Questions and Replies

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. (a) In Pretoria there are 63 houses for Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and in Cape Town there are 70 houses for Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

(b)(i) In Pretoria there is one house and in Cape Town there is none.

(ii) In Pretoria is former Deputy Minister Mr Gert Oosthuizen. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s acting Director General has written to Mr Oosthuizen to vacate the property by end of January 2021.

2. The valuation of the market related rental that the former Deputy Minister has paid so far R240 000.

3. In Pretoria there are nine houses that are vacant, two of the houses will be reallocated, one is reserved for the President of the Pan African Parliament and one house is reserved for decanting purposes.

In Cape Town there are seven vacant houses, three houses will be reallocated and one house has been reserved for decanting.

4. In Pretoria one house has been rented out to a Section 9 institution at a market rent of R60 000 a month.

Reply:

The department, not any of entities reporting to me, did receive donations of personal protection equipment in the form of (1540 litres of hand sanitisers; Hand soap 2000 litres; x216 hand sanitisers 250ml; and x20 5litres surface sanitiser) in the period indicated. The details are the following:

a) Date	b) Donor	c) Value	d) Branding	e) Distribution
30 April 2020	United Nations	Not known	Sheer Elegance waterless hand sanitiser. 70% alcohol	Distributed to shelters during Minister’s visits.
30 April 2020	United Nations	Not known	Cleaning Warehouse	Distributed to shelters during Minister’s visits.
7 May 2020	SACSSP/ HWSETA	Not known	Sticker written hand Sanitizer Composition 75% Alcohol	DSD Staff
7 May 2020	SACSSP/ HWSETA	Not known	Steri Guard 70% alcohol waterless hand sanitiser	DSD Staff

Reply:

According to available data from the North West Provincial Department of Social Development, 422 support packages (which includes PPEs) wee procured and distributed to 59 ECD centres in and around Mafikeng Service Point (see the attached list). In addition, the Provincial Department:

• Advised ECD centres to conduct self- assessment in line with the published directions. The Department also provided support to ECDs which experienced challenges in conducting electronic self- assessments by means of providing them hard copies of the self- assessment documents.

• Conducted verification of ECD centres and programmes to ensure compliance with COVID-19 regulations.

NAME OF CENTRE

1. Driehoek crèche 2. Kganya E.L.C 3. Wise Guys ECD 4. Mpha Lesedi E.L.C 5. Ramothibe E.L.C 6. Repholositswe E.L.C 7. Olorato E.L.C 8. Kebadiretse E.L.C 9. Reitshupile E.L.C 10. Lore E.L.C 11. Roma Kideo Day Care Centre 12. Tsibogang Learning Centre 13. Tsibogang M 14. Morwa E.L.C 15. Segai E.L.C 16. Makgabana E.L.C 17. Segoele E.L.C 18. Matsheke E.L.C 19. Maphoana E.L.C 20. Mothusi E.L.C 21. Kelesitse E.L.C 22.. Ntshalele le Ngwana E.L.C 23. Joyland 24. Tshipidi Day Care Centre 25. Gola Monnye E.L.C 26 Mmadinonyane E.L.C 27. Tiroyabone E.L.C 28. Tlhabo Ya Letsatsi Pre School 29 Reatlamela Day Care 30. Tsetse E.L.C 31. Pepeletso E.L.C 32. Marang E.L.C 33. Mmangwana E.L.C 34. Lesedi La Podile E.L.C 35. Lonely Park E.L.C 36. Ramookeng E.L.C 37. Khulani E.L.C 38. Emmanuel E.L.C 39. Karabo & Rea 40. Ntutobolole Creche 41. Kgodisang E.L.C 42. Ngwana Sejo E.L.C 43. Moralo E.L.C 44. Ntataise E.L.C 45. Rotary E.L.C 46. Setumo Park Day Care Centre 47. Tshireletso Day Care Centre 48. Kopano Day Care Centre 49. Marang E.L.C 50. Lonika E.L.C 51. Letlanang E.L.C 52. Victorious E.L.C 53. Mmasehume E.L.C 54. Lerato La Motsadi E.L.C 55. Tsela Ya Botlhe Pre School 56. Mphela Bana E.L.C 57. Lomanyaneng E.L.C 58. Kago E.L.C

Reply:

a) I must point out that AGSA had access to other databases which SASSA did not have at the time AGSA conducted the validations.

SASSA promptly suspended all accounts that were flagged by AGSA and suspected to be fraudulent. All the suspected accounts are currently under investigation. This will be followed by a recovery process, if it is indeed found that some of those paid were illegible for the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant. It is also worth repeating and bringing it to the attention of the Honourable Member that there were some discrepancies in the AGSA findings, which SASSA highlighted to them. Most of these could be attributed to a time difference between the time the assessment was done by SASSA and when AGSA considered the data. AGSA has acknowledged these findings.

b) From the inception of the grant, we were committed to ensuring that only eligible applicants receive it, considering the unprecedented socio-economic difficulties confronting many individuals and households.

In cases where applicants may have been erroneously excluded, SASSA has reconsidered every application every month. However, every applicant who has been declined has the right to request SASSA to reconsider the decision, should he/she believe that the decision made was incorrect.

Reply:

According to the Public Service Act 103 of 1994, as amended, any information relating to the norms and standards of the Public Service functions, organizational, and governance arrangements, conditions of service and employment practices as well as information Management is the responsibility of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

Therefore, my colleague, Minister Senzo Mchunu is at the apex of government information on Human Resource employment practices in the Public Service as well as monitoring thereof. I would suggest that this Parliamentary question be re-directed to the relevant institution.

Thank you.

Reply:

1. Yes. There were concerns about issues of non-compliance. However, the Acting Director-General has since reviewed the decision and granted the organisation in a conditional accreditation for two years, subject to compliance with the Accreditation Guidelines.

2. Yes, the reasons for the de-accreditation are sufficiently in line with the Accreditation Guidelines, which upholds the principle of the best interest of children. Any organisation is required, without exception to comply with these Guidelines.

3. (a) Four Child Protection Organisations were declined accreditation. (b) The reason thereof is none of these organisations were rendering direct services to clients/beneficiaries.

Reply:

(1)(a) Please refer to the table below.

Breakdown of the R1,3 billion	(a) Items
R 100 million	Land Bank
R 400 million	Production Support (Stimulus Package)
R 20 million	Hygiene
R 1 million	Communication
R 745 million	Production Support (Smallholder & Communal Farmers support)
R 4.1 million	OCR Hardware

(b) There is no breakdown of allocations per province.

2. No. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) sourced personal protective equipment by means of quotations and transversal contracts through emergency procurement process as outlined in National Treasury Instruction Notes No.8 of 2019/2020 and No. 5 of 2020/21.

(a),(b),(c) Falls away.

3. Yes. Please refer to Annexure A.

(4)(a),(b), Please refer to Annexure A.

(c) Minister is unable to divulge the contact details of each farmer without their knowledge and consent.

Reply:

Section 57 of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008 specifically provides that the MECs must establish Provincial Substance Abuse Forums for their respective provinces. This is not a delegated power but a conferred power by the Act and the Minister cannot interfere with the powers conferred by legislation to her provincial counterparts as this would be in conflict with section 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa read with the Intergovernmental Relations Framework.

In terms of the same Act, the Minister is only empowered to establish the Central Drug Authority (CDA), which represents the national sphere of government. The Minister therefore does not have any executive or legislative mandate to establish Provincial Substance Abuse Forums and Local Drug Action Committees.

Provincial MECs are better placed to respond to this question.

Reply:

According to the Public Service Act 103 of 1994, as amended, any information relating to the norms and standards of the Public Service functions, organizational, and governance arrangements, conditions of service and employment practices as well as information Management is the responsibility of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

Therefore, my colleague, Minister Senzo Mchunu is at the apex of government information on Human Resource employment practices in the Public Service as well as monitoring thereof. I would suggest that this Parliamentary question be re-directed to the relevant institution.

Thank you.

 

Reply:

The document entitled Economic transformation, inclusive growth, and competitiveness: A Contribution Towards a Growth Agenda for the South African Economy, prepared by the National Treasury, outlines a number of specific reforms that can promote economic transformation, inclusive growth and competitiveness.

This document provides a framework for government’s thinking about the critical structural reforms that are required to raise the potential growth rate of the South African economy.

The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan that was presented in Parliament on 15 October 2020 sets out the vision and action plan to guide South Africa’s economic recovery and reconstruction effort.

The plan sets out a range of immediate and short-term measures that will be taken to rebuild confidence, kick-start the economy and continue to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. These measures are accompanied by a set of structural reforms that will enable faster, more inclusive growth and employment over the medium to long term.

Many of these reforms are drawn from the framework provided by the document entitled Economic Transformation, Inclusive Growth, and Competitiveness: A Contribution Towards a Growth Agenda for the South African Economy.

Reforms to modernise network industries, reduce barriers to entry, facilitate regional trade and integration, promote labour-absorbing sectors, and re-imagine our industrial policy are cornerstones of both documents.

Reply:

1. The details of the dates and names of persons that travelled are outlined in the table below. However only nine Members of the Executive Councils (MECs) attended and not 12 as stated in the question.

	TURKEY	THAILAND	UNITED KINGDOM	TOTAL
DATE	2nd - 6th Dec 2019	27th Jan - 3rd Feb 2020	25th -29th Nov 2019
MEC	Dr Bandile Masuku (GP) Ms Sasekani Manzini (MPU) Dr Phophi C Ramathuba (LP)	Ms Nomafrench Mbombo (WC) Ms Montseng Tsiu (FS) Ms Nomagugu Simelane- Zulu (KZN) Mr Madoda Sambatha (NW)	MEC Mase Manapole (NC) MEC Sindiswa Gomba (EC)	9
HOD	Ms Jeanette Hunter (NW) Ms Priscilla Monyobo(FS) (Acting) Dr Sandile Tshabalala (KZN)	Dr Thobile Mbengashe (EC) Dr Keith Cloete (WC) (Acting HoD) Dr Steven Jonkers (NC)	Prof. Mkhululi Lukhele (GP) Dr Beth Engelbrecht (WC)	8
DISTRICT MANAGEMENT	Ms Puleng Malefakgotla (NW) Mr Papi Maarohanye (FS) Mr A Hlongwane (KZN) Mr Simon Kaye (WC) Dr Alastair Kantani (NC)	Ms Nomathemba Mazibuko (NC) Dr Zolela Ngcwabe (GP) (Travel cancelled and replaced by Dr Adiel Chikobvu) Ms Sindiswa Gede (EC) Ms Nanana Hlatshwayo (MPU) Dr NM Ndwambi (LP) (Travel not approved at last minute by HoD)	Dr Ariel Torres ( Free State) Dr Lenyatso Modisane (GP) Dr David Leburu (NW)	13
NDOH OFICIALS	Mr Mbulelo Cabuko Ms Nellie Malefetse	Dr Aquina Thulare Ms Nellie Malefetse Mr Mbulelo Cabuko (Health Information System)	Ms Nellie Malefetse	3
SPECIAL ADVISORS		Dr Qiniso Langisa (Special Advisor to KZN MEC)	Dr Bayeni Special Advisor to MEC Eastern Cape	(2)

(ii) The programme and plans were considered by the National Health Council on the 25th July 2019 and finally approved for implementation on 15th August 2019.

(2) The study tour report was submitted to the National Department of Health as per standard operating procedures. The report is of an operational nature and still has to be fully considered by the National Health Council. It will be shared with the Portfolio Committee as soon as it has been presented to the National Health Council.

END.

Reply:

1. The circumstances surrounding the departure of Mr Shepherd Bushiri and Ms Mary Bushiri from South Africa is currently under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and there is no indication at this stage that this is matter that requires an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit.

