Questions and Replies

Reply:

a)  The Blue, Green and No Drop reports that Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) issued in December 2023, indicated that municipal water and waste water services have generally declined sharply over the last ten years, in terms of indicators such as the quality of water provided, the quality of effluent from waste water treatment works, and the levels of physical water losses and non-revenue water. The reports also identified the key causes of this decline, including:

• Weak billing and revenue collection,
• Insufficient prioritization of budgets for maintenance by municipal councils,
• Insufficient employment of staff with the required qualifications

This decline in the delivery of municipal water services has taken place despite very high levels of support from the national government to municipalities, including more than R60 billion per annum in grants for water and sanitation infrastructure and for free basic water for the indigent, as well as substantial technical, financial and other capacity building support. This indicates that financial support is necessary but not sufficient to turn around the decline, and structural reform of the municipal water services function is also required.

b) Despite the widespread challenges in the local government, the solution is not for the national government to take over municipal water functions. Reforms are required to ensure that municipal water services become professionally run and financially sustainable. This will require strengthened legislative and regulatory measures, such as those that DWS has proposed in the draft Water Services Amendment Bill, which introduces a requirement for municipal Water Services Providers to have an operating license, with the aim of ensuring minimum levels of capability.

---00O00---

Reply:

(1) The allocation of educator posts to schools  is regulated through the post provisioning norms. The main purpose of the norms is to ensure equity and redress in the distribution of available posts across provinces, taking into account, among other factors such as the number of learners; curriculum composition; size of the school; language medium; ideal maximum class size and the poverty level. The norms in the post provisioning norms are transferred into a post distribution model, which is then used to distribute posts in an equitable manner across all schools. The model applies an elaborate system of formulas which take into account all factors in the post provision norms. The copy of the post provisioning norms is attached for reference. 

(2) All provinces follow the same formula which is nationally regulated through the post provisioning norms.

(3) (a) (b) The Department does not, as part of its regular monitoring, collect vacancy information to the level of detail requested . The Honourable Member is, kindly, requested to direct this specific question to the Provincial Education Departments.

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

a) I have been informed by the Department that the Department spent R 778 789.86 for the SNG Grant Thornton investigation, and

b) R 232 921.00 for the TFS Africa investigation.

Reply:

(i) Table below display the vehicle information for Minister Pravin Gordhan

(a) Make	(b) Model	(c) Year of Manufacture	(d) Purchase date	(e) Purchase price
Audi	A6 2.0 TDI S Tronic Audi A6	2018	2021/03/19	R783 909.98

(ii) Minister Pravin Gordhan has been the only Minister since 1 June 2019.

(iii) Table below display the vehicle information for Deputy Minister Obed Bapela. He was appointed on 6 March 2023.

(a) Make	(b) Model	(c) Year of Manufacture	(d) Purchase date	(e) Purchase price
Audi	A6 2.0 TDI S Tronic Audi A6	2018	2021/03/19	R783 909.98

(iv) Deputy Minister Phumulo Masualle had been the Deputy Minister since 01 June 2019 up to the appointment of Deputy Minister Obed Bapela.

(a) Make	(b) Model	(c) Year of Manufacture	(d) Purchase date	(e) Purchase Price
Audi	A6 2.0 TDI S Tronic Audi A6	2018	2021/03/19	R783 909.98

However, in Cape Town, the Minister and Deputy Minister still use vehicles purchased by the department in 2016.

 

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

Reply:

On 24 November 2024, the Master of the High Court committed to implementing immediate/short-term interventions as part of the Master’s turn-around strategy. The progress and the implementation thereof is reported as follows:

a) Intervention 1: The roll-out of the Deceased Estates Online system nationally by January 2024.

This intervention is assisting the Masters in addressing challenges of long queues, long turn-around times in issuing appointment letters and it enables practitioners as well as members of the public to lodge deceased estates online and to book appointments online to visit the Masters’ offices at a date and time of their choosing. Masters and ICT have successfully completed the roll-out of the system on 14 December 2023 in all Masters’ offices as well as service points. As at 21 February 2024, 2926 applications were lodged on the online system. The 2926 applications are explained in detail as follows:

CASE STATUS	NUMBER OF CASES
Total number of Applications	2926
Incomplete (awaiting client/attorney finalisation and submission)	217
Awaiting DHA validations (failed DHA validations)	1
Rework Requested (awaiting client/attorney corrections)	429
Screen Application and awaiting Masters’ approval	408
Will lodgement (awaiting original will lodgement at Masters)	39
Cases Registered (completed and letters issued)	1832

b) Intervention 2: Increased visibility and education on the Deceased Estates online functionalities and other Masters’ services – The Department has developed and published training videos on the Masters’ portal, YouTube and on the DOJ & CD Facebook platform on 29 January 2024. The videos can be accessed by practitioners and members of the public to assist them in lodging deceased estates applications, booking appointments online and tracking the status of their applications.

c) Intervention 3: Increased engagements with the legal fraternity and provision of training of online platforms as requested by the Law Society of South Africa - On 23 January 2024, a training webinar was hosted by Office of the Chief Master to train stakeholders practising in deceased estates on the use of the new online system, provide them with further updates on future developments and to give them a platform to raise any issues they may have with the Masters’ services. The initial intention was to engage only legal practitioners however, members of FISA, BASA, CIBA and SAICA participated in the webinar. 2308 legal practitioners, fiduciary professionals and accountants were trained in the webinar.

a) What are the relevant details of the backlog faced by the Master’s Offices as at 31 December 2023?

The backlog in the Masters office consists of backlog in Guardian’s funds applications, Trust matters and the issuing of appointments in deceased estate matters. As at 31 December 2023, the backlog was 13851 matters; 935 (6.75%) of backlog matters have been cleared and offices are working on clearing the rest of the backlog. The Masters are still plagued by several challenges including but not limited to, systems downtime, load shedding and a high vacancy rate in the midst of costs containment measures, thus finding themselves juggling between reaching increased APP targets, assisting clients as well as dealing with the omnipresent and inevitable increasing backlog.

Reply:

(a)It is incorrect to suggest there has been a recent “high frequency of load shedding”. It is important to note that Stage 6, which occurred from 09 February 2024 midnight until 11 February 2024 midday, was an outlier due to the multiple generation units being taken offline.The gradual improvement brought about by the Generation Operational Recovery Plan has started to be visible as far as the frequency and intensity of loadshedding in the past five and half months, September 2023 to mid-February 2024

A comparison of loadshedding between December 2022 and February 2023 (from 1 December 2022 to 16 February 2023) and in the same period (1 December 2023 to 16 February 2024) indicates that loadshedding hours were reduced from 1 801.25 to 1 217.98, which is about 600 hours less.

