Questions and Replies

Reply:

Government through the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is in the process of developing the Digital Economy Master Plan, which will look into the entire digital ecosystem, including the digital core, infrastructure, technologies and services. Government is approaching digitisation in a holistic rather than on a piecemeal approach as suggested in this question. The Department of Small Business Development is part of the Team lead by DCDT on the Digital Economy Master Plan with a definitive focus on its impact on SMMEs and Co-operatives.

Furthermore, enhancing access requires affordable pricing mechanisms based on telecoms policies that reflect wide digital network and sound broad band strategies, specifically reaching remote areas such as townships, rural areas, and villages. Small enterprises based within the afore-mentioned areas may not necessarily have access to same digital environment. In this regard, the DSBD is in collaboration with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) whose mandate is to ensure provision of inclusive communications services. The partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technology (DCDT) is positioning the SA Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for the digital change and transformation through the investment in needed infrastructure like broadband fibre connectivity to all support hubs (Incubators, Accelerators, Centres for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator [CFERIs], Township and Digital Hubs) and high end computing and Rapid Prototyping facilities (3D printers, scanners, CNC and Laser cutting equipment) as shared facilities in all our TVET and University based CFERIs and new Digital Hubs.

The Department is also finalising agreements and engaging various stakeholders in the technology sector for the provision of supporting technological services and offerings to innovate and transition SMMEs and Cooperatives into the Digital era.

On the ICT side, Seda supported 13 Tech base Incubators and Accelerators and established 22 youth based CFERIs in underserviced TVETs and Universities in the 2020/21 financial year to the drive that transformation and support to Tech Start-ups to help build local technology solutions to solve both Social and Industry challenges.

The 13 Tech Incubators have recorded the following performance results in 2020/21 FY:

• 303 Tech Start-ups and SMMEs were supported.
• R49 284 220.16 in revenue was generated by the start-ups and SMMEs in portfolio.
• 441 of the total ICT related jobs in 2019/20 FY were sustained.
• 676 new jobs were created.

As part of our vision for township and rural economies in the digital sector Seda has established four (4) township based hubs in Mabopane in Tshwane, Kraaifontein in the Western Cape, Mogwase in the North West, and Thembalethu in the George. The new hubs will focus on building start-ups in the Gaming, Animation, E-Sports, Coding and Data Science, 3-D Printing, Hard and Software development, robotics, and Electronics. The hubs have taken in their first start-up cohorts in the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year.

These hubs will be supported by the 6 new Digital Hubs that are positioned to lead SA charge in the 4IR space. The new Digital Hubs will endeavour to create start-up and digital business that can compete in local, regional and international markets while remaining locally relevant. The hubs will render support to young Grassroots innovators and start-ups providing needed shared infrastructure, industry collaborations, Enterprise supplier linkage, access to funding at pre-seed, seed and series A and B funding, private sector investor linkage. Also, the hubs will build firm level teams, revenue or paths to revenue, high touch mentoring and coaching aimed at building strong leadership, disruptive, scalable and smart business models poised for Rapid growth in sectors like EdTech, Fintech, E-commerce, HealthTech, Water, Energy and Agri.

Seda is focusing its efforts and have also approved four (4) new University based CFERIs:

• University of Johannesburg, Soweto - will focus on building young tech start-ups in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain
• Nelson Mandela Bay University - will focus on start-ups in new technologies in water, oceans economy and Electronic Vehicles and Battery technologies.
• University of Venda - focusing on new Hardware, software, IOT and AgriTech start-ups.
• Rhodes University – start-ups in the Creative Industry.

The new CFERIs will be fully established before the end of the current financial year (2021/22).

_________________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

_______________________

MR LINDOKUHLE MKHUMANE

ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________

MS ROSEMARY CAPA, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE APPROVED BY:

_________________________

MS KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

Reply:

(a) In terms of the agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Cuba on co-operation in the field of water resource management the details are as follows:

(i) 25 Cuban Nationals are currently deployed.

(ii) No decision has been made in this regard.

(b) The Cuban nationals are responsible for the following functions, among others;

• Evaluation of Operations and Maintenance of water infrastructure within clusters and area offices in different provinces as follows:
  • Northern Cluster – Limpopo, Part of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and part of North West
  • Eastern Cluster – KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Part of Eastern Cape and part of Free State
  • Central Operations – Parts of N Cape, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free state
  • Southern Cluster – W Cape, part of Eastern Cape and part of Northern Cape
  • Eastern Cluster – KZN, part of Eastern Cape and part of Free State
  • Central Operations – parts of Northern Cape, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free state
• Evaluation of infrastructure assets of the department including dams, bulk water infrastructure, irrigation canals and pump stations
• Evaluation and verification of quality control of maintenance as well as refurbishment of water infrastructure.
• Scoping of waste water treatment systems.
• Project management for grant funded infrastructure projects implemented by municipalities
• Verification and analysis of bulk infrastructure applications and business plans from municipalities to the DWS.

(c) The areas of specialisation and skills possessed by Cuban Nationals include the following:

 

NO.	Qualification	Area of Specialization
	Mechanical Engineering	Mechanical Engineer
	Engineer Hydrologist	Surface Water Hydrology.
	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
	Geophysics Engineer & Master in Science Geophysics	Civil/ Hydrological/Geophysical
	Civil Engineering	Design, Maintenance and Operation of Water Infrastructure
	Hydraulic Engineering, Master of Science: Hydraulic Engineering	Water Treatment Plants
	Hydraulics and Structural Engineering	Experience Civil/ Hydraulic Engineer
	Engineering in Automatic Control	Engineer with specialization in Automatic Control
	Technologist Engineer	Technologist Engineer in Hydraulics and Water Treatment
	Agricultural Mechanization Engineering	Trained as Mechanical Engineer and works as Investment Manager
	Irrigation and Drainage Engineering	Irrigation and Drainage Engineer with extensive experience in Planning and Design
	Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering & Master Mechanical Engineering	Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology

(d) The deployment of Cuban nationals will not negatively affect jobs which could be offered to South Africans. There are job opportunities in the same fields which are still offered to suitably qualified South Africans, including through the Graduate Programme being implemented by the DWS.

(e) The total estimated cost of employment for financial year are as follows, this includes the operational budget which is based on estimates prior to the COVID-19 realities, meaning that a significant reduction in actual cost is anticipated;

 

ITEM	EXPENDITURE
Compensation of Employees	R34 031 413,00
Goods and Services (Operations Budget)	R30 591 587,00
TOTAL BUDGET	R64 623 000,00

 

 

Reply:

The Department of Small Business Development has designed and implemented the SMMEs Debt Relief Facility to assist small business that were impacted negatively by Covid-19 pandemic. This main aim of this intervention was to protect the investment already made in the businesses involved, save jobs and prevent business closure.

To ensure that the Facility is executed efficiently and in a transparent manner, numerous control measures were put in place. These measures include heightening awareness about the Facility by publishing information, including the funding criteria on the websites of the Department and its agencies, Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa); and issuing of press releases. Furthermore, the information on all funded beneficiaries was published on the DSBD website for the consumption of the members of the public.

The SMMEs Debt Relief Facility was also subjected to an audit process. The audit performed by the independent auditors (Sizwe Ntsaluba Gobodo) awarded the Facility an unqualified audit opinion. In light of the above, the Department can provide a reasonable assurance that the principle of transparency and fairness were upheld in rolling out the SMMEs Debt Relief Facility.

_________________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

_______________________

MR LINDOKUHLE MKHUMANE

ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________

MS ROSEMARY CAPA, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE APPROVED BY:

_________________________

MS KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

Reply:

Honourable Member, during the budget vote debate of the Department of Human Settlements (Vote 33) on 18 May 2021 I said;

“I wish to take this opportunity to restate what I said last year in this House about Social Housing and the Affordable Rental Relief Programme. I indicated in 2020 that this rental relief is solely aimed at assisting tenants in formal affordable rental housing to meet their monthly rent obligations. Of course, means testing will form part of necessary criteria to determine those who can be assisted. R600 million is allocated for this purpose”.

For those who might not be familiar with the language that we use, affordable rental housing is government subsidised rental housing, managed through the Social Housing Regulatory Authority. It cannot, as some has tried to interpret, mean the private rental space. So the category that we identified is the affordable rental sector. The private sector has no project for affordable rental housing and we have no jurisdiction over the private sector housing rental. When you hear the term affordable rental housing, it is our rental programme managed by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority. We did indeed request R600 million to assist those who find themselves in distress in our housing institutions. This we did in our 2020 budget.

However, the Minister of Finance, in his Adjustments Appropriation approved R300 million to SHRA and the remaining R300 million to the NHFC/ Housing Bank. These amounts have now been transferred to the two entities. Therefore, R300 million to assist those who rent from the State to offset the impediments caused by the pandemic. The policies and qualifications are available from SHRA.

Similarly, R300 million was allocated to the NHFC to offset the debt incurred by its own clients. The amounts were not allocated to these two institutions to use for rental relief in the private sector. I want to emphasis, we cannot and do not regulate rental for the private sector. We regulate that which is under our jurisdiction. Our people should not allow those who are ignorant to mislead them”.