2. The statement to which the Honourable Member refers reflects the current legal position, which the law enforcement agencies are required to – and which they continue to – enforce.

Reply:

Acting in my capacity as Chair of the African Union (AU), I appointed three AU Special Envoys to Ethiopia, namely, former Presidents Joaquim Chissano (Mozambique), Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) and Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa).

The Envoys visited Ethiopia on from 25 to 28 November 2020 where they met various senior Ethiopian Government officials including President Sahle-Work Zewde and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.

The Envoys provided me with information pertaining to their visit through a Zoom meeting on 15 December 2020.

The Special Envoys were informed by the Ethiopian Government interlocutors, including the Prime Minister, that the attack by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on the Northern Command military base of the Ethiopian Federal Government, were acts of treason.

In response, the Special Envoys emphasised the need for an inclusive dialogue, with all stakeholders comprising the Prime Minister, all the political parties, including the TPLF and other institutions. The Special Envoys have also informed me that that the humanitarian situation is of serious concern.

During the conflict, all the borders were closed and UN agencies were not allowed to deliver the support needed. It was not only the people of Tigray who suffered, but also citizens in other areas. In one case, a UN convoy was attacked. The situation has now improved and aid has started to flow.

I have held a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Abiy on the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue and also used this opportunity to also discuss the Tigray conflict.

Further to this, I will hold a follow-up meeting with the Special Envoys. It would likely be necessary for them to travel to Ethiopia again.

My involvement in this crisis is contingent upon South Africa’s Chairship of the African Union (AU), which will be relinquished in February 2021.

In conclusion, I wish to stress that the United Nations Secretary-General has deferred discussion on the Tigray crisis at the United Nations, including placing the issue on the agenda of the Security Council, to provide the African Union with an opportunity to deal with this matter.

Reply:

The South African Government has entered into a government to government agreement with the Republic of Cuba. In the area of health, the collaboration focuses on the provision of qualified Cuban doctors to work in rural or disadvantaged areas of South Africa and medical training for young South Africans in Cuba.

In addition, a Cuban Health Brigade of 187 medical personnel arrived in South Africa in April 2020 to support the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under a bilateral agreement between Cuba and South Africa’s armed forces, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has a number of students who are studying in Cuba. This programme started in 2014 and is ongoing.

In June 2020, some of the SANDF students completed their studies. Due to travel restrictions in many parts of the world and because there were no commercial flights to or from Cuba, the SANDF chartered an aircraft from South African Airways to collect the students.

The aircraft also carried a consignment of goods, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitary towels and toiletries, to the SANDF students who had not completed their studies and were remaining in Cuba and to the South African medical students on behalf of the Department of Health.

The SANDF also received a request to transport a consignment of PPE that had been donated by private individuals in South Africa to the government of Cuba. Since there was space on the aircraft, the SANDF agreed to carry this consignment.

The South African government has not made any donation of personal protective equipment to the government of Cuba.

Neither the SANDF nor the Department of Health has details related to the involvement of a senior office bearer of a particular political party.

Reply:

The report of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) on the forced sterilisation of HIV positive women is deeply concerning and we condemn in the strongest terms the violation of all human rights, including the rights of people living with HIV.

The issue of the sterilisation of HIV positive women was handled directly by the National Department of Health and the CGE and reports have been submitted by the Department to the CGE.

Interventions to prevent the recurrence of the alleged coerced procedures include the revision of the policy on sterilisations, revision of the informed consent form (including translating the form into all official languages) and the inclusion of the informed consent form as part of the standard maternity record. 

The National Department of Health has also appointed an independent obstetrician to review the hospital records of each patient cited in the report and to provide an opinion on each case.

The matter of sterilisation in the form of tubal ligations is a health competence and there is a continuous interaction between the National Department of Health and the CGE.

I am confident that the Department of Health has the necessary competence to address this problem. 

Reply:

1. DATCOV data provides us with Case Fatality Ratio among Covid-19 admissions with chronic cardiac disease, by province, South Africa, 5 March-28 November 2020, n=2097

Province	Died	Total admissions	CFR (%)
Eastern Cape	132	294	44,9
Free State	64	208	30,8
Gauteng	175	531	33,0
Kwazulu-Natal	169	482	35,1
Limpopo	8	32	25,0
Mpumalanga	15	37	40,5
North West	27	94	28,7
Northern Cape	26	67	38,8
Western Cape	113	352	32,1
SOUTH AFRICA	729	2097	34,8

*Note*: The surveillance platform does not include fields on myocardial infarction (heart attacks) as a complication of CovidD-19.

2. Assessment of cause of heart attack, and association of medication as a contributing factor would need to be done on a per patient basis. Many clinical considerations around the patient’s condition, history, and medication management would need to be considered. It is thus difficult to comment broadly on this issue.

South Africa has an adverse drug reporting process, whereby medication associated adverse effects are reported to a central point and important trends are captured to inform future use of products.

Cardiotoxicity is the occurrence of heart electrophysiology dysfunction or muscle damage. The heart becomes weaker and is not as efficient in pumping and circulating blood. Certain medications can cause cardiotoxicity. On the question of whether there was a specific medication administered, that she is concerned about, the Honourable Member is requested to supply this detail for us to investigate.

The Clinical Management Guidelines, version 5, August 2020 outlines the management of Covid-19, as well as, medications that can be used. These can be accessed at: http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/component/phocadownload/category/628. Management of Covid-19 is generally supportive, however key medications used in hospitalised Covid-19 patients with specific indications are: dexamethasone or heparin, which are not associated with known Cardiotoxicity.

As part of the overall management of the patient, the clinicians and team balance risk and benefits of all treatments used to ensure the patient, based on their clinical state, has the best expected outcome.

3. A detailed of assessment of individual patients will be needed to assess any drug causality, and any similarity of traits.

END.

Reply:

According to the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health –

a) The treatment of the patient was as a result of miscommunication between the patient and the junior doctors. The patient presented at J Dumane clinic on 18 October 2020 with a history of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and cerebral atrophy. The patient is on chronic medication for the medical conditions stated above. He was transferred to Thelle Mogoerane Hospital through an ambulance. The paramedics who transferred the patient reported that the patient was unable to walk at the date of admission at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital. The patient was admitted at the Hospital and was seen on a daily basis by the internal medicine team. The patient was discharged on 09 November 2020 with a follow-up date for medical outpatient department of 25 November 2020 and was given medicine to take home.

b) (i) Following a complaint which was lodged, a team of clinicians from the province and the district held a meeting with the family of the patient on 02 December 2020. During this meeting, the doctor provided clarity to the family about the diagnosis and the condition of the patient including interventions that were made. During the discussions it was discovered that there was miscommunication between the junior doctor and the family and an apology was conveyed to the family through the doctor. This was done as part of redress for the patient and the family.

(ii) With regards to the treatment given to the patient, the department has since appointed a social worker to ensure that the patient is placed at Steppingstone Hospice in Alberton. The Social Worker discussed this arrangement with the family. The doctor and the social worker have planned for the patient to be transferred to the hospital for medical review on the set date. The district has provided the patient with a wheelchair. The province and district have identified the need to strengthen communication between families and clinicians and to ensure that there is an adequate patient discharge plan which includes district services of this nature to ensure appropriate continuity of care. From the discussion between the family and the clinical team including with the Social Worker, the family accepted the intervention made by the Department and therefore there is no need for compensation.

END.

Reply:

(1) The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on human resources in health since the first positive case in the Republic has been enormous. As on 31 October 2020, there were 35 145 confirmed cases of health workers in the public sector of which 25% were in the Eastern Cape, followed by 24% in Gauteng and 18 % in KwaZulu-Natal. During this time 339 public sector health workers died in hospital. Of these 26% was from Eastern Cape, 24% from KwaZulu-Natal and 15% from Gauteng. As a result, as the Ministry, we developed a Strategy to protect the health and safety of health workers in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objectives of the Strategy amongst others include the following:

1. Protect the physical health of health care workers through prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 infections
2. Promote mental health of healthcare workers through psychological support
3. Provide social support for health workers
4. Education and training of health workers in screening, clinical management and care of Covid-19 suspect or positive persons and occupational health and safety, including training in Infection prevention and control in accordance with national guidelines
5. Maintain / establish ongoing communication with health workers.

(2) (a) (i) The PERSAL table below indicates the total number of South African citizen doctors that have been appointed from March 2020 up until October 2020

Medical Officer (SA's) Appointed from March 2020 - October 2020
Job Title Description	Total
MEDICAL OFFICER	1863
MEDICAL OFFICER (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	233
MEDICAL OFFICER (INTERN)	276
MEDICAL OFFICER (SESSIONS)	3
MEDICAL SPECIALIST (SUB-SPECIALITY) GRADE 1	13
MEDICAL SPECIALIST	352
MEDICAL SPECIALIST (REGISTRAR)	1
REGISTRAR (MEDICAL)	185
Total	2926

(ii) The PERSAL table below indicates the total number of South African citizen Nurses that have been appointed from March 2020 up until October 2020

Nurses (SA's) Appointed from March 2020 - October 2020
Job Title Description	Total
ASSISTANT MANAGER NURSING (HEAD NURSING SERV)	2
ASSISTANT MANAGER NURSING (PRIMARY H CARE)	9
ASSISTANT MANAGER NURSING (SPECIALITY UNIT)	9
ASSISTANT MANAGER NURSING AREA	12
CLINICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER (PRIM H CARE)	194
DEPUTY MANAGER NURSING (LEVEL 1 & 2 HOSPITAL)	3
LEARNERSHIP (NURSING)	2
LECTURER NURSING	52
MANAGER NURSING (LEVEL 3 HOSPITAL)	14
NURSE STUDENT	72
NURSING ASSISTANT	3574
OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (PRIMARY H CARE)	75
OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (SPECIALITY UNIT)	28
PRINCIPAL NURSING COLLEGE (SINGLE NURSING CA)	1
PROFESSIONAL NURSE (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	649
PROFESSIONAL NURSE (GENERAL NURSING)	4887
PROFESSIONAL NURSE (SPECIALITY NURSING)	365
STAFF NURSE	4284
Total	14232

(iii) The PERSAL table below indicates the total number of South African citizen Community Healthcare Workers that have been appointed from March 2020 up until October 2020.