It is important to note that renewable energy does not, and will not address, baseload requirements due to its intermittent nature, which depends on sunshine and wind speed. Whilst we continue to ensure ease of path for the development of our renewable basket, including battery storage capacity, we are fast-tracking efforts to ensure, in the short to medium term, work is initiated to convert the current (diesel) peaking plants to gas-to-energy facilities capable of operating as baseload stations.

(b) The improvement of the EAF and unplanned outages results from the concerted efforts focusing on priority power stations (Kusile, Kendal, Majuba, Matla, Tutuka and Duvha), where each power station has its detailed recovery plan. A total of 3 510MW was recovered by January 2024 through these interventions.

The highest level of planned maintenance was performed between December 2023 and January 2024, reaching an average of 18% of the generation capacity. The downside of increased maintenance was a negative impact on EAF. However, the deliberate spike in planned maintenance aims to improve the reliability of the generation fleet, deliver long-term benefits, and ensure the security of the energy supply.

Although heightened maintenance negatively impacted the Energy Availability Factor (EAF), it remains a necessary trade-off, as the deliberate spike in planned maintenance is intended to improve the generation fleet's reliability to deliver long-term benefits and ensure the security of the energy supply is restored. Not only has the plan started to yield desirable results as far as EAF is concerned, but the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (unplanned outages) has also taken a positive turn from 34% of the generation capacity in January 2023 to 30% in January 2024

The gradual improvement brought about by the Generation Operational Recovery Plan has starting to be visible as far as the frequency and intensity of loadshedding in the past five and half months, September 2023 to mid-February 2024

Based on linear modelling undertaken by the Ministry, had Planned Maintenance been reduced by 25-50% from September 2023 to February 2024, Load shedding could have been wholly averted for this period, and consequently, a much improved EAF performance could have been reported; edging annualised EAF performance closer to the planned 65% target to March 2023.However, this would have left the system vulnerable and weaker going into winter 2024.

The notion that Eskom’ is experiencing a further decline in performance is not supported by the factual position, as reported. It is also important to emphasise that the setback of implementing Stage 6 from 09 February 2024 midnight until 11 February 2024 midday was an outlier due to the multiple generation units being taken offline.While EAF has not tracked in line with the planned performance, the declining trend, which has been ongoing for the past six years, has been arrested.

The reduction in the intensity and frequency of loadshedding and the positive EAF trajectory is evident indicators of improvements in the generation fleet's performance. The focus remains on sustaining this trajectory.

 

Reply:

Find reply here

 

Reply:

I have received the following response from the National Prosecuting Authority:

1 (a) It is confirmed that experienced prosecutors are assigned to manage all cases emanating from the National Lottery Commission. As a matter of policy, the NPA does not divulge the name of prosecutors assigned to cases, particularly during the investigation stage.

(b) There are 11 NLC - SIU referrals that are being dealt with by the prosecutors. All 11 matters are still under investigation and the prosecution team is awaiting the DPCI to finalise outstanding investigations e.g. forensic report and further statements to be obtained. Some matters, not from the 11 referred to above were closed due to duplication and merged to existing ones. Other matters were closed due to lack of sufficient evidence. It is not clear which four matters the question relates to. Perhaps if the names of the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) and/or the name of an individual linked to an NPO was provided would we be in a position to properly respond to the question.

(c) No prosecutions have been instituted at present, please see response in (b) above.

2. There is no final decision taken on the 11 matters referred to above and the reason for the delay is the finalisation of outstanding investigations. Processes are underway by the DPCI to appoint forensic auditors to compile flow of funds analysis and forensic reports in respect of certain investigations.

Reply:

(1)(a) According to the service level standards, chickens may be slaughtered from forty-two (42) days of which none of the chickens that died during the mentioned period had reached 42 days. It should be noted however that a total of five thousand seven hundred and sixty nine (5769) chickens twenty-eights (28) days old, died during the week of 26 February 2024 to 1 March 2024 at the animal production farm of the Drankenstein Correctional Centre, the breakdown is as follows:

• 26 February 2024 – twelve (12)
• 27 February 2024 – twelve (12)
• 28 February 2024 – Twenty-one (21)
• 29 February 2024 – Five thousand seven hundred and one (5701)
• 01 March 2024 – Twenty-three (23)

(1)(b) The mortalities of 26-28 February 2024 are within the acceptable norm of broiler projects. The mortalities of 29 February 2024 were due to extremely hot weather which was reported to be forty-three (43) degrees in Paarl. The situation was aggravated by an unplanned water down which affected the broiler houses’ cooling system due to maintenance by a service provider for a period of approximately five (05) hours. It is important to mention that the service provider was appointed by Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

(1)(c)(i) A total of seven (07) officials are currently employed in the abattoirs.

(1)(c)(ii) A total four (04) officials with Poultry Meat examination accreditation are currently working at the abattoir.

(2) Yes, the department procured the services of a private company to do meat inspections.

(2)(a) The Independent Meat Inspector 12 Month Contract is at a cost of R600 000 and the meat examiner month to month contract is at a cost of R45 000 per month.

(2)(b) The contract for the Meat inspector started on 01 July 2024 and will end on 30 June 2024. The meat examiner services have been provided on a month to month basis starting September 2023.

(3) Average cost to feed a chicken from day-old to slaughter is R35.93 per chicken.

It should be noted that the Department of Correctional Services implements policies in line with the Agriculture Service Level Standards, which are informed by industry norms and standards, Bio-security plan and Meat Safety Act, which is applicable to all abattoirs.

END

Reply:

(a) The improvement of the EAF and unplanned outages results from the concerted efforts focusing on priority power stations (Kusile, Kendal, Majuba, Matla, Tutuka and Duvha), where each power station has its detailed recovery plan. A total of 3 510MW was recovered by January 2024 through these interventions.

The highest level of planned maintenance was performed between December 2023 and January 2024, reaching an average of 18% of the generation capacity. The downside of increased maintenance was a negative impact on EAF. However, the deliberate spike in planned maintenance aims to improve the reliability of the generation fleet, deliver long-term benefits, and ensure the security of the energy supply.

Although heightened maintenance negatively impacted the Energy Availability Factor (EAF), it remains a necessary trade-off, as the deliberate spike in planned maintenance is intended to improve the generation fleet's reliability to deliver long-term benefits and ensure the security of the energy supply is restored. Not only has the plan started to yield desirable results as far as EAF is concerned, but the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (unplanned outages) has also taken a positive turn from 34% of the generation capacity in January 2023 to 30% in January 2024

The gradual improvement brought about by the Generation Operational Recovery Plan has starting to be visible as far as the frequency and intensity of loadshedding in the past five and half months, September 2023 to mid-February 2024

Based on linear modelling undertaken by the Ministry, had Planned Maintenance been reduced by 25-50% from September 2023 to February 2024, Load shedding could have been wholly averted for this period, and consequently, a much improved EAF performance could have been reported; edging annualised EAF performance closer to the planned 65% target to March 2023.However, this would have left the system vulnerable and weaker going into winter 2024.

