022
- Laboria Park – on works completion of the Park on the 9th of February 2023
- Pelican Park – on works completion of the Park on the 4th of December 2023
17 September 2021 - NW2106
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What (a) amount of the R150 million allocated to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) COVID-19 Relief fund has been disbursed to date, (b) is the detailed breakdown of (i) each recipient of the COVID-19 Relief Fund and (ii) the amount each recipient was granted, (c) has happened with the unspent and/or unallocated funds and (d) monitoring and evaluation processes have been carried out by the NLC to ensure that the funds were spent in line with existing financial and legal prescripts? [
Reply:
I have been furnished with a reply to the question submitted, by Ms Thabang Mampane, Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission.
Ms Mampane says the following:
“ In terms of section 2A (3) which states that: The Commission may, upon request by the Minister, board or on its own initiative in consultation with the board, conduct research on worthy good causes that may be funded without lodging an application prescribed in terms of this Act.
a) In compliance with section 2A (3) the NLC allocated and disbursed R 140 923 864,10. In addition to that, the NLC compiled a Report on COVID-19 Funding outlining the integrated response to Covid – 19 relief funds. The report is attached as Annexure A for reference.
b) The list of funded organisations and the amounts is attached as Annexure B.
c) The balance of unallocated funds amounting to R9 076 135,90 will be disbursed in the current financial year as the pandemic is still on-going and the Commission is assessing needs in relation to worthy good causes relating to the pandemic.
d) All the grants that were awarded under the Covid Relief Fund fell under the small grants category as such the reporting shall be done in terms of Regulation 10 of 2015 which states that:
“An applicant to whom a small grant is made must, at such period as may have been imposed at the time when a grant is made submit to the National Lotteries Commission a report detailing how the grant funds were used, together with all supporting invoices and any other relevant documents for the purposes of financial accounting.”
Considering the above, the NLC is awaiting reports from the beneficiaries for the Commission to compile a consolidated Monitoring and Evaluation Report.”
Attachments:
Annexure A
Annexure B
-END-
17 September 2021 - NW2124
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 858 on 30 March 2021, an investigation into the allegations made in December 2020 against the Registrar and President of SA Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) has been concluded; if not, why not; if so, by what date will the findings of the investigation be furnished to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure as intimidation of female council members continues unabated; (2) what are the reasons that the Registrar of SACAP was appointed as a member of the anti-corruption forum established to investigate maladministration and corruption in the council in which he serves?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1) I have been informed by the Department that an investigation into the allegations made in December 2020 against the Registrar and President of SA Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) has been concluded. The report has will be submitted to the Portfolio Committee today, 17 September 2021.
(2) The Registrar of SACAP is not a member of the anti-corruption forum. However, the President of the SACAP is a member.
17 September 2021 - NW2218
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, with reference to her oral reply to questions 31 on 3 March 2021 and the President’s reply to question 1077 on 24 May 2021, the investigation into the land purchase in New York has been completed ; if not, (a) what are the detailed reasons for the non – completion and (b) by what date will the investigation be completed; if so, (i) what are the details of the (aa) findings (bb) recommendations and (ii) will she furnish Mr R A Lees with a copy of the report; (2) Whether the findings and recommendations have been (a) accepted and (b) acted upon; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2522E
Reply:
1(a) Open Water Advanced Risk Solutions was appointed to conduct an investigation
(b) The investigation was completed in July 2019.
(i)(aa) the detailed findings are contained in a report, and confirm the 2017/18 AGSA findings.
(bb) the recommendations are contained in the report.
(ii) The Department has hard copies of the report.
2(a) the Director-General has been found guilty and dismissed with a 30 day notice period. In respect of other implicated officials, consequence management is currently underway.
(b) The Department brought a review application on 10 March 2018 to have the tender award reviewed and set aside by the High Court. The review application also request for the recovery of the money that was paid to the service provider by the Department. The hearing on the matter took place on 12 and 13 October 2020. The judgement was reserved and the Department is waiting for the outcome.
17 September 2021 - NW2154
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What (a) number of South African children are involved in child labour as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) steps are being taken to prevent children from being used for child labour?
Reply:
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, prohibits work by children if the child is under 15 years old; under the minimum school-leaving age (where this is 15 years or older); over 15 years but under 18 years old, if the work is inappropriate for the age of the child or if the work places at risk the child’s well-being, education, physical or mental health, or spiritual, moral or social development or has been prohibited through regulations.
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act further explicitly criminalises all offences related in the engagement of the child labour and regulates that any person convicted of the prohibition of child labour may be sentenced a maximum term of imprisonment of up to six years.
As a country, we further pride ourselves in the Child Labour Programme of Action (CLPA) which is the country’s roadmap towards the prevention, reduction and eventual elimination of child labour. It serves to focus and guide the efforts of a number of Government departments and civil society groups, including business organisations, labour federations and organisations serving the interest of these children.
In order to collect reliable and credible statistics on child work in the country, the Department of Employment and Labour commissioned Statistics South Africa in 2019, to conduct a national household-based survey; the Survey on the Activities of Young People (SAYP). The SAYP is a household-based sample survey that collects data on the activities which children aged 7 to 17 years who live in South Africa get involved in.
According to the 2019 Survey on the Activities of Young People which was realised in March this year:
- There was a decline in the number of children who were involved in child labour from 779 000 in 2010 to 577 000 in 2015 and 571 000 in 2019;
- Children aged 16-17 years were more likely to be engaged in child labour;
- Compared to other population groups, black African children were more likely to be involved in Child labour;
- In both 2015 and 2019, the difference between boys and girls involvement in child labour was minimal;
- Children in KwaZulu-Natal were more likely than those in other provinces to be involved in child labour at 8,8% in 2019 from 10,0% in 2015;
- At 2,5% urban areas had the lowest proportion of children involved in child labour compared to 8,5% of children in non-urban areas in 2019;
- The proportion of children who were exposed to at least one hazardous working condition decreased from 34,2% in 2015 (0,8 of a percentage point) to 33,5% in 2019.
- Furthermore, girls (34,1%) were more likely to be exposed to hazardous conditions compared to boys (32,9%) when both engaged in all economic activities in 2019.
- In both 2015 and 2019, boys who were engaged in both market activities and production for own consumption (or household use) accounted for the largest share of children who were exposed to at least one hazardous condition (60,8% and 53,0% respectively).
END
17 September 2021 - NW2069
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whether he has found that the ongoing court case between him and the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has resulted in the delay of the appointment of a new chairperson of the NLC; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
In terms of the Lotteries Act, the appointment of the new Chairperson of the NLC requires that Parliament must put recommendations to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition before a decision is made, following which the Minister must consider the matter and make an appointment. The matter of the appointment was referred to Parliament in November 2020. The Ministry awaits the recommendations from Parliament as required by the legislation.
The court proceedings referred to in the question relates to an entirely different issue, namely the appointment of an acting chairperson pending finalisation of a decision on the Chairperson.
-END-
17 September 2021 - NW1955
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What interventions is the Government pursuing in the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) in curbing and preventing the deaths of young women and men who enter into child marriages, as it has been observed that all previous measures such as the AU campaign held in 2014 – 17 period and the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children already in marriage, signed in 2016, have not been effective?
Reply:
South Africa’s foreign policy is based on its Constitutional values and principles central to which are the rights of the Child. In the context of the post-apartheid era where an array of laws and frameworks have been put in place to protect the child, South Africa has complemented these with actions at the regional, continental and United Nations level.
In order to build on the AU campaign and promote the SADC Model Law, the AU followed up with the End Child Marriage campaign that is based on the 5 Year Strategic Plan, which commenced in 2019 to 2023. The AU campaign held in 2014-2017 needed to be built on to provide an environment to enhance the effectiveness of the SADC Model Law. South Africa, at the national level, will work with traditional leaders, teachers, church leaders and social partners to ensure the eradication of this practice in the country.
South Africa has participated in AU and SADC forums and other consultative engagements that have been held to address the issue of Child Marriages in the respective member states. It should be taken into consideration that South Africa participates as part of the collective in these multilateral engagements where member states engage and take individual decisions to domesticate AU and SADC policy positions. In this regard, South Africa as Member State of the African Union (AU) has been in the forefront of the efforts to eradicate this harmful practise including being part of the campaign to End Child Marriage through the 5 year strategic plan (2019-2023).
16 September 2021 - NW1836
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in the North West and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date on which the specified province intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians in each livestock unit of her department in the North West; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year in the North West and (b) interventions of her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) The total number of Veterinarians in North West is 30 Veterinarians. This includes 7 Veterinarians that are in middle management, 4 the laboratory.
(i) There are 9 vacant posts.
(ii) 9 posts have been advertised and the shortlisting process has been completed waiting for approval. Interviews will be held immediately afterwards. These include posts that are occupied by short term contract veterinarians.
2. In each State Veterinary area there is one (1) State Veterinarian taking care of all livestock unit’s needs. These includes activities related to animal health, veterinary public health and export related matter of all commodities.
3. Yes. The Department is implementing Compulsory community services for veterinarians in the North West Province. In 2021, eleven (11) Compulsory Community Services veterinarians are employed mainly in the rural areas providing both primary animal health care services and State Veterinary services.
4. (a) During the past financial year we have has the following major outbreaks of diseases
(i) African Swine Fever
(ii) African Horse Sickness
(iii) Avian Influenza
(iv) Rabies
There were also singular/minor outbreaks of the following
i. Blue Tongue
ii. Salmonella enteritidis
iii.Malignant Cattarhal Fever
(b) Interventions undertaken to treat diseases:
i. African Swine Fever: The outbreak was controlled by depopulation of the farm both initially by the farmer and later due to a court instruction. Carcasses were buried with lime on the farm. The farm was cleaned and tested and the quarantine notice will be lifted when the last test indicates negative results
ii. African Horse Sickness: These outbreaks were reported and quarantine notices issued. The individual outbreak farms were advised to vaccinate the animals and employ location of animals to higher lying areas to avoid vector insects.
iii. Avian Influenza: The affected farms had their flock culled. The company/farm used their own rendering plant to dispose of dead carcasses. Surveillance was conducted and quarantine lifted after negative results.
