Questions and Replies
02 September 2021 - NW1804
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
What is the current operational status of Ketlaphela Pharmaceuticals?
Reply:
Ketlaphela SOC Ltd was established as a subsidiary of Pelchem SOC, a subsidiary of South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. These SOCs are part of the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The Department of Health is not the responsible Department for Ketlaphela, the Department can therefore not comment on the current operational status.
END.
02 September 2021 - NW1522
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department made any payments to a certain company (name furnished) to co-ordinate its media appearances and interviews relating to the COVID-19 global pandemic and/or any other subject matter and/or function; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the full, relevant details and (b) is the total breakdown of the payments made in each specified case?
Reply:
Yes, the Department did make payments to Digital Vibes.
a) Digital Vibes was appointed on the 15th of November 2019 through a deviation process, which was approved by National Treasury, to provide communication services in relation to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill as released by the Cabinet for Parliament consideration. On the 25th of March 2020, the Department extended the scope of work of Digital Vibes to include Covid-19. This was done in accordance with the Emergency Procurement rules issued by National Treasury for COVID-19 Procurement.
b) The following table reflects the details in this regard.
END.
02 September 2021 - NW1802
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) is the current status of vaccine availability in the Republic, (b)(i) total number of vaccines are being used and (ii) from which companies and (c) is the current status for approving the (i) Sinovac and (ii) Sputnik V vaccines?
Reply:
a) Covid-19 Vaccines are widely available across all provinces and there are vaccination sites, fixed or mobile in every local municipal area.
b) (i) Two vaccines are presently in daily use
(ii) Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson
c) (i) Sinovac has been conditionally approved by SAHPRA for use in adults. The conditions primarily relate to evidence of efficacy and safety for use in people with HIV & AIDS and evidence of efficacy against Delta variant in a real-life setting (not laboratory Based). The NDOH has conducted an economic assessment and is presently engaged in the preparatory procurement process to obtain a price and availability information from the applicant.
(ii) The regulator has received two applications for Sputnik V vaccine but neither has been approved for use yet..
END.
02 September 2021 - NW1793
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, in light of a case opened for theft of items estimated at R200 000 at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, he will furnish Ms M D Hlengwa with reasons on how some fire doors were left unguarded when an amount of more than R3 million is being spent on security detail each month at the specified hospital; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the relevant security company is being held liable for the theft; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether there is camera surveillance that can aid with the investigation, given that R450 000 is spent on electronic surveillance each month; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The Gauteng Health Department reported that immediately after the fire, the City of Johannesburg inspected the facility and found out that the hospital was not compliant in several aspects. The hospital has more than 1500 fire doors, which are at the back of the wards and lead to the fire escape routes. The hospital had to remove burglar doors next to the fire doors and this meant wards were left with no protection on access to the wards. This meant that the risk of criminals entering the wards was high in the wards using the back side of the wards without being detected. Plans are in place to review different options of securing the units without compromising fire regulations policies, including extending the CCTV installation to the fire escape routes.
(2) The hospital entered into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the security company. The SLA under schedule of penalties give guidance to parties on handling of violations to any terms contained in the agreement. It has been difficult to apportion the liability to the security company as all hospital staff had to vacate the building due to the uncertainty on the safety of the building, including security personnel.
During the temporary closure of the hospital, the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) took advantage of the situation and invited contractors to do fire remedial work and some maintenance work in the wards. This meant that the hospital had several contractors on site.
(3) Most of the hospital walkways are covered by camera surveillance except for the fire escape routes as per a response to question number 1. The fire escape routes did not have CCTV coverage, they had bugler proofs. As a result, it was not possible to review that footage in the areas where equipment was stolen.
The monthly payment of R450 000 is for repairs and maintenance of CCTV equipment. The monitoring/surveillance of cameras is done by physical security.
CCTV’s have assisted before in identifying and investigation of criminal activities within the hospital. Where criminals are identified the hospital submitted footage to SAPS and had successful prosecutions before. It is for this reason, that the hospital is now exploring the latest technology to have surveillance in fire escape routes.
END.
02 September 2021 - NW1794
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, with reference to reports that the Delta variant has affected a lot of children in the United States of America resulting in overcrowded paediatric wards, his department has made the relevant preparations to ensure that the Republic does not face a similar predicament; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details?
Reply:
According to the reports from the DATCOV, in South Africa, children make up a smaller proportion of those tested for SARS-CoV-2, confirmed cases, hospital admissions and in-hospital deaths, despite comprising 37% of the population. The picture here below shows the low rate of infections among children including the data for the third wave, which is why the department has adopted an attitude of alert and caution on the infection and admission rate of children.
Figure 1: Incidence risk of SARS-CoV-2 cases per 100,000 persons, by age group and epidemiologic week, South Africa, 5 March 2020-14 August 2021
Hospital admissions
The records from the DATCOV show that Covid-19 hospitalisation rate is low among children in all three waves, compared to adults. However there was a 44% increase in admissions in children <19 years, in 3rd wave compared to the 1st wave peak. Among individuals under 19 years, the highest rate of hospitalization is in children < 1 year. The reasons for this increased admission is likely testing for non-COVID indications, because clinicians were likely admitting them as a precaution in this younger population group.
Figure 2: Incidence risk of COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 persons, by age group and epidemiologic week, South Africa, 5 March 2020-14 August 2021
Although there have been slightly more children admitted during the third wave compared to the first, the delta virus doesn't seem to be causing more severe infections in children. It is for this reason that it is unlikely that paediatric hospital bed capacity and critical care capacity will be overwhelmed as has been seen in adults.
Despite these low numbers, the health system has made adequate provision for the increased hospitalisations for all age groups during all various waves of Covid-19 pandemic. With the information having come to our attention, the health system will pay special attention to this possibility during the review of the implementation of the third wave resurgence plans, which will include planning for the fourth wave.
Of the 11 129 COVID-19-associated admissions among individuals aged ≤19 years, 688 (6.2%) were admitted into ICU and 252 (2.3%) were ventilated at some point during admission. Children are generally managed in line with the guidelines on Covid in Children contained in the National Essential Medicine List Standard Treatment Guidelines. A more detailed guideline (Managing Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa: A clinical guide for health workers and clinical managers) provides additional detail. Children and adolescents with mild disease should be managed at home, whilst those with moderate or severe disease should be admitted in the health facilities. From the previous waves, it has been shown that children and adolescents rarely required admission to ICU.
The public sector has approximately 11,000 paediatric beds and 3,000 neonatal beds (DHIS data). To date there has been sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional workload resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Adolescent beds are generally only available in central hospitals, with the result that many adolescents are cared for in adult wards in most hospitals, which are in good supply. Whilst the number of adolescents requiring admission and ICU care in particular remains small, these numbers have been included when planning for surge capacity during all waves.
Afrox, as the service provider for oxygen supply and support, has made provision for all means of supply ranging from different kinds of cylinders to the reticulated bulk oxygen supply. This includes coverage of paediatrics wards.
END.
02 September 2021 - NW1781
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the (a) state of readiness of the Government’s facilities regarding the cold chain of COVID-19 vaccines and (b) role and responsibilities of the specified facilities; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. (a) Government facilities providing services for childhood vaccination programmes already had cold chain capacity before COVID-19. As a result of the oral polio vaccine program in the country, most public health care establishments already have -20-degree storage capacity plus 2-8 degree storage. A cold chain audit has further assisted in informing procurement of equipment in the provinces. Provincial procurement processes have already taken place.
(b) Roles and responsibilities must be in line with the Rules relating to Good Pharmacy Practice published in terms of the Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974. All sites that store COVID-19 vaccines must have contingency plans to manage power failures, equipment breakdowns, or cold chain breaches.
- Store the vaccine in a purpose-built vaccine refrigerator.
- Ensure that sufficient cold chain capacity is available for all thermolabile medicines stocked, including Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Products must be stored in a temperature-regulated environment as per the manufacturer's product recommendations.
- Enough refrigerator capacity should be available to allow orderly arrangement and air circulation.
- WHO-approved/compliant continuous temperature recording devices must be installed.
- Regardless of the system used, the temperature should be monitored physically twice daily.
- The cold storage area or refrigerator must be connected to a standby generator.
- The devices must be connected to an alarm and/or warning system in the event of a power failure or other events that may lead to temperature excursions.
2. Yes.
END.
02 September 2021 - NW1805
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) is the updated number in her department of learners who have dropped out of school from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to date and (b) measures has she taken to ensure that those learners return to school?
Reply:
(a) Provinces are verifying data on the drop-out rate, since learners returned to school in the third term. The verification process has to be carefully executed for a number of reasons, so that learners are not counted as drop-outs, when that is not the case. Some schools follow a weekly rotation timetabling; learner attendance is marked when it is a learner's turn to come to school. In some cases, learners are absent for an extended period of time, and this may erroneously be interpreted as a drop-out. Some learners are physically at school, but are either learning virtually from home or are participating in home education programmes. As provinces are verifying learner drop-out statistics, they need to consider these issues, which may be construed as drop-out.
(b) Strategies to get all learners back to school include schools supported by districts; and following-up on learners who have not returned to schools. This includes engaging with parents or caregivers to address the issues that result in learners not going to school. To minimise learner drop-out, at the national level, the Quality of Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) is the most effective instrument that is being used, to engage with all relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to parents, schools and local authorities.
