Questions and Replies

Reply:

The number of South African Police Service (SAPS) members at the Sun City Police Station, was reduced by seven members during the last year, influencing the availability of members to operate the Satellite Police Station, on a full-time basis.

The premises, which was used for the Sun City Police Station, was a small office, which was lent to the SAP6 by the tribal council of Mabeskraal. With the outbreak of COVID-19 the office did not meet the standards of the COVID-19 protocols, e.g. social distancing, etc. for the protection of the community and SAPS members.

As a result of the abovementioned situation, the Sun City Police Station now makes use of a mobile Community Service Centre that visits the affected community, two to three times a week, to ensure that the services rendered by the previous “Satellite Office" are maintained.

A new Police Station for Mabeskraal is currently in the final stages of completion, after which the community will be able to receive permanent police services.

Reply to question 58 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-19

Reply to question 58 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

2

Reply:

(1)(a)(b)(i)(ii), (2)(a)(b), (3) and (4)(a)(b)

An extension of two weeks is requested, because the information needs to be drawn from a live system, in order to provide the response to this question.

Reply to question 2 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 2 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE,MP
Date: 008/03/2021

2

Reply:

1. There is nothing prohibiting a senior member of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to be in charge of a nonprofit organisation (NPO).

1. It would not be acceptable for a senior member of the DPCI to (a) solicit and/or

(b) receive funding from the National Lotteries Commission (NCL) at the time when the DPCI are investigating alleged corruption involving lottery funding.

The funds were not received by the senior member of the DPCI, in his capacity as a member of the DPCI. The funds in question is a matter between the National Lotteries Commission (NCL) and the nonprofit organisation (NPO), which has nothing to do with the DPCI.

1. The person, whose name is mentioned, did not need permission as a serving member of the DPCI, to set up a foundation. He, therefore, did not seek permission from the employer.

1. No, the person, whose name is mentioned, was not obliged to declare the funding, which was received from the NLC, for the NPO.

1. No, the person, whose name is mentioned, did not declare that the NPO had received funding from the NLC. If the member had received any other type of funding, which was not meant for the NPO, he would have had to declare it. He was not obliged to declare the funding received from the NLC, for the NPO.

Reply to question 125 recommended/

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-19

Reply to question 125 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Find here: Internal ref number 1795 2020

Internal Ref Number: Subrrdssion Date: Question Asked By:

Question Asked To:

Question:

1795 - 2020

03.11.2020

Mr MJ Cuthbert Minister of Police

1. Whether (a) he believes it is acceptable for a senior member of the Hawks to be in charge of an NPO which solicits funding;

• 1. it is acceptable for a senior member of the Hawks to solicit and receive funding from the NLC at a time when the Hawks are investigating corruption involving Lottery funding;

• 1. Brigadier Mulaudzi needed permission as a serving officer to set up a foundation in his name, if so, (i) was he granted permission;

• 1. he was aware of him being considered for NLC funding prior to his acceptance of the funding itself and

• 1. Brigadier Mulaudzi did declare that he had received Lottery funding to him?

Internal Ref Number: Submission Date: Question Asked By: Question Asked To:

Question:

0038 - 2021

08.02.2021

Mr MJ Cuthbert Minister of Police

1. Whether it is acceptable for a senior member of the Hawks to be in charge of a nonprofit organisation which solicits funding from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether it is acceptable for a senior member of the Hawks to (a) solicit and (b) receive funding from the NLC at a time when the Hawks are investigating corruption involving Lottery funding; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether a certain person (name furnished) needed permission as a serving officer to set up a foundation in the specified person’s name; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) was the person granted permission; (4)

whether he was aware of the person being considered for NLC funding prior to his acceptance of the funding itself; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether the person declared to him that he had received funding from the NLC; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

a) SAHPRA was informed of an alleged dispensing of Ivermectin tablets at Tayler Bequest Hospital. The Times newspaper issued an article dated 12 January 2021 that the Eastern Cape Department of Health will investigate a prescription for Ivermectin after it was allegedly signed at Tayler Bequest Hospital in Matatiele. It was also indicated that it carried the hospital stamp. SAHPRA was able to obtain information from the pharmacist at the Hospital on 03 March 2021. It was confirmed that one of the doctors had written a prescription for Ivermectin, however, it could not be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy did not have stock. The patient left with the prescription. Management was not available to provide full information on what they were doing about this concerning matter, and it was requested to revert to SAHPRA with further action taken and progress. The response will inform the next step required.

b) There has been one case investigated where it was confirmed that Ivermectin was administered to humans for the purposes of prevention of COVID-19. SAHPRA inspectors conducted an inspection and halted further administration of the Ivermectin. The initial priority was the safety of the recipients, therefore SAHPRA requested the medical evaluation of the recipients. The medical reports received show no impact to the recipients. No case has been opened, however, SAHPRA will be making a follow-up visit to ensure that all commitments made have been met and will be requesting SAPS assistance in the follow up visit.

Cases involving illegal import of Ivermectin by persons into South Africa and illegal selling by South African persons or companies does involve SAPS and arrests were made. SAHPRA continues to investigate any tip-offs and information received.

END.

Reply:

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-19

Reply to question 119 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Reply:

 

The South African Police Service (SAPS), Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experienced a shortage of consumables, in 2019/2020, due to financial constraints. However, in July 2020, an additional R250 million, was allocated to the Division Forensic Services. Funding certificates have since been signed and submitted to the Division: Supply Chain Management (SCM), to activate the procurement process for consumables, which are needed to process deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and the subsequent lockdown Regulations, in terms of the Disaster Management Act, had a negative effect on the procuremant of consumables, due to the restrictions on economic activities. The FSL is serviced by suppliers, who acquire certain consumables from abroad. As a prerequisite, potential responsive bidders/suppliers are expected to do a site visit and consumables must be validated and tested by FSL technicians, to ascertain the compatibility and efficiency of proposed consumables. This process was prohibited during certain stages of the lockdown.

Find here: The following contracts were awarded, in 2020:

Reply:

Find here: REPLY:

Reply:

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 115 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Reply:

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 126 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Find here: Question 2477

 

Reply:

1. Engcobo:
   • A Stock Theft Satellite Office has been identified in Dalasile, which is not far from Engcobo and will be established, in 2021/2022, to curb and investigate all stock theft and related matters.

1. Tsomo:
   • In Tsomo, all the stock theft cases and related matters are being dealt with by the Butterworth Stock Theft Unit and the theft of livestock has been decreased, by up to 5%, in this financial year.
   • Stock Theft operations are conducted monthly.
   • An education drive on how to look after and brand livestock, is being conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Agriculture.

1. Matatiele:
   • A contingency plan is being developed to deploy SAPS members along the border of South Africa and Lesotho, who will work closely with members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) members to curb the theft of livestock, as well as address illegal border crossings. It is envisaged that this contingency plan will be implemented, in 2021/2022.
   • Stock Theft operations are conducted monthly.

• • An education drive, on how to look after and brand livestock, is being conducted by the SAPS and the Department of Agriculture.
  • A fully-fledged Stock Theft Unit will be established, in Matatiele, in 2021/2022 and will be commanded by a Captain, with 12 members.

1. Qumbu:
   • A total of 16 SAPS members have been allocated to the Qumbu Stock Theft Unit, to beef up the investigations, perform waylay duties and conduct patrols to curb the theft of livestock in that area.
   • A Stock Theft Satellite Office, with six SAPS members, has been established in Sulenkama, to investigate all stock theft and related matters, perform waylay duties and conduct patrols to curb the theft of livestock.
   • Stock Theft operations are conducted monthly.
   • An education drive on how to take care of and brand livestock, is being conducted by the SAPS and the Department of Agriculture.