16 September 2021 - NW2037
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
Whether a certain person Mr D C Mamphiswana is currently employed in any capacity in a national and/or provincial government department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date was the specified person employed, (b) what is the current position the person holds and (c) what is the annual salary package?
Reply:
a) According to PERSAL Dr DC Mamphiswana is currently not employed in the Public Service.
b) Dr DC Mamphiswana was the previous Director-General at the Public Service Commission and was appointed on 01/06/2016. He was dismissed for misconduct in January 2021.
c) Not applicable as the person is no longer employed in the Public Service.
End
16 September 2021 - NW1926
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
In light of concerns raised over governance in Rwanda, will the Minister consider proposals (see attached Road Map for a Promising Future for Rwanda) on dialogues from Rwanda citizens and civil society to promote in its inter-governmental talks with the government of Rwanda, as to how reform can be achieved by considering the following:- (a) That South Africa support the consideration of proposals made by Rwanda’s civil society organisations; (b) to note that such proposals are in line with the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes; (a) That South Africa support the consideration of proposals made by Rwanda’s civil society organisations; (b) to note that such proposals are in line with the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes; (b) Whether South Africa will also advocate and support such proposals within the international community, at United Nations level and through diplomatic channels to European countries, the United States and United Kingdom and individual countries in the African Great Lakes region, the South African Development Community and East African Community.
Reply:
a) The South African Government has not been directly approached by the mentioned organisation or Rwandan citizens or civil society on this matter.
South Africa’s foreign policy is based, amongst others, on mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries with whom it has diplomatic relations. In this regard, South Africa believes in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries unless requested or invited to do so by the affected country or as part of a multilateral team or mandate. In principle, South Africa encourages parties involved in political conflict to settle internal disputes and differences through dialogue and within the confines of their domestic law. In the case of Rwanda, South Africa conducts its bilateral relations through the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) and high level meetings where issues of mutual concern are discussed, including those of human rights where merited.
b) South Africa has not been approached by any party from Rwanda to intervene in Rwanda. Rwanda is a member state of the East African Community (EAC) and as such, any proposals for intervention should be processed through the EAC and supported by the Rwandan parties. The success of South Africa’s national reconciliation, nation building and respect for human rights is internationally recognised and should any country wish to emulate the South African example and learn from the experience, South Africa is most willing and available to assist or share.
16 September 2021 - NW2006
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
With reference to the Department of Public Service and Administration circular HRD03/01 signed by the Director-General, Ms Yoliswa Mkhasi, and dated 15 April 2021, requesting all Heads of Department and Directors-General to urgently update the qualifications of Senior Management Service (SMS) employees in the Public Service on the Personal and Salary System (PERSAL), (a) what are the reasons the updating of this information on the PERSAL system has become urgent, (b) how often are the human resource units of the various national and provincial government departments expected to update this information on the PERSAL system, (c) who is responsible for monitoring the updating of this information on the PERSAL system by the human resource units of the various government departments and (d) what steps will her department take against the human resources units of the various national and government departments which fail to update this information on the PERSAL system by the dates stipulated in the circular?
Reply:
It was noted that some departments are not capturing or updating the NQF qualifications and personal information as often as expected. This practice leads to unreliable data regarding officials. The capturing is done on the PERSAL system and hence departments are required to urgently update the information on the PERSAL system. (b) Currently there is no prescribed timeline for the updating of information on the PERSAL system. Departments are, however expected to update information on PERSAL system when employees are promoted or transferred to another department and/or at any time when personal information changes. (c) Heads of various departments are responsible, hence the Circular is directed to Heads of Departments. (d) The matter will be escalated to Executive Authorities where there is non-compliance with the Circular. The MPSA also has the option of reporting the non-compliance with the Circular to the President if no-noticeable change is reported after escalation to Executive Authorities
End
16 September 2021 - NW1838
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in her department based in Mpumalanga and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date on which her department intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians in each livestock unit of her department; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year in Mpumalanga and (b) interventions by her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) There are 39 posts of which only 24 are filled.
(b) (i) The current vacancy rate is 33% that is 13 positions are not filled.
(ii) The process of filling these critical vacant posts has started. The Department will be advertising the posts within this financial year.
2. There are approximately 1150000 livestock units in Mpumalanga province with only 24 veterinarians servicing the animals which translates into approximately 48 000 livestock units per State Veterinarian. This are State Veterinarians and therefore excludes private veterinarians.
3. Yes, Mpumalanga has implemented the Compulsory Community Service. There are 24 CCS Veterinarians placed in Mpumalanga.
4. (a) Prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year in Mpumalanga were African Swine Fever. Mpumalanga province occasionally experiences outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease and Avian Influenza.
(b) Interventions to treat the diseases includes strategic guidance, provision of technical advice, assistance with procurement of the Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine and continual monitoring and reporting.
16 September 2021 - NW1991
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to the reply to question 697 on 23 March 2021, what is the (a) total number of Public Service employees who have applied for and received other SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) administered grants other than the Social Relief of Distress grant such as the child support grant, disability grant, and grant for older persons and (b) breakdown of the specified number according to each grant administered by SASSA; (2) what (a) is the total amount that SASSA has spent in paying Public Service employees who applied for and received SASSA administered grants and (b) steps has her department taken to ensure that the necessary disciplinary and/or legal steps are taken against the implicated public service employees?
Reply:
1. (a) and (b)
Table 1 shows that as at July 2021, 177 108 social grants were received by employees of national and provincial government departments. The Table also shows the breakdown by grant type.
NATIONAL/PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT |
Care Dependency Grant |
Com |
Child Support Grant |
Disability Grant |
Foster Child Grant |
Old Age Grant |
TOTAL |
EASTERN CAPE |
413 |
47 |
8570 |
435 |
2063 |
595 |
12123 |
FREE STATE |
116 |
8 |
2916 |
114 |
529 |
144 |
3827 |
GAUTENG |
537 |
15 |
20136 |
460 |
901 |
221 |
22270 |
KWAZULU/NATAL |
1717 |
74 |
61384 |
3321 |
3414 |
8449 |
78359 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
267 |
10 |
8577 |
186 |
826 |
466 |
10332 |
MPUMALANGA |
224 |
4 |
7744 |
302 |
617 |
512 |
9403 |
NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS |
630 |
22 |
10113 |
372 |
1605 |
522 |
13264 |
NON GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS |
|
|
14 |
1 |
2 |
|
17 |
NORTH WEST |
416 |
25 |
17074 |
579 |
846 |
246 |
19186 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
127 |
14 |
3474 |
217 |
313 |
228 |
4373 |
WESTERN CAPE |
192 |
3 |
3079 |
111 |
473 |
96 |
3954 |
TOTAL |
4639 |
222 |
143081 |
6098 |
11589 |
11479 |
177108 |
Table 1: Number of National and Provincial government employees receiving social grants per province
2. (a) The total amount that SASSA has spent in paying Public Service employees who applied for and received SASSA administered grants is
approximately R200, 7 million. Table 2 shows the amount paid during July 2021.
Table 2: Amount paid to public servants during July 2021 per province by grant type
REGION |
CSG |
DG |
FCG |
CDG |
COM |
OAG |
Total |
Eastern Cape |
R8,037,695 |
R1,513,124 |
R3,719,837 |
R1,259,226 |
R232,733 |
R1,613,858 |
R16,376,473 |
Free State |
R2,232,898 |
R342,625 |
R949,518 |
R323,190 |
R36,540 |
R349,913 |
R4,234,684 |
Gauteng |
R13,158,586 |
R1,115,230 |
R1,753,063 |
R1,426,750 |
R76,020 |
R620,144 |
R18,149,793 |
KwaZulu Natal |
R63,236,049 |
R9,706,180 |
R7,970,354 |
R5,564,046 |
R419,155 |
R20,866,448 |
R107,762,232 |
Limpopo |
R9,902,243 |
R642,859 |
R1,638,430 |
R881,959 |
R54,540 |
R933,824 |
R14,053,855 |
Mpumalanga |
R7,233,146 |
R882,309 |
R1,129,420 |
R722,528 |
R27,510 |
R1,249,995 |
R11,244,908 |
North West |
R2,797,271 |
R646,044 |
R650,465 |
R435,553 |
R62,160 |
R553,705 |
R5,145,198 |
Northern Cape |
R14,185,790 |
R1,504,404 |
R1,958,887 |
R1,310,375 |
R106,680 |
R534,644 |
R19,600,780 |
Western Cape |
R2,081,331 |
R294,809 |
R960,180 |
R516,273 |
R29,610 |
R337,522 |
R4,219,725 |
Total |
R122,865,009 |
R16,647,584 |
R20,730,154 |
R12,439,900 |
R1,044,948 |
R27,060,053 |
R200,787,648 |
2. (b) Steps taken against the implicated employees
It should be noted that all social grants are means tested, apart from the foster child grant. Public servants are entitled to receive the foster child grant. Where the foster child grant is paid in conjunction with a care dependency grant for the same child neither are means tested, and public servants would not be contravening any laws by receiving these grants.
For the remainder of the grant types, the means test would need to be applied. Since the information has been extracted, arrangements have been made to suspend the grants, apart from the foster child grants, for all public servants. Those who still qualify will have to come in and review the grant, and provide current information on their income, to determine whether they still qualify to receive these grants.