Community Healthcare Workers (SA's) Appointed from March 2020 - October 2020
Job Title Description	Total
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER	31203
Total	31203

(iv) The PERSAL table below indicates the total number of South African citizen other healthcare professionals have been appointed from March 2020 up until October 2020

Other Health Related Professions (SA's) Appointed from March 2020 - October 2020
Job Title Description	Total
ARCHITECT PRODUCTION GRADE A	1
ARTISAN PRODUCTION GRADE A	18
ASD: PHARMACOVIGILANCE	2
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH GRADE 1	2
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY GRADE 2	1
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RADIOGRAPHY GRADE 1	1
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: CLINICAL SUPPORT L9	2
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: EPIDERMIOLOGICAL RESEARCH	1
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: TECHNICAL SUPPORT L9	1
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-SENIOR: CLINICAL SUPPORT L10	1
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-SENIOR: HEALTH L10	27
AUDIOLOGIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	2
AUDIOLOGIST GRADE 1	12
BOARD MEMBER	5
BOARD OF SURVEY COMMITTEE: MEMBER	18
CARE GIVER	164
CASE MANAGER	2
CHIEF AUDIOLOGIST GRADE 1	1
CHIEF DIETICIAN GRADE 1	1
CHIEF DIRECTOR: HEALTH FACILITIES L14	1
CHIEF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST GRADE 1	1
CHIEF PHYSIOTHERAPIST GRADE 1	4
CHIEF RADIOGRAPHER GRADE 1	8
CHILD MINDER	2
CLINICAL ASSOCIATES	64
CLINICAL ENGINEER TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT	1
CLINICAL MANAGER (DENTAL) GRADE 1	1
CLINICAL MANAGER (MEDICAL)	14
CLINICAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR GRADE 1	21
CLINICAL TECHNOLOGIST GRADE 1	13
COMM LIAISON OFFICER	1
COMMUNITH HEALTH COUNCELLOR	96
COMMUNITY CARE CCG(SUPERVISOR)	15
COMMUNITY CARE GIVER	1106
COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER	60
COUNCILLOR	15
COVID 19: SCREENER	7
COVID-SPRAYERS	159
DD: COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES	1
DENTAL ASSISTANT GRADE 1	39
DENTAL PRACTITIONER	1
DENTAL SPECIALIST	7
DENTAL TECHNICIAN	2
DENTAL THERAPIST GRADE 1	2
DENTIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	3
DENTIST GRADE 1	69
DEPUTY DIRECTOR DQIM	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: WOMENS HEALTH	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY L12	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES POLICY DEVELO	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: HEALTH PROGRAMMES L11	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: HOSPITALS L11	2
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: LSA MANAGEMENT (HEAD OFFICE) L11	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: SPEECH THERAPIST & AUDIOLOGIST L11	18
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: TB HOSPITALS L12	22
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: TB SERVICES L11	3
DEPUTY DIRECTOR- SENIOR: CLINICAL SUPPORT L12	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR- SENIOR: HEALTH L12	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR- SENIOR: ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC L12	1
DEVELOPMENTAL YOUTH	1110
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHER (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	7
DIETICIAN	40
DIETICIAN (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	2
DIR: COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES	1
ECM SCANNING OPERATOR	4
ELECTRO ENCEPHALOGRAPHIC ASSISTANT GRADE 1	1
EMERGENCY CALL CENTRE AGENT	5
EMERGENCY CARE OFFICER	841
EMERGENCY CARE TECHNICIAN	24
EMS COURSE CO-ORDINATOR GRADE 4	1
EMS LECTURER (PARAMEDIC)	11
EMS SHIFT LEADER GRADE 4	1
EMS STATION MANAGER GRADE 3	1
ENGINEER CANDIDATE	1
ENGINEER PRODUCTION GRADE A	1
ENGINEER PRODUCTION GRADE C	1
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN CANDIDATE	1
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION GRADE A	3
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION GRADE C	1
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST PRODUCTION GRADE A	1
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER (COMMUNITY SERV)	292
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER GRADE 1	76
EPWP WORKER HAST	1
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY OFFICER	97
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGIST	2
GISC TECHNOLOGIST PRODUCTION GRADE A	1
GRADUATE	6
HEAD CLINICAL DEPARTMENT (MEDICAL) GRADE 1	2
HEAD CLINICAL UNIT (DENTAL) GRADE 1	1
HEAD CLINICAL UNIT (MEDICAL) GRADE 1	14
HEALTH CARE WORKER ASSISTANT	1
HEALTH PROMOTERS	12
HOME BASED CARER	7259
HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBER	54
HTS COUNSELLOR	209
INDUSTRIAL TECHNICIAN GENERAL ENGINEERING PROD	2
INDUSTRIAL TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR CLINICAL ENGINEER	1
INTERN - LEARNERSHIP	598
INTERN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRADUATE)	2
INTERN: EPWP OPERATOR	232
INTERNSHIP (CARPENTRY) L6	2
INTERNSHIP (PLUMBING) L6	4
INVIGILATOR	1
LAY COUNCELLOR	1590
LEARNER	84
LEARNERSHIP (CARPENTRY) L2	16
LEARNERSHIP (ELECTRICITY) L2	2
LEARNERSHIP (PHARMACY) L4	4
LEARNERSHIP (PLUMBING) L2	7
MALARIA SPRAYER	386
MAMMOGRAPHY RADIOGRAPHER GRADE 1	1
MEDICAL ORTHOTIST & PROSTHETIST GRADE 1	10
MEDICAL PHYSICIST GRADE 1	3
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST	6
MEMBER OF HOSPITAL BOARD	7
MIDDLE MANAGER (SOCIAL WORKER)	1
MIDDLE MANAGER CLINICAL SUPPORT L11	1
MMC TRADITIONAL COORDINATOR	44
MORTUARY ASSISTANT	20
MORTUARY ATTENDANT	4
NUCLEAR MEDICINE RADIOGRAPHER	4
NUTRITIONIST GRADE 1	4
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER	1
OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENIST GRADE 1	2
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST	40
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	10
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TECHNICIAN	3
OPTOMETRIST	7
ORAL HYGIENIST	10
ORTHOPAEDIC FOOTWEAR TECHNICIAN	2
PARAMEDIC	31
PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT	2
PATIENT TRACER & HEALTH AWARENESS MOBILISER	265
PHARMACIST	123
PHARMACIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	82
PHARMACIST (INTERN)	45
PHARMACIST ASSISTANT (BASIC)	39
PHARMACIST ASSISTANT (POST-BASIC)	276
PHARMACOLOGIST(CLINICAL)	1
PHARMACY SUPERVISOR GRADE 1	4
PHYSIOTHERAPIST	58
PHYSIOTHERAPIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	6
PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSISTANT GRADE 1	2
PHYSIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN GRADE 1	3
PODIATRIST GRADE 1	7
PSYCHOLOGIST	59
PSYCHOLOGIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	26
PSYCHOLOGIST (INTERN)	3
RADIATION ONCOLOGY RADIOGRAPHER	7
RADIOGRAPHER	140
REGISTRAR (DENTAL)	5
REVIEW BOARD MEMBER	6
SAFETY OFFICER SENIOR L8	1
SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKER GRADE 1	9
SOCIAL WORKER	106
SPECIAL ADVISOR	1
SPECIALISED AUXILIARY SERVICES OFFICER	2
SPECIALISED AUXILIARY WORKER (DENTAL)	12
SPECIALISED AUXILIARY WORKER (LABS)	1
SPECIALISED AUXILIARY WORKER (MORTUARY)	2
SPECIALISED AUXILIARY WORKER (PHYSIO)	1
SPECIALIST FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR	1
SPECIALIST PSYCHIATRY PRINCIPAL L13	1
SPEECH THERAPIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	1
SPEECH THERAPIST AND AUDIOLOGIST	18
SPEECH THERAPIST AND AUDIOLOGIST (COMMUNITY SERV)	1
SPEECH THERAPIST GRADE 1	19
SPEECH THERAPY ASSISTANT GRADE 1	2
SPRAY OPERATOR	354
STERILIZATION OPERATOR PRODUCTION	8
STERILIZATION OPERATOR: SUPERVISOR	1
STOMATOLOGIST	2
STUDENT: RADIOGRAPHY	1
TECHNICAL SPECIALIST	1
TECHNICIAN/TECHNOLOGIST(IT)	1
THERAPEUTIC & MEDICAL SUP SERV PROGRAMME CO GR1	1
TRADESMAN AID	20
ULTRASOUND RADIOGRAPHER GRADE 1	7
VOCATIONAL COUNSELLOR PRINCIPAL L8	1
WORK INSPECTOR INFRASTRACTURE	5
Total	16995

(v) The table below indicates the total of Foreign National healthcare and related professionals that have been employed since from March 2020 up until October 2020.

Foreign Citizenship Health Related Professions: Appointed from March 2020 - October 2020
Job Title Description	Total
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER SENIOR	1
ASD: BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER	1
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ADMIN RELATED	5
ASSISTANT MANAGER BIOMEDICAL ENGENEER	4
ASSISTANT MANAGER MEDICAL PHYSICS	1
BIO MEDICAL ENGINEER	3
BOARD OF SURVEY COMMITTEE: MEMBER	2
CLINICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST	3
CLINICAL MANAGER (MEDICAL) GRADE 1	6
CLINICAL TECHNOLOGIST	3
COMMUNITH HEALTH WORKER	17
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER PRODUCTION GRADE A	1
CONSULTANT	1
DD: BIOSTATISTICS	1
DD: BIOSTATISTICS TECHNOLOGY	1
DD: EPIDEMIOLOGY & DISEASE SURVEILLANCE	3
DD: EPIDEMIOLOGY TECHNOLOGY	3
DENTIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	2
DENTIST GRADE 3	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR FINANCE	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	2
DEPUTY DIRECTOR MEDICAL TECHNICAL SERV GRADE 1	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT	3
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (BIOSTATICS	3
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: INFORMATION	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT(EPIDEMIOL)	1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR:IT MANAGEMENT L11	2
DEPUTY DIRECTOR_ADMIN RELATED	2
DEPUTY MANAGER HYGIENE&EPIDEMOLOGY	2
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHER (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	1
ENGINEER	3
EPIDEMIOLOGIST	1
EPIDEMIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST (NON-OSD)	4
FAULT MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER	1
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGIST	1
HEAD CLINICAL UNIT (MEDICAL)	2
HEALTH TECHNOLOGIST	4
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY (NON-OSD)	3
HYGIENE AND EPIDEMIOLOGY	1
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (BIOSTATICS)	1
MAMMOGRAPHY RADIOGRAPHER GRADE 2	1
MANAGER ADMINISTRATION	1
MEDICAL OFFICER (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	14
MEDICAL OFFICER (INTERN)	10
MEDICAL OFFICER	519
MEDICAL SPECIALIST (SUB-SPECIALITY) GRADE 1	1
MEDICAL SPECIALIST	30
MIDDLE MANAGER(ADMINISTRATION)	4
MIDDLE MANAGER(HEALTH)	1
MIDDLE MANAGER (HUMAN RESOURCE)	2
NA1 NURSING ASSISTANT GRADE 1	4
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST GRADE 1	1
OPTOMETRIST GRADE 1	1
PHARMACIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	21
PHARMACIST (INTERN)	2
PHARMACIST ASSISTANT (POST-BASIC) GRADE 1	3
PHARMACIST GRADE 1	13
PHARMACY SUPERVISOR GRADE 1	1
PHYSIOTHERAPIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	1
PHYSIOTHERAPIST GRADE 1	2
PNA1 PROFESSIONAL NURSE (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	5
PROFESSIONAL NURSE (GENERAL NURSING)	25
PNA5 OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING GRADE 1 GENERAL	1
PNB1 CLINICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GR 1 PRIM H CARE	1
PNB1 PROFESSIONAL NURSE GRADE 1 SPECIALITY NURSING	5
PND1 LECTURER NURSING GRADE 1	1
PROVISIONING ADMINISTRATION CLERK GRADE II SENIOR	1
PSYCHOLOGIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE)	1
PSYCHOLOGIST GRADE 1	2
QUANTITY SURVEYOR CHIEF GRADE B	1
RADIOGRAPHER GRADE 1	2
REGISTRAR (DENTAL)	1
REGISTRAR (MEDICAL)	16
SN1 STAFF NURSE GRADE 1	3
STUDENT NURSE	1
Grand Total	797

(b) At the time of reporting, the Provinces were not in a position to upfront indicate the numbers of health care workers who will be retained as that is reliant on the service delivery needs and availability of budget.

END.