Reply to question 53 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-25

Reply to question 53 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

(

Reply:

On 15 March 2020, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, designated under Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), declared a national state of disaster and promulga1ed Regulations, in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) issued a circular, with reference 1/1/4/1 over 3/34/1, dated 19 May 2020, signed by the National Commissioner, to address the use of force and torture and provide guidelines on the implementation and enforcement of Regulations and directives issued, in terms of Section 27 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, on the containment and management of COVID-19. This circular was issued in response to the court order issued in the Khoza judgment. A Code of Conduct for law enforcement officers during the State of Disaster was also issued jointly, by the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in response to the court order issued in the Khoza judgement. The Code of Conduct provides for complaint mechanisms to be used by persons, who are aggrieved by the conduct of SAPS or SANDF members.

Guidelines are issued, every time when there is an amendment to the Disaster Management Act Regulations, to ensure that members of the SAPS have a common understanding. These directives are updated, in accordance with the periodic amendments to the aforementioned legislation. The circulation of these directives is effected, via established internal communication platforms, to all levels in the SAPS.

The SAPS members are reminded of the SAPS Code of Conduct, during daily on and off duty parades. The SAPS deploys Senior Management Service (SMS) members at local level, to enhance the overall command and control and to guide and advise members on the application of lockdown directives.

The Minister and Deputy Minister of Police, in conjunction with the SAPS Top Management, have undertaken several visits to SAPS members who are deployed, to emphasise the correct and professional application of the lockdown directives.

The SAPS conducts thorough investigation of all complaints against its members, including those related to the implementation of the aforementioned Regulations.

Reply to question 116 recommended
 

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 116 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Reply:

1. A total of three police stations were robbed, in 2020. The Moyeni Police Station in the Eastern Cape was robbed, on 19 December 2020. The Badplaas and the Bushbuckridge police stations, in Mpumalanga were robbed, on 12 September 2020 and 22 June 2020, respectively.

1. Based on the incident reports, the root cause of the robberies was to obtain firearms. This was tha motive in all the above mentioned robberies.

1. Preventative measures, with regard to access control and safeguarding of

firearms, are in place. The South African Police Service (SAPS), Police Safety Strategy, Pillar 2, Proactive Interventions, deals with the development and implementation of identified safety measures at police stations. A National Directive, with reference 18/3/2, dated 22 August 2018, was issued regarding the safekeeping of state owned firearms in the Community Service Centres

(CSC) safes. It aims to mitigate the risk of attacks and robberies at police “ stations and requires the movable firearm safes to be removed from the CSC

to a safe room, in order to prevent the theft/loss of firearms. Pillar 3: Safety of Police Stations, Building and Infrastructure deals with the South African National Standards (SANS), which is prescribed for the storage of firearms, in terms of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

Reply to question 69 recommended/

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 69 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 02/03/2021

Reply:

Yes, a case docket was opened and is being investigated. The case relates to the various contraventions of the Regulations of Gathering Act, 1993 (Act No. 205 of 1993). These contraventions include the failure to comply with conditions imposed, in respect of the gathering, as well as failures to comply with instructions and orders of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

A total of eight persons were arrested for public violence, in respect of incidents of violence that occurred on that day.

With regard to the failure to comply with the Regulations, in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), it is important to note that at the time of the march the Regulations, applicable to Alert Level 1 had to be complied with, in terms of Regulation 69, read with Regulation 80. The failure to comply with the provisions relating to gatherings were not criminalised and the failure to comply with the provisions, relating to the wearing of masks and social distancing were not criminal offences for which police could have arrested the perpetrators. The only obligation on law enforcement officers that applied at the time, was to disperse gatherings that took place in contravention of the Regulations. The SAPS did disperse the gathering.

(2) A case docket, Brackenfell CAS 237/11/2020, was opened, in terms of Section 18(2)(b) of the Riotous Assemblies Act, 1956 (Act No. 17 of 1956). This case relates to one of the persons, who incited violence on the day of the march. No case docket, in terms of the latter Section was opened against the organisers of the gathering and the reason for this is the fact that the conduct of the conveners are already the subject of an investigation, in terms of Brackenfell CAS 236/11/2020. The incidents of violence is also the subject of the public violence case dockets, which are being investigated.

(3)The Minister will decide whether he will make a statement on the matter.

Reply to question 6 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-19

Reply to question 6 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Reply:

The investigation of the case, with reference number CAS 232/01/2021 , which was registered, on 11 January 2021, at the Sunnyside Police Station, was referred to the Investigating Directorate, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS). A copy of the letter, with reference 26/3/8, dated 13 January 2021, is attached.

Reply to question 54 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 54 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 02/03/2021

X 94 Pretoria, 0001

26/3/8

General KI Sitole 012 400 6934

A.THE HEAD: INVESTIGATING DIRECTORATE P/Bag X762
Pretoria
01

B.THE DEPUTY NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: CRIME DETECTION

C.THE ACTING DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER: DETECTIVE SERVICE

TRANSFER OF INVESTIGATION FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE (SAPS) TO THG INVESTIOATING DIRECTORATE: SUNNYSIDE CAS 232/01/2021

Case number 232/01/2021 opened at Sunnyside Police Station on 11!^ January 2021 by the Economic Freedom Fighters political party, against the Minister of Police for which that SAPS Is functionally accountable to, has a bearing on this communication.

The South African Police Service National Commissioner General KJ Sitole therefore, In the promotion of ties, fair and objective administration of justice, hereby requests the Head: Investigating Directorate, Advocate H Cronja to investigate the above mentioned case against the Minister.

Enquiries regarding the docket or any cooperation needed from the SAPS, the Advocate is humbly requested to contact the Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection Lieutenant General SC Mfazi at [email protected]

B - C: Copy for information

 

Reply:

An extension of two weeks is requested, in order to facilitate the ratification and approval of the final armourty report, before submission.

Reply to question 100 recommended/

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 100 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Reply:

Introduction

The term ”rape kits” is used in the public dOmafn, to refer ta the collection kits, which are used to collect evidence from victims of sexual assault and rape. However, the South African Police Service (SAPS), makes use of 1d different types of crime kits to collect various samples at crime scenes. These include the two types of evidence collection kits, namely; the Adult Sexual Assault Collection Kit (D1) and the Paediatric Sexual Assault Collection Kit (D7), which are used to collect evidence from victims of sexual assault and rape. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Reference Buccal Sample Kits (DB), are used to take buccal samples from persons, who are arrested and charged, for schedule eight offences (this includes serial murderers and serial rapists), as required by the DNA Act.

(1)(a) The table below reflects the rape kits that have been procured for the 2020/2021 financial year, up to 12 February 2021.

Order date Item description	Quantity ordered
2020-05-13 D1: Kit, Collection, Adult, Sexual Assault 2020-05-13 D7: Kit, Collection, Paediatric, Sexual Assault	39 829
	17 323

(1)(b) A total number of 1 155 police stations have been provided with the necessary equipment to assist with cases of gender-based violence. The collection kits are distributed, from the Division: Supply Chain Management (SCM), to the Provincial SCM, who then distribute the collection kits to police stations, in accordance with their requirements, as informed by the prevailing crime statistics. All provinces are required to confirm the availability of collection kits to the Divisional Commissioner: SCM, on a weekly basis and replenishment is done, as requested.

(2) The contract number 19/1/9/1/140TD(18), is in place for a period of three years. There is currently a delay in the delivery of the D7 Kits, because the supplier is waiting for the laboratory test results, before the evidence kits can be provided to the SAPS.

Response to question 70 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-19

Reply to question 70 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

Reply:

Yes, the operational commander addressed the group and warned them to disperse. The group dispersed, without any incident.

Reply to question 105 recommended/

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 105 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 03/03/2021

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Internal Ref Number: 0018 2021

Submission Date: Question Asked By: Question Asked To:

08.02.2021

Mr Denis Joseph Minister of Police

Question:

1.In relation to the application made by the Economic Freedom Fighters for Friday 20 November 2020 where they marched to Brackenfell High School, will he advise (a) whether there were any organizations or groups identified who did not apply to participate in the march, if so, (b) how did the police mange avoiding potential conflict?