The notion that Eskom’ is experiencing a further decline in performance is not supported by the factual position, as reported. It is also important to emphasise that the setback of implementing Stage 6 from 09 February 2024 midnight until 11 February 2024 midday was an outlier due to the multiple generation units being taken offline.While EAF has not tracked in line with the planned performance, the declining trend, which has been ongoing for the past six years, has been arrested.

The reduction in the intensity and frequency of loadshedding and the positive EAF trajectory is evident indicators of improvements in the generation fleet's performance. The focus remains on sustaining this trajectory.

(b) The increase in planned maintenance (September 2023 – February 2024) has created buffers in the available capacity going into winter 2024. From the end of March 2024, we will begin reducing planned maintenance from the high of 8000 MW (January 2024) to 5000 MW in April 2024 and to around 4000 MW in May 2024. Effectively, this will account for 4000 MW available to the system during the winter 2024 peak season.

In addition, Medupi Unit 4 (800 MW) will return to service in August 2024, followed by Koeberg Unit 2 (980 MW) in September. Further, Kusile Unit 6 (800 MW) will be synchronised to the grid in December 2024, adding up to 2,300 MW of additional capacity during the year.

These will similarly improve EAF performance (year on year). Coupled with the expected improved performance (or reduced failure rate) due to the aggressive maintenance programme, all indications are that we are on track to achieve the planned target for March 2025.

 

 

Reply:

I have received the following response from the National Prosecuting Authority:

1. (a) Initially one prosecutor was allocated the matters. An additional prosecutor was subsequently tasked to assist, as the workload increased. Prosecutorial resources are reviewed regularly to manage the increasing workload.

(b) The cases involving the NLC were assigned to the initial prosecutor in the latter part of 2020.

2. (a)There are a total of 11 NLC cases that were received from the SIU, one of which is an enquiry.

(i) The two prosecutors assigned to attend to these matters are handling them with a holistic approach and regard it as one big project. The 11 matters are therefore jointly allocated to the two prosecutors.

(ii) The SIU referrals to the NPA do not constitute a fully investigated criminal case that would enable the prosecution to immediately decide on a matter and make an informed decision. Such matters have been referred to the DPCI, who is mandated to conduct the necessary outstanding investigations that have been identified by the prosecution. All 11 matters are still under investigation and the prosecution team is awaiting the DPCI to finalise the investigations that would include forensic reports and further statements to be obtained. Only then will the NPA be able to make an informed decision whether or not to institute a prosecution.

(iii) No prosecutions have been instituted at present, please see the response in 2(a)(ii) above. This also applies to question 2(b).

 

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is planning no events before 29 May 2024 in celebration of democracy.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that the approach to Medical Tourism is that practitioners who want to participate in this niche are free to do so. However, government does not actively promote or market South Africa as a destination for this purpose. This is based on the levels of potential risks of litigation associated with the field.

As far as the infrastructure for medical tourism concerned, that is the responsibility of the practitioners in the sector.

I have, further, been informed by South African Tourism (SA Tourism) that the medical sector is a key priority for the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) to bid for international and regional conferences. The SANCB works closely with associations, federations and societies in the Medical sector to bid for international and regional meetings to be hosted in South Africa.

The role of the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is to create demand for international and regional conferences to be hosted in South Africa and to bid to host these conferences in South Africa. SANCB works with the private sector, like convention centres, to bid for these conferences.

In terms of infrastructure for business tourism purposes some of the community-based projects that the department is involved with, and where feasible has an element of business tourism infrastructure in the form of event and/or conference venues.

Reply:

Transmission is collaborating with industry stakeholders through the Department of Trade Industry & Competition (DTIC) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). We have been meeting with the DTIC and industry since 2022, specifically to evaluate industrial capacity, identify opportunities and support the growth of industrial capacity. One such identified opportunity is steel fabrication, where Eskom is working with the IDC to capacitate five new factories. Another one is construction contractors, where Eskom is undertaking an incubation programme with five companies and intends to assist in further capacitation. A memorandum of agreement (MoA) is presently being finalised and will be signed between Eskom and the IDC.

Eskom Distribution is working with municipalities and industry partners as follows:

1. Direct stakeholder engagements: Eskom is engaging with various stakeholders on new products, for example, we had community engagements in two provinces discussing the load-limiting programme. We are also engaging other provinces on the use of smart meters for load reduction, to ensure energy security with lower levels of loadshedding by voluntarily switching off loads in a systematic way.

2. Industry collaborations: Eskom is involved in the deployment of microgrids through the appointment of contractors to engineer, construct and hand over to Eskom. A total of 33 have been done to date, and more are on the way. These come with battery energy storage systems.

Eskom is also engaging various industry associations to discuss issues of interest and plans that are of mutual benefit, to take the industry forward.

3. Localization: transformer, line equipment, and construction companies - we are developing a Technically Evaluated and Accepted Products (TEAP) list. This shortens the time to tender and select companies that provide services. Localization creates employment and new players and sustains the local steel industry. The TEAP list is a living document that is updated as and when new suppliers enter the market. Products in the list meet the Eskom standards.

4. Training courses: Eskom Distribution offers training courses to engineers, even external to Eskom when requested to do so.

Reply:

1) There is no new flue gas desulphurisation plant being constructed, but the temporary stacks were constructed to allow continued operation of Units 1, 2 and 3 while the repairs on the existing permanent stacks are being conducted. The work has commenced, and the targeted completion date is 31 December 2024. The exemption granted by the DFFE is up to 31 March 2025.

(2) Eskom has entered into a long-term contract with the FGD plant's Original Equipment Manufacturer for operation and maintenance, including technical support.

Reply:

Find reply here

Reply:

1. – (b) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) (cc) (dd) & (ee) The Ministry has not be initiated specific events of its own, but will, however participate in the planned programmes by the Presidency and other government departments.

