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28 November 2023 - NW3681

Profile picture: Moore, Mr S J

Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

With reference to sewage spewing down the streets and at times into people’s homes (details furnished) and given the Green Drop Report which found 334 Wastewater Treatment works were in critical condition and consequently now subject to legal proceedings, what are the reasons his department only opened seven cases from the 334 identified?

Reply:

The Green Drop report found 334 wastewater systems, belonging to 90 municipalities to be in a critical state of performance. It is important to note that where the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) approaches the Prosecuting Authority for criminal cases or Court for civil relief it is done on an entity or in this case a municipal basis. Reporting on criminal and civil cases will be on a municipal level, compared to where the Department reports on its administrative action (pre-directives and directives) on wastewater systems level.

Not all 90 municipalities are facing criminal charges as there is a process to be followed. The National Water Act makes provision for two types of enforcement actions namely administrative and criminal. Common law provides a third option of approaching a civil court for relief where there is imminent threat to life, property or the environment.

Upon the release of the Green Drop report all 90 municipalities was issued with a non-compliance letter for the development and submission of corrective action plans (see Table 1 below). To date the department has received 195 such plans. If an action plan is received and it is being implemented no further enforcement action is taken. Where municipalities fail to provide or to implement these action plans and where pollution or other non-compliances with the National Water Act is detected through compliance monitoring, the department will exercise its administrative regulatory authority by the issuing of Pre-Directives and where these are not adhered to the issuance of Directives.

The Department has issued, for these 90 municipalities, over the last two years, 184 pre-directives and 94 Directives (see Table 1) for its non-compliant systems. Some of these pre-dates the release of the Green Drop Report. One of the offences listed in the National Water Act is the non-adherence to an issued directive (administrative action) which is used as the basis for laying criminal charges.

Therefore the 12 criminal cases highlighted with the release of the Green Drop Watch report in June 2023 (as a measure of progress of addressing the results of the Green Drop) was as a result of the Department already having issued directives against those municipalities and not succeeding in securing compliance with its administrative tools (they remained non-compliant) and the necessity to then proceed to criminal charges and investigations with the assistance of the National Prosecuting Authority, who decides on the prosecution.

Currently, 22 municipalities are facing criminal charges for various offenses, including but not limited to, non-compliance to a directive, the unlawful commission of acts or omissions that result in water resource pollution or the likelihood thereof (the dockets for these cases are being managed by DWS and Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Environment).

Eighteen (18) of these 22 municipalities have systems that were identified as critical in the Green Drop Report. The number of cases therefore has increased from 12 in June 2023 to 18 municipalities with systems in a critical state of performance. The investigations are in various stages and upon completion of the case dockets, they are submitted to the Prosecuting Authority for prosecutorial decisions. To date, the Department has also approached the courts for civil interdicts for 17 municipalities, 9 of which were systems identified as critical in the Green Drop Report (see Table 1).


Table 1: Administrative, civil and criminal cases against the 90 municipalities with systems identified as critical in the Green Drop Report

Province

Municipalities (Water Service Authorities) (WSA)

Number of Wastewater Treatment Works

(<31% Green Drop score)

# (%) Corrective Action Plans
Received

Non-Compliance Letters Issued

Pre-Directives

Directive

Civil Cases against WSA linked to 334 critical Systems

Current Criminal cases against WSA linked to 334 critical systems

Eastern Cape

10

48

45 (94%)

48

23

3

1

0

Free State

17

64

28(44%)

64

33

15

1

5

Gauteng

4

9

8 (89%)

9

8

8

0

2[1]

KwaZulu Natal

4

20

0 (0%)

20

8

7

0

0

Limpopo

10

50

50 (100%)

50

30

27

1

4

Mpumalanga

8

33

17 (51%)

33

31

21

3

4

Northern Cape

23

59

14 (24%)

59

26

4

1

1

Northwest

7

33

15 (45%)

33

17

6

2[2]

1[3]

Western Cape

7

18

18 (100%)

18

8

3

0

1

National Totals

90

334 (90 WSAs)

195 (58%)

334

184

94

9[4]

18[5]

Thus far, the Department has obtained 3 Plea Sentencing Agreements against Rand West City LM, Thaba Chweu LM and Lekwa LM for contravening NWA provisions. Fines were imposed against each Local Municipality. The Department is currently monitoring compliance with the plea sentencing agreements. Furthermore, the Department obtained one (1) court order against Msukaligwa LM. The Department will continue to monitor the implementation of the court order.

---00O00---

  1. Merafong Local Municipality is facing criminal charges for four of its wastewater systems which are part of the identified critical systems.

  2. The Department is seeking civil relief for 2 wastewater systems for Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the Northwest province.

  3. Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality is facing further criminal charges for 4 of its wastewater systems. These investigations are being led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

  4. Further civil cases against WSAs not relating to these 344 systems include 2 in Gauteng and Limpopo each, and one each in Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu Natal.

  5. Further 3 criminal cases against WSAs not relating to these 334 systems include two in Gauteng and one in the Northern Cape province.

28 November 2023 - NW3703

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Moroane, Ms M L to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What measures will her department implement to address challenges identified by the Auditor-General’s Audit Report for 2022/23 that highlighted challenges in procurement processes and the quality of school infrastructure development in the provinces? ]

Reply:

The Department of Basic Education has developed a 10 Point Plan that aims to address the challenges identified in several reports, including the audit report. The 10 point plan consists of the following components:

  • Updated data management on current infrastructure;
  • Updated and simplified Asset management Plans;
  • Updated and simplified Infrastructure Programme Management Plans;
  • Standardised concept designs, specification, processes and contracts,
  • Procurement of framework contracts, management contractors to address procurement challenges;
  • Local subcontracting;
  • Use of appropriate and relevant contracts;
  • Gateway reviews for appropriate monitoring;
  • Project lifecycle monitoring;
  • Restricting defaulting service providers.

28 November 2023 - NW3667

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Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What (a) total number of public agricultural schools are still in operation across the Republic and (b) are the relevant details of the steps her department has taken to ensure that the specified schools operate effectively to ensure that Grade 12 learners pass the National Senior Certificate examinations?

Reply:

(a) The number of Agricultural schools per province is as follows:

PROVINCE

NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS

EC

17

FS

17

GP

7

KZN

4

LP

8

MP

8

NW

4

NC

2

WC

10

TOTAL

77

 

(b) The Provincial Education Departments have put support programmes in place to ensure that Grade 12s receive the required support to pass the NSC. These include monitoring of curriculum coverage, provision of learning materials, through the Mathematics, Science and Technology Conditional Grant (MSTCG) refurbishment and securing of resources and equipment for practical work to be conducted in the Agricultural subjects. The Grant has also been utilised to establish production enterprises at the respective schools. This has impacted positively on learner performance in the Agricultural subjects.

28 November 2023 - NW3727

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Mhlongo, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)       Whether her department is responsible for vacant posts in schools; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total number of teaching vacancies exist in Mpumalanga as at 31 October 2023; (2) what total number of posts of the specified number of vacancies have been advertised; (3) whether she has found that the policy to only employ graduates funded from the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme will still apply with regard to the advertised posts in Mpumalanga; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details

Reply:

1. Section 5 of the Employment of Educators Act (EEA), 1998, gives the powers to create posts for public schools to the Member of Executive Council (MEC) responsible for education in that province and further gives the powers to distribute such posts to schools to the Head of Department. This is on the condition that both the creation and the distribution of the posts are effected in terms of the national norms. Section 6 of the EEA further gives the powers to appoint educators at school to the Head of Department. The Honourable Member is kindly requested to direct the question to the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

2. The Honourable Member is requested to direct the question to the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

3. Paragraph 1 of Annexure A of Collective Agreement 4 of 2018 concluded at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) provides for an order of priority in terms of the appointment into vacant post-level 1 posts. It provides that the appointments in vacant posts at school level must follow the order that prioritises first-time appointments that have a contractual obligation with the employer, and this covers both the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme recipients and recipients of any other state bursary scheme; followed by any other first-time applicant; and lastly qualified unemployed educators. It is therefore expected that the Mpumalanga Department of Education will comply with the said collective agreement.

28 November 2023 - NW3695

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Moroatshehla, Mr PR to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Considering that the release of the matric results for the 2022 academic year was delayed, thereby impacting higher education admissions and readiness for the 2023 academic year, what is the level of readiness for the finalisation of the marking process on time in 2023 to avoid the challenges of the 2022 academic year?

Reply:

The 2023 NSC examination results are scheduled to be released on 18 January 2024 by the Minister of Basic Education followed by the Provincial MECs and the release by schools to candidates on 19 January 2024.

The writing of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations commenced on 30th October 2023 and will conclude on 6th December 2023 and marking will take place from 7 December 2023 to 20 December 2023.

It needs to be noted that the release date for the 2022 NSC examination results was not delayed but this was the planned date for the release of the 2022 NSC examination results. The DBE had a meeting with Universities South Africa (USAf) regarding the release date and there was agreement on the later release date. The later release date is directly linked to the late commencement of the writing of the examination. The late commencement of the examination was prompted by the need to extend the time available for teaching and learning so that there could be full coverage of the curriculum, given the disadvantage that this class has endured given the disruptions due to COVID-19.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the nine Provincial Education Department have prepared adequately for the marking process and the final preparatory steps are currently being concluded. Markers have been appointed based on a strict adherence to the criteria articulated in the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM) and ensuring the necessary verifications at the school, district and provincial level. The 190 marking centres across the nine PEDs have been audited and the DBE can confirm that all the marking centres are ready for the marking process. The marking will commence as per schedule across the nine PEDs and will conclude on the scheduled date. While the marking process is in progress, the capture of marks will commence and will conclude on 23rd December 2023. All processes are in place for the standardisation of the results by Umalusi that will take place on 5th January 2024 so that the Umalusi Approval meeting can take place on 12th January 2024 and the final release of the results on 19th January 2024.

It needs to be reiterated that the 2022 NSC examination processes, in no way contributed to the challenges experienced by Higher Education Institutions in terms of admission of students to the various academic institutions. It is also important to note that the results data base is made available to Higher Education institutions prior to the official release of the results to learners, so that Higher Education Institutions can proceed with its selection processes.

The DBE as done in previous years will ensure strict adherence to its scheduled time frames and there will be no delays that will contribute to the challenges of Higher Education Institutions.

