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23 June 2021 - NW1455

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Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

Whether her department has any agricultural land registered in the name of the State in the OR Tambo District Municipality in Eastern Cape; if so, (a) what number of hectares, (b) who is currently occupying the land and (c) what is it used for?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I have been informed by the Department that the Department has identified eight (8) agricultural land parcels in the OR Tambo District Municipality in Eastern Cape that are registered in the name of the State; they are recorded and being disclosed in the Annual Financial Statements of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

a) The identified eight (8) land parcels cover 306,53 hectares;

b) The land is vacant;

c) Falls away.

23 June 2021 - NW1294

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

(1)With reference to the 107-hectare Bryntirion Estate that her department owns (details furnished), what are the (a) names and (b) positions of the persons living in the 27 houses on the property that is owned by her department; (2) in view of the security guards and maintenance people living on the estate in outbuildings reporting that most of the fittings in the houses have been stolen and sold for scrap, on what date was the last inspection conducted by her department; (3) whether any oversight visit can be undertaken to ascertain or establish (a) the state of the houses and (b) who inhabits the Estate; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) what budget has been set aside for the maintenance of the specified property and (b) under which portfolio does the property fall?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

  1. I have been informed by the Department that the below list of persons are occupying the houses on the property:
 

A) Names

B) Position

1

Fikile Majola

Deputy Minister: Trade and Industry and Economic Development

2

Senzo Mchunu

Minister: Public Service and Administration

3

Rosemary Nokuzola Capa

Deputy Minister: Small Business Development

4

Pamela Tshwete

Deputy Minister: Human Settlement, Water and Sanitation

5

Sindisiwe Chikunga

Deputy Minister: Public Service and Administration

6

Mr John Jeffery

Deputy Minister: Justice and Correctional Services

7

Madam Assetan Koite

Dirco - President of pan African Women’s Organisation

8

Dr. Motene (PMU)

Presidency staff

9

Busisiwe Mkhwebane

Public Protector

10

Ebrahim Patel

Minister: Trade, Industry and Economic Development

11

Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

Minister in the Presidency: Women, youth and Persons with disabilities

12

Naledi Pandor

Minister: International Relations and Cooperation

13

Nkosazana Dlamini –Zuma

Minister: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

14

Lindiwe Sisulu International

Minister: Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

15

Nocawe Mafu

Deputy Minister: Sports, Arts and Culture

16

Cyril Ramaphosa

President

17

David Mabuza

Deputy President

18

Used as an office for Superfecta and Gauflora Facilities Management Contract

Vacant Houses:

 

Address

Status

Comments

1

Bryntirion house no. 7

Vacant

Major renovations needed e.g., Roof leaks, Internal and External Painting works needed

and Checking of all plumbing works and electrical works

2

Bryntirion house no. 15

Vacant

Major structural defects

3

Bryntirion house no. 896

Vacant

Major Renovations needed such as roof, Electrical and plumbing works

4

Goedehoop

Vacant

Structural defects

5

Lisdogan Flat 1 Bryntirion

Vacant

Minor repairs required

6

Bryntirion House no. 19

Vacant

Minor repairs in progress.

7

Bryntirion House no. 17

Vacant

Minor repairs in progress.

(2) The Estate Manager with the works inspectors regularly inspect the Estate.

(3) (a) Yes, any oversight visit can be undertaken to ascertain or establish the state of the houses.

(b) Apart from the list provided for question (1) other inhabitants include:

  • Presidency Staff accommodation
  • VIP Protection accommodation (SAPS)

(4) (a) The Maintenance Budget allocation for the 2021/22 Financial Year is R 40 000 000.

(b) The property falls under the Prestige Property Management portfolio.

23 June 2021 - NW1607

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

With regard to the refurbishment of the parliamentary villages which was mooted and begun with many of the brick houses being assessed first, a process which resulted in the rebuilding of a number of brick houses currently underway, and in light of the fact that many of the prefabricated houses have asbestos roofs which pose significant health concerns to residents, (a) on what date is it envisaged the refurbishments will (i) be concluded on the brick houses which were started before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and (ii) start on the prefabricated houses in the parliamentary villages and (b) what plans are in place to fast-track the finalisation of the refurbishment programme in all three parliamentary villages?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. (a) I have been informed by the Department that:

(i) The project does not entail rebuilding but maintenance of the brick houses. The, site handover was done in September 2020 and is scheduled to be completed as follows:

  • Acacia Park - 7 February 2022
  • Laboria Park - 7 November 2022
  • Pelican Park - 7 September 2023

(ii) The demolition of the prefabricated houses and building of new units project will commence with the appointment of the contractor in October 2021, firstly the designs will be done and thereafter construction.

(b) The project will be completed within the agreed timelines.

23 June 2021 - NW1581

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Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

What is the name of the contact person who has been mandated to address nonpayment of National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding to qualifying students?

Reply:

Each university is assigned a NSFAS servicing agent. The servicing agents liaise directly with universities to address any NSFAS related issues, including disbursements.

INSTITUTION

PROVINCES

SERVICING MEMBER

EMAIL ADDRESS

Tshwane University of Technology

Gauteng

Zukiswa Siyolo

[email protected]

Sefako Makgatho University

Gauteng

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Pretoria

Gauteng

Michaela Brink

[email protected]

University of Limpopo

Limpopo

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Free State

Free State

Mugelane Petersen

[email protected]

Central University of Technology

Free State

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Cape Town

Western Cape

Junethe Cloete

[email protected]

University of Stellenbosch

Western Cape

 

 

University of Western Cape

Western Cape

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Zululand

Kwazulu-Natal

Joan Mahlohla

[email protected]

University of Kwazulu Natal

Kwazulu-Natal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mangosuthu University of Technology

Kwazulu-Natal

Natalie Phiri

[email protected]

Durban University of Technology

Kwazulu-Natal

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of South Africa

Gauteng

Lesego Moroeng

[email protected]

Sol Plaatjie University

Northern Cape

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Witwatersrand

Gauteng

Anga Bokwe

[email protected]

University of Johannesburg

Gauteng

 

 

Vaal University of Technology

Gauteng

 

 

 

 

 

 

North West University

North West

Aqeelah Moss

[email protected]

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Western Cape

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walter Sisulu University

Eastern Cape

Mthetheleli Ndaba

[email protected]

University of Fort Hare

Eastern Cape

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nelson Mandela University

Eastern Cape

Pinky Njemla

[email protected]

Rhodes University

Eastern Cape

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Venda

Limpopo

Linda Mcetywa

[email protected]

University of Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga

 

 

23 June 2021 - NW1655

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Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in the Northern Cape and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date by which the specified province intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians per livestock unit; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year and (b) interventions to treat them?