Contact: Asanda Sotenjwa (2960 or [email protected])

Reply:

Disciplinary steps have been instituted against the four SAPS members and the progress is as follows:

The Disciplinary Investigating Officer was appointed, on 6 August 2020.

The departmental investigation was completed, on 4 September 2020.

The departmental case was placed on the roll for the departmental hearing, on 8 October 2020.

The outcome of the departmental hearing was, on 15 October 2020 and the members were given written warnings.

The departmental file was placed on review by the Integrity Management Officer and was referred for a legal opinion.

The departmental file is currently with the Provincial Head: Legal Services for the finalisation of the review application process.

Reply to question 4 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-02-26

Reply to question 4 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 02/03/2021

 

NW4E

VFf°LUS

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Dr. P. Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Police:

What progress has been made with the charge of ordinary theft, CAS 18/07/2020, that Mr. M. Zuahar laid against four members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) at the Khuma Police Station;

whether, in light of the serious charge of theft, any steps have been taken against the four SAPS members (WO IT Msindo, Sgt TJ Njephe, Sgt TD Sebotso and Const SL Molete); if not, why not; if so, what steps;

whether he will make a statement on the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Dr. P. Groenewald (MP) 7 February 2021

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VF Plus Parlement

I orlenjciit, Kaapstad, 60o i

[w] www,vfplu s.org.ra [«] dclienyvf.co. za

Unrepresented Nations and

Pecples OrganlzaClon

le Y ficlrlsfiot I Plus 1s ‘n ll‹T van tJhPD

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

a) SAPO is currently renting 1 110 premises from landlords and is currently considering ownership option in some areas and releasing some where they are under-utilised.

b) Currently, the total rental bill is approximately R30 million per month.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

a) Reclamation, restoration or rehabilitated land is key to increase the production of food in that it brings back land into production. Improving land quality by restoring same degraded lands have potential to increase yields as a results of increased ecosystem services i.e. food and water.

b) Yes.

Reply:

Introduction:

The Centralised Early Retirement initiative in 2019 was considered in response to managing the wage bill as well as a need identified for employees wishing to exit the Public Service before the official retirement age. Eligible employees must have turned 55 but not yet 60 years of age, during the financial years 2019 to 2021. National Treasury was to be approached by departments for the provision of additional funding, in cases where departments could not pay the liability attached to early retirement, on behalf of eligible employees. This meant that an employee taking early retirement would be treated as if he/she would be retiring normally. As National Treasury was providing funding for this initiative, the response to the question is based on the information supplied by National Treasury.

(1)(a)(i) The number of applications, for early retirement, received by National Treasury for processing by December 2020 from both national and provincial departments was 5 289.

(1)(a)(i)(aa) The available information is not disaggregated by departments or specific provinces. From the total number of applications for early retirement, 3 332 applications were from National Departments, and

(1)(a)(i)(bb) 1957 applications were from the Provinces.

(1)(a)(ii) 2 964 applications were recommended for funding and communicated to the respective national departments. Approval for early retirement vests with the relevant Executive Authority. The Technical Committee on Finance (TCF) decided that all applications from provincial departments be referred to the provincial Treasuries to process. The Applications from Provincial Departments were therefore processed and financed through the relevant provincial treasury.

(1)(a)(iii) all eligible applications submitted for central funding were processed and feedback provided to the relevant national departments. Each Provincial Treasury processed applications for the respective province and has such information.

(1)(b) no decision was taken not to process any eligible application made at the national level.

(1)(c) refer to (1)(b) above.

(2) Various measures are considered to better manage personnel expenditure in the Public Service. At this point in time there are no plans to re-introduce a centrally funded Early Retirement Incentive, similar to the incentive that applied in 2019. Early Retirement is regulated and is vested with the relevant Executive Authority. Nothing prohibits departments from encouraging their employees to take early retirement in terms of the current provisions. In August 2020, National Treasury issued Guidelines for Costing and Budgeting for Compensation of Employees for the preparation of estimates of expenditure for the 2021 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The Guidelines encouraged departments to implement compensation containment measures, such as Early Retirement without penalisation, among others.

(3) There is no evidence that older employees are necessarily less productive than younger employees or vice versa. Experience, institutional memory and maturity are highly valued by employers. Incentivising exits, is therefore not a mutually exclusive process from considerations such as service delivery continuity, human resource planning, recruitment, utilization, development and retention.

The process of applying for early retirement is the same as applying for normal retirement with the additional consideration of penalties for early retirement. The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) applies the same formula to both normal and early retirement. Any changes to the process may affect the Government Employees Pension Law and Rules as there is an adjustment factor applicable to early retirement.

End

Reply:

1(a) As at 31 January 2021, the number of government employees receiving the housing allowance was 958 705. The breakdown is as follows: 710 173 employees are for home ownership, 240 194 employees are tenants and 8338 are employees still receiving the old housing allowance.

1(a)(i) The table hereunder provides aggregate information, as at 31st January 2021, on employees that are receiving the housing allowance per province and in national departments.

Province and National	Number of employees
Eastern Cape	95 040
Free State	41 006
Gauteng	122 960
KwaZulu Natal	145 358
Limpopo	86 588
Mpumalanga	59 428
North West	45 060
Northern Cape	16 250
Western Cape	49 009
All Provinces (Sub Total)	660 699
National	298 006
Grand Total	958705

1(a)(ii) Information on employees receiving the housing allowance per department (National and provincial departments) is reflected on Annexure A.

1(a)(iii) Information on employees, per salary level 1 to 10 including 11 to 12 for the Occupational Special Dispensation (OSD), is reflected on Annexure B. Employees who are not owning nor renting any accommodation do not receive the housing allowance. Employees who are on middle management (MMS) and senior management service (SMS) levels (11 – 16) respectively and are on Total Cost to Employer salary packages do not receive a separate housing allowance. However, they are able to access other services of the Scheme, such as education and counselling, housing loans and housing stock facilitation, and enrolment.

1(b) As at 31st December 2020, the amount currently saved in the Individual-Linked Savings Facility (ILSF) is R 9.6 billion.

2. The DPSA has established that eligible public service employees are accessing the housing allowance benefit and that this has improved since inception of the GEHS benefits. This is demonstrated by the fact that the qualifying number of employees has almost doubled from 352 103 in July 2015 when the GEHS benefits were implemented to 710 173 employees as at 31 January 2021., A further improvement is on the reduction of the number of employees who were eligible for the historical housing allowance from 44530 in July 2015, to 8 338 employees, as at 31 January 2021.

At an employee/individual level factors, ranging from poor financial health, decisions on appropriate home locations, respective housing stock supply and affordability price ranges affect the ability of employees to obtain finance for housing loans or where to purchase, within their affordability criteria.

The access to and provision of decent housing is a national imperative and the DPSA is acutely aware of its role in acting as a catalyst for disrupting the status quo.

End

Reply:

a) (i) Of the R364.4 billion in investment commitments announced by 71 companies at the 2019 SA Investment Conference, R69 billion (18.9% of the total value of announcements) has flowed into the economy as per reports received from companies.

(ii) 60 of the 71 companies are responsible for the flows of R69 billion.