Reply:

1. Community Radio remains one of the most effective mediums made use of by the GCIS Provincial and District offices for conveying messages and information, especially in very remote and deep rural areas. These platforms are enjoying a good listenership from their respective communities.

GCIS implemented 296 paid for radio interviews or talk shows during the period under review to unpack government communication and programmes and to create an awareness around government programmes.  The total expenditure for the interviews is R1 627 515.77. The table below provides a broad spread of the interview per province.

#	PROVINCE	RADIO INTERVIEWS	TOTAL COST
	Free State	12 paid for Radio interview implemented	R60 000.00
	Eastern Cape	24 paid for Radio interviews	R168 115.00
	Northern Cape	07 paid for Radio interviews	R44 795.60
	Gauteng	15 paid for Radio interviews	R119 215.75
	North West	24 paid for Radio interviews implemented	R258 288.00
	Mpumalanga	40 Radio programmes implemented. 30 were paid for radio interviews and 10 were done as valued add.	R110 300,00
	Western Cape	59 paid for Radio interviews implemented.	R287 700.00
	Limpopo	11 Radio programmes implemented through engagements with Community Radio Stations bearing no cost.	R0.00
	KwaZulu-Natal	104 paid for Radio interviews implemented	R579 101.42
TOTAL	296 paid for radio interviews	R1 627 515.77

2. The GCIS uses councillors/ community-based leaders, mayors, traditional leaders, community-based leaders and government spokes persons or subject matters specialists at local or district level.

Thank You.

Reply:

(a)(b) & (c) No, the said person is not an employee in the Department of Public Service and Administration; any departmental agency nor a state-owned entity reporting to the Ministry of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) portfolio. Consequently, there are no further relevant details that can be provided.

According to records on the Public Service payroll system (PERSAL) is currently NOT an employee of any national or provincial department or government component. The person was last employed in the South African Police Service between November 2005 and November 2020.

End

Reply:

The members referred to were appointed to fill the vacancies that were created when other Council members resigned. The four Council members who were appointed to replace those that resigned were part of the process which was presided over by an independent panel. These members were interviewed in public, their names were published for public to comment, and no objections were received against them.

The names of Council members who replaced those that resigned are Ms Linda Mvanana, Ms Layla Swart, and Ms Marion Mbina-Mthembu. There is no additional legal requirement that these members’ names be published for public comments. The appointment of these members was made in terms of section 4 of the National Arts Council Act, as amended, and as such, they are not precluded from operating as Council members.

Due to the challenges of the National Arts Council and the fact that it is currently facing legal challenges, the Minister decided to appoint one additional Council member (Advocate Steve Kekana) who has legal expertise to join the Council of the National Arts Council to boost the legal capacity of Council.

Reply:

(i) Honourable Member, the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Msunduzi Local Municipality confirmed that plans are afoot to formalise the Jika Joe informal settlements.

(ii) I have been informed that the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Department of Human Settlements will undertake an upgrading of informal settlement programme within Msudunzi Local Municipality, which will include the Jika Joe informal settlement. The Municipality has identified Ethembeni and Signal Hill Housing Projects, which are at Planning Stage, for the potential beneficiaries who will not qualify to rent in the Community Residential Units.

(iii) The Kwazulu Natal Provincial Department of Human Settlements provided relief for people whose shacks were destroyed by a fire. The 174 beneficiaries were given materials in 2020 to rebuild their dwellings. It must also be noted that more than 350 temporary structures were built from 2014 to cater for the people whose shacks were affected by fire and those who were on the flood line and under power lines.

Reply:

1. The Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAT) is not compensated from the MGE grant funding but the MGE Goods and Services budget. Last year’s funding was reprioritized for the Relief Funds precisely to benefit arts practitioners.

2 (a) (i) The total budget allocated to the established Ministerial Advisory Team (MAT) amounts to three million (R3 million)

(ii) To- date a total number of 28 meetings were held and a total amount of R 256,840.22 has been paid to the MAT.

b) The MAT has been in operation since end of February 2021, to date the engagements have primarily been strategizing and consulting with various stakeholders on areas of intervention that the Department will like to embark on.

To this end, a feedback session has been schedule for later in June 2021 to provide information on the developments thus far.

Reply:

(a) & (b). Mandela Bay Theatre Complex previously known as PE Opera House has been gazetted and declared as a Cultural Institution. The declaration was signed by Minister and announced on 31 May 2021; it was then published on June 4, 2021.

Reply:

The Honourable Member is well aware that the document titled “Guide to Parliamentary Questions in the National Assembly”, prohibits Members of Parliament, including the Executive, from providing names in parliamentary questions and responses to questions. The document referred to states that:

“Questions are to be framed as concisely as possible. All unnecessary adjectives, references and quotations are omitted. Names of persons, bodies and, for example, newspapers are only used in questions if the facts surrounding the case have been proven. As the mere mention of such names could be construed as publicity for or against them, it should be clear that this practice is highly undesirable. If a question will be unintelligible without mentioning such names, the Departments concerned are notified of the name (-s) and this phrase is used: ".......a certain person (name furnished)”

I am therefore unable to provide the information requested by the Honourable Member as it contains company names and other confidential inform

Reply:

(a). What are the processes for administering the fund?

Department administration:

The department administers the R10 million allocated to BASA for three years through a Memorandum of Agreement. R3 million was distributed in 2020/21, R5 million in 2021/22 and R2 million in 2022/23 with each amount distributed in tranches quarterly following submission of the progress report to the department. This administration is coupled with meetings with BASA and monitoring the process by the Project Manager.

As a requirement, BASA submits a detailed annual report with expenditure to the departments regarding the debut fund programme.

BASA’s administration:

1. Participation in immersion workshops and activities including submission of tasks.
2. Adjudication and selection of submissions by an external panel.
3. Announcement and communication to participants.
4. Mentorship and Participant support by Mentor/Facilitators and Provincial Liaisons (2 per province).
5. A final list of recipients whose documents have all been submitted, as well as the relevant documents for each individual is sent to the BASA Accounts department.
6. Accounts verifies that all documents have been submitted. These include: ID Copy, Proof of banking, SARS tax Registration and signed agreement.
7. A payment schedule is drawn up for each province and sent to BASA’s Finance Manager (FM) for review.
8. BASA’s FM verifies each recipient's banking details and ID numbers with the bank. Once details are verified, the payment schedule is sent to BASA’s Head of Programmes, CEO and a Board representative, usually the deputy chair or the chairperson. Each must review the schedules and sign for approval.
9. Once they have all signed, payments are then loaded and released from the bank.
10. All signed payment schedules and proof of payments are filed accordingly.

Key to note: Participants receive 70% of their grants at the beginning. They are required to participate in the activities of the next phase and to submit a report on the first tranche. Once this has been reviewed, they then receive the 30% balance. Report includes the narrative as well as the expenditure component.

(b) Who adjudicates the applications:

Participants’ applications and submissions are evaluated by an external adjudication panel. Below is a list of the diverse individuals who have assisted with applications and the submissions of tasks.

Name	Languages	Brief Profile
Tshepiso Shikwambane	Xitsonga, IsiZulu, English	Actor, director, voiceover artist. Director and co-founder of Phandicraft Active Drama
Aifheli Makhwanya	Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, English	Independent researcher and consultant for the cultural and creative industries. Managing Director of Dzanda Consulting & Events
Onthatile Ditshego	Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, English, Afrikaans, Siswati	Programme Manager at the Trevor Noah Foundation
David April	Setswana, Sepedi, Afrikaans, English	Director, teacher, choreographer, and lobbyist
Dimakatso Motholo	Sesotho, Setswana IsiZulu	Stage manager, performing artist, researcher, administrator, and project manager

(c) What is the criteria for qualifying for the fund?

Target Audience:

• Emerging artists working in all disciplines, in all provinces
• Between the ages of 18-35 years old
• Individuals from Rural/Peri-urban communities are given first preference

Applicants submit WhatsApp videos of who they are and why they want to join the Programme.

Adjudicators first check against the key requirements as per the above, including whether:

• The participant showed potential to develop further/alignment with programme objectives
• Reason(s) for wanting to join the programme
• Their ability to articulate their need for entrepreneurial /business skills and how they will utilise these skills

Access to funding within the programme:

For participants to make it to the next phase(s) of the Debut Programme and to receive funding they are required to complete all required tasks/activities in the relevant phase and then to submit a formal application for their business ideas or ventures, using the knowledge gained during the Workshops.

Criteria:

• Viability: How viable participants’ business ideas/ventures were
• Market Knowledge: How well the participant understands their market
• Finance: How well the participant understands the financial aspects of their business idea/venture
• Coherence: How coherent is the participant's overall submission?
• Translation: How well did the participant outline their business idea onto the Lean Model Canvas?

NB: Participants are required to meet the deadline in time for the adjudication.

 

Reply:

1 (a) 18 Transferred officials and 5 vacant posts.