Measures will also be taken to recover any funds overpaid. Where it is found that the public servants were receiving a grant to which they were not entitled, the matter will be reported to their employing department, for disciplinary action to be taken.
15 September 2021 - NW665
Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entity reporting to her makes use of private security firms; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what is the (i) name of each firm, (ii) purpose, (iii) value and (iv) duration of each specified contract?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department and SOEs as follows:
a) DEPARTMENT
Yes
(i) Name of the company
Vimtsire Protection Services
(ii) Purpose
To provide physical security for the department (both Hatfield and Cape Town offices).
(iii) Value
R 18 091 921,34
(iv) Duration
Three years (01 December 2018 – 30 November 2021)
b) State-Owned Entities (SOEs)
Entity |
(b) |
(i)Name of Firm |
(ii)Purpose |
(iii)Value |
(iv)Duration |
|||
ICASA |
Yes |
Modise Protection Services |
Physical guarding |
R 5 097 931.15 |
3 years |
|||
CIYTech Systems Cc |
Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics) |
R 174 018.00 |
3 Years |
|||||
ADT Fidelity |
Armed response & alarm monitoring |
R 88 591.40 |
3 Years |
|||||
Modise Protection Services |
Physical guarding |
R 262 649.76 |
1 Year |
|||||
Televonic Systems |
Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics) |
R 56 223.50 |
3 years |
|||||
Rishumele Trading |
Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics) |
R 95 041.17 |
3 years |
|||||
Ubomi Technologies |
Physical guarding |
R 298 515.13 |
7 months |
|||||
Pro-Secure PTY Ltd |
Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics) |
R 99 056.80 |
2 years |
|||||
Multi-Locking systems |
Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics) |
R 268 984. 16 |
4 Years |
|||||
Multi-Locking systems |
Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics) |
R 173 111.71 |
3 Years |
|||||
Postbank |
Yes |
Vusela Security Company |
Monitor access control; screening employees; escorting clients; protection of company assets and personnel, report criminal activities to SAPS and assist in handover of Postbank Visa and SASSA cards |
R 44 000 per month |
5 years |
|||
Nemisa |
Yes |
Rise Security Services |
Provide physical protection in the Parktown Building |
R 3 732 056.51 |
3 years (ending March 2021) |
|||
PEPLER ALARMS CC |
Provide reaction service and 24/7 monitoring of the alarm in the Franschhoek Building |
R 462.30 |
Month to month contract |
|||||
SABC |
Yes |
Mafoko Security Patrols (Head Office-Gauteng) |
Provision of physical security services at SABC Auckland Park offices and TV Outside Broadcasts |
R 185 519 425. 61 |
5 years |
|||
Khayalami Security CC (Eastern Cape) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 13 838 216. 62 |
2 years |
|||||
Khayalami Security CC (Western Cape) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 11 525 746. 05 |
3 years |
|||||
Vhugi Protection Services (Limpopo) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 17 421 396. 43 |
3 years |
|||||
Modise Protection Services (North West) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 17 415 286. 04 |
3 years |
|||||
Mafoko Security Patrols (Free State) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 7 186 607. 46 |
3 years |
|||||
Khayalami Security CC (Northern Cape) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 4 569 137. 04 |
3 years |
|||||
Mafoko Security Patrols (Mpumalanga) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 4 966 994. 66 |
2 years |
|||||
Mafoko Security Patrols (Gauteng) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 3 236 391. 24 |
2 years |
|||||
Mafoko Security Patrols (KwaZulu Natal) |
Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices |
R 7 361 514. 50 |
3 years |
|||||
Broadband Infraco (BB)I |
Yes |
Selkirk Security services |
Provision of security services at Head Office |
R 2 440 944. 00 |
3 years |
|||
Mzuzovama (Pty) Ltd |
Provision of alarm monitoring and ad hoc call outs for emergency responses at Newcastle Point of Presence |
R 148 940. 00 |
2 years |
|||||
Nthuthuko Zulu Innovative Holdings |
|
R 20 400. 00 |
2 years |
|||||
Azifani Security and Cleaning Services |
Guarding services on emergency basis and escorting of technical employees to dangerous sites in the Northern Cape and Gauteng regions |
R 1 220 662.12 |
As and when – value is for the period 1 April 2020 to 28 February 2021 Provision of alarm monitoring and ad hoc call outs for emergency responses at Mzintlava Substation R 20 400.00 - 2 years |
|||||
National K9 Security Services |
Guarding services on emergency basis and escorting of technical employees to dangerous sites in KwaZulu-Natal |
R 572 784. 00 |
As and when – value is for the period 1 April 2020 to 28 February 2021 |
|||||
Bohlale Security Services |
Guarding services on emergency basis and escorting of technical employees to dangerous sites in the Free State |
R 208 874. 00 |
As and when – value is for the period 1 April 2020 to 28 February 2021 |
|||||
Sentech |
Yes |
Collins Sebola Financial Services (PTY) LTD JV Ramadzwi Security Services and Training Agency (PTY) |
NKP Security guards’ deployments |
R 14 532 175. 93 |
3 years |
|||
Afriguard Security Services |
Security guarding for the sites |
R 4 591 766. 81 |
2 years |
|||||
Fidelity Security Services |
Emergency security guard’s deployment due to power and RF cable theft on site |
No contract value, services charged on a month to month basis |
Month to month until new contract is set up. |
|||||
Fidelity-ADT Security Services |
Armed Response and monitoring |
R 32 905. 00 |
5 years |
|||||
Buyisa Security Services |
Guarding of the offices afterhours only and 24 hours on weekends and Holidays |
R 753 210. 36 |
3 years |
|||||
Fidelity ADT and Technical |
Armed Response and monitoring |
R 27 000. 00 |
3 years |
|||||
National Security and Fire |
Armed Response and Monitoring |
R 24 443. 64 |
3 years |
|||||
National Security and Fire |
Armed Response and Monitoring |
R 15 120. 00 |
3 years |
|||||
Red Alert (PTY) LTD |
Armed Response and Monitoring of all four areas/sites |
R 85 523. 71 |
3 years |
|||||
Harambe Technologies |
CCTV system maintenance |
R 663 964.56 |
5 years |
|||||
Craddock Sekuriteit CC |
Armed Response, monitoring and escorts to sites |
R 9 457,20 |
3 years |
|||||
SAPO |
Yes |
Fidelity Cash Solutions ** All Provinces |
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Pay point Services
|
R 825 000 000. 00 |
2 years (RFP to be issued) |
|||
Fidelity Security Services ** Gauteng |
Guarding Services
|
R 201 032 089. 00 |
5 years |
|||||
Fidelity Security Services ** Eastern Cape |
Guarding Services
|
R 81 449 264. 51 |
5 years |
|||||
Fidelity Security Services ** Western Cape |
Guarding Services
|
R 33 376 527. 70 |
5 years |
|||||
G4S ** All Provinces |
CIT Services |
R 400 447 987. 28 |
5 years (New Award pending) |
|||||
Vusela Sanmva Joint Venture ** Free State ** North West ** Kwazulu-Natal ** Northern Cape |
Guarding Services
|
R 240 656 922. 50 |
5 years |
|||||
Isidingo (UNITRADE 1047 CC) ** Western Cape |
Guarding Services
|
R 33 422 400. 00 |
5 years |
|||||
Tyeks Security Services ** Eastern Cape |
Guarding Services
|
R 59 942 143. 30 |
5 years |
|||||
Marumofase Security ** Limpopo |
Guarding Services
|
R 2 859 247. 04 |
1 year |
|||||
Ally’ s counter Force Security ** Limpopo |
Guarding Services
|
R 1 714 828. 32 |
1 year |
|||||
Clearpoint Security & Hygiene ** Mpumalanga |
Guarding Services
|
R 1 153 047. 60 |
1 year |
|||||
Sakhile Ezweni Group ** Mpumalanga |
Guarding Services
|
R 4 191 095. 23 |
1 year |
|||||
Khayalami Security ** Mpumalanga |
Guarding Services
|
R 8 667 153. 9 |
5 years |
|||||
Ndivhuwo Security Training ** Limpopo |
Guarding Services
|
R 3 302 970. 48 |
5 years |
|||||
Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) |
Yes |
PMT Security Service |
Provision of physical security services |
R 29 000 per month |
1 year |
|||
SITA |
SITA currently does not have security contracts in place for the East London, Bhisho and Port Elizabeth offices. |
SITA is receiving security services from the Landlord’s Security at East London and Bhisho that are on site. At Port Elizabeth there is currently no security on site. It is for this reason that a new Security Contract for SITA has been concluded for all 3 sites. |
SITA is not paying for security service exclusively, as it is incorporated in the lease agreements. |
We can thus not quantify any value for security service. East London Lease Term: 01 Mar 2019 to 28 Feb 2024 Port Elizabeth Lease Term: 08 Jul 2020 to 07 Jul 2021 Bhisho Lease Term: 01 Nov 2019 to 31 Oct 2024 |
||||
Bangilizwe Security Services |
Physical Building security for SITA Eastern Cape premises (East London, Gqeberha and Bhisho) |
R 475 410. 00 |
6 months |
|||||
Tyeks Security Services |
Provide guarding and security services for SITA Free State premises ( Fort Drury Building and DATA CENTRE in Bloemfontein) |
R 2 752 318. 30 |
3 years |
|||||
4B Protection Services |
Provide 24/7 Physical Security Services for SITA Gauteng premises (Erasmuskloof, Centurion, Beta and Numerus Buildings ) |
R 50 248 823. 29 |
3 years |
|||||
Sbu & Sbo Protection Services (Pty) LTD |
Provision of 24/7 Physical Security Services for SITA KZN premises (Pietermaritzburg & Durban Office) |
R 4 839 720. 07 |
3 years |
|||||
R5 Security services Pty Ltd |
Provision of physical security services for SITA Limpopo premises (Polokwane Office) |
R 2 741 598. 87 |
3 years |
|||||
Mthenjankave Security Service |
Provision of physical security service for SITA Mpumalanga premises |
R 1 495 315. 01 |
3 years |
|||||
This forms part of the Landlord (Bridge Trust) Lease agreement. The security company is CCL Services |
Provision of physical building security for SITA Northern Cape premises (Kimberley office) |
R 151 800. 00 (Only 1 day shift guard, seven days a week from 06h00 to 18h00) |
1 year |
|||||
SITA currently does not have a security contract in place as this forms part of the Landlord Lease agreement. |
Provision of security services for SITA North West premises (Mafikeng, Rustenburg and Potchefstroom) |
SITA is not paying for security service exclusively in terms of the lease agreements. |
We can thus not quantify any value in terms of security. |
The Film and Publication Board (FPB) and ZADNA do not make use of any private security firm as their offices are located at an office park which has its own security company.