(iii) This figure is based on quarterly updates received directly from the companies and reflect the status quo as at 31 January 2021.

b)

Sector	Number of Investments	Nature of investments
Advanced Manufacturing	4	New manufacturing facilities
		Factory upgrades and expansions
Agro-processing	7	Factory upgrades and expansions
		New manufacturing facilities
		Various new and expansion activities under poultry sector Master Plan
Automotive	10	Factory upgrades and expansions
		New manufacturing facilities
Infrastructure	6	Investment in upgraded and new infrastructure
Manufacturing	11	Factory upgrades and expansions
		New manufacturing facilities
		Expansion of productive capacity across different operations
		Various new and expansion activities under the Retail, Clothing, Textile, Leather and Footwear Master Plan
Mineral Beneficiation	11	Expansion and upgrading of existing mining operations
		New mines
		Investment in new and expansion of mineral processing capacity
Services	6	Investment in new datacentres
		Investment in new and upgrading of broadband infrastructure and services
		Investment in financial services
		Expansion and upgrading of existing facilities
Oceans Economy	1	New cruise terminal infrastructure
Oil and Gas	2	Investment in new and upgrading of oil & gas projects
Renewable Energy	2	Investment in small scale renewable energy projects
Tourism and Hospitality	8	Property development
		New tourism and hospitality projects
Funds	2	Investment in project financing
Collective Announcement	1	Investment in various types of activities

c) The 2019 investment announcements are at different stages of progress and implementation and include site clearances, installation of bulk infrastructure, commissioning of plant equipment, and factory launches. These activities are contributing to the creation of jobs and economic development across provinces.

Reply:

1 (a) (i) SANRAL is conducting no operations from the property at 265 Pasteur Road.

1 (a) (ii) A service provider VEA Roads appointed by SANRAL for the Routine Road Maintenance Contract (NRA X.002-128-2019/1) of National Route N1 Section 19, N1 Section 20, N1 Section 21, N3 Section 12, N12 Section 18 & N17 Section 1 (Johannesburg Freeway RRM) is conducting its operations from 265 Pasteur Road and using it as site office for the Routine Road Maintenance contract. According to SANRAL Service Provider this property is registered as a business, as confirmed with the owner.

1 (b) No employees of SANRAL work at the property. For the SANRAL appointed service providers the following employees work at the property:

• 6 x representing the Consulting Engineers of Ndodana/Oarona JV;
• 3 x Employees from the Main Contractor (Vea Roads);
• Security on-site

1 (c) The SANRAL appointed service provider indicated that they selected the property because it is:

• Registered as a business.
• Fully furnished as an office with network points, fibre installation etc.
• Central locality of the property in relation to the project been administered from this property and easy access to the Gauteng Freeways.

1 (d) The SANRAL appointed service provider indicated that they contacted the property agent known as RAWSON, put down their requirements and this property was identified by RAWSON and a lease then entered into by service provider.

 

2 (a) SANRAL or any of its entities has not been informed that activities at the property are in violation of the property zoning.

2 (b) SANRAL or any of its entities has not been informed that buildings on the property are without plans and therefore illegal.

SANRAL has requested the service provider that is leasing the property to obtain written confirmation from the lessee with regard to relevant approvals regarding zoning and plans. Should there be any non-compliances, SANRAL will insist that the service provider ensures that they are rectified.

 

Reply:

Public Transport

In terms of the Public Transport Directions published on the 22 July 2020 (Gazette No: 43538) loading capacity for long distance public transport travel is restricted to 70% whereas for any trip regarded as short distance a 100% capacity is allowed. Medical experts and professionals advised that the longer you are exposed to an infectious person the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus. This implies that encounters with an infectious person for a short time have a lesser risk of spreading the virus. It is for this reason that allowing closer contact of passengers (100% capacity) on shorter trips/period, coupled with other mitigating measures such as wearing of masks and sufficient ventilation, would not necessarily pose a higher risk of infection to passengers. It should also be emphasised that the wearing of masks is currently compulsory.

South African Civil Aviation Authority

The Minister of Transport has permitted aircraft to be filled to capacity except the two rows in the front or back of the cabin which must be kept open in case a suspected case is identified during flight.  This decision was taken following a risk assessment exercise and the implementation of a multi-layered approach to the prevention of the spread of the virus which includes amongst others:

1. Mandatory wearing of masks throughout the flights by both crew and passengers except children under 5 years and those with documented medical exclusions.
2. Screening at domestic & international airports upon entering the terminal building that include thermal scanners, questionnaires and visual inspections.
3. Social Distancing throughout the journey.
4. Contactless check-in and boarding procedures.
5. Issuance of Directions and detailed guidelines on procedures to be followed by each operator customised to their individual operations.
6. Disinfection of the aircraft before it enters service and in between trips.
7. Training of Crew in the management of communicable diseases.
8. Universal Precaution Kits on board.
9. Mandatory PCR Testing & Antigen Testing of International Passengers.
10. Management of medical waste in the cabin.
11. Contact tracing mechanisms.
12. Airlines/Charter Operators & Airports are required to submit procedures for approval by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) in compliance to the Minister’s Directions and guidelines. The SACAA is responsible to monitor compliance.
13. Public Education through media campaigns.
14. Embarkation & Disembarkation procedures are implemented at airports during boarding and upon arrival.

In terms of the Aircraft itself, the following is applicable to modern aircraft and this is based on IATA, Airbus, Boeing & Embraer research.

Cabin Air Quality: The research conducted indicated the following findings:

1. The risk of transmission in the modern cabin environment is low for a number of reasons: passengers face the same direction, seatbacks act as barriers, air flow is from the top to bottom, and the air is also very clean.
2. There is a higher rate of air renewal than in other indoor facilities.
3. The air in the aircraft cabin comprises of around 50% fresh air from outside the aircraft and 50% of HEPA filtered air. The air in the cabin is renewed 20-30 times an hour, once every 2-3 minutes and about 10 times more than most office buildings. Research has shown that the airflow in an aircraft (from ceiling to floor) is effective to prevent the droplet spread in the cabin.
4. Modern jet aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. These filters have similar performance to those used in hospital operating theatres and industrial clean rooms and these HEPA filters are 99.9+% effective at removing viruses, bacteria and fungi.
5. The bacteria/virus removal efficiency rate of the HEPA filters onboard includes viruses such as SARS, which is similar to COVID-19.
6. The guidelines issued by the Minister requires that airlines maintain appropriate ventilation during all phases of travel, including while the plane is on the ground.

Aircraft by their nature are confined spaces and for decades operators have relied on sophisticated air conditioning systems to filter out viruses that could be carried by passengers and these systems have proven to be effective in filtering out viruses and bacteria that could be exchanged on board an aircraft. Studies conducted by aircraft manufacturers and operators prove the effectiveness of these systems. Same have been recognised by international bodies regulating civil aviation world-wide.

Reply:

1. The Minister of Transport has been informed about the bad condition of roads within the town of Standerton in Mpumalanga Province. The Minister has also discovered that the mentioned roads fall within the jurisdiction of the local sphere of Government and they needed to be rehabilitated through the MIG funding made available by COGTA.

2. The Department is constantly engaging with all 44 Municipalities on road data collection so that municipalities can be able to prioritise the maintenance and rehabilitation of their road network using their MIG allocations from COGTA. The Department is of the view that the Standerton local Municipality has made plans as per assessment data they have received thus far.

Municipalities are also encouraged to enter into MOA with SANRAL to augment their technical skills where that is a challenge for their execution of road maintenance activities.

Furthermore, SANRAL through its routine maintenance contracts do daily route patrols of all national roads under SANRAL’s jurisdiction and identify, for example potholes that must be repaired within 48 hours.

We are made to understand that, the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (PWRT) is aware of the poor condition of the Municipal roads in Standerton and was requested by the Local Municipality in question for certain municipal roads to be taken over by the Province. This transfer is encouraged.

Reply:

Whether with reference to his replies to questions 547 on 11 November 2020 and 687 on 3 April 2019, his department has withheld transfers?

Yes, indeed the Department has withheld Ekurhuleni’s 2nd tranche transfer.

a) What amount has been withheld?

R200 million,

b) From what date were transfers withheld?

From 23 October 2020 to 25 November 2020.

c) What are the relevant details?