Reply:

1. (a) Veterinary services in the Northern Cape is a directorate headed by the Senior Manager (Director) who is a veterinarian and who reports directly to the Executive Manager (Chief Director) in the department. There are 7 state veterinary offices spread throughout the province and each state veterinary office have service centres in their areas that the Animal Health Technicians operate from. The number of veterinarians in the province is 9 and this number includes the Chief Director, Director and 2 Deputy Directors.

POSITION

STATION

FILLED

VACANT

Chief Director: Agricultural Technical Support Services

Kimberley

1

0

Director: Veterinary Services

Kimberley

1

0

Deputy Director: Animal Health

Kimberley

0

1

Deputy Director: Veterinary Public Health & Export Control

Kimberley

1

0

Deputy Directory: Veterinary Laboratory & Epidemiology

Kimberley

1

0

State Veterinarian: Veterinary Laboratory

Kimberley

1

0

State Veterinarian: Export Control

De Aar

0

1

State Veterinarian: Animal Health

Kimberley

1

0

State Veterinarian: Animal Health

De Aar

1

0

State Veterinarian: Animal Health

Calvinia

1

0

State Veterinarian: Animal Health

Springbok

0

1

State Veterinarian: Animal Health

Upington

0

1

State Veterinarian: Animal Health

Kuruman

1

0

State Veterinarian: Animal Health

Mothibistad

0

1

Total

 

9

5

(b)(i) current vacancy rate is about 36%

(ii) There is a moratorium currently in place on the filing of vacant posts due to the financial constraints put on the departmental budget by the Covid

19 pandemic.

2. The FAO recommends a ratio of 1 veterinarian per 100 000 livestock units, and using this norm would result in the province requiring 16 State Veterinarians to carry out disease control, laboratory diagnostics and veterinary public health, which are the minimal requirements for a basic service.

3. The Compulsory Community Service (CCS) programme was finally rolled out in the Northern Cape province in 2016 with the number of CCS veterinarians increasing steadily from 4 to the current number of 7. This year, the CCS veterinarians only started on 1 March 2021 due to the disruption of the academic year caused by Covid 19 pandemic. The MEC, Mase Manopole welcomed the seven (7) newly qualified Veterinarians to the Department under the Compulsory Community Service (CCS) program. The areas that benefits from this programme include Kuruman (2), Kimberley (2), Prieska (1), Veterinary Laboratory (1) and Upington (1). These 7 placements significantly increased access to Veterinary Services in the province, increasing the number of field Animal Health Veterinarians from 4 to 10. The livestock farmers in the rural communities have welcomed the move by government to introduce the CCS programme to speed up rural animal health care.

4. No major disease of economic importance was recorded in the last 4 years. The Northern Cape Province received above normal rainfall that favoured the breeding of mosquitoes which are responsible for the transmission of Rift Valley Fever disease (RVF), African Horse Sickness, Lumpy Skin Disease, Bluetongue etc. The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Ms Mase Manopole was on an awareness drive, forewarning all farmers to vaccinate their cattle, sheep and goats against RVF before the peak of mosquitoes around March and April. The MEC also advised farmers to get vaccines from the cooperatives in the province and encouraged them not to eat dead animals and should always wear protective clothing when handling aborted foetuses.

Rabies remains prevalent in wildlife and to support this phenomenon, the provinces recorded a number of rabies cases with only one human case. Fortunately, the victim was successfully enrolled on a full course of post exposure rabies prophylaxis. 5153 pets were vaccinated during the World Rabies awareness period in the province.

Sheep scab has been reported in areas where farming with sheep is dominant. Sheep scab is traditionally most prevalent during the second and third quarter of the year and 2020 was no exception. All the confirmations were done by the Kimberley Veterinary laboratory, which is the only government laboratory that is accredited to do sheep scab testing. All the outbreaks were handled as per the protocol.

23 June 2021 - NW1187

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Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the status of the Agri-Parks Programme; (2) whether her department has spent the budgeted amount on the project so far; if not, (a) what total amount has been the budget overrun and (b) how does she intend to ensure that the project benefits local communities for whom it is intended; if so, what are the further relevant details?

Reply:

1. Please refer to Annexure A.

2. Please refer to Annexure A. For the 2021/22 financial year it is work in progress.

(a) Falls away.

(b) Please refer to Annexure A. Local communities are mobilized to go and get registered as beneficiaries at the respective FPSU’s.

23 June 2021 - NW1547

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Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

What (a) is the root cause of the failure of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to pay disbursements due to students at the University of South Africa and (b) interventions have been made by his department to resolve the problem?

Reply:

a) NSFAS has made payments in advance to all universities and as such; there should be no unpaid allowances to compliant students. Universities have their own payment processes to distribute allowances to students. The advance payments were made as an intervention to ensure that universities pay allowances to students, in a timely manner.

There are currently 179 068 UNISA students funded through the DHET Bursary Scheme.  Total disbursements to funded student amounted to R931, 8 million of which NSFAS provided an advance of R774.6 million and UNISA an amount of R102.9 million from their own funding. 170 564 students who qualify for the learning material allowance in terms of the 2021 DHET Guidelines received their allowances. 4 254 opted for the laptops. Incidental allowance has been paid for the months of Feb-July 2021 to 88 625 students who qualify in terms of the 2021 DHET Guidelines. Please note only those students who carry a course load of 10 and more qualify for the incidental allowances.

4 204 have not received allowances based on following reason:

-2020 results uploaded by funding not migrated to 2021

-N+ Rule: Higher Certificate students starting Degree/Diploma in 2021

-LLB students not migrated

-Pipeline National Diploma students, funding not migrated

-Students switching institutions

2 403 applications for NSFAS appeals for returning students were considered and 1 360 were recommended for further funding support. These students have not received allowances as UNISA are still waiting for final outcome from NSFAS.

(b)  The Department has scheduled the 2021 transfers for university and TVET college bursaries to NSFAS as shown in the table below, to ensure that NSFAS has the necessary cash flow resources.

April 2021

R’000

June 2021

R’000

August 2021

R’000

October 2021

R’000

Total

         

8 788 444

8 788 443

8 788 443

8 788 443

35 153 77

23 June 2021 - NW1640

Profile picture: Nxumalo, Mr MN

Nxumalo, Mr MN to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

(a) How far along is the disciplinary process of officials of her department who were involved in the Beitbridge debacle and (b) what consequences have such departmental officials suffered?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

a) I have been informed by the Department that the hearing was held on 08 March 2021 wherein parties agreed on the hearing dates of the 21-24 April 2021, and 04-06 May 2021 respectively. A pre-hearing meeting was held on 30th March 2021 between the employer’s party and the employees’ parties.