28 November 2023 - NW3783

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Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)Whether he will furnish Mr A C Roos with (a) a list of all the software licences that his department makes use of and (b) the expiry dates of each licence listed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

Reply:

(1)(a)&(b) The Department is not in the position to divulge the information pertaining to software licenses that are used in our applications for security reasons.

 

END

28 November 2023 - NW3811

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr SL

Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What is the (a) total budget allocated and (b) actual expenditure on the employment of education assistants and general school assistants in the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative for each year since its launch in 2020 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

Reply:

What is the (a) total budget allocated and (b) actual expenditure on the employment of education assistants and general school assistants in the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative for each year since its launch in 2020 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

(Source: Provincial reports Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI)

Phase I - 2020/21 had ** SAVING OF POSTS which had a budget of R2.43 billion from the R6.998 billion allocated with spending of R1.153 billion, the unspent funds R1.254 billion.  The R1.254 billion was used to extend the job opportunities with additional one month (April 2021) in all nine provinces. The allocation for saving of posts in Phase I of 2020/21 saved 33 542 posts in schools.  

Unspent Funds of Phase III 2022/23 were utilised to commence Phase IV in February 2023.  Meaning that February and March 2023 jobs were paid using funds remaining from Phase III

Phase IV – Gauteng extended the programme to end of December using unspent funds as well as provincial funds.

28 November 2023 - NW3882

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Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department maintains a record of temporary educators on its system; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total number of temporary educators are on department’s system, excluding educators who are in relief posts and who fill in for an educator who is on maternity leave and/or on leave for medical reasons?

Reply:

The Department monitors the appointment of educators through the PERSAL records received on a monthly basis as part of monitoring the trends in the nature of appointment of educators. The latest information is as at the end of October 2023. The table below shows the number of educators appointed who were appointed in temporary capacities as at the end of October 2023. The number excludes those that are in substitute posts.

  

Province

Number of Educators 

EASTERN CAPE                               

493

FREE STATE                                     

1 155

GAUTENG                                    

5 520

KWAZULU/NATAL                         

1 698

LIMPOPO PROVINCE                                  

313

MPUMALANGA                                        

1 178

NORTH WEST                                        

2 807

NORTHERN CAPE                                     

1 883

WESTERN CAPE                                      

8 244

Grand Total

23 291

28 November 2023 - NW3755

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Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)       Whether her department arranges matric camps at schools; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the total number of schools that have matric camps and (b) measures have been put in place to ensure safety of learners and educators especially in rural areas; (2) which level of her department approves the matric camps; (3) what systems have been put in place by her department to ensure the monitoring of the camps?

Reply:

(1)   All Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) independently arrange matric camps to assist and support learners in various subjects. This is done in the quest to improve learner performance and results (Learning Outcomes),

(a)The number of schools or camps varies from province to province depending on the number of learners targeted for assistance. There were 2346 centres in all, in 2023.

(b) Provinces encourage schools to work with the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) when organising Matric camps. SGBs assist with the monitoring and supporting the centres, and also lend a hand by cooking for learners in the camps. The schools (including SGBs) work with the nearby SAPS to assist with monitoring and to discourage the use of drugs and carrying of illegal weapons. Furthermore, schools work with the nearby clinics to assist learners who are sick. Other stakeholders are brought on board such as NGOs to assist with psychosocial support and motivation of learners.

(2)   Matric camps are organised and approved at a Provincial level with the approved budget and needed human and capital resources. PEDs then draw schedules of the matric camps/centres which they then share with the DBE. The DBE Further Education and Training (FET) Directorate, which leads the monitoring of centres, then drafts a monitoring schedule for the Subject Specialists and other officials from the department, e.g., the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Directorates. The Director General (DG) also monitors and supports the said centres.

(3)   The FET Curriculum, the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Directorates, the Senior Managers and the DG, monitor and support the camps. PEDs also monitor the Matric camps. In the  current year, the DBE Subject Specialists and the DG monitored 211 Spring centres across the 9 provinces. The monitoring of camps include assessing the quality of teaching taking place at the centre as well as any challenges that might be experienced at the centre related to the availability of resources including the safety and wellbeing of learners and teachers. All the measures outlined above apply to all the centres in the rural as well as the urban areas.                 

27 November 2023 - NW3826

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department has any plans and/or partnership with other departments to ensure the restoration of South Africa as a dream travel and tourist destination in Africa amidst the rising levels of crime and attacks on tourists, especially in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department has a partnership in a form of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Services (SAPS) for collaboration on the prevention, investigation and combating of crimes impacting on the tourism industry and the safety and well-being of tourists.

The MoU entails working on a number of areas including:

  • Identification and analysis of tourism hotspots;
  • Establishment of a database of crimes committed against tourists; and
  • Participation in tourist safety awareness and educational programmes.

The MoU Action Plan is currently being implemented through the Tourism Safety Technical Committee comprising of the Department of Tourism and SAPS. The MoU is currently undergoing revision to extend the MOU beyond December 2024 and to ensure that other initiatives being implemented with the private sector on safety and security are considered and strengthened.

The Minister has also launched the National Safety Forum on 29 May 2023 with, subsequent, quarterly meetings with the stakeholders.

Stakeholders include all three spheres of government, the SAPS, National Prosecuting Authority, Provincial Tourism Authorities, the private sector, Airports Company South Africa and tourism product owners.

27 November 2023 - NW3818

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Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department will extend the contracts of teaching assistants through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative which has been running since 1 January 2020; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each (a) province and (b) district?

Reply:

Allocation and spending (Source: Provincial reports Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI):

Phase I - 2020/21: The unspent funds of R1,42 billion were from funds allocated to Saving of Posts, and it was utilised by Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to extend the job opportunities by one (1) month.  All provinces extended the job opportunities for April.  Phase I of 2020/21 also had Saving of Posts where more than 33 000 posts were saved in schools.

Phase IV – Gauteng extended the programme to the end of December using unspent funds as well as provincial funds.

Saving of Posts which had a budget of R2.43 billion from the R7 billion allocated in 2020/21 with spending of R1.153 billion, the unspent funds of R1.254 billion were used to extend the job opportunities with an additional one (1) month.

27 November 2023 - NW3672

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Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1) Whether her department has undertaken an assessment to determine the total number of learners who require to make use of the learner transport services offered by her department across the Republic; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether her department has put any measures in place to ensure that all learners are accommodated from the start of the 2024 academic year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details

Reply:

1. Learner Transport Programme is a shared responsibility between the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Transport. The provisioning and prioritisation of learner transport programme is, however, a provincial competency and the National Departments of Basic Education and Transport monitor the provisioning of learner transport programme in provinces. Reports received from Provincial Departments of Education indicate that there is a total of 900 946 learners in 5 635 schools in need of learner’s transport

2. Learner transport programme is funded through the equitable share allocations to Provinces. As at the end of the second quarter of 2023/24 financial year, 707 069 learners in 4 196 schools were transported. This is as a result of budgetary constraints experienced by provinces. We must also note that learner transport programme at inception was an interim solution to provide access to education where there is a shortage of schools and such, provinces have been requested to collaborate with infrastructure units to build schools where there is a higher demand for learner transport programme and relief pressure on the transportation of learners.

27 November 2023 - NW3668

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Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1) What are the relevant details of the current national priorities stipulated in the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme of her department; (2) whether she will review the specified current national priorities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)      What are the relevant details of the current national priorities stipulated in the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme of her department;

The National Priorities are drafted from subject priorities submitted by provinces and approved by Heads of Provincial Education Departments;  the new subjects that the department is introducing in the sector respond to the sector priorities and respond to challenges that are being addressed by the education sector, - eg. Foundation Phase: Grade 4 learners not reading for meaning, 

Foundation Phase

Intermediate Phase

Senior  Phase

FET  Phase

Foundation Phase (with preference for speakers of African Languages).

•Braille

•South African Sign Language (SASL)

•Neurodevelopmental Needs

Preference will be given for a teaching major in two of the following:

·Languages

·Mathematics

·Natural Sciences & Technology

·Braille

·SASL

·Neurodevelopmental Needs

 

Preference will be given for a teaching major in two of the following:

·Languages

·Mathematics

·Natural Sciences

·Technology

·Braille

·SASL

·Neurodevelopmental Needs

 

Agricultural Sciences

Agricultural Technology

Civil Technology

Computer Applications Technology

Electrical Technology

Engineering Graphics and Design

Information Technology

Languages

Life Sciences

Mathematics

Mechanical Technology

Physical Sciences

Technical Mathematics

Technical Science

Braille

SASL

Neurodevelopmental Needs

(2) whether she will review the specified current national priorities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

The National Priorities subjects are determined annually, this is based on attrition (retirement, resignations, relocations, promotions) statistics per subject offered by those leaving the department, emergent subjects introduced in the sector, and issues that the department wants to address, e.g., currently, DBE wants to address challenges in the foundation phase. This gives the Funza Lushaka Programme  influence in the supply of teachers in Foundation phase, to ensure that these are relevant.          

27 November 2023 - NW3613

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What projects were initiated by her department in each month (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2023, (b) in which month was each project completed in each case, (c) and (d) what are the reasons that the projects are incomplete in each case?

Reply:

The projects, initiated by the Department in the past three financial years, are as captured in the Annual Performance Plans and the relevant implementation reports have been presented to the Portfolio Committee.

I have been informed by the Department that no projects were initiated since 1 January 2023.

 

27 November 2023 - NW3450

Profile picture: Abrahams, Ms ALA

Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development

With regard to the child support top-up grant which was introduced to address the foster care grant backlog crisis, what (a) is the current foster care grant backlog in each province, in comparison to June 2022, when the top-up grant was implemented, (b) has been the monthly uptake of the top-up grant in each province since implementation and (c) are the reasons that the (i) relatives of orphans are still choosing the court process to obtain a foster care grant instead of the top-up grant and (ii) SA Social Security Agency does not include the top-up grant reporting in its Monitoring and Evaluation: Fifth Statistical Report 2023/4: Social Assistance for the period April 2023?