02 September 2021 - NW1779
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health
(1)With regard to the vaccine online registration system, also known as the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), what has he found are the reasons that on 2 May 2021 it was reported that only 500 000 South Africans above the age of 60, out of a group of 5 million persons in this specific age group, have so far registered to be vaccinated; (2) how can persons who are not equipped to register online be assisted by Government to enable them to register on the EVDS system; (3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. The reference date of 2 May 2021 was before the start of the National Vaccination rollout programme on the 17 May 2021. As of 31 August 2021, at 14h50 a total of 3,567,652 individuals older than 60 had registered for vaccination on the EVDS;
2. The response is as follows:
- There are three options to self-register at no cost to the individual namely:
-
-
- Through the internet at vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za
- Through WhatsApp by sending a Whatsapp Message – Register to 0600123456
- Through USSD by dialling *134*832#
-
Two options for assisted registration exist namely:
- Registration points at vaccination sites
- Dial the National Call Centre Toll free numbers 0800029999, the call centres agents will assist the individual to register while on the call.
3. Yes.
END.
01 September 2021 - NW1916
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police
What total number of murder cases where women were the victims of domestic violence has the SA Police Service recorded from 1 January 2021 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW2144E
Reply:
The total cases where women were the victims of murder in a domestic related relationship, from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021, was 177. The table below provides the provincial distribution of cases where women were the victims of murder in a domestic-related relationship.
Province |
Female |
Eastern Cape |
22 |
Free State |
24 |
Gauteng |
28 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
44 |
Limpopo |
13 |
Mpumalanga |
7 |
North West |
6 |
Northern Cape |
3 |
Western Cape |
30 |
Total |
177 |
Reply to question 1916 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-08-27
Reply to question 1916 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 30/08/2021
01 September 2021 - NW1871
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
What ate the full relevant details of the (a) arrests of people who allegedly instigated the violent unrest that took place in Gauteng from 9 to 18 July 2021 and (b) progress on the specified cases?
Reply:
(a). The South African Police Service (SAPS), shall not mention the names of suspects, until they are charged in a court of law.
(b). As at 23 August 2021, a total of 16 persons had been arrested, appeared in various courts and are now accused persons on charges, relating to incitement to commit crime.
Reply to question 1871 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-08-27
Reply to question 1871 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2021/08/30
01 September 2021 - NW1686
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
Whether the commissioners in the Public Service Commission signed performance agreements; if not, (a) what are the reasons that they do not sign and conclude performance agreements and (b) how is their performance assessed and/or measured; if so, (i) how often are the performance agreements signed and concluded and (ii) with whom do they sign and conclude the performance agreements?
Reply:
The Commissioners in the Public Service Commission (PSC) have not signed any performance agreements.
a) The legislation regulating the employment of Commissioners, i.e. the Public Service Commission Act, 1997 and the Conditions of Appointment (including remuneration and other conditions of service) applicable to members of the Public Service Commission determined by the President, in terms of section 6 (1) of the Public Service Commission Act, do not provide for Commissioners to sign Performance Agreements. The implication of this is that Commissioners are not eligible for annual notch increases and remain on the same notch for the duration of the 5 year term.
The performance of Commissioners was raised by Members of Parliament in dealing with the Public Service Commission Amendment Act, 2019, and the Act makes provision for the renewal of term of a commissioner, based on the commissioner having maintained a satisfactory level of performance in relation to his or her duties. Parliament, being the employer of Commissioners, has to finalise a process in this regard. The PSC is also addressing the matter in the PSC Bill that is being processed.
b) Therefore, no assessment of individual performance is conducted. As the Public Service Commission operates as a single entity, it submits an annual report on its activities to the National Assembly and legislatures as required in section 196 (4)(e) of the Constitution, 1996.
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
End
01 September 2021 - NW1803
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(a) On what date will his department resolve the issue pertaining to Naledi (details furnished), who had applied for a gender marker, and subsequently a new identity document on 23 October 2020 at the Centurion Home Affairs office and still waiting for his documentation to date and (b) how long does it ordinarily take for (i) new applications to be processed and (ii) documentation to be delivered to persons having done gender marker changes?
Reply:
(a) The application for gender marker was lodged on 07/10/2019 and was finalized on 27/11/2019. Subsequent to finalization of gender marker changes, the client applied for new identity document in October 2020. The system reflect that the client’s application was pending awaiting outstanding supporting documents, which were submitted on 25/05/2021 and the identity document was collected by the client on 07/07/2021.
b(i) Application for a Smart ID Card takes 13 days to be processed, unless there are outstanding documents.
(ii) The Department does not deliver documentations to its clients, clients are expected to visit front offices to collect the confirmation letter for finalised gender marker changes.
END
01 September 2021 - NW1906
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Police
(1) With regard to case no 422/05/2020 opened at the Booysens Police Station in Johannesburg, (a) who is the complainant in the case, (b) who is the accused and (c) what are the full details of the status of the case; (2) whether the complainant was informed of the status of the case; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date, (b) by what means of communication was the information sent to the complainant and (c) on what date will the case be heard in court? NW2134E
Reply:
(1)(a) The complainant in the case is Mr Malesela William Mookka. (1)(b) To date, nobody has been charged in the case.
(1)(c) The case docket is under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). It was taken to court and received back, on 26 July 2021, with further investigation instructions, from the Public Prosecutor.
(2)(a) Yes, the complainant was informed of the status of the case, on 2 August 2021. In addition, a meeting with the complainant Is scheduled, for 26 August 2021.
(2)(b) The complainant was informed telephonically.
(2)(c) The case is still under investigation and the court date has not been scheduled yet,
Reply to question 1906 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-08-27
Reply to question 1906 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2021/08/30
01 September 2021 - NW1801
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
Whether he received an intelligence report from the former Minister of State Security about the violence that would follow the arrest of the former President, Mr J G Zuma; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
As stated in the Police Portfolio that no Intelligence report that was given, handed over to the Minister. If discussion did take place on different structures that was not conveyed to the Minister.
Position as explained above.
Reply to question 1801 Approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2021/08/30
01 September 2021 - NW1773
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Police
(1). Whether he has any relationship with a certain person (name and details furnished) that may influence his official policy decision-making; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the nature of the relationship and (b) does it include discussing Crime Intelligence matters;
Reply:
(1). He is a person I know who can be described as an acquaintance.
(a). As explained above to be acquaintance.
(b). It include receiving information on different matters that may touch my work, which happens to many South Africans on daily basis.
(2). As said from above information has been received and is not classified as Intelligence information since that can be done by competent structures.
(3). Again to me whatever discussion remains information, until it is classified by those who are competent to do so. I have heard that as I was informed.
It has been explained. I receive a lot of information from the members of time community and I don’t check the security clearance status that includes the person you are talking about. Maybe General Khan as an Intelligence person and competent can explain if this was intelligence information and has advised me so.
Reply to question 1773 Approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2021/08/30
01 September 2021 - NW1889
Sharif, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether, with reference to the Ward Committee of Ward 38 in the City of Ekurhuleni which requested a permanent station for the Brackendowns SA Police Service (SAPS), with the understanding that the current structure is a temporary structure and has been so for the past 20 years, and in view of the fact that residents of the area also raised concerns about how rape victims are being assisted at the police station, the Brackendowns SAPS have a designated area where anyone who has been raped can report the case; if not, why not; if so, what was the total number of gender-based violence cases that have been reported at Brackendowns SAPS between January and May 2021; (2) whether the police station has adequate rape kits; if not, why not; if so, on what date was the station supplied with rape kits; (3) whether, with regard to the residents of the area raising the need of a permanent police station, he will furnish Ms N K Sharif with the details on how SAPS is planning to establish a permanent police station; if not, why not; if so, on what date 1s it envisaged he will have the budget for a permanent police station structure and (b) what total amount has been set aside for the permanent police station to be built around the Brackendowns area? NW2117E
Reply:
- Yes. the Brackendowns Police Station has a designated area at the Victim Empowerment Centre. in room number 39, where victims can report cases in private. A total of 50 cases were reported, between 1 January 2021 and 31 May 2021. The cases comprise 43 domestic violence cases and seven rape cases.
- Yes, the police station has sufficient rape kits and the latest consignment was delivered, on 11 July 2021.
- (a)(b) There is no plan to build a police station at this stage. The current building is leased. Planning for an alternative leased facility has commenced and the needs assessment was submitted to the Divisional Commissioner: Supply Chain Management (SCM).
Reply to question 1880 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-08-27
Reply to question 1889 approved/
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2021/08/30
01 September 2021 - NW1800
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his announcement, a few days after the protests that followed the arrest of the former President, Mr J G Zuma, that about 12 suspects were identified for instigating the specified protests, what (a) are the names of the specified suspects and (b) exact number of suspects had been arrested?
Reply:
(a). The South African Police Service (SAPS), shall not mention the names of suspects, until they are charged in a court of law.
(b). As at 23 August 2021, a total of 16 persons had been arrested, appeared in various courts and are now accused persons on charges, relating to incitement to commit crime.
Reply to question 1800 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-08-27
Reply to question 1800 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2021/08/30
01 September 2021 - NW1869
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the KwaZulu-Natal SA Police Service are investigating him on allegations of corruption and embezzlement of State funds amounting to at least R1 billion, which allegedly took place during his tenure as the Member of the Executive Council of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the case number and (b) progress has been made with the investigation to date?
Reply:
(1). I don't know if I’m investigated by the police on this matter with exception to hear that case has been opened by an Ngo.(a). I don’t have any case number, anyway case number is for the police not for a person who is investigated.
I(b). don’t know as it is investigating team that would know.
Reply to question 1869 Approved
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-08-27
Reply to question 1869 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 2021/08/30
31 August 2021 - NW1812
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) number of schools were recorded by her department to have been affected by the recent acts of destruction in (i) KwaZulu-Natal and (ii) Gauteng, (b) is the extent of the damage and (c) plans are in place for the learners who were studying in these schools?
Reply:
(a) (i) (ii) 144 schools, 8 education district offices and 3 education centres in Kwa Zulu Natal and 54 schools in Gauteng.
