Questions and Replies

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

I am informed by the Department that budget is available for the maintenance of the lifts at the Germiston Police Station through a term contract.

Germiston Police Station vertical transportation service comprises of five lifts. All the lifts have reached and exceeded their end of lifespan and are over-due for a complete replacement.

Three lifts are out of service due to age and spares unavailability, the balance of two lifts are in service under the DPWI’s Johannesburg Region planned maintenance, however, only one lift is in operation as the other is currently switched off by the maintenance service provider whilst awaiting critical spare parts from the overseas suppliers.

a) The maintenance budget is available under a maintenance contract for the lifts under DPWI responsibility. Only two (2) of the five (5) lifts fleet in Germiston SAPS are repairable, though all have exceed their useful life and are beyond economic repair. The entire fleet needs to be replaced from a capital works fund to be provided by SAPS as a client.

b) A plan has been initiated to register a capital works project that will accommodate the replacement of the dilapidated lifts; this entails an instruction from the User Department (SAPS) together with funding allocations. The replacement period for the lifts is estimated at 12 to 18 months as lifts are being imported.

Reply:

1. There was no investigation instituted against the former CEO of the CSIR by the DSI.
2. Based on the answer given above, the question is moot.

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

(a)

Financial Year	Business Licence	Dealer Licence	Concessionary Licence	Domestic (Normal)	Total
2017 - 2018	37 003	4 079	514 653	2 181 630	2 737 365
2018 - 2019	36 400	4 007	461 621	2 265 324	2 767 352
2019 - 2020	29 522	3 418	393 963	1 896 586	2 323 489

(b)

Financial Year	E-mails	SMS	Mailed letters
2017 - 2018	23 846 458	103 909 803	372
2018 - 2019	23 793 849	82 655 991	0
2019 - 2020	8 025 851	28 055 096	0

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

(1) (a) The table below reflects the Ministerial approved enrolment planning targets for the 2020 and 2021 academic years.

Institution	Projected Targets
	2020	2021
Cape Peninsula University of Technology	35 498	37 027
University of Cape Town	28 037	28 174
Central University of Technology	18 255	19 098
Durban University of Technology	30 219	30 439
University of Fort Hare	17 310	17 673
University of Free State	40 271	40 519
University of Johannesburg	49 727	49 969
University of KwaZulu-Natal	47 726	46 829
University of Limpopo	21 995	22 561
Mangosuthu University of Technology	12 980	13 391
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University	29 792	30 461
North-West University	63 065	61 054
University of Pretoria	51 978	52 134
Rhodes University	8 714	8 866
University of South Africa	376 000	376 468
University of Stellenbosch	31 690	32 380
Tshwane University of Technology	61 814	62 439
Vaal University of Technology	20 992	22 154
University of Venda	16 992	17 332
Walter Sisulu University	30 269	29 544
University of the Western Cape	24 800	25 060
University of the Witwatersrand	40 935	41 003
University of Zululand	17 920	18 636
University of Mpumalanga	4 218	5 217
Sol Plaatje University	2 512	3 278
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University	6 640	6 820
Total	1 090 350	1 098 526

(b) The Department has only received preliminary data from universities on their 2020 enrolments and this is therefore subject to change.  More reliable data on enrolments will be received from universities at the end of April 2021. Once they have identified all their graduates, the Department will receive the final audited data at the end of July 2021. 

(2) As at 31 December 2020, NSFAS had confirmed funding for 487 411 university students on the DHET Bursary Scheme. It is estimated that this number would increase taking into consideration that NSFAS is concluding outstanding funding decisions. The table below provides a breakdown of the numbers per institution.

Institution	NSFAS Funded Students
Cape Peninsula University of Technology	15 521
Central University of Technology	8 868
Durban University of Technology	19 994
Mangosuthu University of Technology	10 430
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University	14 164
North-West University	22 356
Rhodes University	3 128
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University	3 229
Sol Plaatje University	1 434
Tshwane University of Technology	36 447
University of Cape Town	5 109
University of Fort Hare	9 339
University of Free State	21 503
University of Johannesburg	23 328
University of KwaZulu-Natal	23 916
University of Limpopo	15 749
University of Mpumalanga	3 090
University of Pretoria	10 706
University of South Africa	157 395
University of Stellenbosch	3 952
University of the Western Cape	10 471
University of the Witwatersrand	9 327
University of Venda	10 890
University of Zululand	13 092
Vaal University of Technology	12 540
Walter Sisulu University	21 433
Total	487 411

 

Reply:

The procurement of laptops by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is still underway. NSFAS has communicated to all Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges that laptops will be distributed to all qualifying students in the month of April 2021.

Reply:

a) An initial list of 3 898 schools were identified for intervention under the SAFE programme.

b) Since the start of the programme, some of the non-viable schools have been closed or rationalised and do not need intervention under the SAFE programme.  A verification of the actual need at schools, futher revealed that some schools have appropriate toilets; and do not need intervention under the SAFE programme.  There are however, 2 865 schools that do require intervention under the SAFE programme.  Of these, the construction of new toilets has progressed to practical completion at 683 schools.  A further 340 schools have toilets under construction.  New toilets at the remaining 1 842 schools, are scheduled for construction during 2021/22.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. I am informed by the Department that to implement the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Non-State Sector Non-Profit Organisation (NPOs) programme in the Eastern Cape Province, a total of forty eight (48) NPOs were contracted for two years in the 2019/20 financial year. From April – November 2020, twenty four (24) NPOs were utilized to implement the EPWP COVID-19 Response Project.