15 September 2021 - NW2055
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) How has the crime stats affected the tourism trends in the Republic in the past three years and (b) what are the details of her department’s efforts to ensure that tourism is not affected by the crime trends in the Republic?
Reply:
(a) and (b)
Engagements with both trade and media in the markets indicate that crime is a factor in tourist decision making. To this end, the department working with South African Police Services put in place and implemented the Tourism Safety Strategy. However, it is encouraging that respondents to the exit survey conducted on departing inbound tourists through South African Tourism, indicate a higher level of satisfaction with the levels of safety in the country based on their experiences.
15 September 2021 - NW1854
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What is her department’s strategy in light of an imminent COVID-19 fourth wave to protect the tourism sector from further decimation?
Reply:
The department’s focus is on implementation of Norms and Standards for safe operations by the sector. The department also supports the call for South Africans to get vaccinated so that we could reach population immunity which would be a more sustainable way to mitigate against economic disruption.
15 September 2021 - NW2002
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)(a) What programmes, initiatives, streams and/or projects are available to community tourism organisations (CTOs) who would like to apply for funding at a national, provincial and local level, (b) how do CTOs apply for the specified funding opportunities and (c) on what date will the funding be made available; (2) whether all tourism (a) businesses and (b) service providers are required to register with their local CTO; if not, why not; if so, what (i) are the relevant details and (ii) legislation guides this requirement?
Reply:
1. (a) The Department of Tourism does not have programmes, initiatives, streams and/or projects regarding Community Tourism Organisations. The Department’s point of entry to community organisations is through Provincial and Local government with due recognition of the concurrency of the tourism legislative mandate
(b)– (c) Not applicable
2. (a – b) Not applicable
(i)-(ii) The Department of Tourism does not have policy and/or legislative responsibilities regarding Community Tourism Organisations. However, the department has a responsibility to reach out to tourism stakeholders at all levels, and to maintain sound intergovernmental relations by working with and through provinces and local government where appropriate. The department acknowledges concurrent legislative competence and that local govenment is responsible for the development of local tourism including matters related to community tourism organisations.
15 September 2021 - NW1914
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
With reference to his address to the nation on 16 July 2021, wherein he characterised the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng from 9 to 18 July as a popular insurrection, (a) on what ground(s) did he rely to classify the unrest as a popular insurrection and (b)(i) what are the details of the evidence that informed his decision to classify the unrest as a popular insurrection and (ii) which persons and/or entities supplied the specified evidence?
Reply:
In my address to the nation on 16 July 2021, I described the violence and destruction of the preceding days as an attempted insurrection that failed to gain popular support.
In that address I outlined some of the key features of this attempted insurrection, including:
- deliberate, coordinated and well-planned actions intended to cripple the economy, cause social instability and severely weaken – or even dislodge – the democratic state;
- the exploitation of the social and economic conditions under which many South Africans live to provoke ordinary citizens and criminal networks to engage in opportunistic acts of looting;
- economic sabotage through targeted attacks on trucks, factories, warehouses and other infrastructure necessary for the functioning of our economy and the provision of services to our people;
- attempts to inflame racial tensions and violence through social media, fake news and misinformation.
The characterisation of the unrest in these terms was based on reports and analysis received by the National Security Council, meetings with stakeholders, site visits to areas in KwaZulu-Natal affected by the violence and media reports of the events.
15 September 2021 - NW2003
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)(a) What (i) tourism intern programmes does her department currently have underway and (ii) is total number of interns in each programme and (b) how are interns allocated to projects; (2) whether a community tourism organisation (CTO) can apply for interns from the specified intern programmes; if not, why not; if so, how does a CTO apply for these interns?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) The department has an internship programme, for a 24-months period, which started in 2020.
(ii) A total of thirty-two (32) interns have been appointed into this programme.
(b) A needs analysis is done prior to the start of the internship programme. An advert clearly stipulates the fields and recruitment panels are set up to select and recommend suitable interns per field, from applications received. Mentors from each programme are identified and linked to an intern.
2. No, the departmental internship is done as a public service programme. Thus, it does not provide for organisations outside the department. Applications are done by prospective interns in their individual capacity.
(Please see below a table with the number of interns per programme)
Branch / Office |
Programme |
Number |
Ministry and Deputy Ministry |
- |
2 |
Office of the Director-General |
- |
1 |
Corporate Management |
Strategy and Operations |
2 |
Transport and Travel Services |
1 |
|
Financial Management |
3 |
|
Risk and Integrity Management |
1 |
|
Communications |
1 |
|
Legal Services |
1 |
|
Internal Audit |
1 |
|
Information Technology |
1 |
|
Human Resources Utilisation and Employee Health and Wellness |
2 |
|
Human Resources Administration and Employee Relations |
1 |
|
Tourism Sector Support Services |
Enterprise Development |
2 |
Transformation |
1 |
|
Tourism Visitor Services |
1 |
|
Responsible Tourism |
1 |
|
Tourism Incentives Programme |
1 |
|
Destination Development |
Destination Planning |
1 |
Working for Tourism |
2 |
|
Programme Coordination Unit |
1 |
|
Tourism Enhancement |
1 |
|
Tourism Policy Research and International Relations |
Research |
1 |
Knowledge Management |
1 |
|
Bilateral Relations |
1 |
|
Monitoring and Evaluation |
1 |
15 September 2021 - NW1915
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
Whether he has found that the popular insurrection was instigated by certain persons and/or factions of the African National Congress; if not, which persons and/or factions have been identified as instigators of the popular insurrection; if so, what (a) action, if any, does he intend to take against the specified instigators and (b) are the further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
Law enforcement agencies have arrested several individuals alleged to have been involved in the instigation and/or incitement of the violence that occurred in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021. These cases are now before the courts and the law must be allowed to take its course. Investigations by law enforcement agencies are ongoing. It would not be correct to pre-empt the outcome of these processes.
In addition, I have appointed a panel of experts led by Professor Sandy Africa to undertake a full analysis of the possible causes of the unrest and the response of our law enforcement agencies. I look forward to their report, which they have promised me will be ready at the end of the year.
15 September 2021 - NW1974
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)With regard to the recent murder of a female law student at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape, what appropriate steps has his department taken to create more awareness regarding gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide and the unacceptable level of occurrence in the institutions of higher education; (2) what progress has been made by tertiary institutions to adhere to the requirements and recommendations of The Policy and Strategy Framework Addressing Gender-based Violence in the Post-School Education Sector to date; (3) whether the tertiary institutions have implemented the required changes to accommodate the specified policy framework on GBV; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) is the current update?
Reply:
(1) All universities have measures in place to raise awareness and offer guidance and advice on GBV related matters. These include but are not limited to workshops or presentations during orientation weeks and during various parts of the year for students; roadshows; training; production and dissemination of brochures and other literature for the university community; and information on institutional websites. In addition to these initiatives, a large number of students have completed a curriculum on GBV prevention and mitigation via Higher Health, empowering them with knowledge and understanding of GBV and related matters. Higher Health is the Department’s implementing agency for student health, wellness and development in the post-school system.
There is a need for more comprehensive training embedded in institutional policies. The Ministerial Task Team established to advise the Minister and Department on gender- based violence and related matters, is exploring the possibility of national standards and principles about what should be included as a minimum in training sessions.
Higher Health has established relationships with campus and community radio stations to engage young students routinely on matters related to sexual and gender-based violence, and mental health as a matter of priority. There is also Higher Health's 24-hour toll-free helpline available in all 11 official languages. The line offers health, wellness and psychosocial risk assessment toolkits for early screening, empowerment and referral related to gender-based violence, mental health, HIV, TB and other matters.
(2) Following the release of the policy framework and as part of its work, the Ministerial Task Team held a series of engagements with university communities across various institutions. Amongst others, the aim was to establish how universities respond to sexual harassment and gender-based violence and harm, and what support is needed from the Department to enable the effective implementation of the policy framework.
(3) It has been established that not all universities have sufficient means to deal with GBV, and the Department and Higher Health aims to support campuses in addressing the problem. There has to be a coordinated implementation of the framework by universities through a fully coordinated national response. The Ministerial Task Team will advise on areas requiring improvement in institutional responses to gender-based violence and sexual harassment, and appropriate levels of support needed for the implementation of the national policy framework to address gender-based violence by universities.