(b) In the majority of the burglaries, the damages to infrastructure were minimal, and learner and teaching equipment was stolen together, especially ICT equipment. The most common target areas in schools, were administration blocks - for information and communication technology (ICT) equipment; and nutrition centres - for food items. Out of 144 schools in KZN, three (3) schools had serious damages, resulting from the burning of infrastructure. The schools are: In Pinetown district - SIPHOSETHU PRIMARY, which suffered a loss of 3 classrooms; In UMgungundlovu district - SIKHULULIWE, which suffered a loss of 8 classrooms; and at ILembe district - RADHA ROOPSINGH, which suffered a loss of 7 classrooms.
(c) The damages did not affect teaching and learning; and at the 3 schools, where some classrooms were burnt, mobile classrooms have been provided by the provincial department.
31 August 2021 - NW1808
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What (a) intervention has the Government made to persuade King Mswati III to allow democratic reforms to take place in eSwatini and (b) options will she pursue against any continued surppression of voices for democracy in the specified country?
Reply:
a) His Excellency, Mr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana, in his capacity as a chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation invited SADC Troika Ministers to travel to Eswatini on 11 July 2021 to meet with the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and political leaderships as well as civil society and academia with a view to support the people of Eswatini towards finding a durable solution to their political challenges.
The SADC Troika Ministers was led by Botswana’s Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape, in his capacity as a chair of the Ministerial segment of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and included the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, as incoming chair of SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr Frederick Shava.
As part of these developments, SADC Troika Ministers spent two days in Eswatini, which was agreed to be insufficient for the Troika to interface extensively with the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini. In this regard, a SADC sent a Fact Finding Technical Team to Eswatini from 15 to 22 July 2021 and again South Africa participated.
b) Following their visit to Eswatini, the Fact Finding Technical Team submitted a comprehensive report with recommendations to the Chair of Troika. The report has been forwarded to the Government of Eswatini for their consideration.
31 August 2021 - NW1825
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether any South African (SA) nationals are stuck in Afghanistan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether there are any immediate plans to withdraw SA nationals from Afghanistan; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details? NW2048e
Reply:
1. Yes, there are thirty four (34) South Africans present in Afghanistan according to the reports from the South African High Commission in Pakistan. Thirty (30) South Africans managed to leave Kabul on evacuation flights arranged by the relevant Employers who utilised the United States of America and the United Kingdom evacuation flights. The remaining four South African citizens await evacuation arrangements by the Employers.
2. No, the South Africans are in Afghanistan on private business, mostly working for large multi-national companies, International Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international security companies. South African citizens that approached DIRCO and the South African High Commission in Pakistan have been informed that it is the responsibility of the Employer to arrange the evacuation of their foreign staff on special evacuation flights.
30 August 2021 - NW1807
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1)What number of cases have been reported by domestic workers since the launch of the Impimpi hotline (details furnished); (2) whether the hotline was publicised enough to be known by all vulnerable workers even in the rural outskirts of the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what is her department doing to rescue domestic workers who are allegedly locked in their employers' houses against their will and not paid overtime, as employers fear that when they are permitted to travel home, they may return and infect them with the coronavirus?
Reply:
The Impimpa Hotline was launched by the Minister in March 2020. Due to budgetary constraints, the hotline had to be discontinued in October in 2020. During this time 178 977 calls were logged. 20 346 (11%) of these were from the Domestic sector.
The hotline was publicised via various media channels such as TV and Radio. We believe that the publicity was adequate since these channels have wide reach.
In instances where domestic workers get locked up at their work places against their will, South African Police Services (SAPS) would have to be brought in, due to jurisdictional issues. The Department has not received complaints of this nature yet.
The Department conducts both pro-active and re-active inspections (based on complaints) at workplaces to ensure that employers comply with all labour legislation.
Domestic Workers should contact their nearest Labour Centre and register their grievance against their employers with the view that the necessary labour inspection takes place. The Department also conduct periodic advocacy, stakeholder engagement and awareness campaigns highlighting domestic workers’ rights.
In instances where there are complaints around non-compliance with Employment Laws such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the inspectors would investigate such matters. To this end, the table below provides details on the inspections that were carried out in the domestic sector.
Latest Labour Inspections Statistics for the Domestic Workers Sector (2020/21 Financial Year):
Total Number of Inspections |
Compliance |
Non-Compliance |
Notices to Comply issued |
Non-Compliance with Notices to Comply |
Employers referred for Prosecution |
Amount Recovered |
5091 |
4900 |
191 |
191 |
137 |
54 |
R669 471 - 78 |
30 August 2021 - NW1831
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)With reference to the (a) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, (b) United Nations, (c) African Union, (d) Southern African Development Community, (e) International Organisation for Migration and (f) any other government administration, both domestically and internationally assisting and/or deporting the refugees currently occupying 24544-RE, Cape Town, which is owned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, on what dates did his department engage with each specified administration; (2) whether he will furnish Ms E L Powell with the written minutes of all engagements his department has had with them; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) Engagements were conducted between myself, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and Premier of the Western Cape in 2020 regarding the provision of shelter at two sites in Cape Town following the removal of the protesters from Greenfield and the Methodist Church in April 2020.
(b) The UNHCR initially provided funding for the tents and ablution facilities for the protestors at the two mentioned facilities, but indicated that they could no longer do so after February 2021. According to the UNHCR, it further provided assistance for persons willing to reintegrate back to the local communities or repatriate to their countries of origin as part of their mandate.
On local reintegration the UNHCR offered a reintegration package to cover basic rentals and necessities for three months, as well as counselling support for those choosing to reintegrate. The project which was originally intended to end on 30 April 2021 was then extended to 15 May 2021, following requests by some of the refugees. With many registering at the eleventh hour, UNHCR consulted with Department of Home Affairs to continue with the reintegration process for those for who registered by the deadline of May 15. UNHCR’s implementing partner, Adonis Musati, assisted with the implementation of the reintegration project that has now reached completion.
The status report of the reintegration indicated that 810 persons have reintegrated back into their communities. A total 761 persons were from Wingfield, and 49 persons were from Paint City. Of the 810 persons, the vast majority were from Democratic Republic of Congo, (739 persons), followed by 26 persons from Congo Brazzaville, Burundi (15 persons), Zimbabwe (8 persons), Angola (6 persons), Cameroon (5 persons), Zambia (4 persons), Somalia (2 persons), and a few single persons from Mozambique, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Nigeria. In terms of gender breakdown, 427 persons are male and 383 persons are female. 334 persons under the age of 18 years and 43 persons have benefitted from a small livelihoods component in the programme.
An additional 50 persons have voluntarily returned to their country of origin, all but 2 are from Paint City, these are mostly women and children. Of this number, 48 persons returned to Burundi, 1 to Democratic Republic of Congo and 1 to Cote d’Ivoire.
In total, in Cape Town, UNHCR project has assisted 860 persons from two sites this year, either to reintegrate or voluntary return to their country of origin. The UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation programme remains active and all new persons at the two sites of Wingfield and Paint City who still wish to reintegrate back into their communities will now be referred back to UNHCR’s regular programme where the partner will conduct individual needs assessment to determine eligibility for assistance.
(c) No engagements with the SADC
(d) No Engagements with AU
(e) On 7 May 2021, a request was made to the IOM Chief of Mission for the organisation to assist in managing and evacuation process in the Western Cape. The total number of 43 families with a head count of 75 undocumented persons. The DHA had already been working with UNHCR to facilitate the dignified departure of those who had indicated an intention to repatriate from the Paint City location of protests.
A list of the names was provided by Asylum Seeker Management (ASM) for verification of status and documentation for effecting direct documentation which could not be conducted via Lindela Holding Facility. Initial engagements were embarked virtually with the Mission to discuss the required operations, phases, timeframes and logistics (including the issue of travel documents in Pretoria). The DHA therefore envisioned a direct deportation from Cape Town – probably through OR Tambo International Airport to their countries of origin.
On 28 May 2021, the IOM Mission advised that it was still coordinating with its head office in Vienna as to whether assistance could be extended to this group in Cape Town. There was also a request for the interviewing and filling of forms with the returnees at Lindela. However, this was not possible due to the space accommodated forcefully by refugees at Lindela since November 2019, though they are not deportees, but were brought in there on humanitarian basis while being documented and assisted with evacuation.
On 1 June 2021, the IOM proposed conducting telephonic interviews and for the completion of forms as the Mission does not have a presence in Cape Town. Thereafter, the documents would be forwarded to their headquarters to assess the cases and eligibility for funding. At the time, the mechanisms of operations of the Mission did not allow for the implementation of the evacuation requests, as there needs to be face to face interaction between the interviewer and the applicant requiring assistance, this includes the completion of documents.
(f) After the UNHCR stopped funding the Department of Home Affairs, on the basis of humanitarian grounds again approached National Treasury and asked for permission to utilise the department’s budget to pay for these facilities (marquee and ablution facilities) at Paint City. The DHA also approached National Treasury for approval to take over the responsibility of providing accommodation and ablution facilities at Wingfield. On 10 March 2021, DHA approached the Mayor of the City of Cape Town to provide ablution facilities for a period of 1 week while the DHA awaited approval from National Treasury. On 11 March 2021, after obtaining approval from National Treasury, the ablution facilities (20 toilets, 20 showers and 10 sanitary bins) were replaced at Paint City by the DHA. The payment for the tent at Paint City was also covered by DHA.
On 26 March 2021, DHA received a letter from the City of Cape Town indicating that they intend to remove the infrastructure (marquee tent and ablution facilities) at Wingfield on 15 April 2021. The City of Cape Town had obtained a negative audit finding by the Auditor-General regarding its continued expenditure at Wingfield. The City of Cape Town took a decision to end its continued payment for facilities by 15 April 2021.