The hearing for Members of the Bid Adjudication Committee was scheduled for 21 – 24 April 2021 and the hearing proceeded with DPWI leading a witness for three consecutive days on procurement processes. The matter was postponed to 14, 15, 17 & 18 June 2021 for further testimony and cross examination of the witnesses.

The hearing of the Senior Officials was scheduled for 04 – 06 May 2021, however, the hearing was postponed on the first sitting due to the failure one of the official’s legal representative to attend the hearing. The said legal representative indicated that he is launching a court application to review the report and to stop the disciplinary enquiry. However, the Department argued that the matter should proceed and that the legal representative should be advised to attend the hearing on the next day, 05 May 2021, since there is no court order interdicting the disciplinary process and that DPWI has not been cited as a party to the aforementioned intended court application. The hearing was postponed to 05 May 2021 and proceeded accordingly. During the hearing one of the official’s legal representative served the chairperson and the department with the Court application to review the investigation report and also to stop the disciplinary enquiry. As a result thereof the chairperson of the hearing ruled that the disciplinary action is postponed indefinitely pending the finalization of the court application, because the Department will not suffer any prejudice if postponement is granted until finalization of the Court application and that the DPWI may proceed with the disciplinary action if the application is not granted. The Chairperson further ruled that the Court application for the review has a bearing on the current disciplinary action since the directive and the report giving rise to the process is the subject matter of the review and therefore the argument by DPWI that there is no Court Order prohibiting the continuation of disciplinary enquiry is without valid merits

b) In view of the aforesaid statement, no official has suffered any consequences. This is dependent on the outcome of the concluded disciplinary process which has been put on halt pending the outcome of the court application.

23 June 2021 - NW1654

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in the Western Cape and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date by which the specified province intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians per livestock unit; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year and (b) interventions to treat them?

Reply:

1. (a) Veterinary services in the Western Cape is a directorate headed by the Senior Manager (Director) who is a veterinarian and who reports directly to the Executive Manager (Chief Director) in the department. There are 23 (18 State veterinarians and 5 Managers (Veterinarians).

(b)(i) There are only four unfilled positions out of the twenty two positions for veterinarians. Please note that this response excluded the director position which would have made the positions for veterinarians 23. The vacancy rate is therefore 18.8%.

(ii) The Western Cape Province is considering filling the vacant positions by December 2021. The filling of these positions will be guided by government prescripts related to resource constraints.

2. The FAO recommends a ratio of 1 veterinarian per 100 000 livestock units, and using this norm would result in the province requiring 15 State Veterinarians to carry out disease control, laboratory diagnostics and veterinary public health, which are the minimal requirements for a basic service. Considering the historical figures of veterinary livestock units in the Western Cape, the available veterinarians per veterinary livestock units is below norm that is 12.

3. The Compulsory Community Service (CCS) programme for veterinarians is being implemented. A total of 17 CCS veterinarians have been allocated to the Western Cape Province and are deployed in the various districts.

4. (a) The following diseases were prevalent in the Western Cape during the past financial year:

  • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza;
  • African Swine Fever ;
  • African Horse Sickness and
  • other day to day animal diseases.

(b) Whenever an animal disease outbreak occurs, relevant disease contingency plans are activated. Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza and African swine fever causes high mortalities in poultry and pigs respectively and are a serious threat to food security. Awareness campaigns are being conducted and improved surveillance for the diseases is implemented. African horse sickness is a disease of horses and other equines. It is a disease that is very trade sensitive and its occurrence leads to export restrictions.

22 June 2021 - NW1386

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Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Social Development

What (a) total number of persons are beneficiaries of the State’s social welfare grants and (b) are the relevant details of the (i) age, (ii) gender and (iii) race of each specified person?

Reply:

(a). Table 1 shows the number of persons who are benefitting from the State’s social grants as at 30 April 2021. The total number is 18 478 567.

Table 1: Number of social grants by grant type as at 30 April 2021

Region

Care Dependency Grant (CDG)

Child Support Grant (CSG)

Disability Grant (DG)

Foster Care Grant (FCG)

Grant-In-Aid (GIA)

Old Age Grant (OAG)

War Veteran’s Grant (WVG)

Grand Total

Eastern Cape

23 042

1 957 054

177 510

72 585

32 823

593 015

8

2 856 037

Free State

8 753

711 420

75 633

22 956

10 267

213 604

 

1 042 633

Gauteng

20 504

1 989 063

116 726

38 939

10 077

681 084

10

2 856 403

Kwazulu Natal

38 514

2 952 283

217 560

58 033

78 987

731 196

4

4 076 577

Limpopo

16 383

1 949 424

98 024

37 984

54 366

489 863

2

2 646 046

Mpumalanga

11 334

1 159 496

75 679

21 061

23 275

267 300

 

1 558 145

North West

9 752

899 905

63 829

25 242

17 047

279 105

1

1 294 881

Northern Cape

5 755

326 678

49 724

10 175

18 516

93 480

1

504 329

Western Cape

16 121

1 054 197

139 560

31 186

23 951

378 511

10

1 643 536

Total

150 158

12 999 520

1 014 245

318 161

269 309

3 727 158

36

18 478 587

(b). (i) Table 2a shows the age breakdown of people receiving child grants.

Table 2a: Age breakdown of persons receiving adult grants

(b). (i) Table 2b shows the age breakdown of people receiving child grants.

Table 2b: Age breakdown of persons receiving child grants

Child Age

Grant Type

Grand Total

 

Care Dependency Grant

Child Support Grant

Foster Care Grant

 

0

444

546 717

141

547 302

1

1 715

744 641

650

747 003

2

2 848

750 091

1 338

754 266

3

3 831

728 832

2 116

734 757

4

4 508

710 442

2 812

717 728

5

5 763

724 330

4 174

734 209

6

7 039

785 798

5 587

798 349

7

7 803

782 103

7 171

796 969

8

8 520

779 319

9 308

797 018

9

9 216

779 117

11 501

799 676

10

10 047

759 839

14 503

784 192

11

10 777

748 303

17 917

776 740

12

11 923

772 218

22 562

806 373

13

12 843

745 274

27 078

784 752

14

13 320

731 030

32 099

775 889

15

13 683

703 467

36 422

752 984

16

14 138

673 022

40 864

727 332

17

11 735

534 977

40 758

586 832

18+

 

 

22 465

22 465

Grand Total

150 153

12 999 520

299 466

13 444 836

(b). (ii) Table 3 shows the number of social grants by gender.

Table 3: Number of social grants by gender as at 30 April 2021

b. (iii) race of each specified person?