Reply:

1. Yes currently there are three research studies that have been conducted through collaboration between the Department of Health research sectors and universities.

a) Parker et al (2020) study findings suggested that PLHIV with COVID-19 might have a high probability of admission to hospital, but had similar presentations, comorbidities and outcomes when compared with the HIV-negative study population.

b) Boule et al. (2020) Collaboration between Western Cape Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (2020) study suggested consideration of people with HIV and tuberculosis as being at elevated risk of severe COVID-19. Additionally the study also suggested that HIV was associated with a doubling of COVID-19 mortality risk.

c) Pillay et al (2020) analysis showed that HIV and TB were not the most common comorbidities in individuals who died from COVID-19.

2. It should be noted that HIV is not a notifiable condition, it is not reported in the death certificate. The National Department of Health currently is not collecting any COVID-19 related co-morbidity details. All deaths are reported to the Department of Home Affairs; the cause of death is recorded in the death certificate.

References

a) Parker A, Koegelenberg C.F.N, Moolla M.S et al. 2020. High HIV prevalence in an early cohort of hospital admissions with COVID-19 in Cape Town, South Africa. S Afr Med J 2020; 110(6):463-465. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2020v110i6.14809

b) Boule A, Davies M, Hussey, H et al. 2020. Western Cape Department of Health & NICD. 2020. HIV and risk of COVID-19 death: a population cohort study from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Clinical infectious diseases, ciaa198. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa1198. Published 29 August 2020.

c) Pillay-van Wyk,V, Bradshaw D, Groenewald P. 2020. COVID-19 deaths in South Africa: 99 days since South Africa’s first death. S Afr Med J 2020; 110(11):1093-1099. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2020.v110i11.15249

END.

Reply:

1. The table below reflects the details in this regard:

	Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Cape Town	Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Johannesburg	Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Pretoria	Total
(a) the total backlog of toxicological reports at the laboratories at present	5474	10335*	12 372	28,181
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (i) more than 10 years,	1030	6333	526	7,889
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (ii) 10-9 years,	139	842	1294	2,275
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (iii) 9-8 years,	376	854	1519	2,749
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (iv) 8-5 years,	430	2370	2925	5,725
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (v) 5-1 years;	2484	4132	6108	12,724

*As at 30 September 2020

2. (a) The reasons for the backlogs are:

(i) The number of unprocessed samples indicated in the table above, include approximately 12,315 cases (multiple samples per case) without SAPS CAS (Case Administration System) numbers. The mandate of the Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCLs) is to analyse only samples with SAPS CAS numbers – these cases will thus only be tested upon request of the SAPS Investigating Officer or relevant Forensic Pathologist.

(ii) Of the 28,181 unprocessed cases as at 30 November 2020, only 16,550 cases contain CAS numbers.

(b) The following measures are employed to address the backlog:

• The laboratories are working overtime on weekends in order to decrease the backlog.

• Cases are prioritized for Court purposes, to assist families of the deceased to finalize insurance claims, or when children are involved.

• In terms of the Toxicology samples without CAS numbers, another engagement with Pathologists will take place to further discuss this matter with them. It should be seriously considered to destroy the toxicology cases that do not have CAS numbers.

• Urgent filling of crucial vacancies.

• There will be an engagement with the National Treasury to source additional funding for a building for the Pretoria Forensic Chemistry Laboratory. There were discussions with the CSIR which has space, however, the issue is lack of funding.

3. I will make a statement at the appropriate time.

END.

Reply:

1. The Department has observed the increasing Covid-19 positive numbers in the two Provinces, as you may be aware I have personally visited Eastern Cape and Western Cape, met with the leadership in both Provinces, jointly agreed on measures to be taken.

The Department has placed WHO experts in the two Provinces to assist with the resurgence. I have also deployed teams from National to work with the various provinces including Eastern Cape and Western Cape to develop resurgence plans.

 

In Eastern Cape additional doctors and nurses were employed to address Human Resource shortages. Further in Eastern Cape, specifically in Nelson Mandela Bay and Sara Baartman, community testing sites have been established, and these have increased access to testing for many communities.

Compliance monitoring has been strengthened including Environmental Health Practitioners and other law enforcement agencies are monitoring non-compliant outlets and closing down those found to be non-compliant.

• Curfew between 10pm and 4am
• Alcohol sale has been restricted to Monday to Thursday.

Additional measures

Evidence is showing us that gatherings provide an opportunity for the virus to spread, with social gathering recorded as super spreaders.

Drastically reducing numbers or stopping social gatherings should be considered to ease the pressure in our hospitals.

All patients on chronic medication are urged to adhere to their treatment to reduce emergency admissions due to non-adherence to treatment.

Stricter measures are being taken in Taxis or busses and trains if passengers and drivers are not wearing masks. Passengers also have a responsibility to demand a safe environment.

2. A decision on whether or not to reintroduce a hard lockdown is taken after careful consideration and in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, keeping in mind the health of the nation as a priority, as well as the socioeconomic impact such a decision would have to the country.

END.

Reply:

The question asked by the Honourable Member is acknowledged. However, given the nature of the details required in terms of (a) cost of (air tickets, (ii) transport, and (iii) VIP transport for the officials that travelled including (b) total subsistence and (c) cost of the accommodation for the trip, the National Department of Health is still in the process of collating this detail from the relevant provincial Departments of Health. Once fully collated, the information will be submitted for the Honourable Member’s consideration.

END.

Reply:

a) What documents have been received.

1. A memorandum from the Restaurants Association of South Africa (RASA), National Liquor Traders Council (NLTC), Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) and Liquor Traders Association of South Africa (LTASA)

b) On what dates the documents were received.

21 July 2020

c) From which individuals and/or organisations the documents were received.

2. Wendy Alberts, CEO of Restaurant Association of South Africa

3. Lucky Ntimane, Convener of the National Liquor Traders Council

4. Sean Robinson, Chairperson of the Liquor Traders Association of South Africa

d) What the detailed content of the documents were.

See Annexure A (the memrandum from RASA and others)

e) (i) What steps were taken by the department with regard to the documents.

Though the Minister went to recieve the memorandum and also copied on the memorandum, the submission was addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Therefore, regarding any action that would have been taken only the Presidency can provide clarification.

(ii) On what dates were such steps taken.

See (i) above.

Reply:

The medicine supply chain is long and complex, with interruptions at any point in the supply chain affecting medicine availability at the facility. These interruptions may relate to, inter alia, the shortage of the active ingredients, regulatory issues affecting formulation, logistical challenges, inadequate volumes produced relative to the ordered quantity and inadequate quantities being ordered. Medicine shortages is a global problem affecting all countries for the reasons outlined above.

South Africa has experienced constrained supply of psychiatric medicines. The challenges precede the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The reason for the shortage of each drug differs and includes a shortage of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the manufacturer is unable to supply ordered quantities within the contracted timelines, production problems, and industrial action at local production facilities.

(a) The shortages are considered to be very serious.

(b) Steps taken in mitigation include sourcing of stock from alternative suppliers, where possible, as well as the issuing of circulars recommending use of available alternative agents that are considered to be therapeutically equivalent. Where partial deliveries are made by contracted suppliers availability is managed at the district level through stock rotation among facilities.

The supply issues related to the availability of Citalopram and Fluoxetine; have been resolved. However, South Africa is experiencing shortages of four drugs (Amitriptyline, Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol and Olanzapine).

END.

Reply:

A Ministerial Implementation Task Team (MITT) has been established in accordance with the recommendations of the High Level Review Panel (HLRP) report. The Ministerial Implementation Task Team was established on 28 July 2020.

The MITT is chaired by the Deputy Minister for the State Security Agency (SSA), Mr Zizi Kodwa, who is the political champion for the task team. The Deputy Chairperson is Mr Thabo Mokwena, who has qualifications in economics, corporate finance and strategy. Mr Mokwena has experience as an Accounting Officer for SALGA.

The MITT is also comprised of external professionals and experts. The external experts includes former members of the intelligence community, academics and other experts in the field of security, intelligence, policy, legal and legislative formulation. Once the process of vetting external members is concluded, their names will be made available.

The MITT further consists of internal experts from various branches within the SSA who among them have a range of strategic and analytical expertise in intelligence, policy, legal and human resources, among others.

The names of members of the SSA form part of the broader operational framework and therefore remain classified and privileged in accordance with Section 10 (4) (a) of the Intelligence Services Act 65 of 2002, as amended, which protects the identities of members of the Agency.

The mandate of the MITT is to unpack the recommendations of the Panel into a concrete plan of action and coordinate the implementation of the recommendations. It will develop a comprehensive strategy and business case for implementation. The MITT will also ensure the review of white paper, and finalise the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB) legislation.

Since its establishment, the MITT has met on the following dates:

• 5 August 2020 (MITT virtual meeting)
• 11 August 2020 (Technical task team meeting)
• 04 September 2020 (Workstream management meeting)

A draft Business Case and draft General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill has been developed and contain practical and other implications of architectural changes of the civilian intelligence structures. Furthermore, regulations and policies are being reviewed in this regard.

The MITT is mandated to advise and provide options on the nomenclature and the philosophical posture of the civilian intelligence services.

Reply:

At the beginning of the COVID-19 national state of disaster, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) with the support of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), established the National Ventilator Project (NVP) to draw on expertise and know-how in South Africa to develop ventilators for use on COVID-19 patients.

This was necessitated by a global shortage of all types of ventilators and it also fitted in well with the re-imagined industrial strategy, which is focused on finding opportunities to manufacture product locally.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), which houses a number of engineers who are working on the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, was mandated to manage the national effort to design, develop and produce the respiratory ventilators to support the government’s response to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency was used because of the experience its engineers gained in the development of complex systems for the MeerKAT radio telescope system in the Karoo, the precursor to the SKA.

The project drew in many companies and public entities based in South Africa, from engineers, to automotive component manufacturers and production specialists.

Based on advice from clinicians, the project elected to focus in the initial phase on the production of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilators, which were identified as the ones most appropriate to support COVID-19 patients.

A total of 20,000 CPAP ventilators have now been produced in South Africa under the NVP. These ventilators have been produced by two locally licensed manufacturers, namely the state-owned Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the South African Ventilator Emergency Project (SAVE-P) – a consortium of companies.

Production began in late July 2020 and the final units were completed during the month of November 2020. The 20.000 units produced include the following:

• 18,000 Venturi-type CPAP devices manufactured through a contract with the CSIR; and
• 2,000 blender-type CPAP devices manufactured by SAVE-P.

The CSIR ventilator systems were assembled and packaged by Akacia Medical in the Western Cape. Individual components for the CPAP-ventilator were manufactured by a consortium of industry partners in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, including the Central University of Technology and firms such as Black Capital Systems, Andani Futuretech Manufacturing, UV Tooling, Sola Medical, Gabler Medical and Pitchline Engineering. All manufacturing was done for the CSIR.

The SAVE-P consortium incorporates manufacturers located in Cape Town, Pinetown, Durban, Midrand and Alberton, consisting of MCR Manufacturing, Reef Engineering, Bosch, Executive Engineering, Rhomberg Instruments, Dowclay Products, ISO Health SA, Pegasus Steel, NAACAM, AFRIT, Corruseal, New Age Medical Supplies, Aveti and Non-Ferrous Metal Works.

The development, production and procurement cost for the 20,000 units was funded through a R250 million donation from the Solidarity Fund.

On 24 August 2020, the Solidarity Fund handed over the first units to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The project managers advised that units have already been distributed to 69 public healthcare facilities in each of the nine provinces. A list of those hospitals which have received CPAP devices are attached to this reply as Annexure A.

In addition to the 20,000 devices produced by CSIR and SAVE-P with funding support from the Solidarity Fund, a further 300 devices have been produced by Sabertek on a commercial basis. The project managers advise that 100 of these units have been purchased already, with some units exported to Malaysia and Namibia.