This decision by the City of Cape Town would have disrupted the good work that the UNHCR and IOM were doing. On 15 April 2021, I held a meeting with the Premier of the Western Cape, as well as with the DG of DHA and DG of the Western Cape. This meeting resolved that the DHA and the Western Provincial Government would share the cost of the marquee tent and ablution facilities at Wingfield for a period not more than 2 weeks, ending on 30 April 2021. This decision was taken to avoid a humanitarian crisis. On 19 April 2021, the Minister of Home Affairs announced this joint decision (supported by the UNHCR Representative and Premier of the Western Cape) that the tents and ablution facilities at both Wingfield and Paint City temporary shelters will be removed 2 weeks from the 15 April 2021.
The deportations of the some of the protesters were effected by engaging with the respective governments of some of the protesters in order to obtain the necessary travel documents for their deportation. The governments concerned were Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The engagements with Burundi, Rwanda and DRC were in March 2021. The deportations that have taken place were 15 to Burundi in December 2020 and 17 to DRC in April 2021.
(2) Ms E L Powell can apply through the “Promotion of Access to Information Act” to the various stakeholders to have access to this information.
END
30 August 2021 - NW1921
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
In light of the fact that the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Destroyed, Affected and/or Looted Workplaces: Temporary Financial Relief Scheme has finally been approved through the Government Gazette published on Tuesday 10 August 2021, which has been established to assist workers whose workplaces have been closed due to unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng from 9 to 18 July 2021, resulting in either reduced pay and/or no pay at all, (a) how does his department intend to assist those in informal businesses without the necessary documentation given the debilitating effects this has had on their livelihoods and (b) what are the further full relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
Firstly, each and every case is treated according to its own merit. There are a number of particulars that get considered. This is done to ensure that a proper verification process is undertaken. The aim is to provide relief to the deserving, correct and intended workers. So, among others, these are checked, UIF registration number, SAPS Report indicating that indeed the business where the workers are/were employed was destroyed, insurance claim to the extent that this is available, bank documents, employees’ salary slips, contracts, etc.
We must also emphasize that the relief from the Department of Employment and Labour is more towards the affected workers. Other departments such as Department of Small Business and Development (DSBD), Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) handle the other side of business.
30 August 2021 - NW1810
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1)Whether his department has conducted any investigation into restaurants that have not complied with the Disaster Management Regulations and the Level 3 curfew; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what action was taken in this regard?
Reply:
1. Inspections were conducted in the food and Beverage as well as the hospitality sector during the period in question, to test the extent to which Covid-19 Directions (linked to the Disaster Management Regulations) were complied with. The table below provides specific details:
Sectors |
Compliance |
Non-compliance |
Total Inspections |
% of total inspections |
Follow up |
Compliance Rate |
Non-Compliance Rate |
Food & Beverage |
198 |
146 |
344 |
2,51% |
41 |
57,56% |
42,44% |
Hospitality |
442 |
464 |
906 |
6,62% |
69 |
48,79% |
51,21% |
These inspections were conducted in quarter 1 of 2021/22 in OHS. It can be noted that compliance in the two sectors were low.
Reports are developed on a quarterly basis which details challenges and indicates possible solutions.
2. All non-complying employers were served with notices. Employers are recommended for prosecution if they do not comply after the expiry of a notice.
30 August 2021 - NW1784
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Transport
How many tonnes of manganese ore are the Ports of (a) Ngqura (Coega) and (b) Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) planning to export this year; (2) By what date will the manganese-quay of the Port of Port Elizabeth be closed down; (3) What is the rail tariff per tonne of manganese ore (details furnished); (4) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
- The Ports of Ngqura has budget for 2 150 000 tonnes and Port Elizabeth bulk terminal handle 5 002 321 million and Multi-purpose terminal 1 3040 735 tonnes of manganese a year.
- The Port Elizabeth manganese terminal will be closed by 2025/27
- Rail tariff is R474 per tonne of manganese ore
30 August 2021 - NW1811
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
What (a) relief packages did her department provide to small businesses affected by the recent violence that followed the imprisonment of former President, Mr J G Zuma, and (b) is the demographic profile of the specified businesses that benefited from the relief packages?”
Reply:
a) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has developed the Business Recovery Support Programme in response to the recent spate of public violence, looting and destruction of property in Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng. The Business Recovery Support Programme focuses on uninsured small enterprises impacted negatively by the unrest, predominantly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. The Programme caters for small enterprises that require funding for working capital (including stock), equipment (including delivery vehicles) and furniture, as well as fittings.
The programme offers financial support in line with the Blended Finance approach, which is a combination of a grant (60%) and a loan (40%). The interest rate on the loan component is limited to 5%. There is an initial payment moratorium of up to maximum of 12 months for small enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng; and six (6) months for other Provinces. The repayment period of a maximum of 60 months applies. Maximum funding available per entity is R2 million.
The DSBD also has the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), which offers financial and non-financial support to rural and township enterprises. This programme has been in existence before the looting that occurred in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces in July 2021. The aim of the programme is to support SMMEs and co-operatives in order to revitalise and improve the economy. The SMMEs that were affected by the looting may also apply for the TREP support.
Furthermore, the DSBD and its entities (Small Business Development Agency [Seda] and Small Business Finance Agency [sefa]) has the Informal Traders Support Programme that is aimed at supporting informal and micro businesses in the informal sector that were affected by looting. The Programme provides business focused support (financial and non-financial) to informal businesses. The Programme will support 17 667 entrepreneurs at R3 000 each (as a once-off grant).
In addition, and linked to the Programmes outlined above, Seda provides Business Development Support (including pre and post investment support), which includes development of business plans where necessary, financial management training, and other business support related aspects.
b) Applications by businesses that were affected by the looting are currently being processed by sefa. These businesses affected by the looting, based in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng North and South at large, are open to apply for the programmes offered by the Small Business Portfolio (the DSBD, Seda and sefa).
However, the table below outlines the applications received so far at sefa KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Regional Offices that are currently being processed:
REGIONAL OFFICE |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
GAUTENG SOUTH |
GAUTENG NORTH |
TOTAL |
Total number of applications received |
30 |
10 |
19 |
59 |
Total value of applications received |
R30 000 000 |
R9 700 000 |
R8 100 000 |
R47 800 000 |
Total number of applications being processed |
13 |
5 |
3 |
21 |
Total value of applications being processed |
R15 500 000 |
R2 593 000 |
R1 500 000 |
R19 593 000 |
MS STELLA TEMBISA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
30 August 2021 - NW1768
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a) assistance, (b) mediation, (c) repatriation and/or (d) deportation is being offered by and (e) steps are being taken by his department to deal with the refugees currently occupying 24544-RE, Cape Town, which is owned by the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure?
Reply:
(a) The assistance provided includes tents, electricity and ablution facilities.
(b) Engagements with the occupants of the shelter have been done by government officials, the United High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), civil society and the Portfolio Committee. All engagements have encouraged the occupants to either re-integrate into communities or to voluntarily repatriate to their home countries.
(c) The option of voluntary repatriation has been offered to the occupants. Between 1 January and 21 March 2021, 305 individuals have voluntarily departed South Africa to their countries of origin.
According to the UNHCR, it has provided assistance for persons willing to reintegrate back to the local communities or repatriate to their countries of origin as part of their mandate.
On local reintegration the UNHCR offered a reintegration package to cover basic rentals and necessities for three months, as well as counselling support for those choosing to reintegrate. The project which was originally intended to end on 30 April 2021 was then extended to 15 May 2021, following requests by some of the refugees. With many registering at the eleventh hour. The UNHCR consulted with Department of Home Affairs to continue with the reintegration process for those who registered by the deadline of May 15. UNHCR’s implementing partner, Adonis Musati, assisted with the implementation of the reintegration project that has now reached completion.
The status report of the reintegration indicated that 810 persons have reintegrated back into their communities. A total 761 persons were from Wingfield, and 49 persons were from Paint City. Of the 810 persons, the vast majority were from Democratic republic of Congo, (739 persons), followed by 26 persons from Congo Brazzaville, Burundi (15 persons), Zimbabwe (8 persons), Angola (6 persons), Cameroon (5 persons), Zambia (4 persons), Somalia (2 persons), and a few single persons from Mozambique, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Nigeria. In terms of gender breakdown, 427 persons are male and 383 persons are female. 334 persons under the age of 18 years and 43 persons have benefitted from a small livelihoods component in the programme.
An additional 50 persons have voluntarily returned to their country of origin, all but 2 are from Paint City and these are mostly women and children. Of this number, 48 persons returned to Burundi, 1 to Democratic Republic of Congo and 1 to Cote d’Ivoire.
In total, in Cape Town, UNHCR project has assisted 860 persons from two sites this year, either to reintegrate or voluntary return to their country of origin. The UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation programme remains active and all new persons at the two sites of Wingfield and Paint City who still wish to reintegrate back into their communities will now be referred back to UNHCR’s regular programme where the partner will conduct individual needs assessments to determine eligibility for assistance.
(d) Deportation remains an option for those who are found to be illegal or have failed in their asylum applications and have no further grounds to remain in South Africa. So far 32 people have been deported from these shelters.
(e) The department is finalising the asylum applications of the occupants in these facilities.
END
30 August 2021 - NW1818
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether his department will (a) replace the current information technology systems and (b) increase human resources at driving licence testing centres in light of the grace period for renewal of expired vehicle licence discs and driving licences that ends on 31 August 2021 (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a) The Department through its entity, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), working with the relevant provincial departments in all provinces will replace the Live Enrolment /Live Capture Units (LEUs/LCUs) with Smart Enrolment Units throughout the country. However, the project will first commence in Gauteng Province where the online booking system has been completed.