(b) (i) Not Applicable

(ii) Designation

Position 1 - Deputy High Commissioner

Position 2 – Counsellor Bilateral

Position 3 – Counsellor Multilateral

Position 4 – State Security

Position 5 – Political Secretary

Position 6 - Political Secretary

Position 7 - Corporate Services Manger – Vacant since December 2019, waiting for a replacement

Position 8 – First Secretary Administration ( Acting Corporate Services Manager)

Position 9 – Third Secretary Administration

Position 10 – Third Secretary Administration

Position 11 – Counsellor ICT

Position 12 – First Secretary ICT

Position 13 - First Secretary ICT – Vacant since December 2020

 

Partner Departments:

Department of Home Affairs ( DHA)

Position 14 – Counsellor: Immigration and Civic Services

Position 15 – Second Secretary: Immigration and Civic Services

Position 16 - Secretary: Immigration and Civic Services

Position 17 - Second Secretary: Immigration and Civic Services – Vacant since December 2018 State Security:

Position 18 – Counsellor: Political

Position 19 - Political Secretary – Vacant since November 2019

 

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Position 20 – Minister: DTI

 

Department of Transport

Position 21 – Minister Transport

South African Police Service ( SAPS)

Position 22 – Counsellor : SAPS

South Africa's National Defence Force

Position 23 - Defence & Air Advisor – Vacant since January 2020

Position 24 - Deputy Defence & Air Advisor – since August 2020

Position 25 - Defence Office Chief Clerk

(2) Yes, the Mission is fully operational.

(3) The services being provided by the office are Civic and Immigration services

which are rendered from 09h00 until 15h00 at Whitehall, SW1A 2DD.

All Consular services are rendered such as:

• The processing of legal documents for members of the public for use in South Africa. (mainly buying and selling property and banking matters)
• Support for the Department of Justice in matters relating to the UK. (Child maintenance, Service of Process, Extradition etc.)
• Supporting South Africans in distress according to the Consular handbook in matters relating to the death of a family member. (Contacting police, hospital, coroner etc. and arranging quotes for repatriation of remains.

Dealing with the Department of Health to arrange permits).

• Facilitating visas for diplomats travelling to South Africa.

(4) All services are currently being provided.

(a) and (b) Not applicable

Reply:

No, the Mandela House is operating.

(a). The Mandela House is operating under normal trading under the management of the liquidators.

(b). Not applicable as the museum is operating.

Reply:

The Department is well sensitised to the potential threats and risks posed to small enterprises. It is however important to note that the use of technology by small enterprises cannot be directly managed by the Department as this is an individual entity’s responsibility. Where the Department’s accountability lies is within the technology it exposes to small enterprises through its online platforms; and within this area, the Department has increased its own security measures and performs regular monitoring on potential breaches. Regular updates to the public via social media is maintained to inform of any risks or scams related to the Department.

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

_______________________

MR LINDOKUHLE MKHUMANE

DIRECTOR GENERAL: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________

MS ROSEMARY CAPA, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE APPROVED BY:

_________________________

MS KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

Reply:

a) The Limpopo Creative Economy Practitioner and local services providers will be the beneficiaries as the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will be transferring R45 000 000.00 over a period of three financial years to the Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

b) The professional services rendered so far by the Limpopo Creative Economy Practitioners, has been in terms of conceptualization, designing, implementation and professional management of the entire construction of the Limpopo Theatre. The construction of the Theatre is expected to commence in February 2022.

c) The Provincial Department as the custodian of the project has consulted with Practitioners in the sector on the concept, design and construction of the Limpopo Theatre.

Reply:

THE Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture has met with the Minister of Basic Education to review the MOU. Both Directors- General have been tasked with the review of the MOU.

The review process is underway. Consultations have taken place internally in the Department and with the colleagues at the Department of Basic Education.

A first draft that integrate all areas of the Department’s programmes that need or are executed in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education has been finalised. This is still work in progress towards further consultation within the two Departments Executive management, Provincial Departments and other stakeholders in the Sport, Arts and Culture and Education Sector.

Reply:

(1).   loveLife responded to indicate that having consulted the then Department of Sport and Recreation SA, the mandate of loveLife was reviewed in 2010.

From 2011, the loveLife mandate included the assistance the department in encouraging recreation at community and school level (for the schools not part of the Schools Sport Programme) by having loveLife ground-BREAKERs (youth implementers) organise sport and recreational activities that encompass youth health messaging to foster behavioural change among young people to steer them away from risky behaviour like alcohol abuse, gangsterism, violence, etc. and also encourage physical activity as a way to combat non-communicable diseases that are made worse by inactivity.

(2)(a). The strategic objectives referred to were from the inception of the organisation in 1999 to the 2010. These objectives ended with the “love to be there” campaign that was run by loveLife to encourage young people to be part of the history-making 2010 World Cup that was hosted by South Africa. A study done in 2012 shows that loveLife did achieve their strategic objective in that period which was to respond to the number of youth contracting HIV by increasing knowledge as that was what loveLife’s mandate was based on, the increased knowledge among young people about HIV, and all Sexual and Reproductive and Health related information. (SRHR)

(2)(b). The NSRP strategic outcomes advocates for the department to take a lead with regard to the implementation of the Mass Participation related programmes. As an active nation pillar, this programme is implemented together with the Federations and other NGO’s whose mandate is aligned to the strategic objectives of the department. The partnership with loveLife and NGO has been revised to ensure that it aligns to the mandate of the department. Of critical importance to this partnership, is the fact that loveLife mainly targets the Youth in school and out-of-school, to address among others, lifeskills and health and behavioural aspects. To do this they have a programme groundBREAKERS, who are themselves, young people who help deliver the programme. These groundBREAKERS, are skilled both in lifeskills and coaching, with the aim of ensuring that they can use sport to communicate positive value to the youth.

This loveLife as a strategic partner of DSAC, forms part of the NGO’s that are able to work with the Sport Stakeholders to roll-out sport and recreation activities in their centres.

Reply:

(1)(a)&(b) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), nor its agencies – the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agencies (sefa), have not funded /contributed to the supply and/or installation of the production line for the manufacture of protective masks from the Dick Whittington Shoe Factory in Pietermaritzburg.

(2) The Department has not awarded any tender to any factory for the supply of masks. The masks procured in March 2020 were procured through a quotation process.

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

_______________________

MR LINDOKUHLE MKHUMANE

ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________

MS ROSEMARY CAPA, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE APPROVED BY:

_________________________

MS KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

Reply:

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) did not have any work exchange programme with the Republic of Cuba and has not employed any Cuban Nationals. There are no plans in the pipeline in this regard.

1. Not applicable.
2. Not applicable.

_________________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

_______________________

MR LINDOKUHLE MKHUMANE

DIRECTOR GENERAL: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________

MS ROSEMARY CAPA, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE APPROVED BY:

_________________________

MS KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

Reply:

(a) The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) accredits tour guide trainers based on the 8-core criteria document that was developed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).  

(b) The eight core criteria are used to ensure that trainers meet the highest standards. Trainers must submit the following policies and procedures:

1. Policy Statement: The organisation’s aims, objectives and purpose.
2. Quality Management System: Outline procedures that implement quality management.
3. Review Mechanisms: Outline how the implementation of policies would be monitored. 
4. Programme Delivery: Outline how learning programmes would be developed, delivered and evaluated.
5. Staff Policies: Outline policies and procedures for staff selection, appraisal and development.
6. Learner Policies: Policies and procedures for the selection of learners are outlined, and learners are given guidance and support.
7. Assessment Policies: Outline policies and procedures for forms of assessments that are used and how they are managed.
8. Management System and Policies: Indicate the financial, administrative and physical structures and resources of the organisation, and procedures of accountability within the organisation.

(c) The set standards are the qualifications that are on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). There are two guiding qualifications, i.e. National Certificate: Tourism: Guiding, NQF level 2, SAQA ID 17174; and Further Education and Training Certificate: Tourist Guiding, NQF level 4, SAQA ID 71549. There are also skills programmes for Culture, Nature and Adventure Guiding.

(d) Over and above the trainers being tour guides themselves, they must be trained on the following unit standards:

-   Conduct outcomes-based assessment – SAQA ID 115753

-   Conduct moderation of outcomes-based assessments – SAQA ID 115759

(e) – (g) In the past three financial years there have been no improvements or changes to the qualifications as the industry has not requested them. However, there has been a need to re-align the qualifications to meet the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations standards, i.e. occupational qualifications. The curriculum is not improved by the SETA but by the accredited trainers. The SETA’s responsibility is to improve the set standards, i.e. the qualifications that are on the NQF with input from the guiding industry.

Reply:

(1) Honourable Member, I have been informed that the residents of Jika Joe Informal Settlements will benefit from the rental units under construction in Msunduzi Local Municipality. They are the primary beneficiaries of the new development as per the target market of the CRU Policy. The project is still in the first phase of construction.

(2) (a) The process of allocation has commenced per the Tenant Management Plan approved by Council and in line with the CRU Allocation Policy. Several community engagements have been held, requesting people to register at the office located at the CRU Complex.