Reply:

On 24 November 2024, the Master of the High Court committed to implementing immediate/short-term interventions as part of the Master’s turn-around strategy. The progress and the implementation thereof is reported as follows:

a) Intervention 1: The roll-out of the Deceased Estates Online system nationally by January 2024.

b) This intervention is assisting the Masters in addressing challenges of long queues, long turn-around times in issuing appointment letters and it enables practitioners as well as members of the public to lodge deceased estates online and to book appointments online to visit the Masters’ offices at a date and time of their choosing. Masters and ICT have successfully completed the roll-out of the system on 14 December 2023 in all Masters’ offices as well as service points. As at 21 February 2024, 2926 applications were lodged on the online system. The 2926 applications are explained in detail as follows:

CASE STATUS	NUMBER OF CASES
Total number of Applications	2926
Incomplete (awaiting client/attorney finalisation and submission)	217
Awaiting DHA validations (failed DHA validations)	1
Rework Requested (awaiting client/attorney corrections)	429
Screen Application and awaiting Masters’ approval	408
Will lodgement (awaiting original will lodgement at Masters)	39
Cases Registered (completed and letters issued)	1832

c) Intervention 2: Increased visibility and education on the Deceased Estates online functionalities and other Masters’ services – The Department has developed and published training videos on the Masters’ portal, YouTube and on the DOJ & CD Facebook platform on 29 January 2024. The videos can be accessed by practitioners and members of the public to assist them in lodging deceased estates applications, booking appointments online and tracking the status of their applications.

d) Intervention 3: Increased engagements with the legal fraternity and provision of training on online platforms as requested by the Law Society of South Africa - On 23 January 2024, a training webinar was hosted by the Office of the Chief Master to train stakeholders practising in deceased estates on the use of the new online system, provide them with further updates on future developments and to give them a platform to raise any issues they may have with the Masters’ services. The initial intention was to engage only legal practitioners however, members of FISA, BASA, CIBA and SAICA participated in the webinar. 2308 legal practitioners, fiduciary professionals and accountants were trained in the webinar.

(2) what is the progress regarding the piloting of the online registration system?

The target on the Masters’ APP 2023/2024 was to roll-out the deceased estates online registration system in three (3) Masters’ offices by 31 March 2024 however, it is with delight that we can report that this system has been implemented in all 16 Masters’ offices on 14 December 2023. The expedited implementation was in a bid to improve service delivery as well as access to the Masters’ services and alleviate the challenges experienced by clients having to physically visit the offices. All clients across the country can now report deceased estates in the comfort of their homes. The Masters have seen a marked reduction in queues. Further, clients who are not tech savvy or who do not have access to technology have been assisted to lodge estates online by the Masters with the use of staff-assisted and self-service kiosks.

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department of Tourism does not have Mphephu Resort as one of its projects. The resort belongs to the Limpopo Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism.

The Honourable member, may direct the enquiry to the Provincial authorities in this regard.

 

Reply:

1.(a) The donation from the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of South Africa was done in terms of a technical assistance agreement. The value R1 393 602 was charged as part of Eskom’s deferred group tax and this will be claimed back from SARS in due course.

(b)(i)(ii)(iii)-(c) The transportation of the emergency equipment was undertaken by Eskom, consequently, the Ministry did not appoint a service provider for the transportation and delivery of the emergency equipment, as a result no costs accrued.

2. (a) The South African Government did not incur any costs regarding the facilitation of the Chinese technical personnel

(b)(i)-(ii) The South African Government did not incur any costs regarding overdue storage, truck and container detention fees.

 

Reply:

Transmission projects have been identified and are funded up to FY26 through the government debt relief package. These projects are for integrating renewable energy in line with determinations issued according to S34 of the Electricity Regulations Act (ERA). The priority programme consists of 47 projects that will deliver 37GW of grid connection capability. A total of 12 of these projects are at the procurement stage, in preparation to start construction.

In line with the grid code, transmission infrastructure is planned and constructed with redundancy, often called “N-1”. The grid is therefore largely redundant to ensure resiliency.

Transmission has also increased its budgets significantly for the replacement of assets at the end of life. This will address aged assets as observed by the VGBE consultants in their recent report. Transmission however plans to carry out performance using world best practices, again as observed in the report by VGBE consultants. We also conduct asset condition assessments that can inform us in advance of assets at risk of failure

To respond to failures that may still occur even after all this due care, we keep strategic and critical spares. Transmission continues to conduct research in areas that will improve grid resilience, such as new physical and cyber security standards and alternative materials.

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom:

(1)(a)(b) Job Creation and Skills Development:

Eskom is an active participant and major partner in skills development and has been at the forefront of skills development since the advent of democracy to satisfy the needs of the national pipeline. Eskom’s programmes increase access to high-quality and relevant education, training, and development opportunities in the form of bursaries (technical and non-technical), apprenticeships, learnerships, and workplace-integrated learning (WIL) to enable effective participation in the economy by all South Africans and reduce inequalities.

Eskom has and continues to avail and conclude memoranda of understanding with external funders to host youth across all demographics on WIL in the artisan, technical, and engineering disciplines, with a particular focus on the previously disadvantaged sectors of our society. In partnership with the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), Eskom has implemented a successful artisan programme that has changed the lives of many young people.

Retention and development of skills through a targeted employee value proposition are essential to ensure that Eskom has the required skills to meet the organisation’s needs, especially considering operational challenges and financial constraints. Eskom invests extensively in developing employees through various skills programmes comprising internal and external training interventions, further studies, and on-the-job training.

In the current financial year, Eskom has offered 2 457 learner pipeline and youth employment

oportunities and 48% of this total are females.

(1)(c) Economic empowerment initiatives at power stations:

The Just Energy Transition (JET) is an essential national initiative required to bridge the gap to improve energy security and reliability while reducing the effects of climate change. Through partnership development, Eskom organisation continues to increase its capacity to provide renewable and green energy technology training for future energy solutions.

The changing world of work, JET and the evolving energy industry require the reskilling and upskilling of Eskom’s workforce. Eskom is scaling up on initiatives to repower and repurpose fossil-fired power stations into hubs for economic diversification and growth in the long term. As part of the JET, Eskom, together with various stakeholders, is undertaking several initiatives to deal with the socio-economic impact of the shutdown of the stations on the local communities. These initiatives are outlined below.

1. Komati Power Station:

Through the Stakeholder Forum and under the leadership of the Ward Councilor, community members are integrated into projects that are undertaken at Komati Power Station. To date, 204 community members have been employed for the following projects:

• Agri-voltaics Demo Plant Construction.
• Containerised Microgrid Assembly Plant - this includes both skilled and unskilled labour. These microgrids fit in a standard shipping container which enables the rapid electrification of rural areas, a concept previously deemed too costly or technically challenging to connect to the national grid.
• Construction projects, including electrical fencing.
• Removal of alien invasive vegetation.

Eskom has the following projects planned for further training and employment of at least 40 community members in the first phase:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturing.
• Palletisation - production of pallets from the alien vegetation that has been cleared.
• Aquaponics - Aquaponics is a food production system that couples farming with hydroponics (growing plants in water instead of soil) whereby the nutrient-rich water is fed to plants.