The RTMC is in the process of refreshing all end-user devices at the DLTCs throughout the country. This is multi-year programme scheduled for completion in March 2022. Additionally, the RTMC is deploying the Computerised Learner’s License Testing (CLLT) Solution at all DLTCs and will be completed by March 2024. The Corporation is also in the process of procuring the new core infrastructure to improve the stability and uptime of the system. This should be completed by end of February 2022.
(b) In all provinces affected by the backlog, working hours have been extended including operations on Saturdays. 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.
30 August 2021 - NW1775
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she has been informed of the reasons for the postponement of the Deputy President, Mr D D Mabuza’s oversight visit to District Six; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the reasons given to her; (2) whether she furnished the Deputy President, Mr D D Mabuza, with an explanation regarding the delay of the redevelopment plan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what was the explanation; (3) whether, after handing over 900 houses to the claimants, she will continue to play a role in the development of District Six in terms of developing schools, crèches, community halls, etcetera; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether, in instances where she would allow residents’ land to be usurped by developers, she would agree that the 42 hectares should be for the sole benefit of the persons who were forcibly removed from District Six and their offspring; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) what are her reasons for marginalising the District Six Development Trust, the entity in which former President Nelson Mandela expressed his confidence?
Reply:
1. Yes. With regards to the initial request for an oversight visit, the Phase 3 site up until handover was not conducive to hosting groups of visitors on what was an active construction site. Covid-19 regulations for onsite health and safety had a substantive impact on construction sites. The Contractor who was responsible for the safety of the site until the handover to the Department was reticent about having to host a group of visitors including media on site while still being expected to meet their deadlines to completion. If the Department had to impose the visit request to the contractor, they would in turn be liable to be granted a claim for an extension of time (EOT) which would have a financial impact and an impact on the contractual practical completion date. It was thus agreed that the visits be conducted after the practical completion and the site handed over to the Department. Which has since taken place.
2. Yes. The Department’s responses to the questions and enquiries by the Deputy President’s offices was addressed and submitted. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an onset of many challenges to the implementation of the original programme that was devised in 2019. Before the factoring of COVID-19 the original programme was scheduled for completion by 2023. The revised programme is scheduled for completion by August 2024.
The revision in time is based on the changes made to the original design of the housing unit by the claimants and allowing a process to fully consult with claimants while adhering to lockdown regulations. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chain processes has also been a critical factor. The new program has been devised to catch up as much time that was lost by allowing for larger phases and doing them concurrently.
3. The Department’s role and mandate in District Six is the Restitution of claimants through the provision of houses. However, the Department has always acknowledged that the District Six Redevelopment requires more than housing to cater for the needs of the returning claimant community. To this end, since the very onset the Department initiated and supported the drawing up of the District Six Development Framework.
The Development Framework, an extensive document that has been widely consulted with the community, is a framework for the development of the whole area of approximately 40 hectares. It presents a set of principles, strategies, design and planning guidelines; as well as infrastructure proposals based on the existing inner city context of the site. The Development Framework proposals begin to address the issue of social justice and the restoration of land rights lost to give effect to the provisions of the Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act 22 of 1994).
The Framework recognizes that District Six is an inner city area that can significantly contribute to the revitalisation of the city. It argues that the site should neither be speculated upon nor encouraged to be gentrified as may ordinarily be the case had restitution not formed the basis of its redevelopment imperative. An integrated approach is therefore taken that includes a range of social, environmental and economic concerns relevant to District Six and the Cape Town CBD. The approach is strongly informed by the history and memory of the site as the subject of forced removals more than 40 years ago. Social justice and restoration of land rights therefore form the pillars that proposals towards the realisation of the framework, are based on.
The holistic redevelopment of District Six requires the participation and contribution from various sector departments, the province and very intrinsically the City of Cape Town. The Department last year granted the City of Cape Town to use the District Six Development Framework to form the underpinning of a process it has undertaken to develop and adopt a Local Spatial Development Framework for District Six.
The Department has provided and continues to provide support to the local authority in their mandate of providing the necessary social infrastructure to ensure that District Six is redeveloped in an integrated and sustainable manner.
4. The Department’s and Minister’s position on this matter has always been resolute. The 42 Hectares of land that is included in the settlement agreement should be used to solely enhance and benefit the claimant community of District Six. The land should neither be speculated upon for private gain nor encouraged to be gentrified.
5. The District Six Beneficiary Trust has always been acknowledged as a key body of representatives for the community of District Six. It was on that basis that they were a partner and signatory to original settlement agreement of District Six. The Trust were given the role of Developer from inception and subsequently were responsible for the development of Pilot Phase 1 and Phase 2 of District Six between 2002 and 2012.
In 2012 the full group of verified claimants in a meeting with the then Minister, addressed concerns and grievances to the Minister regarding the issues of progress and representation. The Minister at the time acceded to these concerns and allowed for the election of nominated claimant representatives to deal with the Department on matters pertaining to the development of the remaining phases. The members of District Beneficiary Trust were encouraged to participate in that elective process but chose not to. The body of representatives who were nominated and elected by the claimants themselves became the District Six Reference Group (RG), whom the Department has since dealt with as representatives of the verified claimants on matters pertaining to the design of the future phases.
The Minister in her tenure has always tried to consult with all the community groupings in District Six – of whom there are many - from the onset and will continue to encourage their participation in the redevelopment process.
30 August 2021 - NW1876
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)What (a) is the estimated expenditure on (i) compensation of employees, (ii) systems development and (iii) other goods and services for each year of the 15-year Border Management Authority implementation project, (b) are the specific implementation milestones for each year and (c) is the target date for the Border Management Authority to take over border co-ordination responsibility from National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure; (2) Whether funding guarantees have been secured for the full 15-year implementation project; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a)(i) In terms of the BMA Blueprint estimated expenditure on Compensation of Employees for the fully-fledged BMA Public Entity is R2,974,962,978.00. It is important to note that the estimates included in the cost model would reflect compensation budgets to be transferred by principal departments whose functions are to be transferred to the BMA. However, the realization of additional budgets would be based entirely on availability of funds from the National Treasury.
(a)(ii) As far as estimated expenditure for Systems Development is concerned, notable establishment costs considered to be incurred are as follows:
- Payroll ICT systems
- Integrated ICT systems development and installation at Ports of Entry
- Computer equipment for the NTC and Ports of Entry Surveillance and monitoring
The actual cost for ICT systems is still being determined and given the disparity in prices, an estimate has not been included in cost model.
(a)(iii) In terms of the BMA Blueprint, the estimated expenditure for Goods and Services for a fully operational BMA will be R5,281,133,622.00. It is important to note that the estimates included in the cost model would reflect budgets for goods and services to be transferred by principal departments whose functions are to be transferred to the BMA. However, the realization of additional budgets would be based entirely on availability of funds from the national fiscus.
(b) The BMA Roadmap outlines the following six (6) Phases for the full establishment and integration of the BMA:
Phase 1: Pre-establishment – 2018-2020
Phase 2: Planning, Establishment and Transitional – 2021-2023
Phase 3: Integration and Initial Roll-out – 2024-2025
Phase 4: Integration and Incremental Expansion – 2026-2027
Phase 5: Operate, Review and Full Integration – 2028-2029
Phase 6: Sustainment and Adaptability Phase – 2030
Each Phase will cover each of the following aspects:
-
- Key activities and milestones;
- Identified Ports of Entry and segments of the Land Borderline to transition into the BMA;
- The proposed transition approach for the Ports of Entry;
- The maximum timeframe for each Phase;
- The capability/operating model functions;
- The roles and structures to support and manage PoEs and Land Borders transitioned into the BMA; and
- The role of the Implementation Protocols, Multi-Party Agreements, Service Level Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.
(c) Noting the phases of the Roadmap above, I appointed an Acting BMA Commissioner in January 2021 to drive the process of the implementation of the Act and the incremental roll-out of the BMA. The Department of Home Affairs was, through a Cabinet decision, mandated to coordinate all operational activity at Ports of Entry. However, due to human resource constraints, the Department entered into a Multi-Party Agreement with all departments at the border to afford some of the departments to coordinate activities at Ports of Entry.
(2) No funding guarantees have been secured from the National Treasury yet. The current arrangement with the National Treasury is that the costing for each Implementation Phase and the MTEF Budget Submission. It should be noted that the total cost identified in the BMA blueprint will be incrementally implemented over the identified six (6) Phases in the roadmap. All expenditure incurred will be costed for each Phase against the various cost categories.
END
27 August 2021 - NW1416
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)With respect to the establishment of the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit, (a) on what date was the specified unit officially established, (b) what is the current staff complement of the unit and (c) what has been the successes of the unit since its establishment; (2) Will he furnish Dr M M Gondwe with a list detailing the job title of each member of the unit; if not, why not; if so, on what
Reply:
1. (a) In March 2019, the President issued a proclamation on the establishment of the Unit, to be effective from 1 April 2019. The Unit was therefore formally established on 1 April 2019.
(b) Currently the unit consists of nine employees: 1 Chief Director, 1 Director, 4 Deputy Directors and 3 Assistant Directors. Two vacant Director posts are in the process of being filled.
(c) The successes of the unit:
- Technical Assistance and support: Since 2019, various awareness sessions were conducted to assist departments to implement Public Service Regulations, 2016 addressing ethics; integrity and discipline management. This includes issues of financial interests, gifts, other remunerative work and employees conducting business with the State. Departments were also assisted with establishing Ethics Committees. Ethics Officer Forums were established and used to guide Ethics Officers on the management of ethics in their departments, focussing on identified challenges and new developments.
The Unit assisted departments in rolling out the Guide to implement lifestyle audits in the Public Service. This included conducting training of 41 Ethics Officers (on 3 – 4 May 2021) regarding the verification of assets. This training was run in partnership with the UNODC and the World Bank.