(b) The rental charges range from R500 to R800 per month and are calculated at 30% of income.

(c) (i) It is anticipated that the first occupation will take place by 1 July 2021.

(ii) Rental agreements are expected to be concluded by the end of June 2021.

(3) A social survey of residents of the informal settlements was undertaken in 2018 and the information was updated in February 2021. The list of prospective tenants for the CRU project is available, however, we are not in a position to share it as it contains confidential individual personal details.

Reply:

The business case has been submitted to the relevant Ministers for inputs. The Department is currently taking the draft business case through government structures to get Cabinet endorsement on the preferred option first before finalisation of the business case which will then be followed by the drafting of the relevant legislation.

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

_______________________

MR LINDOKUHLE MKHUMANE

ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________

MS ROSEMARY CAPA, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

_______________________________________________________________________________

RESPONSE APPROVED BY:

_________________________

MS KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

Reply:

(a) (i)   According to the CATHSSETA report, there were 778 tour guide learner applications from the legacy data, which was transferred into the new system. 1 230 New applications of tour guide learners were processed on the new system.

(ii)  Training providers were requested to upload documents to the system, as well as submit hard copies as a security measure during the implementation of the system.  At that stage, CATHSSETA needed to ensure that the system functioned properly in relation to the management of learner documents. 

(b) The SETA is considering the physical submission of documents to be optional and stakeholders will be advised accordingly.

Reply:

(a) The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) pays allowances directly to students enrolled at 44 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges through the wallet system. Furthermore, NSFAS transfers funds for the allowances of qualifying students enrolled at six colleges that are responsible for making payments to their respective students. The following TVET colleges make allowance payments to their NSFAS students:

• College of Cape Town;
• Northlink;
• False Bay;
• Boland;
• West Coast; and
• South Cape.

The below responses are based on data obtained from NSFAS, as the Department is still in the process of obtaining the necessary information from the six colleges responsible for disbursing allowances.

(i) 2020

In terms of the NSFAS report, 12 colleges contravened the Bursary Rules and Guidelines by lodging student claims for tuition fees exceeding their respective tuition allocations. Furthermore, 26 colleges contravened the bursary policy by lodging claims for accommodation for more than 40% of its NSFAS recipients. Given the broad geographic footprint of TVET colleges with 265 campuses across the country, the Bursary Rules and Guidelines stipulates that colleges may lodge accommodation allowances to a maximum of 40% of its NSFAS recipients.

(ii)    2021

In terms of the latest NSFAS report, allowances have been paid to all qualifying students. The report indicates that 22 colleges are not complying with the requirement on claims for accommodation, as their claims exceeded 40% of their NSFAS recipients.

(b) The Department has introduced various measures to address these challenges and issued a communique in March 2021 compelling colleges to ensure that the awards for allowances are made within the available budget, as the funds earmarked for allowances have been fully allocated to colleges for 2021. The Department, together with NSFAS, convened a meeting on 13 May 2021, with colleges exceeding the stipulated percentage regarding student claims for accommodation. These colleges were urged to work on a strategy that will ensure their compliance with the Bursary Rules and Guidelines in respect of the awards for allowances. Some of these colleges have already shared the strategies they are putting in place to manage the excessive demand for accommodation allowances.

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department can sustain the social assistance budget of R190 billion. This allocation is made in terms of the Social Assistance Act (Act 13 of 2004),which mandates government to provide social assistance to specified categories of vulnerable people, including children, the elderly above the age of 60 years and persons with disabilities. All the social grants are means tested, with the exception of the foster child grant, to ensure that only the most vulnerable are able to access it. Over the past 20 years, the budget has been kept constant at around 3% of the national gross domestic product (GDP), thus staying more or less in line with the economic performance of the country.

2. Yes, the Department is considering a more comprehensive social security system, which will create a three-pillar system comprising social grants, contributory social insurance and voluntary insurance to ensure that those who are able to contribute towards their own social security provision are provided with appropriate institutional platforms to participate in social security cover. The policy makes extensive proposals for ensuring that all working people in the country, both in the formal sector and those in atypical forms of employment are mandated or encouraged to make contributions during their working years, so that they will have adequate income in the event of retirement, death or disability. These policy proposals will be the subject of wide stakeholder consultations during this financial year.

Reply:

1. No. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is not a shareholder in the business of Solms Delta.

a) The Department did not put the Solms-Delta farm under business rescue. The shareholders are the ones who resolved to put it under business rescue on 27 July 2017. Ms Timme (first BRP appointed) was subsequently replaced by Tayfin Forensic and Investigative Auditors on 01 November 2018), when the former applied to the high court to place the business under liquidation. In response to Ms Timme’s action, the beneficiaries themselves approached the Department for assistance and intervention. This led to an out of court settlement between, the interested parties, which resulted in the appointment of Tayfin Forensic and Investigative Auditors on 01 November 2018

b) The business rescue practitioners were Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC), represented by Ms Alison Mary Timme and Tayfin Forensic and Investigative Auditors, represented by Mr Mahier Tayob. The former resigned following the out of court settlement.

c) The amount of R1 120 293.00 was paid to the business rescue practitioners since the farm was placed under business rescue.

2. Yes. If the Business Rescue Practitioner agrees.

(3)(a) The current position of the farm is that the business is operating, even though not at full capacity partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

b) The financial situation has not changed much and that is why there is a meeting of stakeholders scheduled for 18 May 2021 to try to resolve the challenges.

Reply:

1(a) Following a reconciliation of all available information, a total of 31 929 grants were paid to clients who did not qualify for these in the period from May to July 2020. The grants were paid as the information available to SASSA at the time excluded databases of COVID relief paid to citizens through other government programmes such as the relief to sportsmen, spaza shop owners and farmers. In addition, SASSA only received the database from correctional services which included information on inmates in correctional facilities later in the process.

(b) A total of R11 175 950 was paid to citizens who did not qualify.

(c) No qualifying beneficiary was not paid as a result of the above incorrect payments.

2(a) All food parcels which were identified as not complying with the standard set for food parcels issued by SASSA were replaced by the relevant service provider.

(b) The distribution of food parcels was monitored by SASSA staff in the provinces, as the food parcels were distributed. SASSA staff were available at all distribution points to confirm the content of the food parcel, that the food parcel was collected by the approved beneficiary and that the invoices for food parcels distributed was received from the relevant service provider.

3. The food parcels were distributed to the approved applicants. Where an approved applicant did not arrive to collect the allocated food parcel, the parcel would be distributed to another approved beneficiary, after following a standard process to cancel the initial application and replace it with another applicant, who met the qualifying criteria.

The processes followed at the time were all manual, as SASSA was operating under Level 5 lockdown restrictions, with minimal staff available for this project.

In conclusion of the project, SASSA undertook a reconciliation process, to ensure that for every food parcel ordered and distributed, there was an approved application form; and that the support provided was captured on our grant system. This has taken a lot longer than initially planned, but has been now been completed.

Reply:

(a) Since the introduction of the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System in 2010 and subsequent Medium-Term Strategic Framework, the Department has been engaging with universities through enrolment planning on their targets for scarce skills areas.  In the new enrolment planning cycle, the targets for first time entering students into the scarce skills areas of engineering, life and physical sciences, human health, animal health and vet science, and teacher education are indicated in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1: 2020 to 2025 Proposed targets for first time entering students in scarce skills
	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Engineering	16 152	16 647	17 085	17 639	18 100	18 317
Life and Physical Science	16 948	17 161	17 584	17 391	17 459	17 614
Human Health	9 796	10 155	10 418	10 838	11 155	11 516
Animal and Veterinary Science	1 116	1 154	1 194	1 209	1 229	1 257
Initial Teacher Education	22 752	22 746	22 788	22 855	22 951	23 380

The targets for all undergraduate enrolments for the scarce skills are in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2: 2020 to 2025 Proposed targets for all undergraduate qualifications in scarce skills
	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Engineering	77 062	77 003	77 158	78 916	80 796	83 019
Life and Physical Science	58 267	59 240	60 613	61 218	62 092	62 890
Human Health	47 411	47 488	47 597	49 120	50 406	51 926
Animal and Veterinary Science	5 001	5 208	5 343	5 469	5 592	5 729
Initial Teacher Education	136 272	139 733	142 893	144 791	147 471	150 117

 (b) (i) Universities are funded through Teaching Input Units (TIUs) based on their approved enrolment plans.  If the universities adhere to the agreed upon targets, they will receive their full funding in terms of their approved TIUs.  If they are more than 2% under-enrolled, universities will be penalised financially and if they are more than 2% over-enrolled in their first-time entering enrolments, they will also be penalised due to the impact which over-enrolment has on the sector.