SASSA does not collect information on the race of grant beneficiaries. Thus the information on the racial breakdown of grant beneficiaries is not available.

22 June 2021 - NW1375

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Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development

What steps has she taken to resolve the non-payment of grants due to early childhood development practitioners in the Republic?

Reply:

The budget process of Government requires that all requests for roll-over on unspent funds be submitted to the relevant Treasuries. All provincial Departments of Social Development have applied for roll overs with their respective Provincial Treasuries for consideration. The Department has been engaging regularly with National Treasury to try and expedite this matter and make regular follow-ups, noting that all relevant process ought to be followed accordingly. Only once the roll overs requests are approved, the qualifying employees will receive their payment.

22 June 2021 - NW1541

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Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development

Whether her department considers marital status when processing grant applications; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the impact of the various marriage regimes in processing grant applications?

Reply:

SASSA does consider the marital status when assessing applications for any social grant. Proof of spousal relationship is required when applying for any social grant. In terms of Regulation 18(2) to the Social Assistance Act, the income of an applicant and his/her spouse must be taken into account irrespective of whether the couple is married in or out of community of property under the Marriage Act, or any provisions contained in an ante-nuptial contract.

Spouse is defined for the purposes of social grant applications as “a person who is the spouse or partner of a person in accordance with the Marriage Act, 1961 (Act no 25 of 1961), the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No 120 of 1998) or the Civil Union Act, 2006 (Act no 17 of 2006 or the tenets of any Asiatic religion…” This therefore covers all the marriage regimes applicable in South Africa.

22 June 2021 - NW1767

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

In view of the commemoration of World Hunger Day on 28 May 2021, and whilst we appreciate the efforts by her department to end child hunger through initiatives such as the Child Support Grant that reaches more than 13 million children in the Republic, hunger remains a huge challenge affecting millions of children in the Republic, what more is her department planning to do to address the scourge of hunger still facing millions in the Republic?

Reply:

The Department working with other stakeholders is strengthening the implementation of the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan 2018-2023 developed as a response to the challenge of food insecurity and malnutrition in South Africa. This is implemented with diverse stakeholders including government departments; nongovernmental organisations; academic institutions and development partners working in unison to fight against hunger and the underlying causes.

DSD will continue to implement Strategic Objective 3 of the plan, which is about expanding targeted social protection measures and sustainable livelihood programmes to assist the poor and vulnerable.

This work is implemented by the National Interdepartmental Coordination Committee, led by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and DSD will play its part and mobilise provinces to also intensify their contribution on the same.

 

 

22 June 2021 - NW1695

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Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)Whether her department has funded bursaries for social workers in the (a) 2020 and (b) 2021 academic years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) What number of bursaries have been allocated for the (a) 2019, (b) 2020 and (c) 2021 academic years; (3) Whether a lesser number of bursaries were awarded in the specified academic years; if so, what are the reasons for the decline in the number of bursaries awarded?

Reply:

1. (a) Yes, the department has funded social worker students through the scholarship programme in the 2020 academic year.

(b)Yes, the department is funding social work students through the scholarship programme in the 2021 academic year.

2. (a) Nine hundred and twenty five (925) social work students were funded through the scholarship programme in 2019.

(b) Three hundred and eighty nine (389) social work students were funded through the scholarship programme in 2020.

(c) One hundred and fifty six (156) social work students are funded through the scholarship programme in 2021.

3. The lesser number of students have been awarded scholarships since 2019/20 because of the reduction of funds. During the 2017-2019 MTEF period, the allocation for social worker scholarships was reduced to fund the conditional grant for employment of social work graduates. This grant was implemented over a period of three years (2017 – 2019), therefore the department suspended recruitment of new students in the scholarship programme. All students funded in 2019/2020, 2020/21 and 2021/22 are those who were previously funded and were in the process of completing their studies.

22 June 2021 - NW1537

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

(1)Given that the Financial Sector Policy states that her department will pay interest at SA Revenue Service rates on all delayed transfers to nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), what total amount (a) in interest has her department paid to date and (b) have they budgeted towards this; (2) what steps (a) has her department taken to consult with NGOs around the Financial Sector Policy and (b) are being taken by her department to implement the specified policy?

Reply:

1. The clause on payment of interest on the DSD Sector Funding Policy was considered as a result of initial engagements with the National Treasury and their Draft Guidelines on Management of Transfers that was developed in 2017. There has been further engagements with the National Treasury to review the clause and assess its practicality. Through the guidance received from National Treasury, it will not be feasible to implement the said clause and as such this will be reviewed by the Department.

(a) To date no interest has been paid to NPOs and;

(b) No budget has been set aside towards the payment of such interest.

(2) (a) the steps that the department has taken to consult with NPOs around the Sector Funding Policy included extensive consultative sessions throughout the nine Provinces that were held with the sector (NPOs) during the development of the Policy.

(b) The steps that have been taken by the Department to implement the policy included the development of the Sector Funding Guidelines and NPOs and departmental officials will be trained on the guidelines commencing in the second quarter, 2021/22 financial year.

 

22 June 2021 - NW1440

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Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)What are the reasons for the 11, 44% cut in the budget of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), which is the most crucial department for the poor and vulnerable; (2) How does SASSA intend to (a) alleviate the pressure on the budget in the 2021-22 financial year, (b) sustain the R1 billion budget cut in this Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and (c) ensure no person lives below the extreme poverty line in the nine years to 2030, taking into account the drastic budget cuts?

Reply:

(1) The budget cuts to SASSA are as a result of the announcements made by the Minister of Finance in his 2021 Budget Speech, wherein he announced reductions in allocations across government departments, including the Department of Social Development.

(2) (a) In order to stay within the budget allocation, SASSA has no option but to implement below-inflation increases to the social grant amounts, while also implementing measures to achieve efficiencies in its operations and manage the wage bill. The Agency will consider initiatives to do more with less, such as encouraging grant beneficiaries to choose the most economical channel when withdrawing their grants to lower the cost of disbursing the grants, and review existing contracts and operations to identify areas where savings can be achieved.

(b) In due consideration of the Agency’s budget situation and to deal with budget pressures the following will be given attention:

    1. Finalise the Business Process Re-engineering project to enhance future personnel and capacity planning.
    2. Reduce travel expenditure and encouraging the use of technology.
    3. Review of the existing contracts to assess their need in the current form.
    4. Improvement and strengthening of the controls in the management of assets e.g. fleet, telephones, etc.
    5. Implement cost containment measures on non-critical areas.
    6. Review prioritisation of projects/ activities to fund other key projects.