Supported by Co-Water Sogema, an implementing agent for the Government of Canada (under the Strengthening of Ethics and Integrity Project) the Unit is finalising online courses to enable Ethics Officers and departmental investigators to conduct lifestyle reviews and lifestyle investigations as part of the lifestyle audit process. Awareness sessions on the Guide to implement lifestyle audits in the Public Service were presented to all provinces and selected national departments.
The Unit developed and adopted a Guide on managing discipline in the Public Service, to assist departments in managing disciplinary cases and to address precautionary suspensions.
The Unit adopted a project in Q 3 of 2020/2021 to assist those departments with long outstanding precautionary suspensions to address their backlogs and as a result, the costs for precautionary suspensions. Due to the project, by end of March 2021, provinces finalised 78% of their precautionary backlogs (Q1: 1% - Q 2: 8%, Q 3: 18% and Q4: 78%). The cost for precautionary suspensions was reduced, with the cost for National Departments stabilising around R 20 million per quarter and the cost for provinces decreasing from the first quarter to the last quarter with almost R 25 million (Q1:R 87 million compared to Q4: R62 million). The Unit specifically focussed on two provinces with the highest costs pertaining to precautionary suspensions: Free State and Kwa-Zulu Natal. The Free State managed to reduce their cost from R 12 million in Q 3 to R 6 million in Q 4. KZN reduced its cost from a high of R 92 million in Q 3 to R 21 Million in Q 4. NB: The amounts are based on information captured on PERSAL and verified by departments.
- Monitoring and evaluation: The Unit drew information from 2017 and drafted monitoring and evaluation reports where trends on the following are monitored and used to identify needs and emerging risks:
- Report on employees conducting business with the State (March 2021), which indicated a decline in employees conducting business with the State. In June 2020, approximately 1500 employees were identified to be possibly involved in conducting business with the State. This declined to 490 employees in Jan 2021, and at the end of June 2021 it declined to 96 employees.
- Report on employees performing other remunerative work (Feb 2021). The report found that departments are successfully implementing regulation 24 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016 (dealing with approval for performance of other remunerative work). Where challenges are identified, the Unit intervenes with training and assistance.
- Report on submission of Financial Disclosures (March 2021). The report found that 98% of SMS members submitted their financial disclosures for 2020/2021. 60% of MMS members submitted their financial disclosures. Most of these members submitted for the first time, as they were identified as a new category. The Unit intervened to address challenges through training, awareness sessions and technical support provided to departments.
- The Unit established a database on Public Service employees appointed as board members to State Owned Entities. The database is used to monitor if those employees were appointed in an official (as allowed in terms of Regulation 13(c) and to cross reference with existing databases to ensure they do not perform other remunerative work or conducting business with the State).
- Cooperation: The DPSA entered into agreements with the Financial Intelligence Centre, National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Service and Auditor-General South Africa to assist the Unit with monitoring the implementation of regulations and to share data. The Unit works within the Anti-Corruption Tasks Team to provide support to investigations involving fraud of Personal Protective Equipment, Unemployment Insurance Fund and Social Relief of Distress fraud by identifying Public Service employees and following up on the institution of disciplinary action against employees.
2. A list of the members of the Unit was provided to Dr Gondwe.
27 August 2021 - NW1674
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What are the (a) full relevant details of the various agreements signed by him and his predecessors over the past 10 financial years on behalf of the Government with the Republic of Cuba, (b) reasons and (c) total amounts paid to any Cuban entity in the past 10 financial years by (i) his department and (ii) any entity reporting to him?
Reply:
a) The Department of Public Service and Administration has not concluded any agreements with the Republic of Cuba over the past 10 financial years.
b) Not applicable
c) (i) & (ii) Not applicable
End
27 August 2021 - NW1112
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
1) Whether the SA Airways (SAA) pilots have undergone any training recently; if not, on what date was the last training conducted; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether the SAA engineering department is working; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) What steps are considered against the crew who were responsible for the miscalculation on the recent SAA - A346 flight from Brussels to Johannesburg?
Reply:
According to the information received from SAA:
1. Yes, training has been conducted recently: requalification training including ground training and flight simulator training was conducted by SAA instructors during the month of March up to the commencement of industrial action by SAAPA affiliated pilots on the 2nd of April 2021. Safety and Emergency Procedure training for the pilots that are not locked out on the A319/320 fleet has been completed, as well as Crew Resource Management training for A319/320 and A330/340 pilots that are not locked-out, post 2nd of April 2021.
2. Yes, the SAA Engineering Department (SAAT) is working. However, the company continues to face challenges with reduced airline activity. This has resulted in less work for SAAT in the market.
As part of SAAT’s Business Plan, the organisation’s restructuring seeks to position SAAT as a viable business entity capable of growing within the current and future market outlook. SAAT remains a strategic entity in the country’s aviation strategy, as well as in enhancing economic recovery through air travel.
3. South African Airways (SAA) Safety Department has concluded its investigation with regards to the Alpha Floor event during a February 2021 flight from OR Tambo International in Johannesburg to Brussels in Belgium.
In addition to SAA’s internal investigation, SAA received the report from the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s (SACAA) investigation into the same Alpha Floor event.
The SACAA report has made findings and recommendations. SAA is studying the report to determine how the recommendations made by SACAA can be implemented.
Ultimately, the trajectory of the Covid pandemic and the possibility of further waves of infection or other events will determine the aviation recovery. This will in turn influence the business available to SAAT.
27 August 2021 - NW1014
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with reference to the building for accommodation that was built at Kusile by a certain company (name furnished), (a) What number of contracts has the specified company acquired from the Government, (b) Which departments awarded the specified contracts, (c) What were the total amounts of the contracts, (d) Were the contracts finalised within the entered contract price and (e) What amounts have been charged over and above the agreed amount of each contract?
Reply:
According to the Information Received from Eskom
a) Eskom had two dealings with Liviero Group in the past:
- Liviero Wilge Joint Venture (LWJV) - construction of 336 units on erf 165 Wilge Township.
- Liviero Civils – manhole construction at Kusile Power Station.
(b) Eskom Holdings SOC Limited
(c)(d)(e) Table 1 sets out details of total amounts of the contracts; whether the contracts finalised within the entered contract price and whether there were amounts charged over and above the agreed amount of each contract.
Table 1: Details of total amounts of the contracts; whether the contracts finalised within the entered contract price and whether there were amounts charged over and above the agreed amount of each contract.
Contract |
Liviero Wilge Joint Venture (LWJV) for the construction of 336 units on erf 165 Wilge Township |
Liviero Civils for a manhole construction Kusile Power Station |
(c) total amounts of the contracts; |
Initially, the total contract monetary value was R226.49 million. Subsequent contract modifications (six modifications in total) were implemented. The amount paid to LWJV was R632.64 million. |
The estimated value of the contract was R2 501 530. |
(d) were the contracts finalised within the entered contract price; |
Yes, the LWJV contract was finalised within the mandated contracted price, as it included the approved modifications and termination costs. |
Yes. the work was finalised within the contract price. |
(e) what amounts have been charged over and above the agreed amount of each contract? |
No amount was paid over and above the agreed contract. The amount paid to LWJV was R632.64 million. |
No amount was paid over and above the agreed contract. Upon completion of the work and an assessment, Liviero Civils was paid R 441 045. |
27 August 2021 - NW1251
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)What (a) Are the relevant details of the R178 billion used by Eskom in tenders with red-flagged companies that were known to be involved in corruption and (b) Total amount of the funds does his department estimate it can recover; (2) What checks and balances in future will be used to avoid this level of misappropriation of funds; (3) Has he found that this loss of billions is further evidence that sourcing the leadership for state-owned enterprises from a certain political organisation’s (name furnished) narrow pool of cadres has contributed to robbing the Republic of billions?
Reply:
According to the Information Received from Eskom
1. The amount of R178 billion reported in the media is the total value of contracts in which there may have been corruption or malfeasance. It should not be inferred that the total amount has been misappropriated. All such contracts are under investigation and signification recoveries have already been made. An example is the recovery of about R1,5 billion from ABB.
2. Eskom is progressing with enhancing its commercial governance process to ensure robust scrutiny. Numerous initiatives implemented under the supply chain recovery programme to mitigate the occurrence of irregular expenditure, include:
- Enhancement of internal processes and controls to eliminate procurement processes being circumvented. In line with legislative and compliance requirements, checklists have been embedded into systems to ensure that the applicable controls and workflows are complied with before conclusion of a transaction
- Proactive reviews of newly established contracts, modifications and deviations. In instances where potential irregular expenditure is identified, an investigation is conducted and the necessary condonation process implemented if required. Sanctions are instituted against employees and suppliers where wrongdoing is identified, and civil action and recovery measures are pursued where applicable
In conjunction with these initiatives, training on the revised PFMA reporting procedures and guidelines was rolled out, with the aim of eliminating any ambiguities that may arise from different interpretations of our governance framework.
3. Loss of billions of rands from the State Owned Companies (SOCs) were mainly due to State Capture, malfeasance, fraud and corruption. Eskom is working with law enforcement agencies to recover monies stolen during State Capture, malfeasance, fraud and corruption. The individuals in the SOEs and in the business sector must face the consequences of their thieving. This is in the hands of the law enforcement agencies.
27 August 2021 - NW1372
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(a) What is the total Rand value of monies recovered by his department from officials doing business with the State and (b) which departments has he found to be implicated in the specified matter?