A tranche / quarterly transfer is conditional upon the progress or achievement of previously funded milestones. The Department as the Transferring Officer had to reschedule Ekurhuleni’s 2nd tranche transfer due to non-compliance with grant framework and allow enough time to the Ekurhuleni municipality to conduct applicable assessments in order to comply with the grant framework. The transfer deferred was rescheduled and paid on the 26th of November 2020, following the required compliance.

Reply:

1. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) funds the Photonics Prototyping Facility (PPF) through its Industry Innovation Partnership Programme. The PPF was established in 2016 and is a national facility that supports the commercialisation of photonics prototypes and facilitates photonic product development that results in market-ready products. It is hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) National Laser Centre. The facility supports small technology businesses in the main. The PPF publishes call for proposals, inviting technology business to submit proposals for technologies requiring prototyping support. The PPF established a PPF Investment Committee, which includes industry experts and the DSI, and which evaluates and recommends proposals to be supported to the CSIR. Proposals are evaluated against the following criteria:

a) Relevance and Impact (commercial relevance; feasibility; and significance of impact to the Photonics industry);

b) Technical merit (clarity of objectives/motivation to use the PPF; novelty of technology; maturity of technology);

c) Budget (alignment to tasks; and feasibility with existing infrastructure); and

d) Management Plan (feasibility and efficiency of plan; and track record and team)

PPF published an open call for participation inviting proposals from SMMEs, established companies and technology entrepreneurs requiring prototype product development support, using photonics as a core building block. Additiv Solutions (Pty) Ltd submitted a proposal for the “Development of a low-cost metal additive manufacturing machine to target the use of metal 3D printing in various industries” on 30 September 2019, in response to this call. The proposal was evaluated by the PPF Investment Committee, and approved for funding on 9 December 2019. A contract between the CSIR and Additiv Solutions was concluded on 12 June 2020, and the planned contract completion date is 31 March 2021. The value of the contract is R1 245 890, with no direct funding transfer to Additiv Solutions. The funding is utilized at the CSIR to support CSIR labour and equipment acquisition to support the project. No additional contracts or funding allocations are currently planned to Additiv Solutions.

2. This question relates to particular project at the CSIR. The Minister does not usually make statements on particular projects, and is not planning to do so in relation to the CSIR’s support to Additiv Solutions.

Reply:

a) Challenges experienced with the operationalisation of additional buses and services.

The City of Ekurhuleni reported that there were unforeseen delays with the issuing of new operating licences for buses at the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE). Without the operating licences the additional busses could not be introduced into the system.

This delay was further exacerbated by the closing of PRE offices during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Only applications for operating licence renewals were processed during the lockdown period.  The City had to intervene and request for a special dispensation for the processing of the BRT operator’s application for operating licences. 

It must also be noted that Ekurhuleni’s application for a rollover of over R100 million for the 2018/19 year was not approved by National Treasury even though the city appealed in January 2020. This led to a shortage of operational funding for the 19/20 financial year.

 

b) The Department of Transport supported the Ekurhuleni’s appeal regarding its 18/19 rollover. However, with this appeal being unsuccessful and with the challenge of COVID 19 from March 2020 and its impact on the Tembisa to OR Tambo International Airport route, the Department has accepted a delay and has instructed Ekurhuleni to fully ramp up the 40 bus service in the first half of 2021.

Failure to comply with this will see Ekurhuleni as a potential candidate for being suspended from the Public Transport Network Grant in the 2022 MTEF period.

Similar cautionary warnings have been given to several other cities as well.

c) The City of Ekurhuleni report that it is not spending any funds per month relating to the leasing of busses stated above. Initially some of the 40 buses were leased from early 2019 by Harambee operator KTVR Vehilce Operating Company (VOC) in order to augment the pilot service launch in late 2017.

By October 2019, the Harambee operator KTVR VOC had secured short term financing for the remainder of the 40 bus fleet that was not already procured

Reply:

The department does not exercise any oversight over municipal speed calming policies that ensure that both the guidelines entailed in the specified policies, as well as the actual implementation of the guidelines by municipalities, conform to the national guidelines.

It is important to note that the local sphere of Government has by-laws that among other things guide the design and the implementation of the calming measures within the area of its jurisdiction.

Furthermore, The National Road Safety Steering Committee (NRSSC) technical committees have updated National Guideline for Traffic Calming measures, including clearer designs for speed humps, as a priority. This updated guideline will be incorporated to Road Safety Authorities guideline manuals for implementation.

We believe that Municipalities will benefit from these guidelines if they make use of them.

Reply:

The matter of the long queues at the Mayville clinic in ward 101 are known. This clinic is jointly managed by the Provincial Department of Health and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. This clinic operates for 5 days from 07h00 to 16h00. The clinic is managed in line with Ideal clinic programme, which has reduction of the long waiting times as one of its objectives. It is a known fact that long waiting times results in long queues in the clinics. Through the ideal clinic, Mayville clinic has been implementing the Integrated Clinic Services Management (ICSM), which directs that there be three streams. The streams are Acute Care; Mother child and Women’s health and the third stream is Chronic care. The implementation of the three streams has resulted in the reduction in the long queues because all users are seen at their own streams and thus avoid users waiting at wrong streams.

The clinic has indeed seen long queues in the past year due to the following problems:

a) All users that come to the clinic must undergo COVID-19 screening as part of the Covid-19 guidelines, and this leads to long queues as each user must be screened as part of the protocols.

b) The need for social distancing of 1,5 meters which adds to the long queues

c) Due to COVID-19 response, the clinic established CCMDD pick up points outside to avoid allowing many patients in the clinic. The outside pick point was closed when the country moved to lower lockdown levels. This led to the sudden increased number of patients who had been receiving their treatment remotely during the hard lockdowns.

The following steps have since been taken to address the situation:

a) The department has assigned 6 more COVID-19 screeners to improve efficiency and reduce the waiting times which lead to long queues

b) The department has implemented the fast queue for people with disabilities and the elderly so that they don’t wait longer hours.

c) There has an engagement with the local leadership to facilitate the reopening of the community halls as external pick up points for CCMDD. This will assist in that the patients do not have to queue at the clinic all at once for collection of chronic medication

The province has started to engage eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality regarding the provincialization of the Personal Primary Health Care Services. Once this clinic is provincialized, the province will be able to start with the extension of hours of services. These actions will address the long queues even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

END.

Reply:

1. Provinces have provided schools with rainwater harvesting tanks and schools replenish the water in the tanks through their school allocations. In cases where schools are unable, agreements have been entered into with municipalities for the replenishment of water at affetcted schools.

2. The Department has received reports from provinces which indicate the number of schools affected by storm damages.  Only in 6 schools, where learners are not able to utilize the classrooms, due to the extent of the damages.  In four of the schools, learners and educators are accommodated in adjacent schools, while repairs are in progress; and in two of the schools, mobile classrooms have been provided.

Reply:

The information required to respond to the question is not available at the Department of Basic Education but rather the Free State Department of Education. According to the Public Service Act, 1994 (Proclamation 103 of 1994 (PSA) s, 1, 3, 7(a)), the power to demarcate, name and organise education districts in a province vests with the Member of Executive Council (MEC) for Education, who is the executive authority responsible for the organisation of the provincial education department (PED).

Reply:

The Department of Science and Innovation has not received any funding from the (a) World Health Organization, (b) International Monetary Fund and (c) World Bank for research in the development of vaccines in the Republic.

Reply:

I have been informed about the illegal practices by schools to collect school fees, and charge registration fees as a condition for learners to return to school. 

I have instructed the Department to work with Provincial Education Departments to ensure that school principals and School Governing Bodies stop the practice.  Officials of the Department have been conducting interviews on various radio stations in the country, to inform parents about their rights on the demand by schools to charge registration fee.  Media statements, including statements on social media, have been issued on the matter, advising all affected parents to report such cases to the nearest provincial or district office for intervention.