Higher Health, through the Department, has released a set of instruments that will further strengthen the realisation of the policy framework. These instruments are directives to all institutions and management to put the necessary infrastructure towards a comprehensive response on cases of sexual and gender misconduct, rape and sexual assaults across all our campuses. The procedural guidelines and protocols on rape, code of ethics ensure that reporting of cases, disciplinary systems, safeguarding evidence, provision of rape kits, psychosocial support services and survivor-friendly infrastructure are developed across campuses.
The Department will play an oversight role, monitoring institutions to ensure that they take full responsibility for addressing GBV on their campuses.
15 September 2021 - NW1913
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
Whether there are specific conditions which must be satisfied before the National State of Disaster imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
All organs of state must develop sustainable regulatory measures for the control of COVID-19 beyond the state of disaster. Measures must be infused into policies and regulations to normalise COVID-19 preventative measures in the society.
The current measures contained in the regulations for dealing with the disaster in the context of the risk adjusted strategy remain necessary to limit the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once sustainable sectoral regulatory measures for COVID-19 response are in place or the need to invoke current extraordinary measures provided for under the state of disaster ceases, all the Regulations and Directions issued under the national state of disaster will cease to exist.
Accordingly, ongoing assessments by the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet will determine the satisfaction of conditions for terminating or allowing the state of disaster to lapse.
15 September 2021 - NW319
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
With reference to the pension of SA Post Office (SAPO) pensioner, Mr Carl Olivier, (details furnished) and the fraud committed on his account, (a) what steps have been taken to stop the fraudulent activity on Mr Olivier’s pension account, (b) what progress has been made in issuing Mr Olivier with a functional SA Social Security Agency card that will allow him to draw his pension, (c) by what date will this matter be resolved, (d) what number of other accounts have been fraudulently accessed in a manner similar to the specified person's account and (e) what steps are being taken by the SAPO to deal with the matter?
Reply:
I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:
(a) On 11/07/2020 a fraudulent reissue card was performed (Card number 4213 xxxxxx100415) at Umzinto Post Office. The account was reimbursed on the 28/09/2020.
(b)(c) Another card was issued (4213xxxxx991290) on 18/11/2020 at Halfway Post Office which has an active status on the client’s profile.
(d) SAPO did not receive any new affidavit for any other disputed amounts.
Stats below refer:
(e) The modus operandi that criminal syndicates embark on from time to time changes continually. SAPO/POSTBANK have embarked on a process of cleansing its payment system and circumventing unauthorised access.
15 September 2021 - NW1860
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)What total amount did each (a) national and (b) provincial government department spend on paying overtime to Public Service employees in the (i) 2019-20 and (ii) 2020-21 financial years; (2) Whether her department has developed norms and standards for the payment of overtime in the Public Service; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date were the norms and standards developed and (b) how often are the norms and standards (i) monitored and (ii) reviewed?
Reply:
- 1. The total overtime expenditure by provincial and national departments for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years are set out in the table below. In instances where no values are displayed, it is due to either the department splitting or merging with another/other department(s) or overtime payments not having been captured on the PERSAL system:
Department Name |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
|
Amount (R) |
Amount (R) |
||
Eastern Cape Provincial Administration |
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
1,207,384.23 |
131,393.44 |
Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism |
511,581.59 |
249,209.73 |
|
Education |
18,113,853.20 |
13,965,584.32 |
|
Health |
829,123,891.33 |
922,173,581.39 |
|
Human Settlements |
183,421.78 |
130,867.37 |
|
Office of the Premier |
959,684.20 |
155,510.05 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
65,511.58 |
5,302.19 |
|
Roads and Public Works |
1,876,901.37 |
537,655.44 |
|
Rural Development and Agrarian Reform |
4,583,294.67 |
3,966,340.06 |
|
Safety and Liaison |
956,381.49 |
191,975.32 |
|
Social Development |
3,258,168.59 |
1,348,584.50 |
|
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture |
971,988.92 |
29,116.44 |
|
Transport |
39,490,326.66 |
44,816,427.05 |
|
Free State Provincial Administration |
Agriculture |
1,406,881.16 |
1,517,070.60 |
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
27,482.18 |
326,724.86 |
|
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs |
3,686,637.87 |
1,145,811.34 |
|
Education |
6,663,922.23 |
6,077,107.86 |
|
Health |
412,804,512.48 |
448,065,887.45 |
|
Human Settlements |
919,669.23 |
282,820.62 |
|
Office of the Premier |
5,841.27 |
28,560.38 |
|
Police, Roads and Transport |
26,522,898.56 |
26,223,630.44 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
193,997.36 |
129,203.80 |
|
Public Works |
1,261,530.82 |
1,371,970.70 |
|
Social Development |
9,747,433.92 |
6,324,314.36 |
|
Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation |
1,029,939.76 |
116,687.64 |
|
Gauteng Provincial Administration |
Agriculture and Rural Development |
3,992,205.46 |
836,076.84 |
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
280,270.04 |
954,484.62 |
|
Community Safety |
26,033,682.97 |
77,501,930.44 |
|
E-Government |
4,989,355.16 |
6,067,932.15 |
|
Economic Development |
14,159.93 |
40,695.39 |
|
Education |
21,995,472.75 |
24,786,642.54 |
|
Health |
2,435,543,294.00 |
2,763,210,382.50 |
|
Human Settlements |
129,667.01 |
58,370.18 |
|
Infrastructure Development |
28,723,049.87 |
29,295,939.15 |
|
Office of the Premier |
713,338.14 |
2,973,302.02 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
441,709.44 |
256,062.17 |
|
Roads and Transport |
2,286,377.10 |
8,877,497.13 |
|
Social Development |
1,435,832.52 |
1,268,506.95 |
|
Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation |
6,240,455.90 |
706,086.43 |
|
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Administration |
Agriculture and Rural Development |
7,863,906.28 |
8,384,542.17 |
Arts and Culture |
221,106.35 |
11,173.32 |
|
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
1,130,739.09 |
563,901.35 |
|
Community Safety and Liaison |
260,549.36 |
||
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs |
1,150,064.72 |
648,309.55 |
|
Education |
45,741,563.54 |
42,181,719.06 |
|
Finance |
1,374,313.87 |
615,340.64 |
|
Health |
1,443,466,029.40 |
1,651,250,447.20 |
|
Human Settlements |
1,753,104.14 |
487,113.17 |
|
Office of the Premier |
1,133,266.41 |
1,083,368.74 |
|
Public Works |
1,273,475.07 |
671,446.33 |
|
Social Development |
4,797,599.77 |
6,104,190.08 |
|
Sport and Recreation |
3,602,378.24 |
1,135,364.42 |
|
Transport |
120,146,901.38 |
114,084,581.30 |
|
Limpopo Provincial Administration |
Agriculture and Rural Development |
10,515,966.75 |
2,981,688.70 |
Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs |
4,358,545.18 |
1,093,578.77 |
|
Community Safety |
88,452.17 |
||
Economic Development, Environment and Tourism |
21,306,916.98 |
17,419,216.45 |
|
Education |
21,490,655.33 |
12,084,855.07 |
|
Health |
912,828,046.45 |
834,820,747.92 |
|
Office of the Premier |
2,626,255.86 |
207,299.01 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
61,181.02 |
83,157.58 |
|
Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure |
5,185,352.43 |
1,313,613.05 |
|
Social Development |
644,331.84 |
171,781.02 |
|
Sport, Arts and Culture |
381,760.10 |
19,709.53 |
|
Transport and Community Safety |
134,489,211.93 |
118,715,430.12 |
|
Mpumalanga Provincial Administration |
Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs |
2,512,911.27 |
1,108,970.79 |
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
535,146.73 |
448,455.16 |
|
Community Safety, Security and Liaison |
21,406,246.29 |
27,837,333.02 |
|
Culture, Sport and Recreation |
3,558,405.69 |
1,892,291.27 |
|
Economic Development and Tourism |
786,429.45 |
8,047.20 |
|
Education |
9,496,317.00 |
10,047,619.84 |
|
Health |
425,888,487.00 |
495,675,959.89 |
|
Human Settlements |
2,742,950.17 |
1,418,061.16 |
|
Office of the Premier |
689,522.46 |
502,770.65 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
867,846.68 |
62,664.65 |
|
Public Works, Roads and Transport |
25,012,772.13 |
28,574,276.03 |
|
Social Development |
1,779,451.45 |
13,441,056.28 |
|
North West Provincial Administration |
Agriculture and Rural Development |
2,926,869.15 |
3,070,211.19 |
Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation |
280,463.39 |
496,449.11 |
|
Community Safety and Transport Management |
48,715,985.02 |
40,785,276.66 |
|
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
1,154,554.32 |
1,826,152.58 |
|
Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism |
815,951.62 |
509,190.39 |
|
Education |
12,774,961.63 |
7,752,329.84 |
|
Health |
493,620,723.57 |
648,705,462.33 |
|
Human Settlements |
29,555.38 |
||
Office of the Premier |
916,062.45 |
1,049,945.94 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
3,060,051.70 |
1,629,648.73 |
|
Public Works and Roads |
14,270,996.60 |
5,642,349.40 |
|
Social Development |
1,116,656.03 |
1,731,924.82 |
|
Northern Cape Provincial Administration |
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development |
1,419,518.86 |
751,237.42 |
Education |
4,511,565.10 |
3,364,596.93 |
|
Environment and Nature Conservation |
461,153.72 |
170,158.66 |
|
Health |
189,446,067.37 |
223,175,196.17 |
|
Office of the Premier |
891,074.34 |
549,628.18 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
64,866.20 |
||
Roads and Public Works |
1,556,828.92 |
419,632.24 |
|
Social Development |
193,823.21 |
193,274.31 |
|
Transport, Safety and Liaison |
1,630,716.95 |
3,176,554.74 |
|
Western Cape Provincial Administration |
Agriculture |
3,802,633.61 |
2,770,686.47 |
Community Safety |
1,857,729.80 |
1,460,201.91 |
|
Cultural Affairs and Sport |
1,686,526.30 |
135,725.04 |
|
Economic Development and Tourism |
131,377.14 |
174,957.97 |
|
Education |
11,463,379.32 |
5,749,486.77 |
|
Environmental Affairs and Development Planning |
326,097.58 |