(c) SASSA will continue paying social grants to those who meet the qualifying criteria as set in the Social Assistance Act. Given the ever-shrinking financial allocation, SASSA will ensure that only qualifying persons receive the grants – this means that regular reviews of those already in the system will be strengthened; the application process must will be strengthened with external validations to confirm the means of those applying, and communication of the qualifying criteria will also be strengthened.

However, it should be noted that these measures will be undertaken without compromising the provision of social grants to qualifying persons, which is a constitutional right.

22 June 2021 - NW1573

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Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)Whether, with reference to her replies to questions 696 and 697 on 23 March 2021, the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) is planning to introduce measures other than the access to PERSAL and PE RSOL databases to prevent public service employees from unlawfully and fraudulently applying for and receiving social grants; (2) (a) how and (b) by what date will SASSA ensure that its systems are integrated with other government departments in an effort to prevent public service employees from applying for any SASSA administered grants?

Reply:

1. SASSA has included in its operational plan for 2021/2022 financial year a target to interface with Labour (UIF), Government Pensions Administration Agency (Government Employees Pension Fund), National Student Financial Aid Scheme and Correctional Services established to verify income means. In addition, SASSA has commenced discussions with the Department of Cooperative Governance regarding access to data of municipal employees.

2 (a) SASSA first has to conclude Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with the targeted agencies followed by a formal process to confirm interface guidelines that will give input to the revised business processes and system implementation.

2(b) The process to formalise the MOA and interface guidelines with Department of Labour (UIF) and GPAA (GEPF) has started and planned to be finalised by the end of June 2021 followed by the same process with NSFAS and Department of Correctional Services by the end of September 2021.

The Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Cooperative Governance was concluded in May 2021.

By the end of the March 2022 SASSA will utilise the reports generated from the data sharing process to initiate a review process for existing beneficiaries.

22 June 2021 - NW1486

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McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)Whether her department has 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; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) total number of Cuban nationals (i) have been employed in each of the specified financial years and/or (ii) are due to be employed in the 2021-23 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, (b) are the details of the work that each of the specified Cuban nationals was and/or will be employed to perform, (c) are the details of the specific skills sets that each of the specified Cuban nationals possessed and/or will possess that South African nationals did or will not possess and (d) are the details of the total cost of employing each of the specified Cuban nationals in each case; 2) whether her department took any steps to ensure that the specific skills set of the specified Cuban nationals were and/or will not be available in the Republic amongst South African citizens; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) steps taken and (b) outcomes of the steps taken in this regard?

Reply:

(1)(2) The Department of Social Development has not engaged Cuban experts on the said matter during the said period.

22 June 2021 - NW1305

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Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development

(a) What is the vacancy rate for all types of positions at the SA Social Security Agency, (b) what is the breakdown of the numbers in each province, (c) what are the reasons for the vacancies and (d) for how long have the positions been vacant?

Reply:

a) The current vacancy rate for all types of positions at the SA Social Security Agency is 1.7% for vacant and funded posts.

b) Breakdown of the numbers in each province are depicted in the table below:

Region/Office

Overall Number of vacancies

EASTERN CAPE

16

FREE STATE

13

GAUTENG

7

HEAD OFFICE

16

KWAZULU-NATAL

23

LIMPOPO

14

MPUMALANGA

8

NORTH WEST

19

NORTHERN CAPE

5

WESTERN CAPE

13

Grand Total

134

Number of vacancies per salary level:

Salary level

Numbers

Salary level 5

32

Salary level 7

27

Salary level 8

18

Salary level 9

3

Salary level 10

3

Salary level 11

18

Salary level 12

8

Salary level 13

19

Salary level 14

5

Salary level 15

1

Total

134

(c) Employees leave the organisation due to a number of reasons such as death, resignations, dismissal, retirement and ill-health.

(d) These 134 posts have been vacant for an average period of 12 months.

21 June 2021 - NW1706

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Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

With reference to his reply to question 169 on 19 March 2021, what (a) is the funding allocation for the Mens’ Forum which was regarded as an agent for change to address gender-based violence in the workplace and (b) number of awareness campaigns has the forum implemented in each province in the (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2020-21 and (iii) 2021-22 financial years?

Reply:

a) The Department has allocated R1 million for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide.

b) (i) 2019/20: Two (2) Seminars on Men Against GBV in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape

(ii) 2020/21: Convened a virtual Disability Forum Workshop

(iii) 2021/22: There are two (2) planned interventions in August and December 2021.

END

21 June 2021 - NW1368

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

What steps has she taken to (a) transform the property development and management sector since she took office and, specifically, (b) ensure that there are more black estate agents in the Republic?

Reply:

Honourable Member, the transformation of the property sector is well underway. I am proud that we amended the Estate Agency Affairs Act of 1976 and it will be replaced by the Property Practitioners Act, 2019, once it comes into operation. The 1976 Act was amended to ensure we have a healthy property market that restores the dignity of all South Africans through the basic constitutional right to ownership of an immovable property through security of tenure. 

The Property Practitioners Act seeks to transform the property market by ensuring that it reflects the SA demographics, and requires that:

  • The Authority should set aside a portion of the Fidelity Fund for purposes of implementing transformation programmes such as enterprise development of historically disadvantaged and consumer education and awareness;
  • Government across all levels is compelled to comply with BBBEE and employment equity legislation and the Authority should monitor transformation property market trends within government;
  • The Authority should establish a transformation fund to aggressively accelerate transformation within the sector;
  • The establishment of the Research Centre to conduct property market research

Further, in 2019, the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) issued Practice Note PDI01/2019. The purpose of the PDI01/2019 is to regulate the position of Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDIs) who were previously registered as estate agents by the EAAB, and issued with valid Fidelity Fund Certificates (FFCs). These registered estate agents are currently disqualified and are prevented from operating & being issued with FFCs due to non-compliance.

In terms of the Estate Agency Affairs Board Act (112 of 1976), it is required that every estate agent and estate agency firm must obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) from the (EAAB). It is illegal for Estate Agents to operate without a valid FFC (being issued by the EAAB) and/ or educational requirements that are prescribed by the Standard of Training of Estate Agents Regulations (2008).

There is an amnesty programme for PDI applicants who previously practised as estate agents and now need or require to re-enter the sector. The PDI applicants are given a special dispensation not to pay any monies due to EAAB relating to previous debt.

To date, two hundred and sixty-seven (267) applications have been received for this amnesty programme. Of these, one hundred and ninety (190) have been assessed by the Committee and one hundred and eighty (180) applications have been successful.

The EAAB has also advertised an invitation for PDIs to submit applications to be part of a Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMME) incubation programme. The aim is to empower PDIs within the real estate sector.