Reply:

The filling of vacant posts is an ongoing process to ensure that there is a teacher in front of every class.  Schools received their new post establishments for 2021 in September and October 2020.  All vacant posts that occurred as a result of the declaration of the new post establishments, and/or natural attrition, are filled continuously.  This would include all vacancies that resulted from the loss of 1600 educators, who succumbed to COVID-19.  The posts are filled in the order of priority, which involves the placement of educators declared in addition; placement on provincial and national bursary recipients; placement of young graduates; and lastly other unemployed educators seeking employment in public schools.

Reply:

I have been furnished with a reply to the question submitted, by Ms Thabang Mampane, Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission.

Ms Mampane’s reply is as follows:

(a) “The total amount for the bid was R460 287.50 all inclusive.

(b) (i) There were a total of 19 bidders.

(ii) The full names of the bidders were as follows;

 

ITEMS	NAME OF BIDDER
1	Apros
2	Digital Republic
3	Insight2lead
4	KTM Knowledge Solutions
5	LM Training
6	Majeke Macheke School of Business Leadership
7	Mgiba
8	Mngotha Project Management
9	Mthente
10	Ndziane Inc Attorneys
11	Pan Africa TMT Group
12	Quest Research
13	Siloam People Development Agency
14	SMEC
15	Surveyfiesta
16	Toma-Now
17	Underhill Corporate Solutions
18	Urban-Econ
19	Wits

(c) The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to appoint a suitably qualified service provider to conduct research on the social, economic and operational impact of the Corona virus pandemic and related emergency measures on funded organisations; and to make recommendations on an appropriate grantmaking strategy in the short, medium and longer term. The study would include an overview of how other international and national grant makers have responded to the pandemic (or to other historical emergencies or crisis) and lessons learned from these experiences.

The service provider was also required to report [sic] should inform discussion and planning about how the NLC should amend its grantmaking strategy in response to the identified trends and factors as well as include in the proposal a process to workshop the research findings with the Commission to facilitate adjustments to its grantmaking strategy, considering the legislative framework within which the Commission operates.

The following work was done by the service provider:

• Inception report.
• Literature review & stakeholder mapping.
• Data collection: Desktop research.
• Stakeholder engagement & interviews.
• Draft report”.

-END-

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development has provided agricultural training and youth empowerment as follows:

a) Agricultural Training

A total of 2 238 youth have graduated in various programmes in Colleges of Agriculture for the past 5 years. In the main, the youth graduated from the following agriculture study fields: animal production, plant production, irrigation management and animal health.

Currently, a total of 2 540 young people are registered for various agricultural programmes at Diploma level in the 11 Colleges of Agriculture. Of the 2 540 youth registered, 960 are at first year level of their studies, 851 second year and 729 are at third year.

In addition to this, a total of 4 014 youth have been enrolled/registered in training related to the agricultural sector through the NARYSEC Programme in various provinces. Of these youth, 3148 have completed training, and 866 are currently engaged in training in various TVET Colleges and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and are expected to finish by December 2021.

The Recapitalisation and Development programme provided credited and uncredited (on-farm hands on training) benefiting 1 785 youth.

The Department further supports youth who meet the requirements and are interested in pursuing scarce and critical skills in agriculture and land reform through bursary. Since the inception of the Department’s external bursary scheme, a total of 1 738 young people benefitted through under graduate and post graduate studies.

b) Young Farmers’ Development, Extension Services & Empowerment Opportunities

As a form of an exit strategy to the external bursary scheme, the Department further recruit unemployed agricultural graduates and place them in Commercial farms to enhance their employability and practical exposure. A total of 1 029 youth benefitted from graduate placement programme.

To give practically empowerment to youth through the Land Reform Programmes, the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development allocated 181 703 Ha of land (81 farms) to young people since 2010/2011 financial year benefiting 295 youth.

A total of 989 youth received production support through 1HA -1 household programme further empowering this youth on their various sector related activities. In addition, 6 684 youth directly received support through Recapitalisation and Development programme.

The department is implementing the Strategy for employment of young unemployed agricultural graduates in extension and advisory services. Currently 215 unemployed graduates are employed whereby 46 is employed by DALRRD and a total of 169 is employed by Provinces as follows: Mpumalanga employs 53, Free State 30, North West 46 and Kwa-Zulu Natal employs 40.

.

Reply:

(1)and (2)

The Minister has noted the widespread public interest in this matter as well as differing scientific views on the most ideal management strategy for the conservation and preservation of this significant World Heritage Site. The Minister has decided to appoint an independent scientifc panel to advise on among others:

    To assess the significance/impacf of the artificial breach and how this impact to the implementation of the Global Environment Facility GEF 5 project interventions and the St Lucia estuary management plan;

1. To determine the exceptional circumstances, as defined in the estuarine management plan, that lead to the decision to open the mouth, including those of an environmental, social and economic nature;
2. To establish the impact of the artificial breach on 6 January 2021 on the functioning of the Estuarine Functional Zone(EFZ), as well as the associated environmental, social and economic implications; and
3. To develop Guidelines for the immediate and ongoing management of the system.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 25/2/2021

Reply:

The government’s plan to assist farmers in 2021 and beyond include the following:

• In 2021 and beyond the implementation of the eight (8) production schemes in the AAMP in partnership with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture and other sector partners will be rolled out. The eight production schemes are: grains, white meat, red meat, oilseeds, fibre, industrial crops, fruits and nuts and vegetables.

 

• DALRRD will continue to implement drought mitigation strategies inclusive of developing drought-resistant seeds by the ARC, planting and storing fodder, removal of invasive plants and management strategies to prevent soil degradation.

• The department will pursue the allocation of state land as part of transforming land ownership patterns and promoting access to land, especially for the previously disadvantaged, through allocating land to smallholder producers and enhanced comprehensive support to the smallholders.

• The DALRRD remains committed to supporting agricultural producers towards intensifying the domestic food production amidst the COVID 19 situation. To this effect, implementation of Programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), Ilima Letsema and LandCare are continuing in all Provinces.

• In 2021/22 at least 9 500 vulnerable households will be supported to produce own food through household food gardens and a total of 65 314 hectares will be planted through the Ilima/Letsema conditional grant support of R597 million.

• Support will further be provided through CASP conditional grant amounting to R1.4 billion to 7 800 smallholder and subsistence producers with on-farm infrastructure.

• The Department provided a R1, 2 billion Covid-19 Disaster Relief Agricultural Intervention Fund to provide relief to struggling smallholder and communal farmers in 2020/21.

• The Department is implementing the R1 billion Presidential Employment Stimulus initiative for subsistence producers. This will enable producers to retain self-employment in the agricultural sector.

These interventions are aimed at ensuring increased household food production, whilst increasing food access and improved livelihoods of poor and marginalised households, thereby contributing to food security and economic growth.

2. Yes. Food security remains a fundamental strategic imperative of the South African government in this uncertain period of the COVID 19 situation. The Government, through a multi-sectoral approach, continues to implement the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (2017 – 2022) which is coordinated from the Office of the Deputy President and Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME). The Plan embodies the government’s collective response to the challenge of food insecurity and malnutrition. A number of programmes under this plan are already being implemented using the existing resources in various government departments.