In addition, projects including the 100 MW solar PV plant with 600 MWh battery energy storage system which is planned to commence in January 2025, will create approximately 2700 to 3000 indirect jobs throughout construction.

Training and development are crucial for a successful energy transition and Eskom emphasis on reskilling and upskilling communities and staff alike. Eskom has made progress on several training initiatives aimed at fostering community development and empowering employees at Komati Power Station. These initiatives, encompassing training in solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting, installation and essential soft skills, reflect the ambition to offer new opportunities for communities around our power stations. A total of 63 community members have been trained, with 44 planned for early April 2024. The training programmes currently offered are:

i. South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) accredited Solar PV Mounter and Installer.

ii. Soft Skills and Entrepreneurial Skills inclusive of Financial Literacy and Business Planning among other accredited training courses.

iii. A welding training facility has been established to train community members for use on future projects, creating a distinct pathway to employment.

iv. Quality Control for Trade and Occupation (QCTO), Recognized Mounter Training (for Solar PV).

v. Through partnerships with organisations such as the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARATEC), Eskom is rolling out training for both its employees and community members on several skills development initiatives including, but not limited to Introduction to Renewables, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Workshop Assistants for Microgrids, Aquaponics, Solar PV, Wind Turbine Service Technicians, Welding, Entrepreneurial Skills and Soft Skills.

In addition, training on the use of chainsaws, health and safety, herbicide and pesticide usage and storage etc., is presented before community members commence with work.

Economic empowerment

The incubation of SMMEs is underway for agriculture, primarily aquaponics, palletisation and other major contracts depending on the process allowances. Eskom is currently enhancing process knowledge of local SMMEs through forums and having constant engagements covering the governance, tender, and evaluation processes. These engagements further assist with creating an understanding of what is required to be competitive in the changing energy landscape. These SMMEs will then create further opportunities for jobs and skills development.

1. Grootvlei and Hendrina Power Stations

Eskom is exploring initiatives and projects which will enhance the reskilling and upskilling of employees while crafting skills development opportunities for the community members. Eskom intends to create new high-quality jobs through repowering and repurposing initiatives with a direct focus on Mpumalanga, where most of our power stations are located while catalysing the reskilling and upskilling of its employees to ensure an equitable and just transition.

(2)(a) Local procurement:

Eskom abides by local procurement government policies such as local content on designated products and the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) as advocated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). These initiatives are monitored and reported monthly. The local procurement requirement is one of the transformation requirements in Eskom’s procurement processes.

2(b) Supplier development:

Eskom’s Supplier Development Localisation and Industrialisation (SDL&I) ensures that all contracts display opportunities for supplier development where feasible and that 30% sub-contracting is implemented.

2(c) Enterprise growth to stimulate economic activity and promote inclusive growth:  

Enterprise development is one of the main objectives of SDL&I, and this entails supplier incubation programmes in some instances where there is a need to skill and provide business opportunities to designated groups. Many enterprise development initiatives such as procurement opportunities, awareness sessions, targeted capacity developmental programmes, and workshops are conducted across the supply chain.

A presentation on Eskom’s year to date performance is attached.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

There is no further information available regarding land ownership by category in the Republic post the Land Audit Report of 2017. However, the Department is in the initial stages of planning the next audit, aiming to refresh the 2017 report and provide detailed insights into land ownership by various categories, including entities such as companies, trusts, and community-based organizations. Once this new analysis is completed, it will provide a comprehensive overview of land ownership demographics in the Republic.

Reply:

A

1. The restructuring of Eskom into three businesses in line with the President pronouncements is continuing with critical milestones achieved to date. The Eskom Road map envisaged that, the Transmission Company will be the first to be separated from the Eskom Holdings.

National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom Holdings. Subsequently, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved and issued licenses to the NTCSA for operating, trading as well as importing and exporting electricity.

The Eskom Board appointed the NTCSA Board of Directors in January 2024. The enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) into law is a critical milestone to provide the NTCSA with the transitional arrangement and assigned the duties, powers and functions of the Transmission System Operator (TSO) for a period of five years. In addition, the ERA will create a competitive wholesale electricity market. The ERA is going through Parliamentary approval processes. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved Eskom’s application for a transfer of its powers and duties related to Section 34 Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).

The National Electricity Distribution Company of South Africa SOC Ltd (NEDCSA), was registered during the 2023 financial year. The Minister of Public Enterprises and the Minister of Finance granted approval of the PFMA application in terms of section 54(2)(a) and 54(2)(d) on 7 August 2023 for the transfer of the distribution business to NEDCSA. The NEDCSA merger agreement will be signed once all lenders to Eskom Transmission have given consent and the NTCSA is operationalized. Thereafter the NEDCSA will submit a Distribution license application to NERSA.

The Generation Division was functionally separated in March 2021. An internal Divisional Generation board was appointed and ring-fenced financials and reporting are in place. The establishment of Generation as a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom Holdings will be completed following the establishment of the NewCo.

2. The restructuring of Eskom into three businesses is a complex process characterised by many dependencies both internal and external of Eskom. Most dependencies have been dealt with and Eskom is finalising the completion of critical suspensive conditions to operationalise the NTCSA. Lessons learned in the restructuring of the NTCSA will be utilised in the restructuring of both the Distribution and Generation subsidiaries.

B) The completion of the restructuring process will take time given the complexity and challenges encountered when executing the various activities. Although there are timelines for completing the process, there has been deviation and new timelines established on the back of unforeseen complexities in executing the restructuring process. However, the Board and new management team have been directed to seize every opportunity to speed up processes.

 

Reply:

There are no events that are planned to take place in celebration of 30 Years of Democracy by the Department of Public Enterprises. Therefore, no budget was set aside for catering, entertainment, venue hire, transport, accommodation in celebration of such important milestone in the history of South Africans.

Reply:

(1),(2)(a),(b),(c),(d) No. In terms of section (8)(3)(c) of the Communal Property Associations Act No. 28 of 1996, on request and on payment of the prescribed fee, the Registration Officer shall provide members of the public with information contained in the register and with a copy of the constitution of any registered association or similar entity. The Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA) provides the process to be followed to access information from a public body and the Protection of Access to Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 takes precedence in relation to personal information that may be held by a public body.

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom:

(1)(a)

Currently, 1 135 transformers are not functional.

Below is the table of data:

Operating Unit	Faulty and vandalized transformer numbers per NEPSR Data
Gauteng	366
KZN	342
Mpumalanga	156
Eastern Cape	143
Western Cape	59
Northwest	43
Limpopo	21
Northern Cape	5

(b) About 70% of the non-functional transformers are in rural communities.

(c)

• Transformers that are not associated with buying customers are changed within three (3) days.
• Transformers that are related to non-buying customers are not replaced until the community pays the tamper fees as per the agreed process.