Reply:

a) Current foster care grant backlog per province compared to June 2022

REGION

2019 & Prior Years

2020

2021

2022

2023

EC

165

522

1525

720

3118

FS

14

4

26

40

458

GP

942

704

1124

1244

1778

KZN

49

26

127

224

1351

LP

801

618

921

944

1114

MP

32

150

165

82

206

NC

1

2

3

23

122

NW

7

5

8

18

425

WC

62

75

154

267

1549

TOTAL

2073

2106

4053

3562

10121

b) Top-up grant monthly uptake per Province

REGION

Jun 2022

Jul 2022

Aug 2022

Sep 2022

Oct 2022

Nov 2022

Dec 2022

Jan 2023

Feb 2023

Mar 2023

Apr 2023

May 2023

June 2023

July 2023

Aug 2023

Sep 2023

EC

306

1,249

2,711

4,072

5,314

6,153

6,825

7,388

8,167

8,764

9,274

10,046

10,751

11,341

12,108

12,715

FS

100

392

910

1,210

1,535

1,734

1,949

2,148

2,338

2,569

2,721

2,996

3,306

3,584

3,875

4,172

GP

239

579

1,339

1,843

2,578

3,097

3,578

4,049

4,508

4,939

5,265

5,732

6,154

6,460

6,900

7,281

KZN

458

1,228

2,602

3,717

3,717

5,386

6,046

6,378

6,925

7,438

7,798

8,282

8,602

8,959

9,476

9,873

LP

227

633

1,733

2,347

3,007

3,388

3,901

4,243

4,665

5,073

5,405

5,724

6,030

6,268

6,522

6,855

MP

119

283

712

1,084

1,591

1,803

2,080

2,382

2,659

2,989

3,229

3,628

3,973

4,258

4,533

4,779

NC

71

199

379

565

702

754

861

965

1,078

1,213

1,290

1,399

1,504

1,597

1,674

1,764

NW

64

249

550

894

1,289

1,499

1,716

1,931

2,191

2,432

2,617

2,904

3,178

3,373

3,590

3,767

WC

64

206

492

754

955

1,158

1,362

1,492

1,741

1,999

2,150

2,426

2,654

2,790

3,000

3,246

TOTAL

1,648

5,018

11,428

16,486

20,688

24,972

28,318

30,976

34,272

37,416

39,749

43,137

46,152

48,630

51,678

54,452

c) (i) The Children’s Act has been amended to allow relatives of orphaned children to refer this category of children for Child support grant (CGS) Top-Up grant. However, the regulations are not yet gazetted for implementation as a result Social Workers (legally) are still referring relatives of orphaned children to the Foster Care system.

It should be noted that the Department of Social Development and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) are continuously conducting educational roadshows, stakeholder and public education about the Child Support Top - Up, including the eligibility criteria. We therefore believe that overtime, there will be tangible movement.

(ii) The Child Support Top-Up Grant is included in the report. The data is on page 45, table 27 of the attached report.

27 November 2023 - NW3702

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Yabo, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Recognising that the infrastructure backlog is a moving target, as experienced by her department, what are the implications of the Census 2022 report on the planning and budgeting for (a) Early Childhood Development and (b) infrastructure development for the basic education system?

Reply:

(a) (b) The results of Census 22 were released in October 2023 and the DBE is in the process of analysing the report and its implications for both ECD and school Infrastructure. 

27 November 2023 - NW3533

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What are the specific details in relation to the implementation status of the Tourism Transformation Fund?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) was officially launched in May 2018.

Since inception a total of 27 applications were approved for support under the TTF. Unfortunately, eight (8) of the approved applications were withdrawn post investment, leaving 19 active approved projects at various stages of implementation.

Based on information received from the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), the reasons for withdrawal post approval predominantly relates to the failure by the client/ applicant to meet certain requirements stipulated in the contract between the client/ applicant and the NEF.

In some cases, applications were withdrawn by the NEF and in others by the applicant/ client.

There are an additional 38 active applications at various stages of assessments in the programme pipeline.

27 November 2023 - NW3852

Profile picture: Matuba, Ms M M

Matuba, Ms M M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What (a) is the total number of municipalities that are still under administration and (b) progress has been made since each municipality was placed under administration?

Reply:

a) Currently, a total of thirty-two (32) municipalities (Annexure A) are still under administration across the country. Of the 32 municipalities under administration, 3 are under intervention in terms of Sec 139(7) of the Constitution (i.e. National Cabinet intervention).

b) Detailed reports have been presented before the various committees of the National Assembly and the NCOP on the progress to date in these municipalities.

The progress varies across municipalities and across provinces. Good progress continues to be registered in municipalities such as Lekwa and Govan Mbeki in Mpumalanga, Mangaung in the Free State, Makana in the Eastern Cape, Msunduzi and Mpofana in KwaZulu/Natal, Emfuleni in Gauteng and Phokwane in the Northen Cape.

However, municipalities such as Ditsobotla in the North-West, Renosterberg in the Northern Cape are still operating under precarious circumstances. We are intensifying our support in these municipalities to ensure that they return to normality.

End.

ANNEXURE A

Total Number per Province

Names of Municipalities

Type of intervention

Date

Instituted

Status

Eastern Cape: 3

Enoch Mgijima LM

S139(7) of the Constitution (National Cabinet intervention)

April 2022

Ongoing

 

Amathole LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2021

Ongoing

 

Makana LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

2019

Ongoing

Free State: 3

Mangaung Metro

S139(7) of the Constitution (National Cabinet intervention)

April 2022

Ongoing

 

Mafube LM

S139(5)(a)&(c) of the Constitution

June 2022

Ongoing

 

Tokologo LM

S139(5)(a)&(c) of the Constitution

June 2022

Ongoing

Gauteng: 3

Emfuleni LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

June 2018

Ongoing

 

West Rand DM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Feb 2019

Ongoing

 

Merafong LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Sept 2022

Ongoing

KwaZulu Natal: 07

Umzinyathi DM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

Oct 2016

Ongoing

 

Mpofana LM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

Dec 2017

Ongoing

 

Inkosi Langalibalele LM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

Dec 2017

Ongoing

 

Mtubatuba LM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

March 2019

Ongoing

 

Msunduzi LM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

April 2019

Ongoing

 

Uthukela DM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

Aug 2018

Ongoing

 

Umkhanyakude DM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

Jan 2021

Ongoing

Mpumalanga: 5

Emalahleni LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Oct 2018

Ongoing

 

Govan Mbeki LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Oct 2018

Ongoing

 

Msukaligwa LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Oct 2018

Ongoing

 

Thaba Chweu LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Oct 2018

Ongoing

 

Lekwa LM

S139(7) of the Constitution (National Cabinet intervention)

April 2021

Ongoing

Northern Cape: 2

Phokwane LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

July 2020

Ongoing

 

Renosterberg LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Aug 2020

Ongoing

North-West (8)

Madibeng LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2022

Ongoing

 

Tswaing LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2022

Ongoing

 

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati DM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2022

Ongoing

 

Kgetleng Rivier LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2022

Ongoing

 

Mahikeng LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2022

Ongoing

 

Ramotshere LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2022

Ongoing

 

Naledi LM

S139(5) of the Constitution

Jan 2022

Ongoing

 

Kagisano-Molopo LM

S139(1)(b) of the Constitution

Sept 2022

Ongoing

Western Cape:1

Beaufort West LM

S139(5)(a) of the Constitution

Aug 2021

Ongoing

Total

32

27 November 2023 - NW3850

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Direko, Ms DR to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What progress can she highlight as the key achievements of the Government to (a) strengthen local governance and (b) improve service provision since the local government elections in 2021?

Reply:

a) Government invested in capacity building programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of local government officials and Councillors. This includes training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms to improve governance practices, financial management, service delivery, and community engagement. Municipal Public Accounts Committees were trained to exercise oversight over the executive functionaries of council and ensure good governance in municipalities.

b) Through the MIG, municipalities have been able to extend service coverage to underserved areas, especially in rural and informal settlements. This includes the provision of basic services like water supply, sanitation, electricity, and access to community facilities, which were previously lacking or inadequate.

c) The MIG has supported the upgrading and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, ensuring that it is well-maintained and meets quality standards. This has resulted in improved reliability and efficiency of service delivery, reducing disruptions and enhancing the overall experience for residents.

d) Cogta implemented changes in the MIG/IUDG Framework to allow municipalities to use a portion of their MIG/IUDG allocation to buy specialised waste management vehicles servicing the poor. Some municipalities have used this opportunity and the 2022 Census data released by the Stats SA in October 2023 indicates a nominal increase to 66% (63% in 2011) in the collection of waste by municipalities.

e) In the same period 2020/2021 the Department revised the MIG/IUDG Framework to allow municipalities to use up 5% of their MIG/IUDG allocation develop Infrastructure Asset Management Plans. MISA was tasked specifically to support municipalities in this regard.

f) Municipalities with non-compliance pre-directives or directives are allowed to use up to 10% of their MIG/IUDG allocation for urgent repairs and maintenance in respect of water and sanitation. This provision has been carried over from Covid-19 special provisions.

g) Cogta has also set up the Results Management Office (RMO) to house experts in various fields (DDM, CWP, Infrastructure, Finance, Energy and Governance) to provide an additional layer of support, particularly in dysfunctional municipalities

h) The strengthening of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) has been ongoing. MISA has been designated by the Minister to champion the development of Infrastructure Asset Management Plans, the Schedule 6b, the deployment of more experts, trainee artisans as well as supporting the implementation of the CWP programme (particularly the municipal services aspects).

End.

 

27 November 2023 - NW3753

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Tourism

In light of the looming economic crisis resulting from the prolonged beach closures in Durban and the potential devastation facing the tourism industry and its entire value chain, what specific immediate action is her department undertaking to swiftly restore these vital tourist attractions?

Reply:

Tourism is a concurrent function with clear roles and responsibilities for each sphere of government. Beaches fall within the responsibility of local government. The Honourable Member is therefore requested to redirect this question to the relevant authority.

 

27 November 2023 - NW3422

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What number of officials in SA Tourism were suspended in each month in the (i) past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023 to date, (b) on what date was each suspension lifted in each month, (c) what were the reasons for each suspension, (d) what level did each suspended official occupy, (e) what total number of officials were given paid leave in each month, (f) on what date did each suspension commence in each month, (g) what total amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension and (h) what number of officials are still suspended with pay?

Reply:

I have been informed by SAT that details of suspensions are contained in the table below.