This plan is implemented through six strategic objectives which are as outlined below:

6 Strategic Objectives (SO) Anchoring the Plan	Lead Department	Other Key Departments and Social Partners
1	Institutional Arrangements for food and nutrition security Establish multi-sectoral Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) Councils and supporting structures oversee alignment of policies, legislation and programmes; coordination and implementation of programmes and services which address FNS and; draft new policies and legislation where appropriate	Office of the Deputy President DPME	DALRRD; DSD; COGTA; DBE; DTI; DRDLR; Provinces; Local government; Civil Society; Organised Labour, Development Partners
2	Establish inclusive local food value chains to support access to nutritious, affordable foods	DALRRD	Water & Sanitation; DTI; DSBD; DST, NT; Civil Society, Development Partners
3	Expand targeted social protection measures and sustainable livelihood programmes	DSD	DOH; Home Affairs; DBE; Provinces and local government; Civil Society; Development Partners
4	Scale up of high impact nutrition interventions targeting women, infants and children	DOH	DBE; DSD; Home Affairs; Civil Society; Development Partners
5	Develop an integrated communication plan to influence people across the life cycle to make informed food and nutrition decisions	DOH	DBE; DSD; Home Affairs; Development Partners
6	Develop a monitoring and evaluation system for FNS in South Africa and establish an integrated risk management system for monitoring FNS related risks.	StatsSA DALRRD	DPME; DALRRD; DOH; DBE; Statistics SA; COGTA

In addition, government implemented a number of interventions in response to COVID 19. These include social protection initiatives and programmes that are aimed at strengthening resilience of livelihood systems in various communities. As part of the governments’ collective response, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing a number of initiatives. These include:

• Intensifying efforts to geographically locate food insecure, vulnerable and hungry population within the country in fulfilment of the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Programme spearheaded by SADC.

• DALRRD further conducted a rapid assessment in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. This was aimed at quantifying the impact of the COVID 19 on agriculture, trade as well as food and nutrition security.

• A total of R81.2 million has also been committed by the Department to conducting the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey for 2021/22 targeting over 84 000 households nationally. The results of this survey and the rapid assessment will inform the collective planning and proper targeting of food security interventions.

Although a few challenges were experienced by producers and suppliers associated with acquisition of agricultural production inputs in the country, overall no major disruptions were experienced during the 2020/21 planting season, which started in October 2020. Despite the challenges of uncertain weather patterns, such as floods and draught, experienced of in some parts of the country, the weather outlook for the 2020/21 planting season has been positive. According to the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) the preliminary area estimate of maize as at February 2021 is 2,776 million ha, which is 6, 35% more than the 2,611 million ha planted for the previous season. This follows a bumper harvest of about 15.3 million tons of commercial maize that is estimated to be harvested for this season. The country has ample maize to meet the demand in the human and feed markets, and will be able to export into neighbouring countries.

The government of RSA is committed to ensuring food and nutrition security amid the COVID 19 pandemic.

Reply:

The High Court ruling to which the Member refers is on appeal as government is of the firm view that this decision should be appealed.

The nature of the pandemic is constantly changing and government’s caution, based on information available at the time was therefore entirely justifiable.

As a responsible government we consider it critical that we continue to have all options at our disposal should any of these prove necessary to combat the pandemic.

There is no intention to take any disciplinary action against the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on this matter. It was a collective decision of Cabinet to take all precautions necessary to limit transmission of the coronavirus and to limit the likely increase in the number of severe cases.

Reply:

Mpumalanga (MP) and the Western Cape Provinces (WC) are currently not implementing the TOPS Regulations. In the case of MP, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) which is the conservation management authority in Mpumalanga responsible for the function of biodiversity conservation has indicated serious capacity challenges that have impacted on the ability of the institution to implement the TOPS Regulations. In respect of the WC, Cape Nature

considers the implementation of the TOPS Regulations as an unfunded mandate, given that additional funds are not allocated to Cape Nature for the implementation function.

In 2016, the Department conducted an audit of the capacity requirements for the provincial conservation authorities to implement the revised TOPS Regulations, in particular, personnel to issue permits and conduct inspections in terms of provincial legislation, TOPS and CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) Regulations. Capacity challenges were considered when the draft revised TOPS Regulations were finalised; e.g. the impact of provisions that could lead to unnecessary regulatory requirements. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (the Department) has since amended the TOPS Regulations and species lists.

The revised TOPS Regulations, whilst still ensuring that conservation and regulation of species are not compromised, will be less onerous in respect of the requirements for permits, (e.g. except for a few species such as lion, rhino, leopard and elephant) a person will no longer require a permit for dead specimens. Furthermore, the movement of species between registered game farms does not require a permit.

These amendments are currently in the Parliamentary approval processes following which they will be published for implementation. Mpumalanga and Western Cape povinces have since, through MINMEC, expessed their willingness to implement the amended TOPS Regulations when published for implementation.

?he Department, working with all provinces invested considerable amount of efforts and time in addressing conflict in legislation (i.e. alignment, addressing overlaps and duplications) through the existing sectoral cooperative governance system or intergovernmental processes(Working Groups, MINTECH and MINMEC). A project in this regard is ongoing and wifi intensify once the capacité is enhanced. However, the role of bath National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. °0 of 2004) (NEMBA) and National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA) as the principal framework legislation for protected areas, Biodiversity conservation cannot be overlooked in this regard. It must be noted that provinces are also in different stages of aligning their provincial legislation with national biodiversity legislation.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Date: 22/02/2021

Reply:

Section 21 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005) provides that the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies has the authority to, in consultation with the Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Rural Development and Land Reform; Water and Environmental Affairs [Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation]; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and other relevant institutions, develop a policy and policy directions for !he rapid deployment and provisioning of electronic communications facilities, following which, the Authority must prescribe regulations.

In response to the above, the then Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services [now Communications and Digital Technologies] wrote to the then Minister of Environmental Affairs (Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) requesting that an official from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) be nominated to be part of an Interim Rapid Deployment Steering Committee and Co-ordination Centre (Rapid Deployment and Coordination Center). The Minister's request was acceded to, and a DEFF official was nominated. The nominated ofcial attended meetings scheduled by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) wherein discussions were held with regard to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations requirements and possible listed activities that may be triggered by the proposed Rapid Deployment of Electronic Communication Facilities. The nominated official also facilitated engagements between the DCDT and other units within the DEFF that were identified as critical to the process.

The Department also provided written comments on Government Notice No. 43537 published by the DCDT with regard to their proposed Policy and Policy Direction on Rapid Deployment of Electronic Communications Networks and Facilities. The Department remains committed to assisting and providing guidance to the DCDT as and when required.

In relation to reference to ‘the proposed amendments to the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of f989’, it should be noted that the Department is not considering any related amendments to the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended) or the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 106 of 1998) which is the current legislation guiding the management of environmental impact.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 26/02/2021

Reply:

Yes, The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation spoke to the Indian Minister of External Affairs on Monday, 1 February 2021, to convey the Government of South Africa’s profound appreciation to the Indian Authorities, after the arrival of the first vaccine shipment in the country from the Serum Institute of India.

Subsequent to the arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine the South African Department of Health decided not to go ahead with the vaccination programme of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to clinical trial results showing that the vaccine 1s less effective In preventing mild and moderate symptoms associated with the 501Y.V2 variant of the virus that is more prevalent in South Africa. Instead the South African Department of Health decided to rather continue with the vaccination programme by using the Johnson & Johnson's vaccine that has shown better efficacy against the 501Y.V2 variant.

The South African High Commissioner to India, His Excellency, Mr J.S. Ndebsle spoka to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regardlng the findings of the clinical trials and the resultant change in South Africa's vaccination programme. Tho High Commissioner is also scheduled to meet with the Ministry on Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Reply:

In terms of the Bill of Rights, included in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, everyone has a right to an environment that is protected and that is also not harmful to health or well- being. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (the Department) has developed !egal instruments to ensure that this right is given effect to, which include, inter alia, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (as amended) (the EIA Regulations) promulgated in terms of the National Envionmental Management Act, 1988 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA).

Although the EIA Regulations do not address health aspects directly, other impacts associated with masts and/or towers on the eceiving environment are considered, in line with the Department's

constitutional mandate. However, in developing the 3 Listing Notices of the EIA Regulations, the Department was guided by the informed views of the Department of Health (DOH), in relation to the effects of electromagnetic fields. The directorate responsible for Radiation Control in the Department of Health is, in turn, guided by the international Commission on Non-lonising Radiation Control’s (ICNIRP) guidelines insofar as it relates to the regulation of electronic products producing non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMF), especially from the perspective of human health.