(d) Only upon the customer paying the tamper fee will the transformer replacement process begin.

 

(2)

• The number of pole-mounted transformers allocated for breakdown is as per the table below.
• It is important to note that transformers do get moved across provinces as they are needed.
• Each of the transformer categories has minimum and maximum reorder levels.

Operating Unit	Number of pole-mounted 100Kva /22KV transformers
Free State	35
KZN	25
Western Cape	25
Limpopo	20
Eastern Cape	18
Gauteng	7
Northwest	6
Mpumalanga	2

 

 

Reply:

1. Following the termination of the strategic equity partner transaction, SAA’s plans are being enhanced to continue operating the airlines on a sustainable basis. 
2. In the short term the airline will require strengthening the SAA Board and Management as well as raising funds for acquiring aircraft to expand the network.  In the medium to long term, it will require developing a long-term strategy. The Board will present the strategy to Minister for consideration. Among the measures being taken/putting in place post the termination of the SEP transaction are the following:

• Strengthening the board,
• Strengthening the management with aviation specialists,
• Consolidating the strategic, operational and corporate plans with the support of aviation experts,
• Entering into longer term leases for aircrafts,
• Exploring alternative options for financing the expansion of SAA services,

       3. We are past the “interim” phase of SAA’s recovery. It is important to hand over to the 7th Administration, a firmly consolidated and efficient SAA.

Reply:

1. The SAA business rescue process concluded on April 30, 2021, subsequent to the filing of the Notice of substantial implementation of the Business Rescue Plan by SAA Business Rescue Practitioners. Meanwhile, the business rescue process for Mango is ongoing and being managed by the Mango Business Rescue Practitioners. Its finalization hinges upon the substantial implementation of the Business Rescue Plan and the filing of the Notice of substantial implementation with the CIPC by the Business Rescue Practitioner. We are awaiting further legal advice on how we conclude the Mango matter.
2. The divestiture process involving Takatso Aviation (Pty) Ltd's minority shareholders was overseen by Takatso itself, rather than the Department of Public Enterprises. However, following the recent termination of the SEP transaction by the Parties, there is no longer a requirement to fulfil this condition.

 

 

Reply:

According to the information received from Transnet:

1. This matter is subject of security risks under consideration of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) Workstream 7: Security and has been a focus area prior to the recent media reports relating to Richards bay.

2. The NLCC Workstream 7: Security is also recognised as a Priority Committee of the NATJOINTS and represented by the various Security Cluster Departments of Government. Transnet has reported this particular matter via the NLCC Workstream 7: Security.

(3) With reference to the volumes carried by road freight, the table below offers insight into (a) number of trucks and tonnages over the past three financial years (b) split per commodity type.

Table 1: Tons transported through road freight over past three financial years.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/Comments

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

The Sol Plaatje LM has for a considerable time been experiencing huge water supply and quality challenges from the Riverton supply on the Vaal River to their Newton Storage facility located towards the South of Kimberley. The bulk water supply system not only has capacity constraints in meeting the increasing water demands, but Sol Plaatje is having to contend with frequent supply disruptions caused by continued leaks/breakages and poor water quality. The leaks are experienced on the main pipeline from Riverton to Kimberley.

To address this, the Sol Plaatje Municipality submitted an application to the National Treasury for Bulk Funding Infrastructure (BFI) in 2021, with the aim of implementing much-needed upgrades to its ageing water supply infrastructure (bulk and reticulation). The application was approved. The objective of the project is to restore, monitor and control water quality, water supply and non-revenue water to Sol Plaatje Municipality.

It should be noted that the key contributing factor to the water challenges being experienced in the Kimberly area is the raw water quality of the Vaal River, due to algal bloom. This has had a direct negative impact on purified water production. The municipality is currently supplementing water supply to hospitals and malls through water tankers, which fill-up the on-site water tanks of these institutions. Key activities currently being undertaken to alleviate the water supply issues, include cleaning of clarifiers; replacement of filter media; commissioning of additional two clarifiers at the old plant; repairs and valves replacement at both old and new plant; raw water abstraction augmentation; by provision of additional raw water submersible pump.

In Limpopo, the Department is funding a project implemented by Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) through RBIG. The project entails construction of a bulk pipeline and reservoirs to supply water to areas within Greater Tubatse Local Municipality and Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality which incorporate Jane Furse town. Jane Furse hospital is part of the areas which are going to benefit from the project.

The Jane Furse hospital will receive water from the pipeline taking water from Malikana water treatment works to Jane Furse town feeding into the 25 Ml reservoir, which was completed, however the pipeline and pumpstation was vandalised before commissioned. The SDM is currently refurbishing and commissioning the pipeline and the pumpstation. The project is anticipated to be completed by December 2024.

---00O00---

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom:

(a)

The report covers an assessment period from March to May 2023, coinciding with the inception of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan approved by the Eskom Board. During this time, significant developments occurred, including the appointment of Bheki Nxumalo as the Generation Group Executive in mid-April 2023. The Generation Operational Recovery Plan addressed various operational observations at power stations. These initiatives focus on improving people, plant, and process performance. Regular progress updates, which also cover progress feedback on these aspects, are shared with the public every two weeks by the Minister of Electricity (MoE) and Eskom executives during media briefings to give updates on the implementation of the country’s Energy Action Plan (EAP).

Over the nine months since the report’s assessment period, positive results included fixing design-related issues at Medupi and Kusile Power Stations, which have been addressed through modifications. This has improved maintenance and operations, and significantly improved plant availability. This is evident in the much-improved performance at Medupi, which remains among Eskom’s most reliable power stations following the modifications.

Furthermore, as of January 2024, a total of 3 510MW was recovered through concerted efforts focusing on priority power stations. Each power station has its detailed recovery plan, and these are centrally monitored to ensure successful implementation of the actions. Tracking of VGBe recommendations, alongside recommendations of other similar reports, will be done via the Eskom Board and NECOM processes.

(b)

The new Group Chief Executive, Mr. Dan Marokane is assessing the Generation Operation Recovery Plan, which has been instrumental in addressing the issues contained in the VGBe report. This is with the view of accelerating its execution and ensuring that issues in the VGBe report that have not been already addressed are prioritised.

The cooperation of the private sector in the National Energy Crisis Committee has also assisted Eskom to improve operations and training of operators.

The Department and National Treasury are monitoring implementation of the recommendations of VGB.

Reply:

(a) (b) No, The Land Restitution Evaluation Study (LRES) did not address this question. The primary objective of the study was to measure the impact of restitution awards on the beneficiaries’ well-being. The conference that the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR), is organising in April 2024 will discuss this question.