In addition to the above, the EAAB is working on a programme in terms of which twenty-five (25) SMME’s will be awarded an amount of R500 000, of which 50% will be a loan and the balance will be converted into grant funding. This programme will also include a benefit in terms of which the beneficiary SMME’s will be assisted with marketing their businesses and be given access to properties (stock) that is earmarked for selling.

The EAAB has created and implemented the “One Learner - One Estate Agency” Empowerment Programme that focuses on the placement of youth, women and people with disabilities in the real estate sector. Through this programme, over two thousand (2 000) interns have been placed with the real estate industry host employers.

The EAAB has also created and implemented the Principalisation Programme to capacitate principal estate agents. A specific intervention of this programme is directed towards encouraging and capacitating black women to act as principal estate agents.

21 June 2021 - NW1719

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Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What is the total amount in Rand of legal fees paid by the Government Printing Works (a) in the 2020-21 financial year and (b) since 1 April 2021?

Reply:

The total amount paid in legal fees by Government Printing Works for

(a) 2020/21 financial year = R90 123.13

(b) Since 01 April 2021 = R558 782.00

END

21 June 2021 - NW1544

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Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

What (a) engagements has she had with small businesses in Cape Town townships in order to understand the full impact of the growing practice of gangs demanding protection fees from small businesses and (b) has she found is the full impact of the specified practice on small businesses?”

Reply:

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), through the District Development Model initiative, has held a series of discussion sessions across the Western Cape District Municipalities, engaging SMMEs and Co-operatives on various matters that have an impact on their businesses and also focusing on the interventions that the Department has to offer the small businesses with the view of assisting them financially and non-financially. The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development led some of these engagements, particularly in Cape Town.

The growing practice of gangs demanding protection fee, not only from small businesses but from businesses in general is a serious matter that Government as a whole is acutely aware of and is attending to it with the seriousness it deserves. The DSBD, through the Government Cluster system has supported for the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster to look into developing a holistic strategy to address this phenomenon; and this is a process that is currently underway. This process will assist in determining the full impact of this specified practice on South African businesses, especially small businesses.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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 OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DATE:

21 June 2021 - NW1749

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Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What measures has he put in place to fast-track the processing of identity document applications, in order not to exclude persons from participating in the upcoming local government elections?

Reply:

The Department has undertaken to prioritize its services to those who have applied for their identity documents ahead of the general elections by issuing election enabling documents, i.e. Identity Documents, and also to issue Temporary Identification Certificates (TIC’s) on the spot to those whose identity documents are lost.

Furthermore, the Department has developed an ID distribution strategy that entails the following measures:

  • Provinces in collaboration with stakeholder forums will embark on public awareness campaigns for the distribution and collection of ID’s.
  • Provinces to work with Stakeholders to deploy mobile units for people to collect their Green Barcoded Identity Books.
  • Targeted Communication intervention on uncollected Green Barcoded Identity Books and Smart Identity Cards.
  • Provincial managers to make announcement making use of local media.
  • Rescan all Green Barcoded Identity Books on hand on track and trace to reactivate the Short Message System (SMS) to clients informing them to collect IDs.
  • Mobile Offices will be deployed to service a cluster of Voter Registration stations (Green Barcoded ID Books).
  • A contingency plan to provide back office support services, where its front offices are experiencing problems with issuance of ID’s and TIC’s enabling documents.
  • Clients to contact the Call Centre using 0800 60 11 90 to establish the status of their Identity Documents.

Lastly, the Department plans to extend its operational hours during the Voters Registration Weekend as well as on the scheduled Election day(s). It is against this backdrop that the Department has aligned its working hours with those announced by the Independent Electoral Commission(IEC). On the weekend of the 17th and 18th July 2021, all DHA offices will be opened from 8am until 5pm in order to fast track the processing of identity document applications and to ensure that all persons who are legible to vote are not excluded from participating in the next upcoming local government elections.

END

21 June 2021 - NW1725

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McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)What (a) is the total number of staff members employed Home Affairs office in London and (b)(i) are the names and (ii) designation of each staff member; (2) whether the office is currently fully operational with all staff on duty full-time; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether all mandated services are currently being provided by the office; if not, (a) what services are not being provided and (b) on what date will the services resume; (4) what (a) are the operating hours of the office, (b) is the reason that appointments for passports and birth registration are only conducted between 11h00 and 14h00 and (c) is the duration of each appointment?

Reply:

(1) The total number of officials deployed by the Department of Home Affairs is three (3). There is support staff (locally recruited) employed by Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and placed in the Civic Services =six (6), Immigration Services =two (2) and Administration =two (2). The names and designations of the officials deployed by the Department of Home Affairs are as follows:

  • Ms Elizabeth Nkone Aphane Counsellor: Immigration and Civic Services (Salary level 11)
  • Mr Ramoshoane Adam Sethosa as Second Secretary: Immigration and Civic Services (Salary level 8)
  • Ms Tshepiso Emma Kube as Second Secretary: Immigration and Civic Services (Salary level 8)

2. The office is currently fully operational, Ms E.N Aphane is currently on leave as of 24 May to 30 June 2021

3. Applications for Permanent Residence are suspended on a National level and will commence once the Department of Home Affairs declares the services open.

4. Operations are from 9h00 to 15H00. All appointments are from 9h00 to 13h00 and the office serve`s 10 clients per hour operating from 15 Whitehall, London sw1a 2DD. The High Commission do not occupy a property at the above post code.

END

21 June 2021 - NW1702

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Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

(1)With reference to the Alliance Extension 9 Housing Project in Ward 71, City of Ekurhuleni, what (a) is the total number of units that have been completed of the 1629 units that were promised and (b) are the (i) reasons that the contracts of several contractors have been terminated and (ii) reasons for the termination of the contract in each case; (2) what (a) are the full names and details of the persons appointed as contractors at present, (b) is the (i) scope of their work and (ii) duration of their contracts and (c)(i) is the total cost of the project and (ii) amount of the assigned budget has been spent thus far?

Reply:

(1)(a) The Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements indicated that the housing project being referred to is Alliance Extension 1 and not Extension 9. To date 150 houses have been completed and the process of installing solar geysers stands at a 90% completion rate.

(b) The contracts of two contractors were terminated as a result of poor performance as they deviated from their construction programme due to cash flow challenges.

(2)(a)&(b) The newly appointed contractors have been appointed for the completion of 419 houses which are currently at various stages of completion. The contract period for both contractors is three months effective from 1 April 2021 and will end on 30 June 2021.

With regards to the request for name(s) of contractors involved in the housing project referred to in this question, I am constrained and prohibited by the document titled “Guide to Parliamentary Questions in the National Assembly” from providing the Honourable Member with the name of the contractor. 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)”

(c) (i) The total cost of the project is R88 653 998.62

(ii) No invoices have been submitted thus far.