Reply:
a) No monies were recovered by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), as no individual within this department were found guilty of conducting business with the State. The DPSA established a Memorandum of Understanding with the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority and Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to assist departments with investigating those cases where public service employees were identified by the DPSA to be possibly conducting business with the State. The SAPS investigations into the criminal cases referred by departments are not finalised yet, and as such no monies could be recouped.
b) By April 2021, the DPSA identified the following departments as possibly having employees conducting business with the State, and they were requested to investigate the allegations, to proceed with disciplinary action and to open criminal cases against employees found to be guilty:
National/Provincial department |
|
Provincial |
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development |
Correctional Services |
|
Higher Education and Training |
|
Justice and Constitutional Development |
|
Science and Innovation |
|
Social Development |
|
Trade, Industry and Competition |
|
Eastern Cape |
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
Office of the Premier |
|
Provincial Treasury |
|
Free State |
Social Development |
Gauteng |
Education |
Health |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
Education |
|
Health |
|
Transport |
|
Mpumalanga |
Culture, Sport and Recreation |
Health |
|
Public Works, Roads and Transport |
|
North West |
Education |
Health |
|
Northern Cape |
Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural |
Development and Land Reform |
|
Economic Development and Tourism |
|
Education |
|
Health |
|
Roads and Public Works |
|
Western Cape |
Health |
End
27 August 2021 - NW1507
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)Whether the Government intends to provide financial support to Denel to overcome the current financial challenges faced by the state-owned company; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date and (b) what are the relevant details; (2) whether the Government has a long-term plan to revive the profitability of the specified company; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what interventions will be put in place?
Reply:
1. Yes, Plans are afoot to provide financial support to Denel to overcome its current financial challenges.
(a) A solution for the guaranteed debt (>80%) will be addressed between August 2021 and December 2021. Further funding request has been made in the 2022/23 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
(b) The Department and the National Treasury have agreed on the process to be followed to address the guaranteed debt which is maturing in September 2021 and December 2021. A joint task team consisting of the DPE, National Treasury, Department of Defence and Denel is exploring further funding options to support the operations resumption.
2. The Defence Review regards Denel as a strategic national asset. Denel is critical to the operational readiness of the Department of Defence and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Denel is the original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for some of the primary mission equipment of the SANDF. In repositioning Denel for sustainability and profitability, the SOC has developed a new operating model which will result in fundamental reorientation of its business structure. In terms of the new business model, Denel will reduce the number of business units from the current six (6) to two (2) to ensure optimal utilisation of critical resources and infrastructure. The SOC will, in terms of the new operating model, rationalise its asset base and plans to dispose non-core assets. The Department has made a funding application for Denel to support the implementation of the new operating model.
However, much still needs to be done to reposition Denel and return it to functionality and profitability. A challenging road will have to be traversed to get to this point. Recovery from the huge damage done to these institutions by state capture is a challenging task. There is no “quick fix” in this regard.
27 August 2021 - NW1290
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)With reference to his reply to question 219 on 10 March 2021, what steps has and/or will his department take to investigate and address the delays in finalising disciplinary cases of Public Service employees who are sitting at home whilst earning a full salary; (2) what (a) total amount has been spent by each (i) national and (ii) provincial departments on (aa) legal and (bb) compensation fees incurred as a result of disciplinary cases involving Public Service employees and (b) is the breakdown of the specified figure for each department; (3) What steps has and/or will his department take against executive authorities who fail to ensure that disciplinary cases within their departments are finalised within the stipulated 90-day period?
Reply:
1. In the third quarter of the previous financial year, the Department of Public Service and Administration launched a project to address the delays in finalising disciplinary cases where the Minister for the Public Service and Administration addressed executive authorities (Ministers and Premiers) whose departments were identified to have long outstanding precautionary suspensions. This was followed by one-on-one sessions between these identified provinces and departments and the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) to assess the reasons for delays, to provide technical assistance to finalise cases and where a newly developed electronic register was provided to departments to user to record their cases and to provide monthly progress updates to the DPSA. The MPSA furthermore addressed the issue in the Forum of South African Director-Generals (FOSAD) which took place in May 2021. The Director-General: DPSA embarked on provincial visits where top management were engaged, amongst others, on discipline management.
To assist departments with discipline management and to address identified challenges, the PAEIDTAU developed a Guide on managing discipline in the public service. The Guide is available on the DPSA website and training on the guide will commence this year.
In 2020, the DPSA trained 204 presiding officers to preside over disciplinary hearings.
As an interim measure, the MPSA launched (on 16 April 2021) a Discipline Management Complaints Hotline to enable public servants to report incidents of bullying and victimizations by their supervisors, pending finalisation of their disciplinary cases.
2. Tag A, herewith attached, addresses question 2, and reflects the information provided by national and provincial departments who responded to the request of the DPSA to provide the necessary information.
3. As indicated in the response of question 1, the MPSA addressed the issue with executive authorities in one-on-one meetings. The MPSA will continue to issue non-compliance letters to non-compliant executive authorities as mandated in terms of section 16 A of the Public Service Act and will also report those executive authorities to Cabinet and the Presidential Co-ordinating Council.
End
27 August 2021 - NW1546
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What are the reasons that vacant Head of Department posts in the North West are filled with persons employed on temporary contracts?
Reply:
The appointments of Heads of Department is governed by the Public Service Act which states that such appointments shall not exceed a period of five years. The contracts of two serving heads of department (COGTA and Human Settlements) were extended by the Premier on a short term basis at the end of their initial 5 year contract periods. The recruitment process of replacement full time incumbents is currently underway.
End
27 August 2021 - NW1718
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What are the full details of the current evergreen contracts for the Government Printing Works, including the (a) deadline and/or expiration date, (b) value of the contract and (c) company name of the service provider for the (i) 2020-21 and (ii) 2021-22 financial years?
Reply:
An “evergreen contract” is defined as a contract that automatically renews itself on or after the expiry date. This means that the parties involved in the contract should agree that it rolls over automatically until one party gives a notice of termination. GPW’s business entails engagement with suppliers and service providers to acquire services and products that serve to facilitate the printing of critical print and media material for government departments and its entities. This relationship is formalised through entering into Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) with respective customers. Some customers are either a single source and or sole supplier/provider depending on the type of service rendered to GPW by these customers.
GPW observed that some companies on its database had been providing services for prolonged periods and therefore initiated a project to review the content of its contracts. Its objective is to identify and classify all contracts into different types and produce a report for implementation. The outcome of this project would enable GPW to determine the evergreen contracts and address them accordingly, including consideration to go out and test the market where necessary. GPW has been in consultation with National Treasury for advice on this project. In view of this, it would at this stage be legally inappropriate to provide full details of the current evergreen contracts for the Government Printing whilst the project is still underway. The project should be concluded by the end of this financial year.
GPW intends to address all the undesirable evergreen contracts found within the organisation to ensure compliance with the supply chain management principles of equity, ethical and fair dealing, open and effective competition, accountability and reporting, value for money, and transparent procurement.
END
27 August 2021 - NW1327
Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AffairsQUESTION
What is the current status of the (a) Local Government Leadership Academy and (b) Municipal Leadership Development Programme launched by the erstwhile Department of Provincial and Local Government in 2007?
Reply:
a) The Local Government Leadership Academy (LOGOLA) was established in 2004 as the initiative of the then Department of Provincial and Local Government (dplg). Its developmental objective was to contribute towards the development of a broad base of politically mature leadership that can sustain democracy and strengthen a sustainable developmental local government sphere in South Africa. The LOGOLA model proposed in the Concept Paper was too expensive to implement, although by 2007 it was accredited by LGSETA as a virtual training provider to facilitate the Municipal Leadership Development Programme (MLDP). The academy was since disestablished during the Department’s transitional process in 2010, which also planned for the revitilisation of LOGOLA towards the establishment of a School for Local Government that in the future would merge with the National School of Government.
b) After its launch in 2007, the Municipal Leadership Development Programme (MLDP), and given that the overall concept was too expensive to implement, it was agreed that a focus on councillors training would be subjected to a number of pilots facilitated by accredited service providers. Approximately, 286 councillors and senior managers were enrolled in the pilot programme although in many cases the Portfolio of Evidence was not timeously completed in those four municipalities. The programme was since discontinued in 2010 as part of the envisaged reconcptualisation of LOGOLA.
27 August 2021 - NW1272
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) significant restructuring plans have been put in place since the current board members were appointed and (b) successes have been realised in terms of the financial recovery of Denel judging from the state the specified company is in? NW1464E
Reply:
According to the information received from Denel:
a) The Board approved Denel’s turnaround plan in 2019 with the aim to refocus the business to reduce duplications and dispose non-cores assets.
b) Denel and the Board has made significant inroads in the restructuring the business key initiatives and success include the following:
-
- LMT (expected annualised savings of R48m).
- Exit of loss making subsidiaries
- Exit of Denel Aerostructures (expected annualised savings of circa R260m).
- Exit of onerous contracts.
- Cumulative cost savings in excess of R1bn since April 2018 to September 2020, mainly driven by a 27% reduction in employee numbers.
- A 43% forecasted reduction in operating expenditure in FY20/21 vs FY19/20. Mainly as a result in reduced employment costs [as a reduction in natural attrition of employees] and overall subdued business activity.
- Improvements to governance and co-operating with the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
However, much still needs to be done to reposition Denel and return it to functionality and profitability. A challenging road will have to be traversed to get to this point. Recovery from the huge damage done to these institutions by state capture is a challenging task. There is no “quick fix” in this regard.
27 August 2021 - NW1315
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Whether Eskom was a conduit for a certain company (name furnished) in making a strategic donation of R30 million to a certain foundation in 2016; if so, (2) whether he intends taking any action against any senior executive of Eskom for his or her agency, on behalf of the specified company, in using Eskom as a conduit to make the transfer of the donation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the Information Received from Eskom
Background
General Electric (GE) has a contract with Eskom for the design, engineering, supply, construction and commissioning of the turbines and generators installed at the Kusile Power Station project. There are six turbines and generators at Kusile. The contract includes for the major auxiliary plant supporting the turbines and generators.