BACKGROUND

1. In 2013/14 it was agreed that an Impact Evaluation study be conducted to measure the impact of the Land Restitution Programme.
2. The Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) of the University of Cape Town (UCT) was eventually appointed by 3ie and DRDLR to undertake the study referred to the LRES. The LRES is the first effort to quantify the impacts of the forms of restitution.
3. A grant agreement between SALDRU and 3ie was signed on 6 December 2016 and a service level agreement (SLA) between SALDRU (UCT) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was signed on 2 March 2017.
4. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the compensation scheme as a mechanism to sustainably improve the economic position of beneficiaries. A further knowledge gap the study sought to address was the impact of and on the aspirational/ psychological outcomes, noting the restorative justice outcome of Land Restitution.
5. Notably, improved aspirational/psychological outcomes might operate as catalysts for positive economic decision making, suggesting that a rationale based on restorative justice cannot easily be separated from economic fundamentals
6. The overarching question was to ascertain whether once off transfers – cash or land transfers may be a cost-effective way of initiating a virtuous cycle of accumulation and growth in living standards.
7. The data was collected and analysed, and the impacts estimated for their economic, psychological and cognitive well-being.

DISCUSSION

8. The impact study took about 6 years to complete cognisant of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the reconfiguration of the study in keeping with research processes. The study sample included 3735 individuals, across 2646 households and 505 claims. A hybrid methodology was employed – a qualitative and quantitative study.

9. The delay of the study was also due to some technical and operational challenges which were addressed by a steering committee comprising of all role-players - CRLR, DPME, DALRRD and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluations (3ie) an organisation specialising in impact evaluations. The overall cost of the study was 25 million and the main findings are:

10. Large awards have large impacts: whether in cash or the value of the land rights conferred, large restitution awards cause sustained improvements to beneficiary well-being.

11. Economic well-being: mean per-capita consumption is estimated to be 25-26% higher for household that receive restitution awards or value in land above R200 000, compared to households that receive R25 000.

12. Psychological well-being: The risk for depression decreases by 10% for individuals that reive restitution awards) or value in land rights) of R250 000, compared to households that receive R25 000.

13. The study points to the notion that large magnitude transfers, whether in cash or land rights causes sustained improvements to beneficiary well-being i.e., both economic well-being and psychological well-being.

14. Further, the findings for large awards amounts afford stakeholders a platform to formalise an operational definition of “equitable redress”, noting that there are sizable impacts of settlements awards that are more or less the same as the standard settlement offer.

END

Reply:

(a), (b) No.

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

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is not aware of any events planned to celebrate 30years of democracy before the 29th of May 2024.

Reply:

 

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

The claim for Lower Zingcuka was approved for settlement by the Minister on the 29th November 2023.

Current and planned roll out of activities for finalize payments for the claim as follows:

• An information session with all three villages in the Lower Zingcuka community took place on 29 – 30 January 2024 to prepare for the payment process;

• During the week of 19 – 23 February 2024 officials from the Eastern Cape office visited Lower Ngqumeya village for assisting the community with submission of required documentation;

• First payment batch covering 88 households with 544 beneficiaries is in process and payments are expected in the new financial year budget in April 2024 and May 2024;

• The remaining villages will be visited through a community outreach in the month of April to collect documentation for the outstanding households; and

• The project payment process is targeted to continue in May, June and completed on or before September 2024.

END

Reply:

(a)(i) Applicants for relative and/or spousal permits wait as long as two years for their visa due to the requirement that their notarial agreements and other documents such as birth certificates, bank statements and marriage certificates submitted as proof of existence of a spousal or parental relationship are verified. In order to establish the legitimacy of any relative and/ or spousal relationship for a visa application, the adjudication process requires that such relationships should be verified for authenticity. This includes verification of the notarial agreements and other supporting documents submitted in support of such applications with the issuing authority. In most cases the contact number of the purported South African spouse and/ or relative is also not provided, making it difficult to confirm with certainty that the South Africa Citizen is indeed party to the relationship.

(a)(ii) The reason for the prolonged process is due to the verification process of the legitimacy claims by the applicants.

(b) The Department has developed a Backlog Eradication Plan and the Plan was presented to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs. The Plan includes amongst other additional capacity to complement the current Immigration Services’ team. An additional 117 officials coming from Head Office and Provinces have been put together to deal with the Backlog Eradication Plan.

The Department through Operation Vulindlela has sought the support of the private sector to speed up verification of documents as verifications contribute to delays in the processing of visas.

END

Reply:

 

(a) 330 046 and 462 745 hectares were acquired as part of land redistributed and restitution respectively

(b) Please refer to the table below:

Provincial Breakdown of hectares acquired:

Province	Redistribution Hectares Acquired	Restitution Hectares Acquired
Eastern Cape	17 605	9 479
Free State	10 305	1 219
Gauteng	2 612	41
KwaZulu Natal	34 482	118 525
Limpopo	16 080	89 471
Mpumalanga	16 835	44 845
North West	106 574	41 910
Northern Cape	103 045	152 476
Western Cape	22 508	4 779
Total	330 046	462 745

Reply:

(a) The National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector (Professionalisation Framework) requires all Members of the Senior Management Service (SMS) to complete the SMS Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) before qualifying for an appointment in the SMS. The Professionalisation Framework prescribes that the Nyukela programme should also be extended to employees in the Local Government, Military, State Security, Police, Correctional Services and Boards of SOEs. The Directives issued by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration exclude the SMS within the security cluster, appointed under their specific sectoral legislation provisions. This exemption arises due to the distinct appointment criteria that differ from those applicable to SMS members appointed under the Public Service Act.

The Nyukela certificate is a component of the government's initiative to professionalise the public service. This certification process is mandatory for public servants and individuals aspiring to join the SMS within the Public Service, contingent upon meeting predetermined minimum criteria, including qualifications and experience. Completion of the Nyukela course requires approximately 120 hours.

The Practice Note concerning enacting a pre-entry certificate for the Senior Management Service (SMS), which came into effect on 1 April 2020, highlights in paragraph 6 the imperative to prevent delays in the recruitment procedure as an integral aspect of the course introduction. It is specified that the appointment to any SMS role advertised on or following 1 April 2020 will remain incomplete until the selected candidate presents the necessary pre-entry certificate, which must be obtained from the National School of Government.

The pre-entry certificate requirement for the SMS standardises competencies, professionalises the public service, assures quality in recruitment, enhances public service delivery, and promotes equitable opportunities. This mandate ensures candidates for senior positions possess essential competencies, align with administrative good practices, and maintain high leadership standards. It also aims to improve service efficiency, transformation, and fairness in recruitment and support the public service's integrity and professionalism. This strategic foresight ensures the leadership is qualified and dedicated to excellence in service delivery.