 

(a) What total number of officials in SA Tourism were suspended in each month

(b) On what date was each suspension lifted in each month

(c) What were the reasons for each suspension

(d) What level did each suspended official occupy

(e) What total number of officials were given paid leave in each month

(f) On what date did each suspension commence in each month

(g) What amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension

(h) What number of officials are still suspended with pay

(i)

2020-21

0

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

(i)

2021-22

One (1) Official

Suspension remained from the appeal process to dismissal

Precautionary suspension pending hearing

Senior Management

One Official

30 March 2022

March 2022- R62 469.11

April 2022 – R88 433.30

May 2022- R63 743.48

June 2022 – R13 460.63

July 2022 – R118 311.72

January 2023 – R2645.09

April 2023 – R814 097.03

N/A

(i)

2022-23

One (1) official

Until the end of the contract term

Precautionary suspension pending an investigation

Executive level

One official

31 August 2022

August 2022 – R91 521.08

September 2022 – R91 521.08

October 2022 – R91 521.08

November 2022 – R91 521.08

December 2022 – R91 521.09

January 2023 – R81 856.36

February 2023 – R96 069.75

N/A

(ii)

1 April 2023

One (1) official

Still pending

Precautionary suspension pending a forensic investigation

Senior Management

One (1) official suspended

10 July 2023

July 2023 – R149 901.87

August 2023 – R155 191.60

September 2023 – R136 624.97

October 2023 – R136 625.00

November 2023 – R136 624.97

One (1) official remains on suspension

27 November 2023 - NW3843

Profile picture: Opperman, Ms G

Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What are the reasons that her department withheld the Local Government Equitable Share from municipalities that are already in dire financial distress as her department only spent R110,7 billion of the R115 billion that was allocated to it leaving an underexpenditure of R4,3 billion which will be surrendered to the National Revenue Fund?

Reply:

In terms of Section 21(1) of the Division of revenue Act (DoRA), despite a provision to the contrary in the Public Finance Management Act or the Municipal Finance Management Act, any conditional allocation, or a portion thereof, that is not spent at the end of a financial year reverts to the National Revenue Fund, unless the roll-over of the allocation is approved in terms of subsection (2) which states that, the National Treasury may, at the request of a transferring officer, receiving officer or provincial treasury, approve a roll-over of a conditional allocation if the unspent funds are committed to identifiable projects.

For the 2022/23 financial year, an amount of R87,3 billion was allocated for the Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) grant to all 257 municipalities. A total of R83,9 billion was transferred to the municipalities, leaving a balance of R3,4 billion at the end of the financial year. The R3,4 billion was not withheld to municipalities, but was rather offset against unspent conditional grants of municipalities that failed to surrender their unspent allocations to the National Revenue Fund. The offsetting of the R3,4 billion was as per the National Treasury directive.

End.

27 November 2023 - NW3739

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Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)       Whether she has been informed that more than 27 schools, including (a)(i) Thabakhubedu and (ii) Mothibedi Primary Schools and (b) Fawcett Mathebe Secondary School in the Sekhukhune region in Limpopo, are affected by the non-delivery of food for the school nutrition programme; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what intervention measures have been taken to ensure that food is delivered on time in the specified areas?

Reply:

Response (1) No. The matter was not brought to the attention of the National Department, save for this enquiry in which the Limpopo Department of Education reveals the following:

  • During the first week of October 2023, the circuit reported non-delivery of foodstuff to the district office. The service provider was immediately contacted about the situation, which led to non-feeding. The service provider informed the district about the circumstance which led to non-delivery, amongst others were the allegations that his delivery trucks were hijacked on the way to schools full of foodstuff.

Response (2)

  • The breach of the service level agreement was addressed with the Director of the company; and in the second week after five days of non-delivery, food-stuff was delivered to schools.
  • Currently, there is a provision of foodstuff. The DBE has confirmed with School Principals.  At Fawcett Mathebe Secondary, there has reportedly never been non-feeding since April 2023; Thabakhubedu experienced non-feeding for two weeks; however, feeding has resumed since Monday, 06 November; at Mothibedi, non-feeding for 2 weeks has been resolved, as feeding resumed on 06 November. 

27 November 2023 - NW3671

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Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What steps has her department taken in collaboration with the SA Council for Educators to improve accountability in schools by enhancing the (a) quality of the education being delivered by educators and (b) continuous professional development of educators?

Reply:

a) The DBE is represented in SACE structures and is part of policy formulation and implementation within SACE. Various interventions have been undertaken in collaboration with SACE to improve the quality of education. These are the following:

  1. SACE registers teachers based on meeting minimum qualification requirements. This means that a teacher can only be employed when they meet requirements and will be allowed to practise as a teacher.
  2. SACE also works with DBE to ensure that teachers being employed are properly vetted.
  3. SACE is managing a code of professional ethics that promotes good professional conduct. Teachers who contravene the code of professional ethics will be held accountable under the code, and their right to practice may be forfeited.
  4. DBE and SACE have developed Professional Practice Standards that will inform programmes for initial teacher training as well as Continuing Professional Development.

b) In relation to Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD), the DBE is providing funding to SACE to manage a system of Continuing Professional Teacher Development in line with the policy framework of the Integrated Strategic Policy Framework for Teacher Education and Development (ISPFTED). This policy framework allows SACE to approve training providers and endorse training programmes. Endorsed training programmes are allocated professional development points. Teachers who acquire training through an endorsed programme will be credited with professional development points. Teachers are also required to accumulate 150 points over a three-year period.

DBE also convenes quarterly meetings with SACE where discussions around Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) assist teachers with the latest and most recent teaching methods and subject knowledge. 

SACE also participates in various sub-committees of the DBE where issues of teacher support and development are discussed.

27 November 2023 - NW3451

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Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development

With reference to her reply to question 1 840 on 15 June 2023, what are the reasons that the applications from 71 314 young adults who aged out of the child support grant and applied for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 were declined?

Reply:

As the Honourable Member is aware, all applications for the COVID-19 SRD Grant are subjected to a means test, without any exceptions. The SRD Grant is targeted at the poor and the unemployed living below the food poverty line of R624. I take it that the Honourable Member is familiar with the eligibility criteria, which was published in the Government Gazette.

The fact that one has applied does not mean that they are automatically eligible. Vigorous checks, including bank validation and income conducted are conducted against various databases such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund to avoid double dipping and to ensure only eligible applicants receive the money.

There are various reasons as to why applications are declined or deemed not eligible, including the ones mentioned in the table below:

TABLE 1: REASONS FOR DECLINING COVID-19 SRD TO YOUNG ADULTS WHO AGED OUT OF THE CSG.

27 November 2023 - NW3919

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Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether her department is responsible for keeping information and/or records regarding municipal water and electricity losses; if not, why not; if so, what (a) has been the total (i) monetary value and (ii) percentage of the (aa) water and (bb) electricity losses recorded by her department for each municipality in the past three financial years and (b) contingency plans did (i) her department and (ii) specified municipalities put in place to curb the specified losses?

Reply:

No, the department is not responsible for keeping information and/or records regarding municipal water and electricity losses.

The monitoring of water losses is done by Department of Water and Sanitation working with Municipalities. The monitoring of electricity losses is done by National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

End

27 November 2023 - NW3580

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Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)Whether, considering that about 250 persons from Hopefield are unable to get to the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Vredenburg (details furnished), and noting that they also have no guarantee of being assisted as they need to make an appointment to go to the SASSA office (details furnished), SASSA has a policy regarding site visits and/or pop-up satellite stations to take services to the communities who have difficulty in accessing the SASSA offices; if not, why not; if so, what is the criteria for requesting such a service in an area which is not accessible to the community; (2) given that the specified persons from Hopefield have difficulty in accessing the in-services, how will the SASSA office make provision for such persons to obtain the proper advice and/or services in their communities; (3) whether she and/or her department intends to assist the residents in Hopefield who have switched to bank accounts, but have not received their grant payments and are unable to travel to the nearest SASSA office; if not; why not; if so, by what date?

Reply:

BACKGROUND

The Saldanha Bay Municipality has a population of 154 635 according to Census 2022 spread over eight major towns where SASSA office was rendering its services. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the office had 10 Grant Administrators- split into two teams to service the Vredenburg Office and linked service points. Over the past two years, the Vredenburg Office lost a total of fourteen officials due to various reasons. Unfortunately, the National Treasury placed a moratorium on the filling of vacant positions, which resulted in the closure of the office.

After noticing the growing number of applicants, SASSA decided to re-open the service point on an appointment basis, which has proven to be an effective way.

1. The SASSA policy norms and standards defines access to a service point to be within a 25-kilometre radius. To cater for the needs of the community, SASSA has negotiated with the Saldanha Bay Municipality to allow clients to utilise the Hopefield Thusong Centre to access the SASSA online application system free of charge with the assistance of the centre manager.

SASSA also does conduct home visits for frail/ sick clients who cannot access the offices. A request is generally made through the local office.

2. The Hopefield Thusong Centre serves as an access point where clients have access to use the SASSA online application free of charge. The Centre Manager also facilities the online application for clients who are not computer literate.

3.Beneficiaries in Hopefield who have switched to other banks but have not yet received their payments can still access their social grants using their Postbank card. SASSA has made arrangements for officials to visit Thusong Centre on 20 November 2023 to solve beneficiary concerns. Regarding beneficiaries who want to change to other banks, forms will be made available on the same day.

27 November 2023 - NW3842

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Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What are the reasons that her department failed to implement post-audit action plans relating to the Community Work Programme as the department regressed from 73% to 63% in achieving predetermined objectives and consistently failed to obtain an unqualified audit opinion?

Reply:

The failure in the implementation of the Post Audit Action Plan (PAAP) is mainly related to asset management as it is a qualification area.  The asset management was previously outsourced and was taken over during the latter part of the last financial year due to poor performance of the service provider. All the Asset Management activities in the PAAP were assigned to the service provider.  These activities have now been taken over and refined in the current PAAP and are being implemented by the department and there is progress reported in the implementation of the current PAAP.

Furthermore, the department has significantly reduced the qualification items in the audit report and is only left with one item (asset management) which is putting every effort and resources to address. We have established teams to deal with assets on site. We have brought in capacity from other units to support the Asset Management Unit. We are confident that this matter will be completely resolved before the end March 2024.

End.

 

27 November 2023 - NW3532

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department has started the preparations to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, given that it expires on 30 November 2023 while the project pipeline has projects under implementation until 2025: if not, why not; if so, what specific steps has her department taken to renew the MoU?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department has commenced the process to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Development Bank of South of Southern Africa. This renewal will be concluded before the current contract expires, thus enabling completion of projects in the pipeline.

27 November 2023 - NW3660

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What projects were initiated by the SA Tourism in each month (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2023, (b) in which month was each project completed in each case, (c) which of the specified projects remain incomplete in each case and (d) what are the reasons that the projects are incomplete in each case?