(ii) The above-mentioned strategy is not expected to have a significant impact on the Social and Human Sciences as the enrolment plan targets are also set in terms of the percentage in the Human Sciences (includes Social Sciences).  The targets are reflected in Table 3 below:

Reply:

(1) (a) South Africa fluctuates between being a net exporter or importer of beef. Drought and FMD outbreaks are the major factors that contributes to the direction of beef import or export. The country currently produces 1 081 900 tons and consumes about 1 065, 000 tons of beef per year. It is currently a net exporter of beef, with only 3 000 tons imported in 2019/2020. The country exported 37 000 tons in the same period. South Africa consumes just over 97% of the beef that is produced locally and only about 3% from the imports.

1 (b) From which countries is the beef imported;

In the past 12 months live animals were imported mainly from Botswana & Namibia for feedlots. In that period 383,400 live animals were imported from these countries. Beef cuts that were either frozen or fresh were imported from the following countries:

• Botswana

• Lesotho

• Namibia

• Swaziland

• Australia

• New Zealand

• France

• Germany

• Republic of Ireland

• Spain

• Switzerland

• the United Kingdom

• the USA

• Argentina

• Brazil and

• Uruguay.

2. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing Beef Recording and Improvement Schemes including the transformative Kaonofatso Ya Dikgomo scheme, that tracks performance of the individual beef animals farmed in South Africa under stud and commercial farming. The scheme also focuses on getting a beef farmer to be on a continuous improvement path through training and linkages with good markets. DALRRD also strategically included beef farming support on all funding scheme i.e. CASP; Ilema/Letsema; Blended funding and the Jobs Fund. DALRRD is in the advance stage of implementing the Livestock Identification and Traceability system which will help with health control and market access and thus improved productivity and profitability of the sector.

Reply:

(1) Although agriculture was declared as essential service, smallholder production activities were negatively affected in the sector as they struggled to access their fields during initial lockdown period. There were post-harvest losses because of agro-logistics challenges experienced by farmers. Many smallholder farmers experienced loss of income and were also unable to prepare for the next planting season. There were reduced availability and access to extension services particularly during levels 5 and 4 of lockdown. There were other challenges such as:

• Closure of input dealerships and temporary hike in input prices in the first two months of lockdown as well as challenges in travelling to purchase inputs due to movement restrictions during lockdown levels 4 and 5. This included the massive congestion at the Durban port as Cape Town was considered the epicenter of the pandemic from around April to end May/early June 2020
• Lack of transport/slow processing of permits impeded the ability of workers to get to work in the first months of the outbreak of the pandemic and the general misinterpretation of disaster management regulations by law enforcement agencies
• During levels 5 to 3 of lockdown, almost all types of informal markets where smallholder farmers supply their farm produce were closed, including those that trade in cooked / prepared food. Informal food traders were not allowed to operate during the hard lockdown without permit and distribution plans for the perishable foods already harvested); & even when they were eventually allowed to operate, the customer base was significantly reduced.

(2) Yes. The Department provided disaster-specific relief to farmers. The Minister of Agriculture of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development secured funding of R1.2 Billion to assist smallholder farmers during April and May 2020. The fund was able to assist about 14 400 distressed smallholder farmers due to COVID-19 pandemic. A further R1 billion was allocated to the Department from the Presidential Employment Stimulus Initiative (PESI) to assist about 74 626 subsistence farmers who were not considered for the R1.2 Billion COVID-19 Relief. The Department is still implementing the R1 billion PESI intervention through e-vouchers.

Reply:

The request for the extension of the R350 grant has been processed through the relevant structures within government and as soon as guidance has been provided, the Department will be in a position to respond to the public accordingly.

Reply:

a) The major production areas for cotton in South Africa are Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and North-West Provinces. The 2020/21 cotton crop is just over 80 000 lint bales for April 2021, which is considerably lower compared to the 2019/20 of 134 230 lint bales. This is largely because some cotton farmers have switched to food crops because of relatively good prices and the lateness of the marketing of the previous season’s crop that contributed to a contraction in planted area. In certain production regions, excessive wet and adverse conditions during planting season led to scaling down of number of hectares for cotton. Therefore, the 2020/21 cotton plantings are considerably lower compared to the previous season, which led to lower cotton crop volumes. The table below is an illustration of the status of cotton in the country.

 

Production	2021/21 estimate	2019/20 estimate
Hectares irrigated	5 836	11 543
Hectares dryland	11 122	16 132
Total ha	16 958	27 675
Yield: seed cotton kg per ha
Yield irrigated	4 542	4 393
Yield dryland	1 577	1 206
Total production of 200kg lint bales	80 235	134 230

b) South Africa is known for producing good quality cotton despite many challenges it is facing. It is true that the increase in volumes of imported cotton threatens the viability and sustainability of the cotton industry in South Africa. Government and stakeholders in the cotton sector established the Sustainable Cotton Cluster (SCC) in June 2014 led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. The SCC connects the entire cotton value chain under one umbrella: farmers, gins, yarn manufacturers, weavers and knitters, dyers, finishing plants and retailers. In the six years it’s been in operation, cotton production and processing has increased 800% and almost 50,000 jobs have been created or maintained in the cotton sector.

The outbreak of Covid 19 had a negative impact on this good initiative. During the lockdown harvesting and processing continued, but exports were suspended, striking a severe blow to the sector. Since then, export restrictions have been lifted, but global demand for cotton is decreasing and so are global prices. With around 80% of locally produced cotton being exported, this has significant implications for the sector. At the same time, severe financial strain on retailers is adding pressure. One of the main purposes of the SCC is to increase consumption of cotton by local retailers, aiming to increase local procurement from the pre-Covid average of 45% to 63% by 2030. Government is positive that by addressing the challenges, growth could be restored in 2021/22 and beyond.

Reply:

1) The Department of Basic Education has developed a comprehensive plan to provide learners and teachers with digitised content as well as Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSMs). Different types of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets will be provided to learners in the Primary as well as Secondary schools, based on the type of teaching and learning resources that will be installed on these devices.  The department has also developed the Remote Learning Strategy that ensures education continuity during the period imposed by the pandemic.  This includes the Tswelopelo platform for primary school learners, and the zero-rating of education sites.

(2) The Department of Basic Education is working with State Information Technology Agency  (SITA) and National Treasury to put all the necessary procurement processes in place to provide learners and teachers with ICT devices.  The DBE has partnered with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to zero-rate over 300 education sites, that provide digital and video content to all learners.  Furthermore, the DBE has developed a comprehensive recovery plan for teaching and learning that includes broadcast through TV OVHD Channel; use of both public and community radio broadcast; and printed materials have been made available and are collected at schools by parents and caregivers to complement all the other efforts by the department.  

Reply:

The definition of indigenous languages in the "Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions" (2020) was developed following broad consultations with different language practitioners and stakeholders in the country. In line with the Higher Education Act, the Department relied heavily on the advice from the Council on Higher Education, which made substantive input on the content of the policy, including the list of definitions included in the policy's initial draft. The Department also sought consistency in the use of terms with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which uses the term "indigenous languages", to underscore the importance of recognising and developing historically marginalised languages of the people of South Africa.

Alternatively, the policy framework could have used the terminology "indigenous African languages" as commonly used in literature. However, this expression could easily have been construed as excluding Afrikaans as it emphasizes the "Bantu" origins of the languages and their wide usage by the native population. The definition of the term "indigenous languages" in the policy is used purely to highlight the historical marginalisation of African languages as a result of both colonial and apartheid legacies, and the need to develop these languages for scholarly ends.

The policy framework does not in any way exclude or disadvantage Afrikaans or any other South African language, for that matter, as the need to develop all official South African languages other than English is well articulated in the policy, and in fact is, its underlying motive. The main objective of the policy is not to argue or settle the debate around the issue of indigeneity or otherwise of languages, but rather to highlight the fact of historical marginalisation of African languages in academia and propose ways and mechanisms in which this historical injustice could be corrected.

In terms of the Khoi language, the definition includes the following “an indigenous language is a language that is native to a region or country and spoken by indigenous people”. It, therefore, includes the Khoi language family.

These definitions should be read in the context of the policy and its aims. The policy aims “to contribute to transformation in higher education with specific reference to universities through enhancing the status and roles of previously marginalised South African languages to foster institutional inclusivity and social cohesion”. This policy does in no way, imply that Afrikaans must be removed/or not further developed. It simply aims to achieve the aspirations of Section 29(2) of the Constitution by making sure that all previously marginalised languages enjoy parity of esteem and that language is not an obstacle to access for all South Africans.

As indicated above, the Policy Framework does not exclude Afrikaans and San languages as indigenous languages. The definition adopted in the Policy when read correctly within the broader context of the framework is meant to highlight the colonial and apartheid history of the exclusion of indigenous African languages or simply indigenous languages of Bantu origin. At no point is the Policy intended to settle the debate of the indigeneity or otherwise of Afrikaans or any other language.  

Reply:

(1) To assess the real impact of the proposed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system budget cuts, it is important that the earmarked budget provided by National Treasury for the purpose of implementing the TVET Post Provisioning Norms (PPN) be excluded from the baseline increase, as it is actually being subsidised through a baseline reduction from the TVET Direct Transfers (subsidies). The PPN allocation is, therefore in real terms not a baseline increase, as the TVET sector and public TVET colleges will receive no additional funding for this purpose in particular.