We are pleased that the combination of lockdown measures early in the pandemic, which flattened the curve of infection, and the National Ventilator Project enabled the health-care system to provide the necessary ventilation support when required. A longer-term legacy of the project is that there are now 20,000 more CPAP ventilators available for use than before the pandemic.

ANNEXURE A: List of public healthcare facilities which have received CPAP ventilators from the NVP

Province:	Facility name:
Eastern Cape	Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital
	Frere Hospital
	Livingstone Hospital
	Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital
	Cecilia Makiwane Hospital
	Frontier Hospital
	Dora Nginza Hospital
	Mthatha General Hospital
	St Elizabeth's Hospital
Free State	Universitas (C) Hospital
	Pelonomi Hospital
	Boitumelo Hospital
	Bongani Hospital
	Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Hospital
Gauteng	Charlotte Maxeke Hospital
	Pholosong Hospital
	Far East Rand Hospital
	Leratong Hospital
	Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
	Sebokeng Hospital
	Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital
	Dr George Mukhari Hospital
	Helen Joseph Hospital
	Tambo Memorial Hospital
	Steve Biko Academic Hospital
	Kalafong Hospital
	Tembisa Hospital
	Edenvale Hospital
	Rahima Moosa Hospital
	Mamelodi Hospital
	Qualihealth
KwaZulu-Natal	Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital
	King Edward VIII Hospital
	Ngwelezana Hospital
	Grey's Hospital
	Addington Hospital
	King Dinuzulu Hospital
	Mahatma Gandhi Hospital
	Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
	RK Khan Hospital
	St Aidans Hospital
	Edendale Hospital
	Madadeni Hospital
	Newcastle Hospital
	Pixely Isaka ka Seme
	General Justice Gizenga Hospital
	Queen Nandi Regional Hospital
	Port Shepstone Hospital
	Ladysmith Hospital
Limpopo	Mankweng Hospital
	Pietersburg Hospital
	Letaba Hospital
	Philadelphia Hospital
	St Rita's Hospital
	Tshilidzini Hospital
	Mokopane Hospital
Mpumalanga	Rob Ferreira Hospital
	Witbank Hospital
	Mapulaneng Hospital
	Themba Hospital
	Ermelo Hospital
North West	Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital
	Klerksdorp-Tshepong Tertiary Hospital
	Mahikeng Provincial Hospital
	Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital
	Potchefstroom Hospital
Northern Cape	Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital
	Dr Harry Surtie Hospital
Western Cape	Groote Schuur Hospital

Reply:

(1) The shelters in Mopani and Sekhukhune are closed

Those who wanted to be assisted with rehabilitation from substance abuse addiction were admitted at the Seshego treatment centre.

Those that wished to be with their families were assisted in tracing their families and were transported home as part of our family reunification programme. It should be noted that role of the Department of Social Development in homeless Shelters is to provide Psycho-social support services, working with other stakeholders, Cogta provided shelter, and security in some instances provided food, SAPS brought in beneficiaries collected from the streets and arrested those with outstanding criminal cases, home affairs assists with repatriation and the department of Health was responsible for the provision of health services.

(2) Reunification services were rendered and the homeless who wanted to be reunified with their families were taken home. Some were admitted at the Seshego treatment centre for substance abuse rehabilitation, most preferred to go back to the streets as they wanted to make money.

In Waterberg, Thabazimbi one shelter with nine beneficiaries is still functional. The beneficiaries are mentally challenged and the department in collaboration with the department of Health, SAPS and Home Affairs are currently assisting them.

The nine beneficiaries have been put on an advert for their families to recognise them as they don’t know who they are and where they come from.

The Vhembe shelter has also closed, beneficiaries from local areas were given money to go home. The illegal undocumented foreign nationals left the shelter to look for work in town when lockdown restrictions were eased. Department of Home Affairs could not repatriate them as the Zimbabwe borders were not open for people, they are open only for cargo.

 

Reply:

1. These are some of the challenges faced by Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in relation to the Covid-19 regulations and these are not exhaustive.

• Non-adherence to COVID 19 health and safety requirements including lack of PPEs,
• Financial constrains due to loss of income during lockdown period.
• ECD centres depend on fees paid by parents and this was not possible as the children were at home.
• COVID 19 has affected economic situation of many households and as such many children are still at home due to loss of income by parents as they cannot afford paying fees for their children.
• Some parents/caregivers are scared that their children will be infected by the pandemic and prefer keeping them at home.
• Some ECD centres might not reopen as practitioners are part of vulnerable groupings with existing co- morbidities and/or are 60 or above.

2. According to guidance from provinces there may be some challenges with ECD centres closing. It will be difficult to have accurate information in this regard due to us not having adequate data of all ECD centres in the country. The department repurposed Infrastructure Conditional Grant to prepare ECD centres for reopening, by facilitating the supply of essential equipment to meet COVID 19 health and safety measures. These include equipment that will enable temperature screening, frequent hand washing, frequent cleaning and basic hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The department is also continuing to pay subsidy to funded ECD centres.

Reply:

(1)(a) The details of the members of each of the nine workstreams (8 workstreams were initially established, with a ninth one on communication established later) that were established, numbered as Annexure A.

(b)(i) Each workstream managed its own process to achieve the objectives of a workstream, under the lead of the workstream leader. The workstreams determined their own meeting dates.

(ii) The meetings of the workstreams under the lead of each workstream leader were held virtually, and as such no signed attendance registers were kept.

(2) No, the workstream did not recommend that R1,3 billion should be used for the appointment of compliance monitors. It should however be noted that initially the Presidency approached the department indicating that the department has been allocated R1.3 billion as a stimulus relief package for early childhood development sector. The department therefore deemed it fit to appoint the compliance monitors to support the ECD sector programmes. Subsequently, national treasury indicated that the department has to bid for the funds for them to be considered for the allocation. The department therefore developed a proposal for bidding of funds. This proposal was consulted with the National Inter-Sectoral Forum for Early Childhood Development established in terms of paragraph 7.3.3.5 of the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy (2015) civil society secretariat regarding this programme as announced by the Minister to obtain views and inputs to complete the proposal that was submitted to National Treasury, of which ECD compliance officer is only a sub-component. National Treasury approved an allocation of R588 728 000; allocated for employment risk support that will benefit existing ECD workforce, 25 500 compliance support officers already employed in ECD centres, registration support officers who will support registration of ECD programmes recorded through Vangasali campaign and sustenance of 1 809 social workers who were appointed on contract.

(3) The workstreams were established at the meeting led by the Department of Social Development on 26 May 2020, where-after the leaders of each workstream had to take the responsibility to convene workstream meetings. The Department of Social Development invited all members of the workstreams to the general meetings where feedback was provided.

(4)(a) The below indicated the main purpose of each workstream:

Workstream 1: Data and information on the current situation and the implementation of measures.

Workstream 2: Assessment of ECD services: Covid 19 compliance before and after re-opening (including self-assessment)

Workstream 3: Support package (what is needed to support the re-opening)

Workstream 4: Protocols for re-opening;

Workstream 5: COVID-19 education and awareness as part of early childhood development programmes (for staff and children)

Workstream 6: ECD Programme Re-design (Including parent programmes), looking at adjustments in early childhood development programmes to accommodate the minimum health, safety and social distancing measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19.

Workstream 7: Practitioner training and capacity building;

Workstream 8: Monitoring and Evaluation of implementation

Workstream 9: Communication and General COVID 19 awareness.

(b) During the meeting dated 26 May 2020 when the workstreams were established, officials were invited to volunteer to serve on the respective workstreams to facilitate representation based on interest. During this meeting participants also agreed on the leadership for each workstream.

(5) The workstreams were established for the purpose indicated above and were not permanent. The workstreams have served their purpose well and the work assigned to the workstream was concluded by mid-June 2020. The Department of Social Development is continuing to consult with the ECD sector through the civil society secretariat of the National Inter-Sectoral Forum for Early Childhood Development. The latter is the official mechanism established by policy for engagement and consultation with civil society.

ANNEXURE “A”

Membership for the work streams to support the DSD Inter-sectoral ECD COVID 19 Task team

Work stream 1: Data and Information
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Sumaya Hendricks	Nelson Mandela Foundation	[email protected]	Lead
2.	Robyn Wienand	Preschools 4Africa	[email protected]
3.	Jacqueline Saaiman	Lima – Do More Foundation	[email protected]
4.	Janeli Kotzé	DBE	[email protected]
5.	Colleen Daniels	Gerards ECD	[email protected]
6.	Leonard Saul	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]
7.	Mpho Komane	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]
8.	Ivy Rapoo	NDSD	[email protected]
9.	Ipeleng Mohlala	Early care Foundation	[email protected]
10.	Phumzile Ndlovu	NDSD	[email protected]	Member
11.	Huldah Barnard	Custoda Trust	[email protected]
12.	Bukiwe Lupindo	DPME	[email protected]

Work stream 2: Assessment of ECD services: Covid 19 compliance
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Nabeel Bassadien	Ilifa Labantwana	[email protected]
2.	Lyndsey Petro	Innovation Edge	[email protected]
3.	Doreen Malinga	DSD Mpumalanga	[email protected]
4.	Andrea Sciarappa	Tools for Schools	[email protected]
5.	Robyn Wienand	Pre school Africa and Jam	[email protected]
6.	Rebecca Hickman	SMART START	[email protected]	Lead
7.	Justine Jowell	Smart Start	[email protected]	Member
8.	Lize Bredell	AECYC	[email protected]	Member
9.	Caroll Warmberg	NECTA EC	[email protected]	Member
10.	Tracey Collins	GROW	[email protected]	Member
11.	Kathy Rautenbach	ECD Upliftment	[email protected]
12.	Melissa Jacobs	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]
13.	Mpho Papale	NDSD	[email protected]
14.	Ntombizodwa Sonkayi		[email protected]
15.	Natalie Gross	SAMA	[email protected] [email protected]	Member
16.	Saartjie Viljoen	AECYC	[email protected]
17.	Pheladi Makwala	NDSD	[email protected]
18.	Badi Mziwamadoda	Ubunye Foundation and NECTA	[email protected]	Member

Work stream 3 : Support Package
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Zaheera Mohammed	Ilifa Labantwana	[email protected]	Lead
2.	Patsy Pillay	New Beginnings	[email protected]
3.	Jennifer McQuillan	Preschools 4 Africa	[email protected]
4.	Jeffrey Wienand	Preschools 4 Africa	[email protected]
5.	Lisa Voortman	GROW	[email protected]
6.	Lizette Berry	Children’s Institute (UCT)	[email protected]
7.	Mpho Papale	NDSD	[email protected]
8.	Ghalieb Dawood	NT	[email protected]
9.	Yusuf Mayet	NT	[email protected]
10	Thando Ngqase	NDA	[email protected]

Work stream 4: Protocols for reopening
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Rodgers Hlatshwayo	SMART STRAT	[email protected]	Lead
2.	Jennifer McQuillan	Preschools 4 Africa	[email protected]
3.	Cathy Moore	ACSI	[email protected]	Member
4.	Nelie Viljoen-Toet	SAVF	[email protected]	Member
5.	Mziwamadoda Badi	NECTA EC	[email protected]	Member
6.	Kathy Rautenbach	ECD Upliftment	[email protected]
7.	Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini	DoMoreFoundation	[email protected]
8.	Andrea Scirappa	Tools for School	[email protected]
9.	Colleen Daniels	Gerards ECD	[email protected]
10.	Christine Radebe	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]
11.	Bombeleni Munzhedzi	NDSD	[email protected]
12.	Natalie Gross	SAMA	[email protected] [email protected]	Member
13.	Saartjie Viljoen	AECYC	[email protected]
14.	Ntombi Mazibuko	NDOH	Ntombi.Mazibuko @health.gov.za
15.	Rebone Ntsie	NDOH	Rebone.Ntsie @health.gov.za
16.	Sebotse Ngake	NDOH	Sebotse Ngake @health.gov.za
17.	Lesley Bamford	NDOH	Lesley.Bamford @health.gov.za