Reply:

The projects initiated South African Tourism are as captured in the Annual Performance Plans. Implementation for the first and second quarters of the current financial year has been presented to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism.

27 November 2023 - NW3880

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Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether she has been informed that schools in KwaZulu-Natal sent out letters to parents informing them that the examinations would be halted until her department paid the outstanding money to schools for the norms and standards; if not, why not; if so, what urgent steps have been taken in this regard?

Reply:

The Department is aware of this matter.  But it needs to be clarified that the schools which sent out a notice to parents that the internal examination will be halted, was based on a notice of a protest action that was planned by a Teacher Union. The schools did not send a notice to parents, stating that the examinations would be halted until the KZN Department of Education paid the outstanding money to schools in terms of the norms and standards.

The schools were responding on the possible non-availability of teachers, owing to the announced protest action; hence the notice by schools that the internal examinations might not be administered

However, the impasse with the Teacher Union has been resolved; and the schools were able to administer the internal examinations as scheduled. There has been no disruption to the internal examinations at these schools.   

27 November 2023 - NW3841

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Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether, given that climate change now poses a significant existential threat to countries around the world, to the extent that disaster management efforts need to be coordinated across national borders to enhance their effectiveness (details furnished), the Southern African Development Community Disaster Management (SADC) Protocol has been signed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she has found that the Republic meets the protocol standards in all aspects of disaster; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO5063E

Reply:

1. No, the the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Disaster Management Protocol has not been signed. It is necessary that the the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs first need to confirms that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Disaster Management Protocol does adhere to legal requirements and aligns with the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa before she can sign the Protocol.

2. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs engaged the office of the State Law Advisor within the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) for the Legal Opinion on whether the Republic meets the protocol standards in all aspects of disaster and to further determine whether the Convention complies with the domestic laws of the Republic of South Africa. This office thoroughly examined the Disaster Management Protocol in accordance with paragraph 5.20 (a) of the Manual on the Executive Acts of the President of the Republic of South Africa, in conjunction with Chapter 5 of the Constitutional Handbook for Members of the Executive (the "Constitutional Handbook".

The relevant details are that as it stands, the Republic of South Africa, represented by either the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs or the President, cannot sign the SADC Disaster Management Protocol in its current form. Consequently, the SADC Disaster Management Protocol must be presented to Parliament, accompanied by comments from the DoJCD, to inform them of issues that prevent the Republic from proceeding with the signing process. In this context, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will seek to inform Parliament, gather input, and obtain Parliamentary approval before proceeding with the signing the Protocol. Signing the Protocol without first securing Parliamentary approval would constitute a violation of section 231(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (“Constitution”). This is because, in its current form, the agreement becomes binding upon signature.

End.

27 November 2023 - NW3612

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What are the reasons that new building premises are sought for her department, (b) on what date (i) did the search commence and (ii) is it envisaged to conclude, (c) who was tasked with the function of finding premises and (d) what (i) is the monthly budget allocated, (ii) will be spent every month and (iii) are the terms and conditions?

Reply:

a) I have been informed that the Department is currently utilising 13 878.60m² of office space and requires approximately 16 948,20 m², hence the need for a building that will accommodate the needs but also to manage the costs through government ownership.

b) (i) The search commenced in 2016.

(ii) Due to current financial constraints, the process of new building is on hold.

c) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

d) (i) and (ii) and (iii) Not applicable because the building project hasn’t commenced

27 November 2023 - NW3665

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Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to the more than 1 500 unqualified and under-qualified educators who taught in public schools in 2022, and the low levels of reading and abstract problem-solving skills of many of the under-qualified educators who were tested at a Grade 6 level, her department has held any engagements with the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to improve the quality of training programmes for educators; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has various forums through which they can engage with institutions of Higher Learning to discuss various issues pertaining to teacher quality, support and development.

Firstly, the DBE attends meetings of the Education Deans Forum regularly, where various issues are discussed. Secondly, the DBE in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) convenes Provincial Teacher Education and Development Committees (PTEDC) every quarter in each province. These meetings provide opportunities for Provinces to engage with Institutions in that province and discuss matters that relate to the province. Thirdly, there are also ad-hoc meetings held with Public and Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the Civil Society Supporting Teacher Preparation, South Africa Council of Teachers, the purpose being to communicate the challenges affecting learning outcomes, the strategies that DBE intends to improve the Learning outcomes and how the stakeholders and partners could support the DBE in improving the learning outcomes.

2. DBE also meets quarterly through the HEDCOM sub-committee on Human Resource Planning, where institutions of higher education might be invited to discuss or share information or research about issues of supply and demand of teachers.

27 November 2023 - NW3317

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With reference to the legal action and matters of any description undertaken by the SA Tourism (a) in the past three financial years and (b) from 1 April 2023 to date, (i) which matters were opened and closed in each month, (ii) what were the matters in each case, (iii) what matters were settled out of court in each month, (iv) what are the reasons that each specified matter was settled out of court, (v) which matters went to arbitration in each month, (vi) what were the outcomes in each matter, (vii) which matters went to court in each month and (viii) what were the outcomes of each matter in each case?

Reply:

I have been informed by SA tourism that legal matters undertaken by the entity are as tabled below.

Years

(i) Which matters were opened and closed in each month

(ii) What were the matters in each case

(iii) What matters were settled out of court in each month

(iv) What are the reasons that each specified matter was settled out of court

(v) Which matters went to arbitration in each month

(vi) What were the outcomes in each matter

(vii) Which matters went to court in each month

(viii) What were the outcomes of each matter in each case

(a) 2020-21

1.

Brian Monare- Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

Judgement granted in favour of the Applicant (Brian Monare) and costs ordered against SAT.

n/a

Judgement granted in favour of the Applicant (Brian Monare) and costs ordered against SAT.

2.

Godfrey Gwele-

Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.

Thomas Bouwer- versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair labour practices claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

Labour Court granted judgement granted in favour of SAT and application dismissed.

n/a

Labour Court granted judgement granted in favour of SAT and application dismissed.

4.

Greenshoots Projects and Communications (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Application to review and set aside SAT Tender 162/2019

n/a

n/a

n/a

Applicant (Greenshoots) failed to set down the matter for hearing within the prescribed timeframe.

n/a

Applicant (Greenshoots) failed to set down the matter for hearing within the prescribed timeframe.

5.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism.

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 

6.

Tsheola Dinare versus Synergy and SAT-

Sub-contractor agreement between Synergy and the Applicant - Breach of contract

n/a

No relief was being sought against SAT and SAT will not oppose the matter. Synergy has notified SAT that the parties explored the possibility of a settlement and agreed to the same.

n/a

No relief was being sought against SAT and SAT will not oppose the matter. Synergy has notified SAT that the parties explored the possibility of a settlement and agreed to the same.

n/a

n/a

(a) 2021-22

1.

Godfrey Gwele-

Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

Labour Court referred the matter back to the CCMA, where the CCMA dismissed the application in favour of SAT.

Labour Court referred the matter back to the CCMA, where the CCMA dismissed the application in favour of SAT.

n/a

Labour Court referred the matter back to the CCMA, where the CCMA dismissed the application in favour of SAT.

2.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

3.

Greenshoots Projects and Communications (Pty) Ltd Versus SA Tourism.

Application to review and set aside SAT Tender 162/2019

n/a

n/a

n/a

Applicant failed to set down the matter for hearing within the prescribed timeframe.

n/a

n/a

4.

Swift Thinking (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

5.

Letsema Consulting and Advisory (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(a) 2022-23

1.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

2.

Swift Thinking (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism November 2023.

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.

Letsema Consulting and Advisory (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.

BLUEPRINT GROUP- Versus SA Tourism.

PAIA Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

5.

ALFRED TLABUKWE MASEMENE Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

7.

WAVELA MTHOBELI- Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

Mutual Separation Settlement signed on 02/03/2023 by the parties to sever employment relationship. Six (6) months’ salary paid out.

n/a

n/a

Mutual Separation Settlement signed on 02/03/2023 by the parties to sever employment relationship. Six (6) months’ salary paid out.

n/a

Mutual Separation Settlement signed on 02/03/2023 by the parties to sever employment relationship. Six (6) months’ salary paid out.

(b) 1 April 2023

1.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

SAT is in the process of recovering funds.

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

SAT is in the process of recovering funds.

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

SAT is in the process of recovering funds.

2.

Swift Thinking (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.

Letsema Consulting and Advisory (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.

BLUEPRINT GROUP- Versus SA Tourism.

PAIA Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

5.

ALFRED TLABUKWE MASEMENE- Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

27 November 2023 - NW3531

Profile picture: Matumba, Mr A

Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What is the status of the 47 projects implemented by the Development Bank of Southern Africa in relation to the completion timelines presented to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism?

Reply:

I have been informed that the the Development Bank of Southern Africa manages a total of seventy (70) projects on behalf of the Department of Tourism. The status as at the 26th October 2023 is as follows:

  • A total of 23 projects are complete i.e. 19 maintenance projects and four community projects.
  • A total of 28 projects are in the construction stage i.e. 9 maintenance projects and 19 community projects.
  • A total of 18 projects are in the concept, design and contractor procurement stages. Contractor appointment was terminated in 1 project and a new procurement process is underway for this project.

27 November 2023 - NW3862

Profile picture: Marekwa, Ms GP

Marekwa, Ms GP to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Since a significant amount of the Municipality Infrastructure Grant supports water-related interventions, (a) what Green Drop measures will be implemented to improve sanitation in municipalities with poor ratings and (b) which municipalities are targeted?

Reply:

a) The Green Drop measures to be implemented, through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), to improve sanitation in municipalities with poor ratings include the following:

  1. The implementation of MIG funded sanitation capital projects to upgrade, repair or refurbish sanitation systems to restore functionality.
  2. The utilization by municipalities of the 5%, a further 5 % as well as 10% of the MIG funding for the Project Management Unit (PMU), activities related to Asset Management Plans and Repairs and Refurbishments respectively that are provided for in the MIG Framework.
  3. The implementation of the MIG Schedule 6B by identifying and implementing projects that address non-compliance notices and directives issued by both the Department of Public Works (DWS) and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
  4. Following the approval by Cabinet in August 2023 of the Action Plan prepared by DWS, the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG), the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) to address the Green Drop Report findings in municipalities, among others, DCOG and DWS will reprioritize further portions of the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) and the MIG funding over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to address the infrastructure interventions required.

b) All the Water Services Authorities that receive the MIG funding will be supported using the MIG funding to either improve on the poor results or maintain the good results in the Green Drop Report of 2022. Metropolitan Municipalities do not receive the MIG.