63,502.19 |
|
Health |
1,157,736,241.00 |
1,243,312,634.20 |
|
Human Settlements |
5,295,675.96 |
1,742,808.98 |
|
Local Government |
943,099.21 |
851,712.07 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
669,139.26 |
389,753.04 |
|
Social Development |
8,378,531.97 |
9,032,576.23 |
|
Department of the Premier |
3,517,839.63 |
1,247,110.44 |
|
Transport and Public Works |
12,378,007.36 |
9,447,650.95 |
|
|
|||
National Departments |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
17,779,803.32 |
|
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development |
80,389,519.07 |
40,098,966.40 |
|
Basic Education |
7,897,621.06 |
5,681,828.67 |
|
Civilian Secretariat for the Police Service |
794,037.21 |
400,803.16 |
|
Communications |
541,647.64 |
||
Communications and Digital Technologies |
639,577.01 |
138,099.45 |
|
Cooperative Governance |
4,412,709.39 |
4,270,256.25 |
|
Correctional Services |
193,914,775.91 |
211,578,343.23 |
|
Economic Development |
280,232.85 |
||
Employment and Labour |
55,125,049.13 |
53,047,865.35 |
|
Energy |
612,460.36 |
||
Environment, Forestry and Fisheries |
10,565,727.39 |
12,219,404.08 |
|
Government Communication and Information System |
2,950,394.84 |
702,593.22 |
|
Health |
20,001,395.84 |
25,895,317.01 |
|
Higher Education and Training |
16,976,257.16 |
9,595,677.26 |
|
Home Affairs |
85,684,534.47 |
50,468,033.79 |
|
Human Settlements |
2,257,343.29 |
1,731,822.84 |
|
Independent Police Investigative Directorate |
1,816,320.14 |
1,339,076.49 |
|
International Relations and Cooperation |
11,755,886.85 |
8,905,729.97 |
|
Justice and Constitutional Development |
18,089,042.44 |
9,119,949.42 |
|
Military Veterans |
1,804,463.19 |
917,236.95 |
|
Mineral Resources and Energy |
4,878,887.82 |
2,823,676.98 |
|
National School of Government |
225,216.84 |
14,284.23 |
|
National Treasury |
16,347,923.84 |
3,179,421.72 |
|
Office of the Chief Justice |
2,194,424.04 |
856,071.81 |
|
Office of the Public Service Commission |
380,286.14 |
118,374.03 |
|
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation |
1,099,056.25 |
408,591.27 |
|
Police |
1,058,957,936.40 |
703,439,233.53 |
|
Public Enterprises |
633,577.65 |
54,097.31 |
|
Public Service and Administration |
1,182,159.50 |
941,606.03 |
|
Public Works and Infrastructure |
41,830,007.47 |
22,785,119.14 |
|
Science and Innovation |
634,812.48 |
176,458.79 |
|
Small Business Development |
258,870.39 |
80,442.36 |
|
Social Development |
3,978,318.46 |
5,318,308.53 |
|
Sport and Recreation South Africa |
740,229.15 |
||
Sport, Arts and Culture |
2,211,959.45 |
1,123,723.21 |
|
Statistics South Africa |
1,750,411.32 |
1,208,001.54 |
|
The Presidency |
11,214,516.50 |
4,723,079.39 |
|
Tourism |
711,130.74 |
1,497,175.97 |
|
Trade, Industry and Competition |
1,058,217.03 |
282,276.81 |
|
Traditional Affairs |
550,756.28 |
23,888.86 |
|
Transport |
3,285,644.20 |
2,572,738.80 |
|
Water and Sanitation |
33,960,826.74 |
31,247,215.11 |
|
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities |
190,896.72 |
44,683.56 |
Data Source: PERSAL
Compile by the DPSA
Excludes Defence and the State Security Agency
1. Overtime work is informed by the service delivery requirements of a department. Hence, Regulation 49 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016 requires that a department must have an approved overtime policy in place. The said departmental overtime policy must be in keeping with the overarching policy requirements set out in the Public Service Regulations, 2016, applicable collective agreements and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997, as amended.
a) The overarching policy requirements were established with the introduction of the Public Service Regulatory Framework in 1999 and the conclusion of Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 3 of 1999.
b) The said policy requirements are reviewed as and when required, for example, with the introduction of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997, as amended, in the Public Service in July 2000 and with the promulgation of the 2016 Public Service Regulations. The applicable Regulation is currently being reviewed.
End
15 September 2021 - NW1782
Holomisa, Mr BH to ask the President of the Republic
(1)Whether he was satisfied that when he instructed that a certain person (name and details furnished) should be placed under precautionary suspension, based on adverse findings of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) in an audit of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 financial years of the National Skills Fund that any other officials, including the specified person, as the Accounting Authority, had not been coerced, forced and/or given any political directives which led to the irregularities and/or qualified opinion(s); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any other government (a) departments and (b) organisations such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, sector education and training authorities, and/or state-owned enterprises have received qualified audits from the AGSA in the past five financial years, where the Accounting Authority of any such department and/or organisation was placed under precautionary suspension by (i) him and/or (ii) a Minister; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, which government (aa) departments and/or (bb) organisations; (3) whether any investigations were conducted into government (a) departments and/or (b) organisations that (i) he and/or (ii) any of his Ministers placed under precautionary suspension; if not, why not; if so, what were the broad outcomes of such investigations?
Reply:
The President of the Republic of South Africa has in terms of section 42A(3) of the Public Service Act,1994 (Proclamation 103 of 1994) delegated powers to the Minister of Home Affairs to deal with the possible precautionary suspension of the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Mr Qwebinkundla Qonde. This arises from adverse audit findings made by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) in an audit of the financial years 2018/19 and 2019/2020 of the National Skills Fund, where the DG is an Accounting Authority.
The DG, as required by the law, was afforded an opportunity to make representations before the decision could be taken on the matter. After considering the entire case, he was put on precautionary suspension to pave the way for the forensic investigations to be conducted without any form of disturbance or interference. It is important to note that each case needs to be considered on its own facts.
In terms of the Public Service Act and the PFMA the relevant and responsible Ministers are in a position to respond to the Ministry-specific questions. Furthermore, questions related to the Auditor-General can be posed directly to the Auditor-General as the Auditor-General is accountable to Parliament.
15 September 2021 - NW539
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether the SA Post Office offers a registered email communication and/or registered SMS service to its customers; if not, why not; if so, (a) what IT system/supplier is being used to provide this service, (b) on what date was the service procured, (c) at what cost was the service procured and (d) what are the full details of the relevant tender?
Reply:
I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:
Yes, the South African Post Office does offer registered digital communication. There is one system in operation, namely:
(a) Registered electronic mail system on RiPoste TrEx from Escher Group (IRL) Ltd;
b) SAPO entered into the Escher contract on 29 November 2013 and a modification was done on 27 June 2016. The original design of the service was one sender to one recipient. One sales engagement with customers, it became clear that customers were looking for an automated system to cater for one sender to many recipients (bulk). The cost of the modification amounted to R17 398.00.
c) The original cost was R 8 512 830.00. The maintenance cost amounted to R677 988.00 per quarter. SAPO has not paid maintenance for nine quarters due to the process of changing hosting providers. However, SAPO does not anticipate the need to pay outstanding maintenance costs.
d) The registered electronic mail system was concluded on agreement number 4600000491. The tender number was RFP No 03 E Registered Mail 12/13/HM. There was no tender conducted for the revenue sharing concept, it followed an investment procedure. The SAPO/Service Provider Agreement; SAPO Limited Bidding Document; and e-Registered Mail Statement of Work Agreement is attached as Annexures B1, B2 and B3 respectively.
15 September 2021 - NW1861
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)Whether her department has developed a policy on the payment of overtime in the Public Service; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date was the policy developed and (b) how often is it monitored and reviewed, (2) Whether her department monitors the payment of overtime in the Public Service; if not, why not; if so, how often does her department monitor the payment of overtime in the Public Service?
Reply:
1. Overtime work is informed by the service delivery requirements of a department. Hence, Regulation 49 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016 requires that a department must have an approved overtime policy in place. The said departmental overtime policy must be in keeping with the overarching policy requirements set out in the Public Service Regulations, 2016, applicable collective agreements and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997, as amended.
a) The overarching policy requirements were established with the introduction of the Public Service Regulatory Framework in 1999 and the conclusion of Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 3 of 1999.
b) The said policy requirements are reviewed as and when required, for example, with the introduction of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997, as amended, in the Public Service in July 2000 and with the promulgation of the 2016 Public Service Regulations. The applicable Regulation is currently being reviewed.
2. Overtime payments are a function located in departments through the PERSAL system. The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) does not have access to, and control over the payment function taking place in departments. However, the DPSA from time to time does extract data on overtime from PERSAL and analyse the overtime expenditure in the Public Service. This analysis is used to engage with departments to ensure compliance with Public Service Regulations, 2016 including on the proper alignment of departmental structures to service delivery requirements. Since 2020, the DPSA has held regular meetings with departments that have been found to be non-compliant with applicable regulations and technical support has been provided to improve compliance.