The following table reflects in real terms the proposed budget reduction for the TVET sector over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which excludes the PPN:

Budget	2021/22 R'000	2022/23 R'000	2023/24 R'000	Total R'000
TVET Compensation of Employees (CoE) budget cut	(908,399)	(1,206,281)	(951,175)	(3,065,855)
TVET subsidy budget cut	(100,000)	(100,000)	(100,478)	(300,478)
Sub-Total	(1,008,399)	(1,306,281)	(1,051,653)	(3,366,333)
TVET operationalisation of new campuses budget cut	(16,664)	(22,136)	(31,648)	(70,448)
TVET Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant budget cut	(204,282)	(265,613)	(458,610)	(928,505)
Total	(1,229,345)	(1,594,030)	(1,541,912)	(4,365,287)
Impact on student enrolments: TVET CoE and subsidies
Budget reduction %	-8.39%	-10.47%	-8.60%	-9.17%
Annual Performance Plan Targets
Headcount enrolments in TVET colleges (State funded)	505 770
TVET enrolment reduction	(42 419)	(52 978)	(43 492)	(138 889)

As can be noted from the above table, the budget for the rest of the MTEF has been reduced by R3.3 billion affecting the TVET Compensation of Employees (CoE) and TVET Direct Transfers (subsidies), which translates to a reduction of student headcount enrolments by approximately 138 889 over the MTEF period. 

(2)   For many young people, attending a TVET college secures them with the skills and opportunities for employment in industries and businesses, and for some to venture into self-employment. A reduced budget will restrict access to TVET colleges for many students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby exacerbating the challenges of escaping the generational trap of poverty.

(3)  The Department has been supporting TVET colleges in developing strategies to overcome the difficulties faced by the contracting budget:

-     The Department has identified the need for TVET colleges to expand access by developing partnerships with both private and public sector enterprises, and has incorporated this as a performance target for colleges to achieve. Colleges with partnerships have been able to increase their enrolments despite facing constrained budgets.

-     The Department has encouraged colleges to initiate online learning as a platform of learning that can be accessed by a larger number of individuals that do not require to be physically at the college.

-     In line with this and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, computers will be disbursed to TVET students thereby enabling the digital revolution for expanded blended and online learning.

All these innovations will boost the quality and quantity of competency achieved by young people attending TVET colleges.

Reply:

(1)(a) Following the application to the Northern Cape High Court, in terms of case number 961/2019, by the Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and the order granted by the same court on 28 February 2020; Honey Attorneys were appointed as Judicial Administrator of the Richtersveld Communal Property Association (CPA). Mr Don Madjiet is a representative of Honey Attorneys and responsible for the day-to-day running of the CPA as per the Court Order.

(b) The terms of reference of the Judicial Administrator are as per the Court order of 28 February 2020 of case number 961/2019. The Administrator is required to exercise powers of the executive committee of the Richtersveld CPA and perform all functions assigned to him in terms of the said court order. The Judicial Administrator has developed a comprehensive workplan which has been approved. The details are specified in the court order. Please refer to Annexure A.

(c) The Judicial Administrator is appointed for a period of three (3) years from the date of the court order i.e. 28 February 2020 until 28 February 2023.

(d) The costs are determined as per the rates of the Land Rights Management Facility (LRMF). The rate of compensation depends on the experience of the appointed Administrator and the hours he spends doing activities relating to the work of the CPA. The minimum is R475.00 to a maximum of R750.00 per hour, and the minimum per day is R3 800.00 to a maximum of R6 000.00.

(2)(a) In 1998 the Richtersveld community lodged a claim against the Government for dispossession of land under the Restitution of Land Rights Acts 22 of 1994. Following protracted court proceedings, the Constitutional Court awarded the land and mineral rights to the community of the Richtersveld. The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and the then Department of Land Affairs represented the Government in the settlement negotiations. The Deed of Settlement (DoS) was signed on 22 April 2007. In order to protect the interests of the community, the DoS sought to create a very comprehensive structure of Trusts and Companies to house the interests of the Community. The DoS signed by the parties in 2007 directed that at least two (2) Trusts: Richtersveld Community Trust and Richtersveld Investment Trust) and eight (8) companies must be established to manage and operate the various business dealings of the Richtersveld Community Claim and one (1) Communal Property Association as a land-holding entity. DALRRD is responsible for the CPA as determined through Communal Property Association Act, 28 of 1996. The Department of Justice, as the custodian of the Trusts in terms of the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988, is responsible for the administration and management of Trusts.

(b) DALRRD does not have any figures relating to the total amount of funding that is currently in the Trust account. It should be noted that Trusts are independent legal entities. Trustees had to report to the CPA on its operation but such could not be obtained from the previous CPA committee. The administrators function is to facilitate that such reports are consolidated and made available when meetings are convened and reports tabled to the members of the CPA.

(c) The term of office of the trustees has expired and DALRRD will assist the community with the elections of all structures within Richtersveld, as instructed by the Administration court order of 28 February 2020.

(d) DALRRD does not have that information and will only be known once trustees have reported to CPA members and submitted a report to the Administrator.

(e) Unknown at this stage.

Reply:

1. (a) and (b)The member completed similar courses in Cuba in 1983.

(c) and (i)On a parade officiated by erstwhile C J Ops on 24 March 2006, the member was awarded honorary Special Force (SpecF) insignia; and again on a parade hosted by then Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Regiment on 05 September 2016, he was awarded honorary Dispatcher wings.

(ii) SpecF operations is a top secret matter.

(iii) Only operators currently executing SpecF tasks are required to maintain a jump log, it is not applicable to the member being enquired on.

Reply:

With reference to her reply to question 696 and question 697 on 23 March 2021, (a) on what date did the specified SA Social Security Agency (SASSA)-led investigations commence

On 9 July 2020, SASSA received the findings from the Auditor General containing 20797 exceptions relating to the Covid-19 SRD grant. These exceptions included 216 government employees (PERSAL registered) who received the special COVID 19 SRD grant for the month of May 2020.

On 16 July 2020, SASSA received additional findings from the Auditor General containing 11845 exceptions of which 25 related to government employees (PERSAL registered) who received the special COVID 19 SRD grant for the month of May 2020.

Thus the total number of government employees who were flagged by the Auditor General is 241.

On 7 August 2020 SASSA received additional findings from the Auditor General containing 1513 exceptions consisting of company directors whose companies had received payment for government contracts. It is important to highlight that SASSA did not have access to the databases that the Auditor General used to identify the exceptions.

SASSA’s Project Management Office, upon consideration of the reports of the Auditor General and in consultation with management immediately suspended payments to certain categories of Covid 19 SRD grant beneficiaries. Among those that were immediately suspended were payments to the implicated government employees and the 1513 company directors.

As a result of the suspension of the payments, the implicated government employees each received R350 for May 2020 and no more.

SASSA engaged the Auditor General on the exceptions/findings with particular focus on some of the discrepancies. For instance, of the sample records tested from the findings provided by AGSA for instance the Grants it was noted that the applicants did not receive any grants in April 2020 – they only received grant payments from May 2020 and thus qualified to receive the R350 in May 2020. This was confirmed during a walkthrough with the AGSA on the system in terms of two records which AGSA themselves had chosen for verification and validation.

SASSA placed a focus on the 1513 company directors and the 241 government employees who received the Covid-19 SRD grant for further investigation.

SASSA has since written to the Departments where the implicated officials are employed so that disciplinary action can be taken including recovering the monies that were paid. Most of the implicated government employees work for the Department of Education (75), Department of Health (71) and the Department of Transport (45), with the remaining 50 officials spread across 16 departments.

The investigation into company directors who benefitted from the Covid funds was referred to the Fusion Centre that consists of various law enforcement bodies for further processing.

(b) what number of the specified investigations (i) have actually been resolved and (ii) are still outstanding

Please note that none of the investigations have been finalised. The Fusion Centre is still conducting the investigation into the company directors. Regarding, public servants, SASSA is engaging the relevant departments to ensure that the monies are recovered.

(c) who specifically at SASSA is conducting the investigations

The investigations at SASSA Head Office are conducted by 2 Fraud managers, 2 assistant managers and 1 specialist.

(d) what number of people at SASSA are currently responsible for conducting the investigations

The Fraud Management department at Head Office has 5 investigators, two of which are managers (level 12), 2 are assistant managers (level 10) and 1 level 8 specialist.

The post of General Manager: Fraud Management has been vacant for more than 5 years. However, this position has been advertised and a new GM: Fraud Manager has been appointed and expected to start duty as of 01 June 2021. The Fraud Management department does not have senior managers. In the interim the General Manager: Information Management has been assisting in managing the Department in addition to his normal functions.

This team is responsible for conducting all the investigations that emanate from Head Office or are cross-cutting, including SASSA card related fraud, general administration including supply chain matters, and the special Covid 19 SRD grant related matters.

(e) how are the investigations being conducted?

Due to shortage of staff, the SASSA fraud team relies primarily on data analytics in conducting its investigations. In addition the Fraud Management team works with law enforcement agencies, other state institutions and banking industry partners. Where possible the team also conducts field visits as part of the investigations.