End.

27 November 2023 - NW3829

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)Whether she has been informed of the appalling conditions at the Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School and the mistreatment of learners at the school in the Eastern Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what plans has she put in place to remedy the situation; (2) (a) how often do officials of her department visit special schools to ensure that basic norms and standards are maintained and (b) what are the full relevant details of the visits to the (i) specified school and (ii) other special schools in the Republic; (3) what (a) actions had her department taken in 2018 when the school was in the news for the inhumane treatment of learners, (b) total number of teachers were disciplined and (c) are the relevant details of the disciplinary processes that were activated?

Reply:

1. Yes, the Provincial MEC of Social Development informed me of the situation and measures taken to deal with it to date. The matter relates to allegations of sexual assault of one of the learners by the Boarding Master on 21 May 2023. The Local, District and Provincial DSD Offices conducted a fact finding visit to the school and provided appropriate support. Following the report by the School, Social Service Practitioners (Social Worker and the Child and Youth Care Worker), the following interventions were performed as mandated by the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:

-Empowered the Social Service Practitioners about the implementation of Section 125 of the Children’s Act No.38 of 2005 (Screening of educators and support staff against Part B of the National Child Protection Register);

-Telephone interviews were conducted with the school principal following up on the reported matter;

-The child in question interviewed and provided with psycho-social support.

-Engagements were held with school Social Service Practitioners (SSP’s) to give them support on steps to be followed in attending the case; and

-Referral to SAPS for police to open a case of sexual assault.

2. (a) The Department does not have regulations that guide the monitoring of special schools, including boarding hostels. The Norms and Standards: Partial Care; norm 12, subsection 1, paragraph C, regulates partial care facilities, as per the Children’s Act 38/2005 as amended, Chapter 5, section 87. A partial care facility is defined as a private hostel. This does not include boarding schools run by the Department of Basic Education.

(b) DSD participates in the Integrated School Health Programme. Currently, and due to lack of personnel, the Department provides services on a need basis. For example, Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School was visited on 08 August 2023 by the Social Worker, on 11 August 2023 by Local, District and Provincial Offices and on 06 September 2023 by the Local, District, Provincial Office and MEC for Social Development. Social workers at special schools are under the employ of the Department of Basic Education. Social Development provides support to special schools through awareness campaigns, psychosocial support, school uniforms and dignity packs for learners in need.

Social Development intends to roll out social behaviour programmes to special schools such as You Only Live Once (YOLO), Zazi and Chommy. The Provincial MEC has been in the forefront of efforts to ensure that the learner gets support and justice. Because of her efforts, the alleged perpetrator has been denied bail and is still in custody.

3. Refer to (1) (2) The role of Social Development is to ensure the protection of the learner from secondary victimisation. It is important for the Honourable Member to note that the alleged perpetrator is in the employ of the Department of Basic Education. Issues relating to disciplinary process are therefore the responsibility of the Department of Basic Education and the South African Council for Educators.

27 November 2023 - NW3607

Profile picture: Sithole, Mr KP

Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)Whether her department opened satellite tourism offices in various municipalities to achieve transformation and capacity-building agendas; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total number of offices have been opened to date and (b) is the state of their functionality; (2) whether there has been any feedback from the local communities on how to better improve services aligned through tourism, in order to assist local and rural communities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) and (b) I have been informed that the Department has not opened satellite tourism offices in municipalities as Tourism is a concurrent function. It is the mandate of municipalities to manage and maintain such offices.

2. Not applicable

 

27 November 2023 - NW3673

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, in light of South African graduates’ lack of relevant skills for a modern world, and in view of the Republic ranking as the country with the second lowest productivity level in the world, her department has conducted any research into revisiting its curriculum; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

In the case of Basic Education, curriculum review is cyclical in nature, and the Department has a long history of regularly reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it is relevant to the socio economic goal of the country. Currently the DBE is in the process of reviewing our curriculum with the aim of strengthening the competencies and equipping our learners with skills for the future to ensure our learners can transition effectively from school to higher education, the world of work or entrepreneurial opportunities.

In recent years , the Department has also introduced new subjects such as vocationally and occupationally orientated subjects including marine sciences, and new curricula has been developed for aviation studies, coding and robotics etc. to diversify the curriculum offerings.

These efforts are in response to the changing world, and to ensure our learners are equipped for the future.

27 November 2023 - NW3949

Profile picture: Khakhau, Ms KL

Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Social Development

Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in her department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in her department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by her department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

(a) (b) (c) (i) (ii) (iii) (aa) (bb) (cc) Not applicable to Social Development.

27 November 2023 - NW3318

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What total number of officials in her department were suspended in each month in the (i) past three financial years and (ii) this year to date, (b) on what date was each suspension lifted in each month, (c) what were the reasons for each suspension, (d) what level did each suspended official occupy, (e) what total number of officials were given paid leave in each month, (f) on what date did each suspension commence in each month, (g) what amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension and (h) what number of officials are still suspended with pay?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that details of suspensions are contained in the table below.

Years

(a) What total number of officials in her department were suspended in each month

(b) On what date was each suspension lifted in each month

(c) What were the reasons for each suspension

(d) What level did each suspended official occupy

(e) What total number of officials were given paid leave in each month *

(f) On what date did each suspension commence in each month

(g) What amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension **

(h) What number of officials are still suspended with pay

(i)

2020-21

0

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

0

(i)

2021-22

1

30 June 2021

Seriousness of the averred acts of misconduct & allowing conducive environment for the investigation.

6

N/A

10 March 2021

R30 366.35

(March 2021)

R30 366.35

(April 2021)

R30 366.35

(May 2021)

R30 366.35

(June 2021)

0

(i)

2022-23

2

27 September 2022

____________

11 October 2022

Seriousness of the averred acts of misconduct & allowing conducive environment for the investigation.

_____________

Seriousness of the averred acts of misconduct & allowing conducive environment for the investigation.

12

(1st Official)

_____________

15

(2nd Official)

R43 725.71 *

(official was unable to utilise leave during suspension thus the leave was paid out) *

____________

N/A

27 May 2022

____________

10 August 2022

R93 982.17

(June 2022)

*Includes the insurance monies for Vehicle of

R12 994.25

R81 245.36

(July 2022)

R81 130.85

(August 2022)

R135 103.85

(September 2022)

Includes the service bonus

_________________

R121 203.20

(August 2022)

R121 203.20 (September2022)

R121 203.20 (October 2022)

0

(ii)

1 April 2023

1

11 September 2023

Seriousness of averred acts of misconduct & to allow conducive environment for the investigation.

9

N/A

10 July 2023

R45 102.92

(July 2023)

R45 328.17

(August 2023)

R45 214.84

(September 2023)

0

*When on suspension, it is working days that are used and not leave

** Cost to company

27 November 2023 - NW3491

Profile picture: Ismail, Ms H

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)The Auditor-General Report of the 2022/23 financial year identified 26 vacant posts from a structure of 202 approved positions, (a) can she identify where these vacancies are distributed, (b) how these vacancies impact the work of SA Tourism and (c) by when these vacancies will be filled; (2) with two cases of corruption reported in her department and still under investigation, what is the progress on the investigation of these cases?

Reply:

1.(a) Vacancies are in the following Programmes:

I have been informed that SAT currently has 26 vacancies as at 31 March 2023, this includes 3 at the Executive level.

Programme

Number of vacancies within the programme

PROGRAMME 1: CORPORATE SUPPORT

12

PROGRAMME 2: BUSINESS ENABLEMENT

 1

PROGRAMME 3: LEISURE TOURISM MARKETING

 11

PROGRAMME 4: BUSINESS EVENTS

 1

PROGRAMME 5: TOURIST EXPERIENCE

 1

(b) What is the impact of these vacancies?

The impact of the vacancies has been non-achievement of targets in some cases and overall staff fatigue and burnout due to capacity constraints.

In summary, filling the executive, management, and administrative positions is crucial for SA Tourism’s effective operation, strategic development, and the delivery of high-quality services to tourists. These positions provide leadership, guidance, and support that is essential for the success in promoting tourism, managing resources, and meeting our annual performance targets goals.

  • Operational Efficiency: Vacancies in executive, senior management, and management positions can lead to a lack of strategic direction and effective decision-making. This can result in operational inefficiencies, misalignment of activities, and difficulties in achieving departmental goals.
  • Resource Management: With management and executive vacancies, there may be challenges in resource allocation. This can affect budget management, staff allocation, and the ability to invest in initiatives that drive tourism growth.
  • Leadership and Direction: The absence of leaders in executive and senior management roles can create uncertainty and reduce the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging trends. This may lead to missed opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Customer Service and Quality: Management positions play a crucial role in ensuring high-quality visitor experiences. Vacancies in these roles may impact customer service, event planning, marketing, and other critical functions that directly affect tourists' satisfaction.
  • Administrative Support: Administrative positions are essential for the smooth operation of the department. Vacancies in administrative roles can lead to delays in paperwork, coordination, and customer service, impacting the department's overall effectiveness.
  • Employee Morale: Filling these positions can also boost employee morale. When roles are vacant for extended periods, it can create stress, and uncertainty, and lead to work overload among staff. Filling vacancies can improve staff morale, and motivation and ensure that all tasks are completed within the given deadlines.

(c) By when will these vacancies be filled

All the Executive roles have been advertised and it is anticipated that they will be filled within 4 months with the CEO appointment process targeted for the end of November 2023. Three Executive roles reporting to the Board are at the assessment and recommendation stage and three roles are at the shortlisting stage.

(2) with two cases of corruption reported in her department ( SAT) and still under investigation, what is the progress on the investigation of these cases?

The SA Tourism Board is working with management, in conjunction with the internal audit and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to ensure that all credible allegations are investigated in the interest of protecting accountability at the entity. Processes are underway in this regard and are conducted in a fair and unbiased manner.

27 November 2023 - NW3836

Profile picture: Mkhaliphi, Ms HO

Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether she has been informed that the Auditor-General of South Africa indicated in her latest report that the Eastern Cape will not meet its target in relation to the temporary shelters for persons who were affected by floods; if not, why not; if so, what steps has she and/or her department taken to ensure that the affected persons obtain the necessary relief?