(1)
Eskom does not have records of correspondence where GE was instructed to make a donation for R30 million.
(2)
Eskom understands that the alleged donation may be linked to corporate social investment (CSI) projects agreed between Eskom and GE. In this regard, we can confirm that Eskom and GE agreed that GE will execute CSI projects in or around Mpumalanga.
Within this list of CSI projects, Eskom cannot identify any item relating to a donation to the DD Foundation.
27 August 2021 - NW1766
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
How much electricity (a) Does Eskom produce for and supply to foreign countries, (b) Is generated during the period we are experiencing load-shedding and (c) Revenue is generated from the specified contracts?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom
a) Electricity supplied by Eskom to foreign countries is as set out in the table below:
Country |
Customer |
Customer type |
Capacity |
|
1. |
Botswana |
Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) |
Utility |
150MW+non-firm |
2. |
Zambia |
Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) |
Transmission Company |
50MW+non-firm |
3. |
Mozambique |
Electricidade de Mocambique (EDM) |
Utility |
Standby of up to 300MW |
4. |
Mozambique |
Mozambique Transmission Company (Motraco) |
Transmission Company selling to South32 (end user) |
950MW |
5. |
Lesotho |
Lesotho Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd (LEC) |
Utility |
80-110MW |
6. |
Namibia |
Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) |
Utility |
200MW+ non-firm |
7. |
Namibia |
NamPower for Skorpion Zinc Mine |
Utility |
Expired |
8. |
Namibia |
NamPower for Orange River Cross Border Supply |
Utility |
36MW |
9. |
Eswatini |
Eswatini Electricity Corporation (EEC) |
Utility |
190MW |
10. |
Zimbabwe |
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission & Distribution Company Private Limited (ZETDC) |
Utility |
50MW+ non-firm |
b) Eskom is expected to honour its contractual obligations as per the respective agreements. Eskom supplies foreign countries in terms of firm and non-firm power supply agreements.
- Firm power supply agreements are subject to the load curtailment reduction that is in proportion to the load shedding stages that are determined by NRS 048-9.
- Non-firm power supply agreements are suspended in the event of increased demand in South Africa including use of Open Cycle Gas Turbines (diesel) and load shedding.
c) Revenue generated is published in Eskom’s annual financial statements. The results for financial year 2020/21 are not yet published.
27 August 2021 - NW1746
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) What (i) are the reasons for the failure by Denel to pay their employees their full salaries since May 2020 and (ii) action has he taken to resolve the problems and (b) by what date is it envisaged that Denel employees will receive their full salaries?
Reply:
According to the information received from Denel:
(a)(i) Denel’s failure to pay employees during this period is as a result of the company’s liquidity challenges, which started as far back as 2017. Denel is a case study on what corruption and state capture in particular can do to a once successful business that was a benchmark on governance and performance. This pandemic has made the situation worse with closure of facilities in response to lockdown requirements.
(a)(ii) Denel is dealing with the root causes of the challenges faced by the entity which include the impact and consequences of state capture. The process to rebuild Denel is underway. This includes adopting a new business model that is responsive to changing market conditions to ensure sustainability. Management is in constant engagement with employees to find solutions. The Department is looking at various options of improving the liquidity solutions in the short term and options to strengthen the balance sheet for long term sustainability.
Most of Denel’s operating divisions are steadily addressing the outstanding salary payments owed since May 2020. However, this is dependent on how quickly the divisions are able to turn sales into cash. This is ongoing as Denel is dependent on sales in order to create its own liquidity.
25 August 2021 - NW1864
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What is (a) the progress and (b) full details of the court case regarding claim LCC 1-2010 in the land claims court of Randburg; (2) whether the State bought the farm Vlugtkraal38KR in the Modimolle Local Municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, for what amount; (3) whether the State has transferred the land to any beneficiaries; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
(1)(a) The Commission filed the Notice of Referral as ordered by the Court. All interested and affected parties have been served. We are awaiting the Legal Representatives for the claimants /plaintiffs and owner defendants to proceed. The Commission arranged Legal Representation for the claimants in terms of section 29(4) of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994.
(b) The land claim in question is pending in court. This claim was lodged with the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights on behalf of Molekwa Sekungwe Community before the cut-off date of the 31st December 1998. The claim was referred to court for the reason that the landowner is challenging validity of the claim on farm Vluchtkraal 38 KR.
2. No, the matter is pending in court.
3. No, the matter is pending in court.
25 August 2021 - NW1875
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What is the total number of teacher cases that are still unresolved with the SA Council of Educators?
Reply:
As at 31 July 2021, The South African Council for Educators still had a total of 826 cases that still remain unresolved and are still being processed.
More resources are being deployed to deal effectively with the existing backlog that is a direct result of the negative effect of Covid 19 that has, to a large extent, made it extremely difficult to get access to victims and witnesses. Quite often this applies to learners who are restrained by their parents to participate on misconduct cases which are linked to educators. Such a development often leads to delayed resolution and finalisation of cases.
In addition, the fear by teachers and Presiding officers to travel during this pandemic, witness tampering and intimidation of complainants by accused educators has impacted negatively on SACE’s ability to clear cases as planned. These challenges are being addressed by seeking cooperation, implementing awareness programmes and encouraging the community to help in enforcing the code of professional ethics.
25 August 2021 - NW1877
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What are the reasons that the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act, Act 54 of 2003, was omitted under the Legislative Mandates of her department for the second consecutive Annual Performance Plan for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; (2) in light of the fact that the term of the Committee for Spatial Information (CSI) came to an end on 30 November 2020 and that the submission to appoint the new CSI has been with her since October 2020, on what date does she intend to appoint the new CSI; (3) whether she has been informed that the failure to appoint a new CSI has a negative impact on all Government departments as applications for spatial information cannot be processed and approved without the CSI; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what funding has been allocated for (a) the 2021-2022 financial year and (b) for the MTEF for the implementation of the specified Act and the CSI; (5) from where does she intend to source the up-to-date spatial data required to deliver on the APP 2021-2022 item which focused on Rural Development, Land Administration and Management, Spatial Transformation in the absence of a fully funded and functional National Spatial Data Infrastructure?
Reply:
1) The omission of the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act (Act 54 of 2003) in the Annual Performance Plan (APP), was due to an administrative oversight and will be rectified in the revision of the APP of the Department for 2022/23. Although the SDI Act is omitted in the APP, its implementation is underway with the Committee for Spatial Information appointed and the Electronic Metadata Catalogue developed in the current financial year.
2) The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has appointed the Committee for Spatial Information (CSI) on 8 August 2021.
3) Yes. The Minister has appointed the CSI and she is well informed about the importance of the CSI including the functions performed by the CSI in relation to the processing of applications for spatial data.
4) Funding allocated for 2021-2022 for the implementation of the SDI Act is R7million. The CSI will hold a strategic planning session to determine the activities and the cost of operationalising the CSI. The Department will then fund the priorities as outlined on the strategic plan of the CSI.
5) The Department is in the process of developing a service delivery model to support the full implementation of the SDI Act, which includes support to data custodians. The CSI strategic planning session will guide the Department terms of establishing a functional national spatial data Infrastructure which will contribute positively to spatial transformation.
25 August 2021 - NW1824
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether her department has investigated the fact that overcrowding in schools is one of the factors contributing to the increasing number of COVID-19 infections; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether her department has made similar findings; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether her department is conducting the required research on ventilation and health protocols in schools in line with the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s building recommendations in both (a) private and (b) public schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Whether her department has investigated the fact that overcrowding in schools is one of the factors contributing to the increasing number of COVID-19 infections; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
RESPONSE:
The closeness of learners to each other in the classroom, and overcrowding, are clearly factors that can increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. This is clear from the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance and the guidance provided by South African experts, which is captured in the various guides and directives produced by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and aimed at schools. There is no clear scientific evidence from anywhere in the world on the exact effects of the proximity of learners to each other in the classroom on transmission of the virus. Thus, rules and guidelines around classroom distancing strategies and optimal distances between learners are based on expert opinion, and differ from place to place. For instance, the WHO has advocated a distance of one metre in classrooms, while South African experts have in the past advocated one and a half metres. The reason there is no clear evidence is that the required experiments would be unethical. They would require, for instance, imposing a one metre rule in some classes, and a one and a half metre rule in other classes, in the same schooling system, and then seeing the extent to which transmission differed across the two groups. The reason one cannot make simple comparisons across different schooling systems, is that the epidemiology in each schooling system is influenced by a great variety of factors, and not just one factor such as the stipulated distance.
(2) whether her department has made similar findings; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
RESPONSE:
As explained in the response to the previous question, this type of research has not been conducted in South Africa for ethical reasons. What the Department is currently working on is analysis of Department of Health microdata on reported cases since the start of the pandemic, to detect whether correlations between schools being open and cases point to any clear benefits to either closures or re-openings. It should be kept in mind that learners are exposed to infection both inside and outside school, and that it is possible that learners may be safer in the more controlled environment of the school than outside the school. Initial findings from the DBE’s work does not point strongly in either direction, meaning whether schools have been open or closed has not made any significant difference to transmission patterns among children or the population as a whole.
(3) whether her department is conducting the required research on ventilation and health protocols in schools in line with the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s building recommendations in both (a) private and (b) public schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
RESPONSE:
The DBE has gone to great lengths to gather expert opinion, from South Africa and abroad, on optimal ventilation and other strategies in classrooms, and this informs government’s policy on these matters. Again, neither in the United States nor in South Africa are scientific experiments that directly assess the relationship between ventilation and transmission levels possible, for ethical reasons.