End
15 September 2021 - NW2004
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether there is funding available from her department for community tourism organisations (CTOs) in rural areas as part of her department’s initiative to promote tourism in villages, towns and small dorpies (VTSDs); if not, how does her department plan to promote tourism in VTSDs without empowering local CTOs; if so, (a) how and (b) what criteria apply to CTOs in rural areas when they apply for funding as part of her department’s initiative to promote VTSDs?
Reply:
(a) and (b)
Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs) are independent associations based on voluntary participation by their membership. The organisations are responsible for their own operations including financial aspects thereof. The Department of Tourism does not fund CTOs. The work of the department is guided by the Annual Performance Plan wherein all the details are provided.
15 September 2021 - NW1946
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Tourism
What are the names of the beneficiaries of the COVID-19 Relief Fund who are residing in (a) villages, (b) townships and/or (c) small towns?
Reply:
The Honourable member is referred to the Department of Tourism’s website where a list of all beneficiaries of the Tourism Relief Fund is published. The Honourable member is also referred to responses to Parliamentary Question (NA) 219 of 15 June 2020 and PQ 197 (NCOP) of 5 June 2020. Below is link to the Department’s website to access the list of beneficiaries:
13 September 2021 - NW2056
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the fact that the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s acknowledgment of a backlog of 500 000 licences waiting in the system among other licence-related challenges such as renewals, (a) what is his department’s position on the suggestion to allow the renewal of licences over the weekend and after-hours until the backlog is resolved and (b) how best does his department intend to deal with licence-related challenges, especially in Gauteng?
Reply:
a) In 7 of the 9 provinces affected by the backlog, working hours have been extended including operations on Saturdays. Challenges relating to overtime is preventing the extension of operating hours in some provinces.
b) The department has extended the validity and grace period of all learner’s licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expire during the period that commenced from 26 March up and including 31 August 2021 to 31 March 2022l.
Considering that Gauteng poses the biggest challenge due to the large population of motorists and the fact that it remains the only province that has extensively deployed the online booking system, an email service for Gauteng users who experience difficulties with online bookings and renewing their licences has been activated.
Processes are underway to introduce online payments.
The RTMC is in discussions with the Health Professions Council of South Africa to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding which will allow motorists to make use of private optometrists who will have the authority to upload eye test results directly to the Natis system.
The interface of live enrolment units with home affairs has been completed. This will enable immediate validation of the fingerprints and reduce delays.
A process to deploy new Natis end-user equipment in all provinces has started.
The RTMC is opening additional DLTCs with more staff working from 7 in the morning and ending at 9 at night for seven days a week. This initiative will increase the capacity in Gauteng by 30%. The initiative can be deployed nationally in consultation with the MECs concerned
A new DLTC in Tembisa has opened its doors.
Two busses have been fitted with state of the art equipment to serve as mobile centres to assist with licence renewals
Two self-service kiosk are being prepared for testing and should be rolled out by October 2021.
13 September 2021 - NW2084
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether, given that in 2021 the National Research Foundation (NRF) introduced new funding criteria and processes for the funding of master’s students and doctoral candidates for part and full cost of study, and in view of the fact that the specified processes have made it difficult for such students and candidates to receive their funding on time and thus frustrating higher learning and research, his department has adopted any urgent processes to ensure that the NRF pays out the funds for the master’s students and doctoral candidates within 2021 before some of them finish their studies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 2) whether his department is taking any steps to ensure that the NRF criteria and processes of paying out funds due to eligible master’s students and doctoral candidates in 2022 is improved, so that they receive the funding on time; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. In December 2020, the NRF communicated the funding outcomes for new successful masters and doctoral student applications for the 2021 academic year, including the extension support for masters and doctoral studies who would have completed in 2020 but were impacted negatively by the Covid-19 lockdowns. In March 2021, additional awards for extension support were made following the DSI approval of R9,08 million of reprioritised funds to award additional masters and doctoral extension support funding for the 2021 academic year. The deadline date for the submission of honours applications was extended to March 2021 to accommodate universities whose academic years have been extended due to the Covid-9 lockdown. Between April 2021 and May 2021 all honours awards had been concluded and communicated.
Successful applicants received their provisional award letters for postgraduate funding from the NRF and were required to submit the signed Conditions of Grants (CoGs), together with the proof of registration to the NRF, for the funds to be released to the university. Delays in the release of funding by the NRF were due to delays in the submission of the signed CoGs, and proof of registration. The Department has duly instructed the NRF to maintain constant communication with the universities’ Research Offices to facilitate the submission of outstanding documentation, by the universities to the NRF, to enable the release of outstanding funds within this year and before some of the students finish their studies.
In order to manage cash-flow, the universities have a grant deposit from the NRF which is used to pay out funds to postgraduate students and other grantholders. The grant deposit ensures the availability of funds at the university to honour grant payments and is replenished as the university invoices the NRF on grant expenditure.
2. Between 2017 and 2019 the NRF entered into a phase of preparing for the implementation of the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Funding Policy and held numerous engagements with the university stakeholder community. In 2020 and 2021, the NRF continued to hold virtual engagements with all 26 universities to ensure alignment with the implementation plan of the policy and to address challenges experienced by stakeholders. It must be noted that the start of the implementation of the policy coincided with the start of the COVID-19 related national lockdown and this may have impacted on the readiness of institutions to implement the new Full Cost of Study (FCS) and Partial Cost of Study (PCS) Funding.
The DSI has requested the NRF to engage further with the universities to streamline the payment processes in the 2022 academic year. Towards this goal/end, the NRF has made and authorised the following adjustments in relation to improving the payment processes for the 2021 academic year:
Accredited private rental accommodation - The NRF has taken note of the challenges relating to the requirement for universities to accredit all private rental accommodation occupied by postgraduate students and has therefore taken the decision to rescind the requirement for ‘accredited accommodation.’ The NRF is considering the option of setting regional accommodation allowances which could eliminate the need for a valid lease agreement for the private rental accommodation.
Payment of allowances to students - In order to be audit compliant, payments for allowances will be made either on a monthly or quarterly basis to students. The quarterly provision is made to accommodate institutions that have not as yet implemented systems and processes for monthly payments of student allowances.
Payments may be made according to the semester of registration – The NRF has provided clarity to the universities relating to this matter. If the student registered in the first half of the year (first semester), regardless of the month of registration, and is registered for the full year, the student is eligible for the full year scholarship which must be made available to the student. Likewise, if the student registers in the second half of the year (second semester), only half the scholarship may be made available for the 2021 academic year. The payment rules for each of the allowances still apply.
Payment of allowance for electronic study device – The NRF has provided clarity to the institutions relating to this matter. The institution and the NRF will not require quotations or proof of purchase for the electronic study device allowance. The allowance will be made available only once irrespective of whether the student receives NRF funding for a further postgraduate degree(s).
13 September 2021 - NW2174
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the Chief Director for Roads in the North West, who has been suspended and the matter not yet finalised for four years since suspension, on what date will he or his department finalise the matter?
Reply:
The matter was referred to the Section 100 Administrator for the North West Department of Public Works& Roads and he confirmed that the suspension of the Chief Director for Roads in North West has been finalized and he was dismissed from Public Service on 29 November 2019. This matter is currently before the General Public Service Sectoral Bargaining Council as he is challenging his dismissal.
13 September 2021 - NW2120
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), (a) at which South African airports have the Instrument Landing Systems (ALS) not been operational and/or switched off in the period 1 January 2020 to 15 August 2021, (b) on what dates were the systems not operating, (c) what are the reasons that the systems were not operating, (d) what are the relevant details of the persons who have been held accountable for the systems not being operational, (e) what are the reasons that no person has been held accountable, (f) what are the relevant details of the persons and/or entities who were responsible for the maintenance of the ALS during the specified period and (g) what are the relevant details of the persons and/or entities who have been responsible for the maintenance of the ALS as at 15 August 2021?
Reply:
The SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), (a) During the period 01 January 2020 and 15 August 2021 the following Instrument Landing Systems were switched off / were non-operational:
(a) Station |
Facility |
Description |
(b) Unserviceable Dates |
(b) Serviceable Dates |
(c) Reasons why the systems were not operating. |
(d) (e) Details of the persons who have been held accountable for the systems not being operational |
(f) (g) what are the relevant details of the persons and/or entities who were responsible for the maintenance of the ALS during the specified period |
FAPP |
ILS |
FAPP ILS RWY |
August 2020 |
N/A |
System unserviceable |
Airport Management |
The maintenance of ILS facilities is the responsibility of the airport management. |
FAKN |
ILS |
KMIA ILS RWY 05 |
29-30 March 2021 |
31-Mar-21 |
25 days extension expired |
The SACAA Flight Inspection Unit aircraft crashed on 23 January 2020 and the organisation went on a tender to source a service provider to conduct the calibration for its clients. The tender was approved, and an SLA signed in April 2020. The service provider appointed sub-contracted equipment and crew from a European company. Due to Covid-19 the service provider could not reposition the aircraft from Europe to South Africa due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. There were delays in obtaining a Foreign Operator Permit from the Air Service Licencing Council due to the Covid-19 outbreak. All the major airports are equipped with modern based technology such as GNSS and RNAV approaches, in addition to the standard VOR approaches. So, being without an ILS doesn’t leave an airport stranded with traffic that cannot land in bad weather. They can also use the GNSS/RNAV approaches to achieve the same effect. At the time of submitting this report all ILSes were operational and within the regulated parameters except for those where the owners opted not to calibrate. |
|
FALA |
ILS |
Lanseria ILS RWY 05 |
27-Mar-21 |
18-May-21 |
FALA Airport closed down due travel restriction |
||
FAOR |
ILS 03R |
OR Tambo ILS 03R |
10-Aug-20 |
22-Aug-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
||
ILS 21L |
OR Tambo ILS 21L |
10-Aug-20 |
23-Aug-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
|||
ILS 03L |
OR Tambo ILS 03L |
10-May-21 |
11-May-21 |
Exemption not yet granted |
|||
ILS 21R |
OR Tambo ILS 21R |
10-May-21 |
11-May-21 |
Exemption not yet granted |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
FACT |
ILS 19 |
Cape Town ILS 19 |
13-Aug-20 |
25-Aug-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
||
ILS 01 |
Cape Town ILS 01 |
13-Aug-20 |
26-Aug-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
FALE |
ILS 06 |
King Shaka ILS 06 |
06-May-20 |
02-Sep-20 |
Maintenance failure that needed flight calibrations resulting in the equipment NOTAM'd off air |
||
ILS 24 |
King Shaka ILS 24 |
02-Jul-20 |
31-Aug-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
FAEL |
ILS 29 |
East London ILS |
16-Aug-20 |
12-Sep-20 |
Exemption Not Granted |
||
ILS 11 |
East London ILS |
16-Aug-20 |
11-Sep-20 |
Exemption Not Granted |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
FAPE |
ILS 08 |
Port Elizabeth ILS 08 |
18-Aug-20 |
14-Sep-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
||
ILS 26 |
Port Elizabeth ILS 26 |
18-Aug-20 |
28-Sep-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
FAGG |
ILS |
George ILS 11 |
10-Jul-20 |
29-Aug-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
||
ILS |
George ILS 29 |
10-Jul-20 |
28-Aug-20 |
Exemption Period Lapsed |
13 September 2021 - NW2176
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What measures does he have in place to cut the reliance on the State Information Technology Agency and secure an efficient IT system for Home Affairs offices, since his department is still failing to mitigate the situation of long standing queues?