21 June 2021 - NW1193

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Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

Whether, with reference to the Digital Transformation Index 2020 report compiled by Dell Technologies that the COVID-19 pandemic has seen local organisations accelerate digital transformation in the Republic, and in order to take full advantage of the digital transformation that is underway, her department has a plan in place to supplement an enabling policy framework with swift infrastructure improvements to support small-, medium- and micro-enterprises; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?”

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:

21 June 2021 - NW1367

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

Whether her department has made any COVID-19 rental relief grant available to beneficiaries; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total amount has been paid to beneficiaries to date and (b) are the names of the specified beneficiaries?

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”.

21 June 2021 - NW714

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Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister in the Presidency

(1) What are the details of the number of paid-for interviews the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) aired on community radio stations in each province since 1 January 2020; (2) what was the (a) date of the interview, (b) name of the community radio station the interview was aired, (c) name of the person(s) who appeared on the interview and (d) cost of airing the interview in each case; (3) whether the GCIS (a) paid for and/or (b) promoted interviews conducted with any person who is not an employee of any national, provincial or local government department or entity in the specified period; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full relevant details in each case?

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.

21 June 2021 - NW1761

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Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What (a) is the backlog of teacher applications to the SA Council for Educators and (b) has she found to be the causes of the delays in the processing of the applications?

Reply:

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has requested the information from the South African Council for Educators (SACE); as they are the custodians of the database with the required information.  The DBE is awaiting the information, and will forward the response as soon as the data is received. 

21 June 2021 - NW1736

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

Whether the Government intends to renew the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits when they expire at the end of 2021; if not, what considerations informed that decision; if so, what are the further relevant details?

Reply:

The Department is currently in the process of engaging various stakeholders on the possible way forward on dealing with the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) holders before their current ZEP permit expires. A final decision will be made within the next 2 months.

END

21 June 2021 - NW1703

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Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

(1)What (a) are the time frames for the completion of the Alliance Extension 9 Housing Project in Ward 71 in the City of Ekurhuleni and (b) number of beneficiaries have been approved for the specified project; (2) whether she will provide Mr M J Cuthbert with a detailed list of the names of the beneficiaries who were approved for the project; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date and (b) what are the relevant details; (3) what (a) number of residents were declined for the project, (b) were the reasons for them being declined and (c) alternatives are given by her department to assist residents who have been declined from benefiting from the project?

Reply:

(1)(a) The Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements indicated that the housing project referred to is Alliance Extension 1 and not Alliance Extension 9, and that the project will be completed by 30 June 2021.

(b) A total of 410 beneficiaries have been approved for the project to date.

(2)(a) The detailed beneficiary list of the project contain confidential information which cannot be made public. It includes the following information:

  • First names and surname of beneficiary
  • Housing Subsidy System Status
  • Date subsidy approved
  • Site number
  • Township – Alliance extension 1

(b) Approval dates of individual subsidy applications are reflected in the information which I had already indicated in (a) above that it is confidential.

(3)(a) The total number of beneficiaries declined is 98.

(b) The applicants were declined for the following reasons:

  • Some of the applicants did not declare their monthly income;
  • Some of the applicants did not declare their marital statuses;
  • Incorrect and missing information on subsidy applications (Beneficiaries are contacted to submit the correct and complete information), and
  • Applicants who have already previously benefitted from government housing subsidies
  • It was established that some of the applicants already own property.

(c) The applicants that were declined as a result of their monthly income being more than the maximum R3 501.00 were advised to apply for other interventions/ programs such as the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP), Affordable Rental Housing and/or the Rapid Land Release Programme (RLRP).

21 June 2021 - NW1705

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Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 169 on 19 March 2021, he will furnish Ms T A Khanyile with the details of the employee wellness programmes that are offered within his department to deal with gender-based violence (GBV); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) what is the format and/or nature of the specified programmes, (b) where are the programmes presented, (c) who runs and/or conducts the programmes and (d) what issues do the programmes address; (3) (a) how do the programmes address GBV in the workplace and (b) since he signed the Performance Agreement with the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, what (i) number of GBV awareness campaigns have been conducted within his department and (ii) is the detailed breakdown of the campaigns that have taken place in each province, including but not limited to dates, venues and costs involved?

Reply:

(1) The Department has appointed ICAS as a Health and Wellness Services Supplier to provide emotional support to employees and their immediate family members.

(2)(a) Telephone and face-to-face counselling services (trauma, loss, sexual harassment, etc.), e-Care services (Online services by qualified professionals).

(b) It is a national programme accessible throughout all Provinces. Affected employees are serviced at their preferred venue nearer the workplace or home.

(c) Professional psychologists, social workers and registered counsellors.

(d) Personal and work related health and wellness issues affecting employees and their immediate family members (Stress, GBV, abuse, financial wellness, trauma debriefing, marital problems, parenting).

(3)(a) Awareness campaigns conducted through life management services through webinars to empower employees with coping mechanisms.

(b) (i) To date, the Department has hosted 6 webinars across the country.

(b) (ii) Webinars were held in Northern Cape, (1); Western Cape (1); Gauteng (1); and Head Office (3). Topics were: Sexual Offences; Implementation of National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence & Femicide.

END

21 June 2021 - NW1161

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Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

With reference to the agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Cuba on co-operation in the field of water resource management, which she signed on 7 February 2021, what (a) number of Cuban nationals are (i) currently employed and (ii) will be employed by her department, (b) specific work roles are envisaged for the Cuban nationals, (c) are the specific skills set of each of the Cuban nationals that are not possessed by South African nationals (i) currently employed and (ii) will be employed by her department, (d) are the details of the process followed to ensure that the same skills set was and/or is not available in the Republic and amongst South African citizens and (e) is the total cost of the (i) employment and/or (ii) prospective employment of such Cuban nationals?

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

 

 

21 June 2021 - NW1704

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Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

(1)(a) How will beneficiaries who qualify be allocated to their units in the Alliance Extension 9 Housing Project in Ward 71 in the City of Ekurhuleni and (b) by what date will the units be allocated; (2) what are the reasons that local sub-contractors and general workers have not been paid for a period of more than three months; (3) whether her department has any other projects in the pipeline for the Lindelani Informal Settlement in terms of providing electricity, water and sanitation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)(a) The Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements has advised that they are only aware of a housing project referred to as Alliance Extension 1 and not Extension 9.