(b) SMS members within the security cluster appointed under their respective sectoral legislation are exempt from the obligation to present a Nyukela certificate due to distinct appointment criteria that differ from those applicable to SMS members appointed under the Public Service Act.

End

Reply:

 

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

(a)(i),(ii) The Constitutional Court interdicted the Commission from processing the new order claims until the Commission has finalised the old order claims lodged by 31 December 1998. The order did not direct the Commission to process new order claims in provinces where the 1998 claims have been finalised. Currently the Commission has total number of 5944 old order claims outstanding.

(b) No time frames have been put in place as the Commission is still processing the old order claims.

END

Reply:

(a) The category of multiple persons sharing one identity number had 240 cases on hand at the beginning of the 2023/2024 financial year. Another 4882 duplicate cases were reported to date which brings the total to 5122 cases. A total of 4818 cases have been finalised, leaving a balance of 304.

For the category of one person with multiple ID numbers, there were 2946 cases on hand at the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year. Another 9389 cases were reported to date which brings the total cases to 12 335. A total of 10 414 cases have been finalised, leaving a balance of 1921.

(b) In accordance with the standard operating procedure there is a set timeframe of a minimum of eight 8 to 12 weeks provided for clients to submit documentary evidence through the front offices in order to conduct the investigation, and in the final analysis, resolve the duplicates.

END     

Reply:

(a) (i) and (ii) & (b) (i) and (ii)

The requested information falls under the jurisdiction of respective Executive Authorities as human resources management is a decentralised function across the Public Service. Section 3(7)(a) and (b) of the Public Service Act of 1994 provides individual Executive Authorities with comprehensive responsibilities and obligations related to the department's structural and organisational arrangement as well as powers and duties in recruitment processes. These include the setting of employment criteria and determining job criteria, such as requisite qualifications. Furthermore, Regulation 70 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, provides that a Head of Department shall keep a record of each employee and each post on the establishment under the information requirements issued by the Minister. The Minister for the Public Service and Administration establishes the overarching frameworks and guidelines that shape recruitment and structural organisation within various departments.

As employee profiles change all the time from month to month, each Executive Authority will be required to verify and provides clarity on such matters.

End

Annexuture 

Reply:

(a) Government spent R3 038 billion on land redistribution and R18,480 billion on land restitution from 1 February 2018 to 15 March 2024.

(b) The Department’s land acquisition projections for the 7th administration to spend is reflected in the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) allocation for the next three years as R 1 605 billion for redistribution and R13,354 billion for the next five years for restitution.

Reply:

There have been no releases of persons whose detention was confirmed because of issues with section 34(1)(b) and (d). The judgement in Lawyers for Human Rights vs Minister of Home Affairs and others CCT 38/16 on 29 June 2017, ordered the amendment of s34(1)(b) and (d) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002) within 24 months of the order on 29 June 2019. However, all the magistrates’ courts continued to confirm the detention of illegal immigrants for deportation purposes beyond this date.

The non-application of section 34(1)(b) in some magistrates’ courts in the country commenced in February 2022. In ensuring the continuation of law enforcement from that date onwards, the illegal immigrants were charged criminally, as per the provisions of section 49(1) of the Immigration Act, 2002.

If found guilty, and upon serving a sentence of imprisonment or paying a fine, the deportation would be processed within 48 hours of release by an Immigration Officer. In instances where this was not possible within the stipulated timeframe, the illegal immigrant would be issued with an Order to Leave the Country, and thus self-deport.

Therefore, once the detention of an illegal immigrant has been confirmed as per section 34(1)(b), the only basis for not deporting the person would be that they expressed an intention to apply for asylum while awaiting deportation. Alternatively, the person’s legal representation would lodge an application in the High Court with jurisdiction, to review the final rejection of the asylum appeal in terms of Rule 53 of the Rules of Court.

END

Reply:

(a) 11 officials are currently on precautionary suspension pending investigations, disciplinary hearings and/or appeal processes.

(b) 121 officials are facing disciplinary hearings

(c) 63 criminal cases were opened against officials at SAPS who investigates to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to criminally charge the implicated officials. 11 officials have been convicted so far. Investigations are still ongoing.

(d) 63 criminal cases were opened against officials.

(e) 11 Officials have been convicted so far.

(f) 2 officials resigned.

(g) 40 officials were dismissed due to misconduct.

(h) 121 officials are still employed.

(i) 42 officials have been blacklisted (blocked on Persal), and will never work in the Public Service again.

(j) 7397 officials are not facing any disciplinary actions.

END

Reply:

1. According to the Internship and Community Services Placement (ICSP) programme and confirmation from South African Military Health Services (SAMHS), only five (5) Medical Interns were allocated to military facilities for 2024 and all of these have been appointed and already commenced duty in various Military Hospitals in January 2024.

2. As stated above (a) all 5 medical interns were successfully placed and have commenced duty in January 2024, (b)(i) they all have received payment of their salaries and (ii) where they have required accommodation formally the relevant Military Hospital has provided accommodated accordingly.

END.

Reply:

The Honourable Member is advised to refer to the Department’s Annual Performance Plan (APP), which clearly outlines key activities for the financial year. The Department will continue with the commemoration of annual campaigns which are not confined to the celebration of 30 years of democracy.

Reply:

a) According to the HPCSA, the case of treatment of a patient at Ngwelezana Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal was duly investigated. The case was considered by the Preliminary Committee of Inquiry and finalised in line with applicable regulations. The outcome of the Inquiry was communicated to both the complainant and the respondent. In terms of the query related to the Certificate of Status (COS), the issue of a pending case against the practitioner was resolved internally and a clean COS was subsequently issued (clean COS for Case no. 25504608 was issued on 7 August 2023);

b) (i) There were delays in the finalisation of the case. This was due to the referral of the practitioner to the Health Committee of the Board for consideration of possible impairments that the practitioner may have had before the case was finalized. This is a necessary step in HPCSA’s internal processes. Also, there were system errors that led to the COS indicating a “pending complaint” against the practitioner when that was not the case;

(ii) Following this case, processes of referral between Committees were reviewed and subsequently streamlined. A new online complaints management system was introduced which allows for ease of monitoring of cases and proper tracking by both complainants and respondents, with regular updates.

END.

Reply:

a) The National Department of Health has no list of planned events specifically for celebration of the 30 years of democracy, however the Department will continue to have events planned for administration of government.

b) As indicated in (a) above, there are no planned events specifically for 30 years of democracy in the Republic scheduled to take place before 29 May 2024 and therefore no description can be provided.

c) The questions asked relating to projected total cost or expenditure of each event and breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for catering, entertainment, venue hire, transport and accommodation are not applicable as there is no cost that can be attached when there are no event planned.

END.