It should be noted that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is also conducting investigations emanating from the presidential proclamations numbers R.37 of 2019 and R. 23 of 2020.

In addition, in February 2021 SASSA requested the Special Investigating Unit to assist the Agency with forensic specialists to conduct complex investigations.

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is providing financial support to the Harry Gwala District Municipality in order to address water supply challenges. The support provided through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) is as indicated below:

a) The DWS is funding the implementation of the Greater Bulwer Bulk Water Project through RBIG. The project will supply water potable water to 23 729 households living within the Doctor Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipalities. The project is being implemented by the Harry Gwala District Municipality. The estimated project cost is R556 363 974. To date, the Department has transferred R352 973 445 to the municipality for implementation of the project.

b) Since the introduction of the WSIG in the 2016/17 financial year up to the 2020/21 financial year, the Department has transferred R384 518 000 to the municipality for implementation of various water and sanitation projects. The municipality has implemented the following projects funded through WSIG:

Name of project	Local municipality	Villages benefitting	Project status
Hlokozi Water Supply Phase 4	Ubuhlebezwe	Kwa-Bhengu, Nhlangwini, Sigcakini and Ngcikica	Completed
Nokweja/Mashumi Water Supply Scheme Upgrade Phases 1 and 2	Ubuhlebezwe	Nokweja, Mashumi, Webbstown, St Allois, Plainhill, Kwa Dladla, Nkoneni, Ngongoneni, Mazabekweni, Madungeni, Ntambama, Mdabu, Magaba and Bovini	Completed
KwaSpheni Water Supply Scheme	Ingwe	KwaSpheni, Maxhini, Maphempeni and Sokhela	Completed
Mqatsheni Stepmore Water Supply	Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma	Mqatsheni and Stepmore	Completed
Ndawana Water Resource Upgrade	Umzimkhulu	Ndawana	Completed
Water Supply for Identified Villages under Umzimkhulu Jurisdiction	Umzimkhulu	Ngujini, Sdadeni/Nguse, Gujendlini, KwaSenti 02, Chancele, Pholanyoni, Thonjeni, Tsaule/Mbomvini, Ngwagwane and Gaybrook	Completed
Umzimkhulu Sanitation	Umzimkhulu	Ndawana, Nyanisweni, Bonvini, Nsikeni, Dumanomoeh, Nazareth, Ngwinjini, Chancele, KwaJames, Rhauka, Mfundweni, KwaTshaka, Bombo, KwaDay, St Barnabas, Madakeni, Gijima and Mahobe	Completed
Capital Infrastructure Refurbishment/Updgrade in Kokstad: (Kokstad CRU Development)	Kokstad	CRU Developments	Completed
Capital Infrastructure Refurbishment Upgrade in Kokstad: Upgrade of CBD Pipeline	Kokstad	CBD Upgrade	Completed
Capital Infrastructure Refurbishment Upgrade in Kokstad: Upgrade of Mamiesa Developments	Kokstad	Mamiesa Developments	Completed
Capital Infrastructure Refurbishment Upgrade	Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma	Bulwer, Donnybrook, Kwezela, Nkumba	Completed
Capital Infrastructure Refurbishment Upgrade in Ubuhlebezwe: Upgrade of Jolivet Water Supply	Ubuhlebezwe	Jolivet	Completed
Mariathal, Mandilini and Esperance Water Supply Project Phase 4	Ubuhlebezwe	Mariathal, Mandilini and Esperance	Under construction
Capital Infrastructure Refurbishment Upgrade	Umzimkhulu	Riverside	Under construction
Capital Infrastructure Refurbishment Upgrade - Upgrade of Mhlabashana Water Supply	Ubuhlebezwe	Mhlabashana	Under construction
Universal Rural Sanitation coverage	Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Kokstad and Ubuhlebezwe	Construction of 1000 VIP toilets scattered in the following wards for Kokstad (6,2,3 & 4) & 1000 VIP toilets scattered in the following wards for Dr Nkosazane Dlamini-Zuma (1,4,6,12&14)	Under construction
Nokweja-Mashumi Water Supply scheme Phase 3	Ubuhlebezwe	Mbambalala and Mgodi	Under construction
Water Supply to Masimini Mbuzweni Villages Intervention Schemes	Umzimkhulu	Ndawana, Masameni, Mnyembe, Gudlintaba	Under construction
Water Supply to Masimini and Mbuzweni	Umzimkhulu	Ndawana, Masameni, Mnyembe, Gudlintaba	Under construction
Villages Intervention Schemes
Marriaskop Water Supply Intervention Schemes	Greater Kokstad	Marriaskop	Under construction
Refurbishment/ Augmentation of water supply schemes	Dr Nkosazane Dlamini Zuma	Mabedlane, Tarr's Valley, Goxhill, Kwa-Bhobhi, Sandanezwe	Under construction
Refurbishment/ Augmentation of Springvale water supply	Ubuhlebezwe	Springvale	Under construction
Refurbishment/ Augmentation of Ebhayi/ Gudlucingo Water Supply	Ubuhlebezwe	Ntapha, Gudlucingo, Chibini, Ngomakazi, Bhethani, Ebhayi, Thathani	Tender stage

The 2021 WSIG Medium Term Expenditure Framework allocations to the Harry Gwala Municipality for the completion of projects under planning and implementation respectively are as follows:

Financial Year	Amount
2021/22	R 90 700 000
2022/23	R 95 000 000
2023/24	R100 000 000
TOTAL	R285 700 000

 

c) A Directive has been issued to the Umgeni Water Board to commence with the planning and implementation of the Stephen Dlamini Dam to provide a long term sustainable water source for the Greater Bulwer Project.

Reply:

(1) (a) Project THUSANO has not been extended to operational matters in the SANDF, only the basic maintenance and utilisation at technical level information was exchanged with SANDF members in order to ensure proper servicing of equipment developed together with the Cubans as part of skills transfer.

(1) (b) (i) and (ii) Project THUSANO activities are beneficial to the SANDF as its internal capability is being built. The SANDF dependency on industry for maintenance and repair will be reduced. The cost of training will be drastically reduced, including improving shooting capability in simulation of different types of combat arenas which may be encountered, thereby, reducing the need for physical travel of trainees and the concomitant costs.

(2) Project THUSANO was analysed and compared with SANDF and best international techniques and proved to be the cheapest and cost-effective way of reducing costs of maintenance and repair, as well as acquiring skills through imparting technical knowledge to SA Army artisans.

(3) (a) According to Contract TI 17-001 South Africa Annexure 6 signed in October 2018, the total cost is US$ 5,975,545.00 (ZAR 86,645,402.50) based on a rand-dollar exchange rate of R14,50:US$1.

(3) (b) Economic pressures and budget reductions require innovative and creative approaches as the funds to outsource maintenance and repair are limited. Building internal capability is one of the initiatives intended to manage the limited budget and/or budgetary constraints. The skills could have been acquired very expensive if these members were sent to private institution for training and skills development.

Reply:

(1) Details requested entail the SANDF’s tactical employment of strategic assets, any information so required may only be disclosed in a closed session.

(2) The Automated Shooting Range (ASR) system will benefit the SANDF as it is intended to improve its members’ shooting skills and combat effectiveness with limited ammunition and the simulation of different combat scenarios in the midst of the dwindling budget allocation.

(3) The ASR was specifically designed for the SANDF; the Department is not aware of a similar capability within the local defence industry.

(4) The system was benchmarked and requested at a bi-lateral (Cuba/RSA) level, thereby no tender process was followed.

Reply:

(1)(a) and (d) The Member is kindly referred to the Annual Performance Plan for 2021/22-2023/24 that was tabled on 25 March 2021 (ATC no 43 of 2021) as well as the Presentation of 4 May 2021 to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism. Details of projects are reflected in the above-mentioned documents. As the member knows infrastructure projects will be implemented through the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and they are currently in the planning phase.

(b) The skills projects are in an advanced procurement process. No budget can be disclosed until finalisation of such processes which include competitive bidding and price negotiations in some cases, as it will compromise the requisite competitiveness and could influence market prices. The member’s attention is drawn to slide 65 of the above-mentioned presentation where the overall budget for EPWP projects is reflected under Working for Tourism. This budget is also reflected in the Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) page 779 as tabled by the Minister of Finance on 24 February 2021.

(c) No projects, are yet concluded for this Financial Year, thus the final number of persons employed/ gaining experiential work experience is not yet available. Slide 40 of the abovementioned presentation give an indication of the number of people that are targeted for the Work Opportunities of Infrastructure Projects and the target numbers for the Capacity Building projects are indicated in the presentation (Food Safety Programme, Chefs- Professional cookery, Wine Service Training Programme (Sommelier), Hospitality Youth Programme (HYP), Data Collectors and Tourism Safety Monitors)

(2) The participants in these projects are provided with accredited and non-accredited training and in some projects full accredited qualifications.