Reply:

Yes we noted AGSA report. The DCoG through NDMC has already activated a team comprised of the following stakeholders namely: Eastern Cape (EC) Provincial Disaster Management Centre, EC Department of Human Settlement, EC Department of Social Development to expedite the assistance to victims of disasters. Reference can be made to the situation of Cwebeni Village floods victims. The task team include the district and local municipalities. In this case the provincial EC Department of Social Development is finalizing profiling the families, through the task team the Department of Social Development reported to continue to offer immediate relief to the affected families. The process will be finalized by the end of November 2023. Information obtained will be shared with Department of Human Settlement implementation of ‘Emergency Housing Scheme’.

The NDMC in consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre coordinates the stakeholder engagement weekly meetings since the 15 November 2023.

End.

24 November 2023 - NW3968

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)Whether, with reference to the publication of the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection: Towards a complete overhaul of the migration system in South Africa and his admission that his department has no idea how many undocumented immigrants are in the Republic, his department will place a freeze on all visas obtained by foreign nationals, considering that the Lubisi Report highlighted widespread fraud and corruption; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department will open an amnesty period that will give foreign nationals six months to regularise their stay or exit the borders of the Republic voluntarily; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

  1. There is no plan to place a freeze on all visas obtained by foreign nationals as this would result in denial of visas services for foreign nationals who have legitimate rights to be in the Republic. The Lubisi report findings are being acted on with necessary action on transgressions to be followed.
  2. There are no plans to provide amnesty to foreign nationals as there needs to be a legitimate national emergency warranting such a decision.

END

24 November 2023 - NW3953

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr S

Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

The department has not paid for anyone to travel to France to attend the Rugby World Cup final in France during October 2023. We are proud of the victory of the Springboks and the thrilling matches against France, England and New Zealand.

 

-END-

24 November 2023 - NW3823

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Ms MD

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Whether his department has any records on the total number of forensic pathology (a) laboratories and (b) vehicles used by each forensic pathology laboratory in each municipality; if not, why not; if so, what (i) area in kilometer radius does each vehicle and laboratory service and (ii) is the average response and service time in each district in each case?

Reply:

a) Table 1 below indicates the total number of Forensic Pathology Service(mortuaries) by province.

Table 1

 

Province

Number of mortuaries

Eastern Cape

22

Free State

11

KwaZulu Natal

33

Gauteng

11

Limpopo

12

Mpumalanga

21

Northern Cape

11

Northwest

7

Western Cape

17

Total

145

b) (i)) (ii) is indicated in tables below by Province.

EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

District

Name of mortuary

Municipality

Number of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Chris Hani Health District

Queenstown FPS

Chris Hani

5 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 160 km

Joe Gqabi Health District

Molteno holding facility

Joe Gcabi

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 150 km

 

Aliwal North FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 250 km

 

Mt Fletcher FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 130 km

Nelson Mandela Bay Health District

New Brighton FPS

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan

3 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 70 km

Sarah Baartman Health District

Gelvandale FPS

Sarah Baartman

3 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 50 km

 

Mount Road FPS

 

3 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 40 km

 

Uitenhage holding facility

 

2 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 50 km

 

Grahamstown FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 100 km

 

Graaf Reinet FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 90 km

 

Port Alfred Holding Facility

 

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius 80 km

 

Joubertina Holding Facility

 

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 100km

OR Tambo Health District

Mthatha FPS

Ngquza Hill

Port St Johns

Nyandeni

Mhlontlo

King Sabata Dalindyebo

4 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 120km

Alfred Nzo District

Lusikisiki FPS

Matatiele

Umzimvubu

Mbizana

Ntabankulu

3 vehicles

Average response 1-hour urban area and 3 hours rural areas

Radius is 100km

 

Bizana FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response 1-hour urban area and 3 hours rural areas

Radius is 150km

 

Mt Frere FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response 1-hour urban area and 3 hours rural areas

Radius is 150km

Amathole District

Mdantsane FPS

Amahlathi Great Kei Mbhashe Mnquma Ngqushwa

Nkonkobe

Nxuba

3 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius is 40 km

 

Bhisho FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius 50 km

 

Butterworth FPS

 

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius 60 km

 

Adelaide FPS

 

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius 100 km

 

Dutywa FPS

 

2 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius 60 km

Buffalo City Metropolitan District

Woodbrook FPS

Buffalo City Metropolitan

3 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3 hours.

Radius 70 km

FREE STATE PROVINCE

District

Facility

Municipality

Number Of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Mangaung Metro

Bloemfontein FPS

Mangaung

1 Vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3hours

The radius is 400 km

 

Botshabelo FPS

 

1 vehicle

 

Lejweleputswa

Welkom FPS

Matjhabeng

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3hours.

The radius is 260km

Thabo Mofutsanyana

Phuthaditjhaba FPS

Maluti A Phofung

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3hours.

The radius is 330km

 

Bethlehem FPS

Dihlabeng

1 vehicle

 

Fezile Dabi

Sasolburg FPS

Metsimaholo

1 vehicle

Average response time ranges between 1 to 3hours.

The radius is 85 km

 

Kroonstad FPS

Moqhaka

I vehicle

 

GAUTENG PROVINCE

District

Name of mortuary

Municipality

Number of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Tshwane

Bronkhorstspruit

Tshwane Metropolitan

3 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 78km

 

Ga-Rankuwa

 

6 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 48km

 

Pretoria

 

7 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 27km

Johannesburg

Diepkloof

Johannesburg Metropolitan

6 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 50km

 

Johannesburg

 

7 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 80km

West Rand

Roodepoort

Merafong City

Mogale City

Rand West

7 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 120km

 

Carletonville

 

7 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 100km

Sedibeng

Heidelberg

Emfuleni

Lesedi

Midvaal

3 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 50km

 

Sebokeng

 

8 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 55km

Ekurhuleni

Germiston

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan

9 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 42km

 

Springs

 

9 vehicles

Average response time ranges between 1to 2hours

The radius is 25km

KWA ZULU NATAL PROVINCE

District

Facility

Municipality

Number of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Ethekwini

Phoenix FPS

Ethekwini

15

Average response time is 2 hours.

The radius is 98km

 

Pinetown FPS

Ethekwini

8

Average response time is 1hour.

The radius is 90km

Ugu

Park Rynie FPS

Umdoni

7

The average response time is 1 hour.

The radius is 110 km

 

Port Shepstone

Ray Nkonyeni

6

The average response time is 1 hour.

The radius is 175

 

Harding

Muziwabantu

5

The average response time is 1 hour.

The radius is 50km

Ilembe

KwaDukuza

kwadukuza

3

Average response time is 2hours.

The radius is 65km

Umgungundlovu

Pietermaritzburg

Msundusi

9

Average response time is 1h30

The radius is 50km

 

New Hanover

Umshwati

2

Average response time is 1hour.

The radius is 75 km

 

Howick

Umgeni/Mpofana

2

Average response time is 1hour.

The radius is 100km

 

Richmond

Richmond

3

Average response time is 1hour.

The radius is 75km

Uthukela

Ladysmith

Alfred Duma

9

Average response time is 1h30

The radius is 150 km

 

Estcourt

Inkosi Langalibalele

4

Average response time is 2 hours rural area, 30 min urban area.

The radius is 120km

Umzinyathi

Dundee

Endumeni, Nqutu

5

Average response time is 2 hours.

The radius is 175 km

 

Greytown

Umvoti

6

Average response time is 50min.

The radius is 160km

Amajuba

Newcastle/

Dannhauser

Newcastle

2

Average response time is 1 hour in rural area, 30 min urban area.

The radius is 105km

 

Madadeni

Madadeni

3

Average response time is 30min.

The radius is 120km

Harry Gwala

Kokstad

Kokstad

2

Average response time is 1h30

The radius is 100km

 

Ixopo /

Bulwer

Ubuhlebezwe/ Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

4

Average response time is 2 hours.

The radius is 150km

 

Umzimkulu

Umzimkulu

4

Average response time is 30min.

The radius is 100km

Zululand

Ulundi

Ulundi

5

Average response time is 30min.

The radius is 40km

 

Nongoma

Nongoma

5

Average response time is 45min.

The radius is 75km

 

Vryheid/

Paulpietersburg

Abaqulusi / Edumbe

5

Average response time is 1hour.

The radius is 100km

 

Pongola

Pongola

3

Average response time is 45min.

The radius is 75km

Umkhanyakude

Mtubatuba

Mtubatuba

7

The average response time is 1 hour.

The radius is 80km

 

Mkhuze

Jozini

3

Average response time is 2 hours.

The radius is 85km

 

Mosvold

Jozini

3

Average response time is 2 hours.

The radius is 150km

 

Manguzi

Umhlabuyalingana

4

Average response time is 2 hours.

The radius is 120km

King Cetshwayo

Richards Bay

Mhlathuze

7

Average response time is 1h30

The radius is 100km

 

Eshowe

Umlalazi

6

Average response time is 2hours.

The radius is 70km

 

Nkandla

Nkandla

2

Average response time is 2hours.

The radius is 60km

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

District

No Of Facilities

Municipality

Number of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Capricorn

Polokwane FPS

Polokwane

Capricorn District Municipality

7 vehicles

30 min in an urban area and 60 min in rural.

The radius for each facility is 90km

 

Lebowakgomo FPS

Lepelle Nkumpi

Feta Kgomo

Makhudu Mathamaga

5 vehicles

30 min in an urban area and 60 min in rural.

The radius for each facility is 90km however there are areas that stretches beyond 90km

Mopani

Letaba FPS

Greater Tzaneen

5 vehicles

30 min in an urban area and 60 min in rural.

The radius for each facility is 90km

 

Maphutha Malatjie FPS

Ba Phalaborwa

1 vehicle

 
 

Nkhesani FPS

Greater Giyani

Collins Chabane

1 vehicle

 
 

Kgapane FPS

Greater Letaba

1 vehicle

 

Waterberg

Mokopane FPS

Mogalakwena

Mookgopong

Lephalale

5 vehicles

30 min in an urban area and 60 min in rural.

The radius for each facility is 90km

 

Bela Bela FPS

Thabazimbi

Modimolle

Bela Bela

4 vehicles

 

Vhembe

Tshilidzini FPS

Musina

Thulamela

5 vehicles

30 min in an urban area and 60 min in rural.