Beneficiaries are verified against the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) and if approved, applicants will be linked to the stand numbers in the project. On completion of the construction of the houses, beneficiaries are notified to visit the site on a specific date set aside for housing allocations. Beneficiaries are informed to bring their original Identity Documents (IDs) as well as three copies for verification purposes. The beneficiaries are then requested to sign the consumer agreements with the City of Ekurhuleni (Finance Department), where after they are issued with allocation and “happy” letters. The three ID copies are attached to the 1. Consumer agreement 2. Allocation letter and 3. Happy letter and after that they are presented with the keys to their houses.

(b) I am have been informed that the allocation of the first 150 houses commenced on 8 June 2021, and that the next batch of completed houses will be allocated by the end of June 2021.

(2) The Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements has advised that the services of two contractors were terminated. Both contractors did not complete some milestones and their claims were thus rejected.

(3) The Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements has indicated that the Lindelani Informal Settlement has been earmarked to benefit from the on-going Alliance Extension 1 project, the Helderwyk Mega Project and the proposed Dalpark Extension 25 project, all of which will have electricity, water and sanitation connections.

21 June 2021 - NW1592

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Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)       What was the total number of applications that were submitted to her department by the Equal Education Law Centre, also known as the Equal Education, in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, in the past three years; (2) in the past three years, what was the total number of (a) letters demanding detailed information that her department has received from Equal Education and (b) legal proceedings that have been instituted against her department by Equal Education; (3) what (a) was the total number of protests led by Equal Education that her department has attended (i) in the past two years and (ii) since 1 January 2021 and (b) number of the specified protests was prior notice received by her department?

Reply:

(1)       What was the total number of applications that were submitted to her department by the Equal Education Law Centre, also known as the Equal Education, in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, in the past three years;

Answer: The Department received seven (7) requests for information from the Equal Education Law Centre.

(2)       in the past three years, what was the total number of (a) letters demanding detailed information that her department has received from Equal Education and (b) legal proceedings that have been instituted against her department by Equal Education;

Answer to 2(a): The Department of Basic Education had received a total of 10 letters from the Equal Education Law centre - two (2) leathers in 2019; six (6) letters in 2020; and two (2) letters in 2021.

Answer to 2(b): The Department was served with one (1) application, where Equal Education was the Applicant.  The Department was served with another application, where the Equal Education Law Centre was the attorneys of record for the Applicant.

(3)       what (a) was the total number of protests led by Equal Education that her department has attended (i) in the past two years and (ii) since 1 January 2021 and (b) number of the specified protests was prior notice received by her department?   

Answer to 3(a):  There were no protest marches led by Equal Education (i) in the past two years; and (ii) since 1 January 2021; and (b) no prior notice was received by the Department of Basic Education as there has not been any protests.                            

21 June 2021 - NW1186

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Nxumalo, Mr MN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

Whether she has found that her department’s Debt Relief Finance Scheme for small, medium and micro-enterprise affected by the COVID-19 pandemic was executed transparently and effectively; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the measures that her department put in place to promote fairness?”

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:

18 June 2021 - NW1286

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Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) is an employee of any government (a) department, (b) agency and/or (c) state-owned entity in any capacity whatsoever in the national and/or provincial sphere of government; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details?

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

17 June 2021 - NW1683

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

(a) How are tour guide trainers and educators assessed by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority as qualified, (b) what criteria are used to ensure that trainers meet the highest standards, (c) what are the set standards, (d) what qualifications are required in order for a person to qualify as a trainer and/or educator, (e) on what date was the curriculum updated and improved (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2021, (f) what were the updates and improvements and (g) who assessed and concluded the updates and improvements in each case?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1671

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Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1)With reference to the Ministerial Advisory Team appointed by him and his response toquestion 967 on 15 April 2021 that the members of the team are being paid from the Mzansi Golden Economy Fund and in light of the fact that all grants due to artists from the Mzansi Golden Economy Fund were cancelled in 2020, how is the fund currently being utilised if artists could not benefit from it; (2) what (a) amount has (i) been set aside for the Ministerial Advisory Team and (ii) been paid to each member to date and (b) processes are being followed by the members of the team to consult with or report to the sector about their team work since they are representatives of the sector

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1556

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture:”

What steps has his department taken to date regarding the slow progress of the Memorandum of Understanding on School Sport between Sport and Recreation South Africa and the Department of Basic Education?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1673

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Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(a). Who are the beneficiaries of the R45 million that has been paid for professional services for the building of the Limpopo theatre, (b) what are the actual services that were rendered and (c) who, from the theatre sector, has been appointed as a professional consultant to the project to ensure that the theatre meets the needs of the sector?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1653

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Whether the Mandela House has been closed down; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the reasons for the closure and (b) how will it be resolved?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1616

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King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

(a) Which technical vocational education and training colleges breached the funding claims regulations in (i) 2020 and (ii) 2021 and (b) what measures are in place to address this?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1618

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Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Whether, with regard to the National Arts Council Act, Act 56 of 1997, which requires public participation in the appointment of members to the governing council of the National Arts Council (NAC), and in light of the fact that his department did not publicise the names of the four new members appointed to the NAC and call for public comment which is irregular, he will follow the proper process and advertise the names of the persons for public comment, as the four new members may not operate as council members without their names having been published and a public participation process having unfolded; if not, why not; if so, on what date will he advertise?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1682

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

What (a) are the reasons that (i) no applications for tour guides have been processed since the implementation of the new computer system of the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority and (ii) the system is (aa) hard copy and (bb) online driven and (b) is being done to fix the challenges in each case?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1722

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Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What (a) is the total number of staff that is employed in the Office of the SA High Commission in London and (b) are the (i) names and (ii) designation of the persons employed in the specified office; (2) Whether the office is currently fully operational with all staff on duty full time; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details, (3) What services are currently being provided by the office; (4) Whether any services are currently not being provided ; if so, (a) what services and (b) on what date will they resume;

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

17 June 2021 - NW1620

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Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

With reference to his Budget Vote speech in Parliament on 13 May 2021, wherein he made reference to R10 million for the Debut Fund for emerging professionals, (a) what are the processes for administering the fund, (b) who adjudicates the applications and (c) what are the criteria for qualifying for the fund?

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.

 

17 June 2021 - NW1557

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(1).   Whether his department has reviewed the mandate of loveLife since its inception; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the reasons that (a) his department continues to fund loveLife despite it has not having achieved its strategic objectives (details furnished) for over 10 years and (b) Love life is organising sport events given that sport is not its core mandate?

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.

17 June 2021 - NW1672

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Whether he will furnish details regarding the (a) timeline and (b) processes that will lead to the PE Opera House being gazetted as a cultural institution as he reported a year ago and recently during budget vote 37 that it will be awarded the status according to the cultural institutions act, act 119 of 1998; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

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.