Work stream 5: COVID 19 education and awareness
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Rebecca Hickman	SMART START		Lead
2.	Bonginkosi Mpinda	Preschools 4Africa	[email protected]
3.	Christine Radebe	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]
4.	Shireen Miller	GrowEcd	[email protected]

Work stream 6: ECD Programme Re:design (Parent programmes)
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Andre Viviers	UNICEF		Lead
2.	Thandeka Rantsi	Bridge	[email protected]	Member
3.	Louise Erasmus	AECYC	[email protected]	Member
4.	Michelle Wienand	Preschools 4Africa	[email protected]
5.	Pam Picken	Do More foundation	[email protected]
6.	Lizette Berry	Children’s Institute (UCT)	[email protected]
7.	Lydia Plaatjies	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]	Member
8.	Prof Nicky Roberts	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]	Member
9.	Bombeleni Munzhedzi	NDSD	[email protected]
10.	Natalie Gross	SAMA	[email protected] [email protected]	Member
11.	Puleng Motsoeneng	Ntataise	[email protected]
12.	Liesel Brymmer	AECYC	[email protected]
Work stream 7: Practitioner Capacity Building
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Ruby Motaung	NECDA	[email protected]	Lead
2.	Charmaine Botha	Edu X SA	[email protected]
3.	Patsy Pillay	New Beginnings	[email protected]
4.	Sheila Drew	SAIDE	[email protected]
5.	Bonginkosi Mpinda	Preschools 4Africa	[email protected]
6.	Bonita Daniels	TEEC South Africa	[email protected]
7.	Arina Kitching	Learn2Live Community Centre	[email protected]
8.	Leonard Saul	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]
9.	Meraldia Tape	Grassroots Training Provider	[email protected]
10.	Leanne Keet	MASIKHULE	[email protected]
11.	Nontsapo Pasiya	Early Care Foundation	[email protected]
	Puleng Motsoeneng	Ntataise	[email protected]
12.	Mr. Rex Molefe	Motheo Training Institute Trust	[email protected]
13.	Tessa Browne	Africa Reggio Emilia Alliance	[email protected]
14.	Sanny Maluleka	NDPWI EPWP Social Sector	[email protected]
15.	Roeleen Lemmer	AECYC	[email protected]

Work stream 8: Monitoring and Evaluation
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Email Address	Lead/ Member
1.	Melissa Jacobs	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]
2.	Lydia Plaatjies	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]	Member
3.	Prof Nicky Roberts	SA Congress for ECD	[email protected]	Member
4.	Ivy Rapoo	NDSD	[email protected]
5.	Kathy Rautenbach	ECD Upliftment	[email protected]
6.	Andrea Sciarappa	Tools for School	[email protected]
7.	Bonginkosi Mpinda	Preschools 4Africa	[email protected]
8.	Masego Maselwanyane	NDPWI	[email protected]
9.	Nkululeko Kalipa	DPME	[email protected]
10	Kaley Le Mottee	Ntataise
11	Charmaine Jooste	AECYC	[email protected]
No	Name	Name of Organisation	Lead/ Member
1.	Jeffrey Wienand	Pre Schools 4 Africa
2.	Cathy Moore	ACSI
3.	Charmaine Botha	EDUxSA
4.	Andrea Scirappa	Tools for Schools
5.	Mpho Komane	SA Congress for ECD
6.	Lydia Plaatjies	SA Congress for ECD	Member
7.	Prof Nicky Roberts	SA Congress for ECD	Member
8.	Mariette van Eeden	AECYC

General Issues

Issues:

• Will extra-mural activities continue;
• How will aftercare take place
• How will this be communicated so there is a common message?
• Suggestion to integrate parent issues across all the work streams.
• Also to integrate special needs issues across all the work streams.
• Involving municipalities
• DSD will send all documents that have been developed to date, including Overall discussion document by UNICEF for dissemination to wider sector.
• How to adapt ECD daily programmes to allow for social distancing
• How to encourage and support play under different conditions
• How to ensure that children experience all the varied play and early learning experiences to support their holistic development
• Development of play activities, stories, songs and rhymes to help children remember things like handwashing; to help them understand the changes in their daily lives; to help them develop resilience in the context of things they are hearing/experiencing
• How to fully engage and support parents to provide for their young children’s health, safety, nutrition and development, and involve them in their ECD services

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

On 09 September 2020, Cabinet, approved the publication of the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio-Visual Content Services Policy Framework: A New Vision for South Africa 2020, for public consultation and comments. The department has since gazetted the Draft White Paper (No. 43797, Vol. 664) for public comments which has now been extended till 15 February 2021 to give the stakeholders enough time to engage with the complex proposals raised within the Policy Framework.

Section 4.2.2.3. of the draft White Paper, with reference to the SABC and licence matters propose that:

”provisions of the financial matters and staffing of the Corporation are necessary, although they require review and consequential amendments to the TV licence fee section to broaden the definition and collection system for television licences and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and penalties of non-payment”.

Achievement of the above will be determined by the submissions expected from all South Africans towards the draft White Paper.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

The table below indicates the numbers of grant recipients per year as at 31 March of each year, from 1996/97, expressed as a percentage of the populations estimates. Unfortunately, the data from 1994 is not available, as this had not yet been consolidated into a single database, but was managed provincially.

FINANCIAL YEAR	Daily Stats as at 31 March	Population Estimates	% Share
1996/97	3 018 909	41 226 700	7%
1997/98	2 832 156	42 130 500	7%
1998/99	2 923 718	43 054 306	7%
1999/00	3 034 381	43 685 699	7%
2000/01	3 864 463	44 560 644	9%
2001/02	4 033 384	45 454 211	9%
2002/03	4 969 666	46 429 823	11%
2003/04	6 494 115	46 586 607	14%
2004/05	9 421 654	46 888 200	20%
2005/06	10 974 076	47 390 900	23%
2006/07	12 015 059	47 850 700	25%
2007/08	12 423 739	48 687 000	26%
2008/09	13 072 173	49 320 500	27%
2009/10	14 057 365	49 991 300	28%
2010/11	14 935 832	50 586 757	30%
2011/12	15 407 194	50 586 757	30%
2012/13	16 106 110	52 982 000	30%
2013/14	15 932 473	54 002 000	30%
2014/15	16 642 643	54 956 900	30%
2015/16	16 991 634	55 908 900	30%
2016/17	17 200 525	56 521 900	30%
2017/18	17 509 995	57 725 600	30%
2018/19	17 811 745	58 775 022	30%
2019/20	18 290 592	59 622 350	31%

Reply:

The Honourable Member to indicate the place where the said organisation is situated in order for the Department to provide a response.

Reply:

a) All applicants for social relief of distress as administered by SASSA must meet qualifying criteria as set in the Social Assistance Act, 2004. This means that all applicants would have met one or more of the following criteria:

• Not receiving any social grant
• Temporarily disabled for less than 6 months
• Breadwinner of the family admitted to a state institution
• Applicant affected by a disaster
• Refusal of the application would cause undue hardship

b) (i) Each approved applicant was provided with a standard food parcel at a cost of R1 200 per food parcel. Each item was not costed separately, but the food parcel contained the items as indicated on the list attached as Annexure A.

(ii) SASSA utilised the allocated budget for social relief of distress. There was no specific allocation for Ekurhuleni. The total allocation for Gauteng Province is R61 050 000 for the 2020/21 financial year.

 

Reply:

(a) It should be noted that the National Department of Social Development does note process Foster Care applications but provinces do. The following provinces have the following total number of foster care applications that are still unprocessed:

Eastern Cape: The Eastern Cape Province has a total of 665 foster care applications that have not yet been processed as at end September 2020.

Gauteng: The Gauteng Province has a total of 4025 foster care applications that are still unprocessed.

Limpopo: The new intakes that the department has to date is 1 068.

KZN: The province of KwaZulu-Natal has a total of 1637 foster care applications that are still to be processed.

Northern Cape: There are 184 applications for foster care placements under investigation.

Western Cape: The total number of foster care applications unprocessed until 30th September 2020 1900.

The reasons for deviations for non-finalisation of foster care applications are as follows:

• Challenges in tracing birth parents.
• Outstanding birth certificates from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Delayed responses from the National Department of Social Development in issuing Form 30 due to impact of lockdown.
• Outstanding school reports. We do, however, acknowledge the notable support from the WCED during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
• Await court dates from the Department of Justice & CD to finalise court matters.
• High turnover of social workers in Designated Child Protection Organisations.
• Unmanageable high caseloads of social workers.
• The safety situation in communities making it impossible for social workers to render supervision services as legally required.
• Administrative demands requiring more support staff.
• Reconsolidation/verification of information with SASSA to update orders on SOCPEN and submitting to the Provincial Office on a weekly basis.
• Foster care applications pending finalisation.

(b) by what date does she intend to have all of the specified applications processed?

The provinces are to complete processing these applications as follows:

Eastern Cape: The applications will be processed by 31 December 2020.

Gauteng: The finalization of the foster care process is dependent on other Departments and prospective foster parents. As a result, it is not possible to indicate by when the cases will be finalised. In terms of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, the turnaround time for foster care applications is six (6) months.

KZN: The department intends to have all foster care applications processed by 30 January 2021.

Limpopo: It is difficult to anticipate the date for finalisation of cases since the Department depends on other departments to finalise but efforts are made to fast track the finalisation of cases in the best interest of the child.

Mpumalanga: The department has a turnaround time of 6 months to investigate and finalize foster care applications as per the department’s service standards. However, in cases where there are challenges (e.g. documentation, advertisements for unknown fathers etc.) the finalisation of the cases may take longer.

Northern Cape: All placements will be finalised by 30 January 2021.

Western Cape: The Department of Social Development is in the process of consulting with regions (DSD and NPOs) and the relevant stakeholders in foster care management regarding the finalisation of unprocessed foster care applications. A date for finalisation will be determined.

It is expected that the challenges presented with the inevitable lockdown period would have had a restrictive effect on operations overall in the public and private sector. Although the courts could still be accessed for urgent matters pertaining to children and specifically foster care matters, there were operational limitations caused by limited access to courts and other lockdown restrictions. Various role-players, including the state attorneys’ offices, legal advisors and counsel had to meet lockdown requirements. The co-dependent functionalities have been highlighted with the authorities concerned and redress is awaited.

Reply:

(1) a) A total of 1 374 post offices provide disbursement services for the social grants. The provincial split is indicated in the table below:

Branch Summary
Region	Branches
Eastern Cape	166
Gauteng	302
KwaZulu-Natal	213
Free State	115
North West	112
Limpopo	141
Mpumalanga	99
Northern Cape	65
Western Cape	161
Total	1,374

(b) The list is attached as Annexure A

2(a) Social grants are paid by SASSA. All social grants are paid through a direct deposit into the beneficiary bank accounts, regardless of whether this is a private bank account or the SASSA card account. SAPO is responsible for the disbursement of social grants for those clients who access their grants using the SASSA card. The total number of persons who use the SASSA card to access their grant is 8,105,671.

(b) The breakdown per province is as follows:

SAPO is responsible, in terms of the contract to ensure multiple access channels for grant beneficiaries to access their grants. Of the total number using the SASSA card to access their grants, approximately 93% access their grants through the National Payment System – that is at bank ATMs and retailer point of sale devices; while 5% access their grants over the counter at post offices, and 2% access their grants through the remaining 1 740 cash pay points.