Reply:
1. The Department is in the process of evaluating its internal skills with a view to creating the necessary capacity for its work.
2. A review of its enterprise architecture is also underway. This will allow it to better plan its systems in line with the Government Wide Enterprise Architecture framework while pointing out areas where dependency on SITA can be managed
3. In addition, the Department has had an Executive Engagement with SITA, and the following interventions are currently in the pipeline:
- SITA’s proposal for an upgrade to Gold or Platinum will be tested through a proof of concept.
- Go to Market Strategy for Access Link – The implementation of a strategy wherein DHA has access to a localised pool of pre-approved service providers wherein a procurement of a connectivity service can be expedited without the onerous procurement processes has long been awaited by DHA. SITA’s promise to implement in early 2022/23 will be closely monitored and reported upon.
- SITA Strategy and Investment Plan for Uninterruptible Networks - SITA submitted a proposal to DHA that required a financial investment by DHA to the tune of R700m, whilst the Plan may not have been wholly accepted by DHA, the following critical parts of the Plan are being implemented by SITA and DHA:
- Upgrade and maintenance of the dilapidated network equipment (routers and switches) - DHA.
- Upgrade of SITA Switching Centres – SITA.
- Expansion of SITA Core Network to reduce regional network outages – SITA.
END
13 September 2021 - NW2137
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) In view of the fact that the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, signed a Border Management Authority (BMA) Commencement Proclamation in December 2020, which only allowed for the appointment of a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners for the BMA, on what date will the section 97 Presidential Proclamation be signed to transfer relevant border law enforcement functions to his portfolio; (2) What deadline has been given for the current draft proclamation to be revised to remove reference to identified pieces of legislation which pose challenges to some departments; (3) GIven that the President in his 2021 State of the Nation Address committed to fast-track the implementation and capacitation of the BMA to curb illegal immigration and cross-border crime, what is the deadline envisaged for the operationalisation of the entire BMA Act, Act 2 of 2020?
Reply:
1. The draft Proclamation in terms of section 97 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the “Constitution”), to transfer functions from relevant Organs of State, has been drafted and being consulted on with the said relevant Organs of State. Once there is concurrence on the contents of the Proclamation, the draft Proclamation will be forwarded to the Presidency for the President to approve same. Thereafter, the Department will cause the Proclamation to be gazetted.
2. The current draft Proclamation, in terms of section 97 of the Constitution has been revised to remove legislation that affects SARS-Custom and the SANDF. The Department is currently undergoing consultations with organs of state as required by the requisite processes and they have undertaken to provide such feedback by no later than 10 September 2021.
3. The establishment of the BMA in South Africa is an unprecedented “Whole-of-Government” endeavour led by the Presidency and guided by the Department of Public Service and Administration, and the National Treasury in terms of the Public Service Act, the Public Finance Management Act and the National Macro-Organization of Government (NMOG)principles.
The operationalization of the BMA Act involves multiple Organs of State, and complex regulatory, legislative, staffing, budgeting and funding processes; and as such, the BMA Act, 2020 will be operationalized in an incremental manner over a ten (10) year period ending in 2030.
END
13 September 2021 - NW2188
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he plans to open a technical vocational educational and training college in oPhongolo, Northern KwaZulu-Natal; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department has no plans to open a Technical and Vocational Education and Training College in ePhongolo.
13 September 2021 - NW2172
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the fact that the roads in the (a) Molelema and (b) Matsheng villages under Greater Taung Local Municipality in the North West are in a state of serious deterioration, what is the cause for the delay by his department in finalising the construction of the Matsheng-Molelema Road after a contractor was appointed as constructions have been halted for a year now?
Reply:
The matter was queried with the North West Department of Public Works and Roads and the Administrator has indicated that there are disputes that are being handled in court and committed that the Department will maintain the roads until the litigation processes are complete as to ensure trafficability and safe condition of the road for commuters. Upon completion of the Legal processes, Department will expedite procurement processes as to ensure completion of all the outstanding work.
13 September 2021 - NW2034
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the Public Transport Network Grant, (a) what exactly is the grant money for, (b) is there a contract with his department for the grants, (c) what proportion of the grants are allocated to capital expenditure and (d) what is the total breakdown of all capital expenditure for each of the five phases up to and including completion; (2) What was the exact (a) operating costs, (b) fare income and (c) council funding for each specific cost including operational in the (i) 2016-17, (ii) 2017-18, (iii) 2018-19 and (iv) 2019-20 financial years?
Reply:
1. Public Transport Network Grant
a) The Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) is a Division of Revenue Act (DoRA) schedule 5B conditional Grant allocation;
To provide funding for accelerated construction and improvement of public and non-motorised transport infrastructure that form part of a municipal Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) and to support the planning, regulation, control, management and operations of fiscally and financially sustainable municipal public transport network services.
b) The PTNG allocations are subsequently appropriated to municipalities that submit business plans with associated expenditure estimates per Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, wherein the 1st year of the MTEF reflects an actual appropriation whilst the 2 outer years are indicative allocations.
The allocation is governed by the Public Transport Network Grant Framework that is published with the annual Division of Revenue Act.
c)Infrastructure allocations:
Items |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
Infrastructure component: Ekurhuleni |
R 450 m |
R 581 m |
R 478 m |
R 413 m |
R 289 m |
d) Capital expenditure for each of the five phases.
See table below. The initial costing of the system was based on build first and operate later approach whereby all corridors will be developed with dedicated bus lanes, however this approach is being reviewed and a financially contained approach will be implemented for future phases.
The total costs to date on Phase 1 are R 2 2290 mil. Due to a scaling down to now operate first and built later strategy, the infrastructure expenditure has been reduced for the next few years and for future phases. The estimates for the future phases are high-level and more accurate estimates will be developed during the design stage of each phase.
The NDoT will continue to work with the City to reduce costs, ramp up operations faster and increase fare revenue while reducing operating deficits.
It must be noted that the City is still operating a starter pilot service since November 2017 and therefore it is operating sub optimally and should have scaled up to a fully fledged service by July 2019.
Phase |
Phase 1 |
Phase 2 |
Phase 3 |
Phase 4 |
Phase 5 |
|
Total |
|||
Corridor |
2 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
7 |
6 |
|||
|
|
|||||||||
Financial Year |
2021/22 |
191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
191 |
|
2022/23 |
330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
330 |
||
2023/24 |
385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
385 |
||
2024/25 |
421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
421 |
||
2025/26 |
439 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
439 |
||
2026/27 |
92 |
391 |
|
|
|
|
|
483 |
||
2027/28 |
|
430 |
|
|
|
|
|
430 |
||
2028/29 |
|
473 |
|
|
|
|
|
473 |
||
2030/31 |
|
284 |
407 |
|
|
|
|
691 |
||
2032/33 |
|
170 |
428 |
221 |
|
|
|
819 |
||
2033/34 |
|
|
470 |
199 |
|
|
|
669 |
||
2034/35 |
|
|
376 |
219 |
|
|
|
595 |
||
2035/36 |
|
|
263 |
131 |
350 |
|
|
745 |
||
2036/37 |
|
|
|
144 |
385 |
271 |
|
801 |
||
2037/38 |
|
|
|
|
424 |
298 |
|
722 |
||
2038/39 |
|
|
|
|
466 |
328 |
|
794 |
||
2039/40 |
|
|
|
|
513 |
361 |
|
874 |
||
2041/42 |
|
|
|
|
|
397 |
348 |
745 |
||
2042/43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
383 |
383 |
||
2043/44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
422 |
422 |
||
2044/45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
464 |
464 |
(2) What was the exact (a) operating costs, (b) fare income and (c) council funding for each specific cost including operational in the (i) 2016-17, (ii) 2017-18, (iii) 2018-19 and (iv) 2019-20 financial years?
Items |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
Operations Cost |
R0 |
R119,2m |
R126,7m |
R168,4m |
R232,2m |
Fare Income |
R0 |
R0,33m |
R4,7m |
R8,1m |
R8,5m |
Council Funding |
R0 |
R0 |
R0 |
R0 |
R0 |