Following an engagement with the DOH, confirmation was obtained that there is no confirmed scientific evidence that points to any health hazard associated with the very low levels of exposure that the general public would typically experience in the vicinity of a cellular base station. DOH further confirmed that it is satisfied that the health of the general public is not being compromised by their exposure to the microwave emissions of cellular base stations (which includes 5G infrastructure). The DOH deems the ICNIRP guidelines to be appropriate to manage potential radiation risks and cautioned that local and other authorities, in considering the environmental impact of any particular base station, do not need to, and should not attempt, fern a public health point of view, set any restrictions with respect to parameters such as the height of the mast, distance to the mast, and duration of exposure.

Since 2 August 2010, the development of masts or towers used for telecommunication broadcasting or radio transmission purposes has been identified as an activity requiring environmental authorisation. In the case where masts or towers exceed IS metres in height, such masts or towers are placed on a site not previously used for this purpose and are to be developed within certain identified geographical areas. Should the mast or tower not meet these criteria or fall outside any one or more identified geographical areas, environmental authorisation is not required, as the potential impact of such developments are not deemed to be significant. Environmental authorisation is also not required if they are attached to existing buildings, masts or rooftops.

?he EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), through the 3 Listing Notices, identify activities that may result in substantial negative impacts on the environment, and it requires that an environmental authorisation must be obtained prior to commencement with any such identified activities. The EIA Regulations further requires that an environmental impact assessment process is followed in respect of these identified activities and that applications are submitted to the Competent Authority for consideration and decision prior to the commencing with any of such identified activities that may result in substantial negative impacts on the environment. ?his means that an environmental impact

assessment process must be followed in respect of these identified activities, and applications must be submitted to the Competent Authority for consideration.

In line with Section 24(2)(a) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), the Department has considered all the potential significant impacts associated with cellular masts on the receiving environment. Currently the development of masts or towers used for telecommunication broadcasting or radio transmission purposes has been identified as an activity requiring environmental authorisation, but only where such masts or towers:

exceed 15 metres in height;

are placed on a site not previously used for this purpose;

are to be developed within certain specified geographical areas; and

will not be attached to existing buildings, masts or rooftops.

Should the mast or tower not meet the above criteria, environmental authorisation is not required, as the potential impact of such developments are not deemed to be significant.

The Department, in developing the current enacted Listing Notices (Listing Notices 1, 2 and 3 of the EIA Regulations) was guided by the views of the Department of Health (amongst others) regarding the effects of electromagnetic fields.

The Department of Health, through its Directorate: Radiation Control, considers the World Heath Organisation and the International Commission on Non-lonising Radiation Control (ICNIRP) guidelines to be appropriate to manage potential radiation risks. The Department of Health has indicated that measurement surveys conducted in South Africa and elsewhere have shown that the actual levels of public exposure, as a result of base station emissions, are only a fraction of that of (he ICNIRP guidelines.

In a letter, dated 13 June 2020 (attached as Annexure A), on the health effects of cellular base stations and handsets, the Department of Health (DOH) confirms that presently them is no confirmed scientific evidence that points to any health hazard associated with the very low levels of exposure that the general public would typically experience in the vicinity of a cellular base station, DOH further confirmed it is satisfied that the health of the general public is not being compromised by their exposure to the microwave emissions of cellular base stations. It also clarified that local and other authorities, in considering the environmental impact of any particular base station, do not need to, and should not

akempt, from a public health point of view, set any restrictions with respect to parameters such as the height of the mast, distance to the mast, and duration of exposure.

Therefore, it is implicitly assumed that the normal engineering and security measures, which ae routinely implemented by cellular network providers at base stations, will effectively prevent reasonable members of the public from gaining close access to the actual antennas situated on any mast structue.

The Department may, should the DOH change its position in this regard, or if indeed requested by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to do so, reconsider the relevant listing of cellular masts and base stations.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND 7HE ENVIRONMENT

DATE:

Reply:

As I said previously in response to a similar question (NW2111E) asked by the Leader of the Opposition on 24 July 2020, the donation to the Solidarity Fund is a voluntary contribution that each Member of Cabinet and Deputy Minister chose to make in support of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Minister and Deputy Minister was responsible for making the necessary arrangements to contribute to the Fund.

Reply:

The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) meets regularly to receive reports on the status of the pandemic at national, provincial and district levels. These reports are based on data compiled by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases and the national and provincial Departments of Health.

The NCCC also receives and considers recommendations based on an analysis of this data and consultation with experts in the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 and relevant stakeholders.

Based on the recommendations of the NCCC, at a special meeting on 13 December 2020, Cabinet decided on a number of measures to contain the spread of infections in the three areas identified as hotspots, namely the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Sarah Baartman District and the Garden Route District. These measures included the closure of beaches.

During the festive season in particular, beaches and other recreational areas are sites of informal gatherings, which in the midst of a surge of infections significantly increase the likelihood of transmission.

The decision was made to, along with other interventions, close beaches and remove this possible source of rapid cluster outbreaks. This was also done to protect the health care system which was already very strained and to prevent unnecessary excess deaths.

It should also be noted that hotspot declarations were made in consultation with the districts under consideration.

There was a significant drop in new infections, hospital admissions and deaths in all three hotspots between the middle of December 2020 and the end of January 2021.

This evidence supports the decision to take stringent measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and prevent deaths due to COVID-19.

It is not possible to isolate the impact of one intervention. What is evident is the overall effect of several measures, including the change in human behaviour and enforcement of interventions.

Reply:

Yes, according to the Department’s records 2 194 individuals were reported to be evicted from the farms under the period in question. Not all evictions are reported to the department or brought before courts.

Reply:

On 21 October 2020 the Department of Basic Education issued the Amended Directions, in terms of Regulation 4(3) of the Regulations made under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), regarding the re-opening of schools; and measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19 at Alert Level 1. At that point, non-contact sport was allowed and inter-school matches were allowed to resume activity. However, this was short-lived as the country experienced a surge in the number of people who contracted the corona virus; and the country was then moved to Alert Level 3. As a result, the Department has finalised the amended draft Directions in line with Alert Level 3.

These Directions have been consulted on widely with basic education stakeholders and the Human Rights Commission. The draft Directions allow for non-contact sport to resume within all schools, provided that compliance with social distancing, hygiene and safety measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 is adhered to.

The following safety measures must be adhered to with this resumption:

1. The number of persons in the sporting venues, change rooms or training area at any given time, must be limited as far as is reasonably practicable;
2. Sport personnel and all participants must be subjected to temperature screening before they enter the sport venue or sport fields;
3. Face masks, or appropriate items that cover the nose and mouth as required by the health protocols, must be worn by all personnel and participants entering the sporting venues, change rooms or training area except participants when training or participating in matches;
4. All windows and doors must remain open, where feasible, to reduce contact and ensure adequate ventilation;
5. Social distancing must be maintained at all times; and
6. A register of all personnel and participants must be kept.

Contact sport training is also allowed under Lockdown Alert Level 3, provided there is no contact during training, and physical distancing is maintained. Arts and Culture and other enrichment programmes are also allowed to resume in schools with safety and hygiene measures maintained.

For now, inter-school matches, choir rehearsals, choir competitions and sport championships at district, provincial and national level will be suspended. This is temporary as the country deals with the surge in the numbers of infections.

These measures are temporary and will be reviewed as the Covid-19 infections decline.

Reply:

(a)  A total of 469 549 candidates participated in the November 2020 final examinations.

(b)  The table below provides a breakdown of enrolments and participation ratios per qualification as at 19 February 2021.

Qualification Category	Number Enrolled	Number Wrote	Participation Ratio
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2 - 4	175 232	138 351	79.0%
National Technical Education Report 190/1 N1-N6	355 535	289 509	81.4%
General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training   Level 4	74 063	41 689	56.3%
Total	604 830	469 549	77.6%