The actual numbers fluctuate monthly, as beneficiaries have the right to choose which channel they utilise. There are no designated cash beneficiaries.

The table below indicates the numbers of clients who use the SASSA card to access their grants through the various channels. There is unfortunately no provincial breakdown of these numbers.

PAYMENT CHANNELS STATISTICS
Month	SAPO Branches	NPS ( Retailers)	NPS (ATM)	Cash Pay Points	Total
April	315 716	2 396 250	5 184 787	96 910	7 993 663
May	287 537	2 367 234	5 153 083	254 051	8 061 905
June	327 439	2 322 316	5 225 329	225 926	8 101 010

3(a) SASSA pays a total of 11 509 390 social grant beneficiaries monthly (as at December 2020). The breakdown per province is as follows:

(b)(i) The number of beneficiaries who have chosen to receive their grants through SAPO by using the SASSA card total 8,105,671 while 3,403,719 or 29,6% receive the grants directly into their private bank accounts.

(ii) The percentage who have chosen to receive their grants through SAPO is 70.4%

4(a) Every beneficiary receives their social grant directly into their bank accounts. As indicated above, 8 105 671 receive their grants directly into their SASSA cards.

(b) The percentage of SASSA cards used in the payment environment is 70,4% of the total beneficiary population.

Reply:

The Deputy Minister has not appointed a special advisor as it is not provided for in Ministerial Handbook.

Only the Minister has appointed a special advisor.

a) Ms ESJS Hlapolosa.

b) 1 July 2019.

c) (i) To advise the Minister on the development of policy that will promote the departments objectives;

(ii) To advise Minister on the exercise or performance of the Ministers powers and duties; and

(iii) To perform any task as may be appropriate in respect of the exercise and performance of the Minister.

d) Compensation level IV.

e) R 1 978 533.00.

f) Fixed term contract linked to the term of office of incumbent Minister, Ms Lindiwe Zulu.

g) As indicated in (c) above, to advise on the development of policy that will promote the Departments objectives.

Reply:

The Honourable Member to indicate the place where the said organisation is situated in order for the Department to provide a response.

Reply:

The department will employ Early Childhood Development Compliance Officers in the current financial year. R116 million has been allocated for the support of 25 500 compliance support officers, who are existing staff members at early childhood development programmes that will play a compliance support role within their ECD programmes. The Department is working with the Inter-Sectoral Forum (ISF) on the programme to make sure that the right services benefit from this grant.

Reply:

(a) & (b) The Court did not grant an order for the MEC to file a plan within five (5) days to the Court nor to the applicant no plans have thus been submitted.

(c) ECD centres were paid 60% of the subsidy from April to September 2020. The 40% of the subsidy that was not paid will be transferred to ECD centres from 18 November 2020. A total of 368 centres will be paid the backdated 40% for nutrition and the projected amount is R11 million.

Reply:

All women and children are assessed and provided with psychosocial support and social relief if needed. Part of the process is also to try and reunify them with their families.

During lockdown, the Western Cape Department of Social Development established a 60 bed family shelter, specifically focusing on single women/parents and their children that are homeless. The Department is planning on expanding it to 90 bed spaces by the end of March 2021.

Reply:

The department conducted the study on Ukuthwala: Baseline Assessment on the Prevalence and Perceptions about Harmful Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children in the OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa (November 2011 and will be updated in 2020).

The study revealed the following impacts on young girls in the Eastern Cape:

Health: Young girls may be married to an older more experienced partners and therefore get exposed to sexually transmitted infection including HIV – partners who are less likely to test for HIV before the incident of ukuthwala. Girls below the age of 18 have small pelvises and are not ready for child-bearing, this puts them at risk hence higher morbidity and mortality rates. There is poor access to sexual reproductive health services and delayed testing for HIV during pregnancy resulting to late enrolment to Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Prevention program.

Education: Early school dropout by child brides may lead to increased economic dependency to the male partner. Early school dropout further perpetuates discrimination and low status of women and girls.

Emotional: Isolation and depression as a result of unrealistic expectations from the family and the husband to assume makoti duties while she is physically and emotionally not ready for this responsibility.

(a) Ukuthwala was found to be amongst practices that are prevalent in OR Tambo district and widely practiced although respondents were not clear about its origins however they participated in the practice. The frequencies of occurrence of these practices vary with the practice some occurring daily others weekly and monthly while others occur every six months and yearly. The findings also show that the majority of the people in OR Tambo district do not know the decision makers on these cultural practices. Men were identified as key decision makers when it comes to Ukuthwala.

The research found that it is not clear how the decision makers got their powers but the findings seem to suggest that only a small proportion of the population have knowledge on how decision makers got the powers to determine when these practices should happen. Ukuthwala was identified as one of the practices that is mostly disliked by the communities. The findings suggest that cultural marriages are more commonly practiced than civil marriages.

(b) The following institutions have been engaged in public education:

Office of the Premier (OTP); the Chapter 9 Institutions: CRL Rights Commission; The Public Protector; Commission for Gender Commission and the SA Human Rights Commission.

Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders; the Civil Society Organizations; the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund; the Children’s Institute; South African Council for Educators; Traditional Leaders in the Province; Government Departments and a joint program implemented by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that was funded by the Department for International Development was implemented and output three of this program focused on social change interventions conducted through community dialogues. The program also invested in building the capacity of traditional leaders on their role in gender based violence prevention efforts.

UNFPA also took a delegation from OR Tambo District led by the then Executive Mayor Zoleka Chapha with a provincial delegation from the House of Traditional leaders, OTP and COGTA to Amhara Region Ethiopia on a South-South learning exchange. Ethiopia had previously had a similar challenge but had been able to reverse this picture through social behavior change programs and social change program.

An integrated approach was used utilising key community leadership, government Departments, civil society organizations from 2009 in OR Tambo District. This involved door to door visits, community dialogues and focus groups discussions.

The purpose was to discuss the practice of ukuthwala and to find out how communities at different age groups feel about the practice.

Household profiling conducted in June 2012 reaching 396 households in the following sub-locations – Buthulo, Mathambo and Gqibelana Locations and Hlabathi J.S.S.

Awareness Campaign on promotion of safety and healthy lifestyle was conducted in June 2012 during June 16 Youth Celebrations.

A Family Resource Centre was established to educate women and families about Human Rights and Children’s rights and to address all gender and family issues.

There is after school program for orphaned and vulnerable children in the area. The program provides life skills to the children and the volunteers assist with homework and holiday programs.

Conclusion: During 2021-2022 this subject has emerged as the focus again and this will be dealt with through a social norms change program that will be technically supported by partners like UNFPA. This will also extend the focus districts to OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo. It is also worth noting that this practice is a hidden practice and it happens in the furthest and left behind populations, these are the populations that will be prioritized in the coming financial year.

Reply:

a) The offender in question qualified for remission of sentence which reduced his sentence with 01 year. He then became eligible to be considered for parole as part of the Special Parole Dispensation and his placement on parole was approved by the parole board;

b) The parole conditions such as reporting twice a week at Community Corrections Office are applicable to all. We will continue to monitor his parole conditions accordingly.

It should also be noted that the offender in question is currently under Witness Protection. We are limited by regulations to disclose information on this matter. However, we have been briefed by the Department on this matter and details will be communicated as other cases are enrolled with the justice system.

c) According to Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 as amended (“the CPA”) provides for the right of complainant to make representations with regard to placement on parole, on day parole, or under correctional supervision in the following cases:

1. When a court sentences a person to imprisonment for-

(a) murder or any other offence which involves the intentional killing of a person;

(b) rape or compelled rape as contemplated in sections 3 or 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007, respectively;

(c) robbery where the wielding of a fire-arm or any other dangerous weapon or the infliction of grievous bodily harm or the robbery of a motor vehicle is involved;

(d) sexual assault, compelled sexual assault or compelled self-sexual assault as contemplated in section 5, 6 or 7 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007, respectively;

(e) kidnapping; or

(f) any conspiracy, incitement or attempt to commit any offence contemplated in paragraphs (a) to (e)

Therefore, the offender’s victims were not approached to participate in the Parole Board’s meeting when he was considered for parole placement as the crimes committed by the offender do not fall within the ambit of the section stated above.

END

Reply:

(a) What measures have been put in place at each of the correctional facilities administered by his department to:

(i) isolate detainees showing symptoms of being infected with the coronavirus,

On 14 March 2020, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Preparedness, Detection and Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) of the Department of Correctional Services were approved and circulated to all regions for implementation. Since the lockdown, 10 035 Remand Detainees (RDs) have been admitted to Correctional Centres nationally. All RDs are screened for COVID-19 symptoms and those showing symptoms of being infected with the Coronavirus are quarantined from the other detainees for 14 days and monitored on a daily basis. A swab is collected for testing by the NICD; monitored on a daily basis in isolation area whilst awaiting the results.

(ii) isolate detainees who have tested positive for infection with the coronavirus, Detainees who test positive for COVID-19 are categorised by the health care professional as mild, moderate and severe according to the COVID-19 categories. However, the following procedures are implemented:

• Once the positive results are received, the detainees are moved from quarantine to isolation;
• A medical practitioner at the Department of Health designated Hospital will be engaged to determine the need for the detainee to be treated in the department or at the designated hospital;
• Detainees with mild and moderate symptoms will be treated at a designated treating site in the department whereas those with severe symptoms will be admitted at the Provincial Designated Hospital;
• The isolated detainees are monitored and treated symptomatically by the health care professionals;
• The Department will inform the relevant Health District and the Provincial Communicable Disease Control Directorate for support in conducting contact tracing;
• The notification of the COVID-19 positive case will be as per Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) prescripts;
• The Department of Health links the relevant Health District office to the centre for further monitoring.
• Remand detainees with co-morbidities, (i.e above 60, diabetics, HIV positives, TB patients, Asthmatics, cancer patient, pregnant females), are identified and are classified as per risk factors and monitoring is intensified.
• Isolated/Quarantine inmates are retested for COVID-19 before exiting out of quarantine.
• Psychological, Spiritual services care are provided to Confirmed inmates.

(iii) Identify and isolate contacts of detainees or staff members who tested positive for the coronavirus,

• The detainees who test positive are interviewed by health care professionals to identify the possible contacts;
• The staff utilises admission registers into the cell where the positive inmate was accommodated to identify possible contacts of the detainee;
• Those detainees who shared the same cell with the positive case are identified as possible contacts;
• The contacts are quarantine and monitored for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days; and
• Should the contacts present with symptoms they will also be tested for COVID-19 as per DoH guidelines.

Regarding the officials the following processes are followed:

• All officials with COVID-19 signs and symptoms are identified and referred for testing;
• Presumptive cases are reported and partner Departments are contacted (SAPS, DOH, NICD etc);
• Self-isolation/quarantine forms are acknowledged and signed off by officials who are requested to isolate/quarantine;
• All Confirmed COVID-19 cases of officials and presumptive persons under investigation are self-quarantined (either home or State provided facility);
• Psychological services are provided to confirmed cases; and
• Reintegration is done upon re-test and negative confirmation.

(iv) assist members of the prison population to practice regular hand-washing and other hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organisation

The Department is dealing with this pandemic by implementing a disaster management plan that is embedded in national government’s adopted approach of ‘prevention, containment/treatment and disaster recovery’. The Department’s Disaster Management Response Plan is designed to prevent, contain, disrupt and mitigate COVID-19 from spreading in the department’s facilities and administrative offices.

Health care professionals disseminate hand hygiene and infection control information through awareness sessions and conduct hand washing campaigns. Each inmate is provided with soap for hand washing purposes; installation of secured hand washing soap and sanitizers is done in most centres. Educational posters on hand wash are placed on all notice boards in all Correctional Facilities.