Reply:

According to information received from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Msunduzi Local Municipality;

(i) & (ii) The HSDG funding has been received and allocated

(iii) In the aftermath of a fire that broke out in the Jika Joe Informal Settlement, the Msunduzi Local Municipality requested the assistance of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Human Settlements to appoint a service provider to supply building materials for the 174 households that were affected by the fire.

An amount of R1 510 416.00 was spent to supply building materials for the 174 households that were affected by the fire.

Reply:

(a) The construction of the De Hoop Dam, Phase 2A, is complete and the dam is currently operational. With regard to Phase 2C, a steel pipeline from the De Hoop Dam to Steelpoort was completed and is also operational. The dam currently delivers raw water to Sekhukhune District Municipality through the water treatment plant at Ga-Malekana (Steel Bridge) and Steelpoort. It is the responsibility of the local authority to treat the water and arrange for its reticulation to communities.

Notwithstanding, it is critical to complete the remaining phases for the dam to be utilised optimally. The remaining phases and status are indicated below:

• Phase 2B – Pipeline Flag Boshielo Dam to Mokopane, design complete, construction to commence once funding is available.

• Phase 2D – New pipeline from Steelpoort to Mooihoek and Balancing Dam, pipeline design has been completed and final work packages for tender purposes was submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and are under review. The project is ready to commence with the construction stage pending confirmation of funding required for the entire project. In addition, delays in the finalisation of the acquisition of land may adversely impact the progress with the construction programme due to the required relocations/ resettlements.

• Phase 2E – 10 km gravity pipeline from Mooihoek to Havercroft Junction, tender design stage. This phase is currently on hold due to no funding being allocated.

• Phase 2F – 46 km gravity pipeline from Havercroft Junction to the existing Olifantspoort WTW, tender design stage. This phase is currently on hold due to no funding being allocated.

(c) The design and construction of the De Hoop Dam meets the requirements in terms of Chapter 12 of the National Water Act 36,1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998). The dam was developed under the auspices of an Approved Professional Person.

(d) Delays in completing the project cannot be attributed to specific officials, therefore, no officials of the department are being held to account in this regard.

Reply:

HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The Department has not concluded any work exchange and/or employment agreements with any entity of the Republic of Cuba from the 2010/11 financial year up to the 2020/21 financial year.

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

(1) (a) South Africa and the Republic of Cuba signed a science and technology agreement in 2001 to promote development cooperation in S&T by means of exchanging scientists, research workers, specialists and scholars and exchange of scientific and technological information. However, the department has not employed any Cuban nationals and it is not due to employ any in the 2021-23 Medium Term Expenditure Framework period.

(b) There are no Cuban nations to be employed in the department, therefore there are no details of work to be carried out.

(c) There are no details for specific skills sets possessed by Cuban nationals to be communicated as there are no Cuban nationals employed/to be employed in the department.

(d) Details of the costs of employing Cuban nationals are not available as there are no Cuban nationals employed in the department.

2 (a) Despite having a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Cuba, the department has had no plans to employ Cuban nationals, and as such has not taken any steps to ensure that any specific skill set was not available amongst South African citizens.

(b) As no Cubans with specific skills set were employed by the department, the department has not taken any steps to ensure the specific skills set of the Cuban nationals were available in the Republic amongst South African citizens.

Some contextual issues

Following South Africa’s democratic transition, South Africa and Cuba established formal diplomatic relations on 15 May 1994 and opened resident Embassies in Pretoria (1994) and Havana (1995), respectively. Cuba has since become an established strategic partner for South Africa in the Latin American region. This led to the signing of an agreement on Scientific and Technological cooperation between the countries in 2001.

Reply:

a) The Department will be undertaking work at the Tisani Cutural village situated in Ga-Tisani village, Makhuduthamaqa Local Municipality in the Sekhukhune District Municipality. The Department of Tourism has appointed the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as the implementing agent to construction or complete the following: 10 chalets, 10 braai areas, conference facility, new entrance gate, swimming pool with ablution facility, cultural village with museum, furniture, security fence and landscaping.

b) Employment opportunities will be provided during the implementation of the project. The workers will mainly be from the villages of Tisani, Sekwati, Magukubu and Ga-Phaahla.

Non-accredited and accredited training will be also be provided during construction stage. After completion the project will be operational to create permanent jobs for local people.

Reply:

I wish to indicate to the Honourable Member that the names of contractors or service providers involved in the provision of the services indicated in the reply have been concealed because the document titled “Guide to Parliamentary Questions in the National Assembly” prohibits Members of Parliament, including the Executive, from providing names of individuals or companies in parliamentary questions. The document referred to states that:

“Questions are to be framed as concisely as possible. All unnecessary adjectives, references and quotations are omitted. Names of persons, bodies and, for example, newspapers are only used in questions if the facts surrounding the case have been proven. As the mere mention of such names could be construed as publicity for or against them, it should be clear that this practice is highly undesirable. If a question will be unintelligible without mentioning such names, the Departments concerned are notified of the name (-s) and this phrase is used: ".......a certain person (name furnished)”.

The information provided in the table below relates to service providers that provided quotations for Personal Protective Equipment:

SUPPLIERS	QUOTED PRICE	TOTAL POINTS SCORED(PRICE & B-BBEE)
	R675 700.00	100 points
	R800 800.00	64.18 points
	R1 249 500.00	32.06 points
	R11 600 200.00	-1193.42 points

The information provided below relates to service providers that conducted screening of employees and visitors in the Department of Human Settlements:

SUPPLIERS	QUOTED PRICE	TOTAL POINTS SCORED(PRICE & B-BBEE)
	R 345 000.00	100 points
	R 388 000.00	90.02 points
	R 465 000.00	72.17 points
	R 562 650.00	49.53 points
	R 661 200.00	26.67 points
	R 1 884 000.00	-256.86 points

Quotations received from service providers for the provision of fumigation services is provided in the table below:

SUPPLIERS	QUOTED PRICE	TOTAL POINTS SCORED(PRICE & B-BBEE)
	R 242 213.00	80 points
	R 447 803.26	points

Quotations received from contractors for deep cleaning and sanitizing of buildings in the Department of Human Settlements:

SUPPLIERS	QUOTED PRICE	TOTAL POINTS SCORED(PRICE & B-BBEE)
	R467 386.20	100 points
	R498 291.00	points
	R 733 500.00	points
	R174 464.00	80 points
	R411 298.88	-8.60 points
	R476 504.80	-58.50 points
	R879 896.50	-243.47 points

 

Reply:

(a) Bojanala House

90 Protea Road, Cnr Impala and Protea,

City of Johannesburg,

Sandton,

2196

Gauteng Province

b) (i) Zoning - Business 4 Offices as per Town Planning Regulations

(ii) Extent of property is 5 345.00 m². Gross building area including ground floor, first floor, basement, covered patios, balconies, guardhouse and refuse area is 6 025.00 m².

c) The building is owned by the South African Tourism Board.

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), as the water sector leader is required to ensure compliance with minimum water quality norms and standards as well as the efficient use of water in its pursuit to strengthen the regulation of the water sector. However, the maintenance of Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) is the responsibility of Water Service Authorities (municipalities) and DWS plays a regulatory role. 

In accordance with the above, the Department is aware of the state of the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in the Naledi Local Municipality in the North West. The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mopati District Municipality is the water service authority while Naledi Local Municipality is the water service provider. I am informed that Service level agreement disputes between the two municipalities have resulted in a breakdown of services to the community. 

Contractors are appointed by Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mopati District to operate and maintain the Vryburg WWTW on a short term basis which contributes to the plant payment disputes between the municipalities and the service provider. In addition, the capacity of the plant is also inadequate for the increased sewer requirements. Therefore, there are spillages from the sewer pipelines and partially treated and untreated sewer spillages from the plant. 

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) issued a Directive in terms of Sections 19(3) and 53(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) to the DRSM DM addressing both the Vryburg WWTW and the Farm Rosendale 673 pollution in October 2018. There were some improvements in infrastructure and operation and maintenance of the WWTW thereafter, as the municipality implemented corrective measures. 

However, there were recurring sewer spillages and the DWS took legal action against the municipality. A court order was granted on 18 September 2020 against the DRSM DM by the High Court of South Africa (North West Division) for the municipality to take all necessary steps to ensure that raw sewage is not discharged. The following were long term interventions that were part of the action plan to remedy the situation: 

• The Naledi Local Municipality recommended construction of a new WWTW as the existing plant was originally designed for 4.8 ML/d but the daily flow had reached 8-9 Ml/day overtime 

• The DWS recommended an amount of R314 410 500 towards the upgrade and development of a new 16Ml/d WWTW in Vryburg to be funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and issued a water use license to the facility. 

• The DWS also provided R5.2 million to the Municipality through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) for the refurbishment of the pump station, the sewer network and refurbishment of the Sludge handling facilities.

The DWS conducted inspections during May 2021 and found that the situation has not improved despite the undertakings in the Action Plan submitted by the municipality. Given the non-compliance to the Directive and the court order, the department will proceed with additional legal action to ensure that the municipality implements corrective action.