The radius for each facility is 90km

 

Elim FPS

Makhado

Collins Chabane

Greater Letaba

5 vehicles

 

Sekhukhune

St Rita’s FPS

Makhuduthamaga

5 vehicles

30 min in an urban area and 60 min in rural.

The radius for each facility is 90km

 

Groblersdal FPS

Ephraim Mogale

Elias Motswaledi

3 vehicles

30 min in an urban area and 60 min in rural.

The radius for each facility is 90km however there are areas that stretches beyond 90km.

MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

District

Facility

Municipality

Number Of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Ehlanzeni

Themba FPS

Mbombela

4 vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour to the furthest point.

Radius is 7263sqkm

 

Barberton FPS

Mbombela

 

Average response time is 2 hours to the furthest point.

Radius is 3774 sqkm

 

Tonga FPS

Nkomazi

2 vehicles

Average response time 1 ½ hours across service points

Radius is 4787sqkm

 

Mapulaneng FPS

Bushbuckridge

4 vehicles

Average response time is 2 hours to the furthest point.

Radius is1587 sqkm

 

Tintswalo FPS

Bushbuckridge

   
 

Lydenburg FPS

Thaba Chweu

2 vehicles

Average response time is 1 ½ hours to furthest point.

Radius is 5719sqkm

Nkangala

Witbank FPS

Emalahleni

3 vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour across service points.

Radius is 2678 sqkm

 

KwaMhlanga FPS

Thembisile Hani

2 vehicles

Average response time 1 hour time across

Radius is 2384sqkm

 

Middelburg FPS

Steve Tswete

5 Vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour to the furthest point.

Radius is 3976sqkm

 

Mmamethlake FPS

Dr JS Moroka

1 vehicle

Average response time is 1 hour across service points.

Radius is 1416sqkm

 

Delmas FPS

Victor Khanye

3 vehicles

response time 1 hour across service points.

1568sqkm

 

Belfast FPS

Emakhazeni

1 Vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour to the furthest point.

4736sqkm

Gert Sibande

Bethal FPS

Govan Mbeki

4 vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour across the service points.

 

Evander FPS

Govan Mbeki

   
 

Piet Retief FPS

Mkhondo

2 vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour to the furthest point.

Radius is 4868sqkm

 

Carolina FPS

Albert Luthuli

2 vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour across the service points.

Radius is 5559sqkm

 

Embhuleni FPS

Albert Luthuli

   
 

Volkrust FPS

Pixley Ka Isaka Seme

2 Vehicles

Average response time is 45 minutes across the service points.

Radius is 1104sqkm

 

Ermelo FPS

Msukaligwa

1 vehicle

Average response time is 1 hour across the service points.

Radius 2616sqkm

 

Balfour FPS

Dipaleseng

2 vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour across the service points.

Radius is 2955sqkm

‘;

Standerton FPS

Likwa

2 vehicles

Average response time is 1 hour to the furthest point.

Radius is 4585sqkm

NORTHWEST PROVINCE

District

No Of Facilities

Municipality

Number of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District

Potchefstroom FPS

JB Marks Municipality

4

Average response time is 2hr 40min.

The radius 6 398 km2

 

Klerksdorp FPS

Matlosane and Makwasi - Hills Municipalities

5

Average response time is 2hr 20min.

The radius is 8 204 km2

Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District

Vryburg FPS

Naledi,

Greater Taung, Lekwa-teemane, Mamusa and part of Ratlou local Municipalities

3

Average response time is 3hr.

The radius is 28 941km2

Ngaka Modiri Molema District

Lichtenburg FPS

Ditsobotla, Tswaing and part of Ratlou Municipalities

5

Average response time is 2hr 2 min.

The radius is 14806,7km2.

 

Mafikeng FPS

Mafikeng, Ramotshere - Moiloa and part of Ratlou Local Municipalities

04

Average response time is 2hr 1 min.

The radius is 13 333km2

Bojanala District

Brits FPS

Madibeng, Moretele and part of Rustenburg local Municipalities

03

Average response time is 2hr 30 min.

The radius is 6 972km2.

 

Phokeng FPS

Rustenburg,

Kgetlheng and Rustenburg local municipalities

03

Average response time is 1hr 30 min.

The radius is 13 115km2

NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

District

Facility

Municipality

Number Of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Frances Baardt

Kimberley FPS

Sol Plaatjie

6

Average response time is 1hour

The radius is 100km

 

Hartswater Holding Facility

Phokwane

1

Average response time is 30minutes

The radius is 30km

ZF Mgcawu

Upington FPS

Dawid Kruiper

3

Average response time is 1hour and 30minutes

The radius is 300km

 

Postmasburg Holding Facility

Tsantsabane

1

Average response time is 1hour and 30minutes

The radius is 200km

Pixley KaSeme

De Aar FPS

Emthanjeni

5

Average response time is 2 hours

The radius is 200km

 

Prieska Holding Facility

Siyathemba

1

Average response time is 1hour and 30minutes

The radius is 150km

 

Victoria West Holding Facility

Ubuntu Municipality

1

Average response time is 1hour and 30minutes

The radius is 150km

 

Douglas Holding Facility

 

2

Average response time is 1 hour

The radius is 150km

John Taolo Gaetsewe

Kuruman FPS

Gasegonyama

3

Average response time is 2hours

The radius is 200km

 

Springbok FPS

NamaKhoi

3

Average response time is 2hours and30minutes

The radius is 300km

Namakwa

Calvinia FPS

Hantam

2

Average response time is 1hour and 30minutes

The radius is 150km

WESTERN CAPE

 
 

District

No of Facilities

Municipality

Number of Vehicles

Average response time and radius serviced

Western Cape, West Metropol

Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute

City of Cape Town

5

Average response time is 23 minutes.

The radius 2446sqkm

Western Cape, East Metropol

Tygerberg FPS

City of Cape Town

5

Average response time is 34 minutes.

The radius 2446sqkm

Western Cape,

Cape Winelands/

Overberg

Paarl FPS

Drakenstein

Stellenbosch

2

Average response time is 56 minutes.

The radius is 2369sqkm.

Western Cape, West Coast / Winelands

Vredendal

Cederberg

Matzikama

2

Average response time is 77 minutes.

The radius is 20988 sqkm.

 

Malmesbury

Swartland

Bergrivier

2

Average response time is 51 minutes.

The radius is 8114sqkm.

 

Vredenburg

Saldanha Bay

2

Average response time is 37 minutes.

The radius is 2015sqkm.

Western Cape, Cape Winelands/

Overberg

Worcester

Breede Valley

Langeberg

Swellendam

3

Average response time is 76 minutes.

The radius is 12187

 

Hermanus

Overstrand

Cape Agulhas

Theewaterskloof

2

Average response time is 74 minutes.

The radius is 8401sqkm

 

Ceres

Witzenberg

2

Average response time 36 minutes

The radius is 10753sqkm

Southern Cape/ Garden Route/ Karoo

George

George

2

Average response time is 29 minutes.

The radius is 5191 sqkm

 

Laingsburg FPS

(Holding Facility)

Laingsburg

Prince Alfred

2

Average response time is 25 minutes.

The radius is 16937sqkm

 

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay

2

Average response time is 26 minutes.

The radius is 2001 sqkm

 

Knysna

Knysna

Bitou

2

Average response time is 34 minutes.

The radius is 2101sqkm

 

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn

2

Average response time is 78 minutes.

The radius is16458 sqkm

 

Beaufort West FPS (Holding Facility)

Greater Beaufort West

2

Average response time is 27 minutes.

The radius is 21917sqkm

 

Riversdale Holding Facility

Hesssequa

2

Average response time is 33 minutes.

The radius is 5733sqkm

END.

24 November 2023 - NW3914

Profile picture: Cardo, Dr MJ

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether he has brought criminal charges against a certain person (name and details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Firstly, I suspended a project that involved Thuja Holdings Proprietary Limited, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Department of Employment and Labour, (DEL) whilst doing that I also instituted an investigation into Thuja Project before it kicked off. Mthunzi Mdwaba is a CEO of Thuja Holdings Proprietary Limited. Mthunzi Mdwaba was the Chairperson of the Productivity SA Board.

The investigation that I instituted was completed. The findings of it came out. Currently, I am busy processing these findings of the investigation. Thus far, among others, these findings have led to Mthunzi Mdwaba being relieved of his position as the Chairperson of the Productivity SA Board.

Mthunzi Mdwaba continues to react to the actions occasioned by the findings of the investigation in the manner that he does. On my side I am very busy processing the findings of the investigation that I instituted.

On 23 – 11 – 23 I signed affidavit in support of various orders, chief amongst being the setting aside of the agreement. I have brought the application on an urgent basis. In that affidavit I challenge Mthunzi Mdwaba to present his evidence in support of his allegations that he levelled against me.

24 November 2023 - NW3932

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Ministers and (c) any other official in her department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in her department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by her department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

(a)(b),(c) No.

(i)(ii),(iii),(aa),(bb),(cc) Falls away.

24 November 2023 - NW3813

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Mr M

Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether Ubuntu magazine which has been produced by her department since 2012, has a printed version in addition to the digital edition; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what total number of copies are printed in each quarter, (b) where are the specified copies distributed and (c) what is the total cost to Government for each copy of the printed issues?

Reply:

DIRCO’s stakeholder publication is available in both print and digital versions. The (a) total number of copies printed in each quarter and (c) total cost to government is as follows:

 

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

2021 – 2022

5000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R160 252.60

Cost per copy:

R32

5000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R160 252.50

Cost per copy:

R32

5000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R160 196.15

Cost per copy:

R32

3000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R114 270.90

Cost per copy:

R38

2022 – 2023

3000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R113 539.27

Cost per copy:

R37

3000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R133 885.97

Cost per copy:

R44

3000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R136 647.60

Cost per copy:

R45

3000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R135 470.00

Cost per copy:

R45

2023 – 2024

3000 copies were printed at a total cost of:

R137 965.50

Cost per copy:

R45

1000 copies (BRICS Special) were printed at a total cost of:

R73 272.25

Cost per copy: R73

3000 copies

In production

3000 copies

n/a

(b) The magazine is distributed to:

  • South Africa’s missions abroad
  • Embassies accredited to South Africa
  • Stakeholders such as the Mapungubwe Institute, SAIIA
  • Advertisers
  • Contributors
  • Government departments
  • During Public Participation Programmes (PPP) engagements by the department’s principals
  • Universities
  • Libraries