Security equipment including vehicles are being sanitised and cleaned with the necessary detergents daily before and after utilisation by Correctional Centres and Community Corrections. Scrub down of facilities continues on a daily basis to ensure that areas are scrubbed down at least once a week. Officials have been assigned to sanitise hands of officials, inmates and visitors at all entry points and exit points in Correctional Facilities. Cleaning and enforcement of sanitisation are maintained at the Correctional Centres and Community Corrections especially at the reception, admission areas and living cells.

(v) encourage social distancing

Social distancing is encouraged in all Correctional Facilities and work places by introducing below mentioned measures as a form of promoting social distancing:

• Reduce the number of offenders appearing before the CSPB for placement consideration and CMC. During these sittings social distancing must be adhered to;
• Reduce number of offenders attending group programmes;
• Reduce the number of representatives attending meeting/sessions/training/VC meetings including decreasing meeting times;
• Decreased travelling to and from or within the Management Areas;
• Reduce the movement within management areas between correctional centres;
• Encourage electronic submission of documents where facilities are available;
• Promote increased exercise for offenders in manageable groups;
• Members record on duty at the entrance gate to prevent congestion;
• Minimise congestion in the admissions areas by calling new admission one by one to admission table; and
• Reduced number of inmates in library.

Social distancing for offenders in their cells is a challenge given the limited floor space for each offender in a cell and is further exacerbated by overcrowding ,hence offenders are encouraged to implement good hand hygiene practices.

(vi) test for infection

Naso-pharyngeal or Oro-pharyngeal swabs are collected by health professionals and sent to laboratory.

(b) in each case (i) what are the full relevant details and

In each case the Naso-pharyngeal or Oro-pharyngeal swabs are collected by health professionals and sent to laboratory and the results will determine further management of the detainee per stipulations.

(ii) from what date were the specified measures implemented;

Approved 2020 DCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Preparedness, Detection and Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) of the Department of Correctional Services.

(2) what number of (a) employees at the Department of Correctional Services and (b) detainees under the supervision of his department have been tested for the coronavirus to date?

(a) As at 26 April 2020, there are 536 officials who have been refereed to health care services for testing. It is important to highlight that most employees possess medical aids which they utilize for coronavirus testing. (b) To date there are 2 611 inmates that have been tested for coronavirus under the supervision of the Department of Correctional Services.

END

Reply:

(1) (a) Although there were discussions to revamp the Humansdorp Magistrates Court as early as 2006 there were no formal designs and plans which were finalised at that stage. The initial plans were formally endorsed in 2013 with the submission on the needs assessment to the Department of Public Works (now Department of Public Works and Infrastructure) (DPWI). Following several interactions and consultations with various stakeholders, the revised Needs Assessment was officially signed off by the Accounting Officer on the 19th November 2019 and forwarded to DPWI to conduct a feasibility study and to prepare a detailed estimate for consideration by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. It appears that the project was delayed by challenges encountered by DPWI regarding the consolidation of the ERFs and rezoning of the property, which has now been resolved.

(b) Several meetings and interactions with consultants and various stakeholders were held to consider the revised needs and concept designs in through a Zoom meeting held on 14 July 2020. It was unanimously agreed that the Concept 3 (demolition and rebuild) be adopted and this has since been formalised in writing for official signing off by all stakeholders for approval by National Office before the end of December 2020. This will then result in finalisation of sketch plans for approval and for cost estimates to be determined. Construction will commence immediately after the approval of the sketch plans and it is anticipated that the project will get underway during the second half of the 2021/2022 financial year.

(2) (a) The Project is currently registered for additional accommodation and is currently in stage 4, i.e. planning stage. A decision was taken to adopt a phased approach where the project will be split into two phases to address the urgent security measures and shortage of ablutions at the facility in the first phase as follows:

1. Phase 1: Security measures i.e. installation of a perimeter fence and security gates only, minor repairs to existing ablutions and provision of a temporary ablution park home.
2. Phase 2: Demolition of the existing single storey magistrate office and construction of new court house in accordance to the approved designs. The new designs will also provide adequate undercover parking for court officials.

(b) The fence and gates will be placed within the boundary to avoid having to demolish the low boundary wall and trees on the perimeter will be cut down and removed. A temporary mobile unit accommodating additional ablutions, storage facilities, and consultation offices for prosecutors, will be placed in a position where the court can still operate when construction commences on the second phase.

(3) (a) As part of the current capital works project, the fencing and gates will be addresses as phase one of this project and the other access control measures will be addressed in the second phase of the project.

(b) The department has appointed the services from a departmental appointed security service provider to conduct security functions at the court daily. Recruitment is done by this service provider in line with the Departmental specifications and required security grading who then further receive on the job training by the employer during the induction phase and is monitored in line with the service level agreement on an on-going basis.

(4) Security problems at the court are infrastructural instead of physical in nature and therefore the concerns will be addressed under the registered Capital Works Project but done in Phases. Since the site clearance was issued and submitted to the department on 19 November 2020, the department will start making arrangements to attend to the fence and the ablutions by March 2021.

(5) (a) Based on municipal approval and site clearance, the ablution facilities will require electrical, sewerage and water connections to be fully operational. Chemical toilets cannot be considered as this is not an economically viable solution, sustainable, or hygienically suitable for this type of environment in the absence of running water. Current ablutions are maintained when the need arises through day to day maintenance on an on-going basis, but challenges are often experienced with breakages as a result of vandalism by end users.

(b) The Department is working closely with DPWI to ensure the project phase 2 is under implementation in the next financial year 2021/22.

END

Reply:

1. The table below provides details on the number of incoming extradition requests are currently pending and/or under review, as well as the details on the number of cases, time it has taken thus far and progress made for each case under review

(1) (a)	53
(b) (i)	Details of cases
	Nature of offence	Number of cases
	Murder	15
	Attempted Murder	3
	Culpable homicide	3
	Assault	3
	Rape / attempted rape	2
	Robbery /armed robbery	6
	Fraud	8
	Drug related offences	4
	Hunting without permit	2
	Money laundering	5
	Corruption	3
	Terrorist activities	1
	Assault	1
	Theft	17
	Housebreaking	1
	Escape from lawful custody	1
	Sexual exploiting/neglect of children	2
	War crimes	1
	Total	74

N.B. Seven (7) countries reported more than one (1) criminal case per extradition request, which explains the total number of 74 cases versus the total number of 53 extradition requests.

(b) (ii)	Cases received from 2012 to 2017	29
	Cases received from 2018 to date	24
	Total	53
(iii)	Progress on cases
	Interpol	5
	Section 5 notifications served/submitted to Minister	15
	Extraditions to be served after sentence	2
	Requests incomplete and returned	9
	Cases before court	7
	Outgoing requests sent but no response received	15
	Total	53

 

2. The total number of extraditions and mutual legal assistance treaties that have been negotiated but not yet signed and/or ratified as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) are the details of the progress of the specified treaties and projected timeline of their completion?

(a)	Treaties negotiated but not yet signed	9
(b)	Country	Progress	Projected Timeline
	CUBA (Extradition and MLA)	Await comments from the Cuban authorities	Possible entry into force during the fourth quarter of 2021
	BELARUS (Extradition and MLA)	Presidential Minute for signing issued Belarus to indicate whether they are ready to sign	Possible entry into force during the third quarter of 2021
	VIET NAM (Extradition and MLA)	Minor amendments to be effected on request of Viet Nam	Possible entry into force during the fourth quarter of 2021
	PAKISTAN (Extradition)	Treaty negotiated during 2014	Pakistan yet to confirm that they will provide death penalty undertakings
	ETHIOPIA (Extradition and MLA)	Treaty negotiated during 2015	Ethiopia still to accept South Africa’s proposal regarding terrorism
	UNITED KINGDOM (MLA)	Presidential Minute already issued UK to indicate whether they are ready to sign	Possible entry into force during the third quarter of 2021
	MOZAMBIQUE (Extradition)	Treaty negotiated during 2017 OCSLA (DIRCO) requested certain amendments to comply with Article 19 of the SADC Protocol on Extradition	Possible entry into force during the fourth quarter of 2021
	BRAZIL (MLA)	A new Presidential Minute requested Brazilian Ambassador in Pretoria has been authorized to sign on behalf of the Brazilian Government	Possible entry into force during the third quarter of 2021
	BOTSWANA (Extradition and MLA)	South Africa is ready to sign await Botswana’s approval to sign	During February 2020, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that they are still waiting for Cabinet to approve that the Amendment Treaty be signed.

END

Reply:

SASSA provided food parcels during the initial hard lockdown implemented as a measure to limit the spread of the virus. In excess of 147 000 food parcels were distributed by SASSA during this period.

The decision taken during the period when food parcels were provided to reduce the size of the food parcel was taken to try and standardise the support provided within the Social Development sector, and to provide support to more people.

With the introduction of the R350 relief grant, SASSA stopped the distribution of food parcels, as the qualifying citizens were effectively being supported by the special relief grant and could not benefit from both forms of relief.

SASSA is no longer distributing food parcels but is continuing to provide support in terms of the social relief of distress programme through vouchers and direct humanitarian support to citizens affected by disasters other than the pandemic, in accordance with the provisions of the Social Assistance Act.

Reply:

GPW has been implementing its Integrated Marketing and Communications Strategy which incorporates its efforts to penetrate the market in the SADC region as a government printer, in order to offer Africa, solutions brewed within the Continent. GPW will continue to be supported by DHA through collaboration with SADC countries by facilitating visits by member states to view GPW facilities and service offerings, enhance business opportunities for GPW.

GPW has been visiting SADC countries to present its products and service offerings in order to expand its footprint. Engagements through various platforms like exhibitions and online meetings, have occurred with all SADC countries, but GPW has started discussions on the printing process of state security documents with eSwatini, DRC, AU Commission and Namibia.

The South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan presents an opportunity for GPW to realise its strategic intent of exploring economic opportunities outside the borders of the Republic thereby expanding its footprint into SADC and other African countries.

END

.

Reply:

I was advised by the department as follows:

1. (a) No, there were no tenders awarded in the past three financial years.

(b) No. No tenders were awarded to any non-South African companies since 1

April 2020.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Not applicable.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:

(a) and (b)

Provinces	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	CURRENT (from April 2020)
Eastern Cape	354	342	326	323	319	311
Free State	158	153	140	140	139	136
Gauteng	364	354	350	343	328	309
KwaZulu-Natal	329	320	310	310	307	277
Limpopo	326	324	260	259	259	255
Mpumalanga	192	194	206	207	207	205
Northern Cape	142	134	130	130	130	130
North West	262	247	209	209	207	206
Western Cape	321	300	288	288	284	279
Total	2 448	2 368	2 209	2 209	2 180	2 108

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

Honourable Member, please note that the National Department of Human Settlements does not contract developers. The appointment of contractors are done by provinces, municipalities and entities reporting to the Department. The National Department of Human Settlements is in the process of collating this data and it will be verified before publication.

The Honourable Member will be well aware that as part of transforming the construction sector, the Department of human Settlements through the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) and Urban Settlement Development Grants (USDG) has set aside 30% of the projects to be allocated to women-owned business entities and 10% to youth-owned businesses, which is being implemented by all Provinces and Metros.

We are proud to mention that the Limpopo Province and Ekurhuleni Municipality have already achieved their 30% target in this financial year. This means that they are likely to achieve the Presidential directive of 40% this year. 

I have requested my Department to work with Treasury on ring-fencing these targets to allow us to monitor our performance better.  Our entities have also aligned their procurement targets with sector charters. These targets are reflected in the annual plans and annual reports of the entities.