Based on the contract signed between the intermediary the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the NPOs, there is an allocation paid to NPOs to ensure they pay the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) for participants contracted in the programme.

The payments done by the NPOs towards UIF and COIDA to the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) are monitored by the IDT in the following manner:

• Upon contracting, NPOs have to submit a valid Letter of Good Standing with the UIF and for COIDA to cover the period of the programme/project implementation.
• NPOs also expected to submit a proof of payment of the UIF to DEL to the IDT before the allocation can be paid.

2. All twenty four 24 NPOs contracted to implement the EPWP COVID-19 response are up to date with the COIDA contributions. However, from these NPOs, three (3) NPOs are not up to date with the UIF contributions.

(a) To ensure all outstanding monies are paid on behalf of participants to UIF and COIDA, the IDT continues to remind and encourage NPOs to settle any outstanding payments as the existing contracts signed with the NPOs does not have any punitive measures to be enforced.

(b)

(i) There are no outstanding contributions owed to and by NPOs on COIDA. Only three (3) NPOs have outstanding contributions on UIF. The 3 NPOs submitted their invoices to the IDT in February 2021 for the payment of UIF they did on behalf of participants, while participants had finished working on 13 November 2020. No payment has been done yet by the IDT to the NPOs, as the NPOs have been requested to provide evidence that payment was done for participants during the implementation of the EPWP COVID-19 Response Project.

(ii) The three (3) NPOs mentioned above are indicated in table 1 below:

Table 1: NPOs with outstanding UIF Payments

Item	District Municipality	Name of NPO	UIF Allocation	UIF Amount Spent	UIF Amount Un-spent
1.	Alfred Nzo	Ixabiso Lomntu Aids Awareness & Home Base Care	R5,641.86	R0.00	R5,641.86
2.	Alfred Nzo	Mount Frere Paralegal Advice Centre	R6,363.00	R0.00	R6,363.00
3.	Amathole	Ubabalo Lusanele Skills Centre	R5,641.86	R0.00	R5,641.86

3. Payment of stipends/wages to the NPOs are not made in advance. The payments to NPOs for participants stipends are based on claims submitted to the IDT for the work done supported by attendance registers.

a) The issue of excess monies does not apply in the NSS NPOs programme, as payments of stipends/wages are made on the basis of submission of the invoices which are supported by the attendance registers.

b) Calculations for payments held by NPOs on outstanding stipends/wages do not apply in the NPOs programme, as there are no advance payments made in the programme.

c) Yes, there are records of projected expenditure and actual expenditure for each NPO kept. Upon contracting, NPOs are allocated a budget based on the number of participants they should contract against the number of work days included in the contract. From this information, the IDT is able to project monthly expenditure for each NPO prior. For actual expenditure of projects, NPOs are also expected to submit invoices on monthly basis before payments can be done.

4) It takes 14 days to process the invoice of the NPO provided there are no corrections needed to be made by the NPO. The NPO invoice payment will exceed 14 days in cases where the NPOs have to make corrections. The turn-around time for payment depends on the speed of correction of the invoice by the NPOs. This varies from NPO-to-NPO. The IDT does not pay the NPO until all corrections / queries have been addressed.

Reply:

I have been advised by the ICASA as follows:

License Numbers

District Monitoring-License numbers 545-461-2 and 552-562-1

District Watch-License numbers 493-819-8, 145-617-2 and 483-730

District Bassetti-License numbers 532-539-4

a) ICASA issued all invoices for the annual Radio Frequency Spectrum (RFS) licence fees in respect of the RFS licences for the 2020-21 financial year on 22 July 2020. A batch of RFS Licences – including those held by District Watch, District Basset and District Monitoring - were printed on 29 November 2020.

b) The printed RFS licences are posted to licensees by the Authority’s service provider via unregistered postage. However, in light of the question posed it is apparent that the licensees may not have received their licences via post. The Authority will contact the licensees to arrange a reprint of the RFS licences for delivery or collection by the licensees at the Authority’s offices.

c) As stated above, printed RFS licences are posted to licensees by a service provider via unregistered postage. The Authority has however, noted the inefficiencies of this process and is currently implementing a new system (an Automated Spectrum Management System (“ASMS”)) for the processing of applications / renewals and delivery of RFS licences.

The ASMS system provides an online portal for receipt of – amongst others - new and renewal applications. The ASMS automatically sends invoices for administrative and licence fees via e-mail to the applicants as required. The system also automatically issues the RFS licences and e-mails them to successful applicants once processing and verification processes have been finalised. Going forward – with effect from 1 April 2021 - licensees will be able to download copies of their licenses from the ASMS and will no longer require the Authority to post licenses.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

a) What plans does DBE put in place to create and implement the promotion of gender empowerment in school communities?

DBE has a responsibility of implementing gender empowerment in schools. This is a constitutional obligation, but also serves as a catalyst in addressing gender discrimination, dismantling patriarchy, boosting confidence and promoting mutual respect between and amongst people, in particular learners.

Gender Empowerment is addressed in the Lifeskills and Life Orientation Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) delivered in all schools. To enhance the Lifeskills and Life Orientation offering, a phased implementation of Scripted Lesson Plans for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is currently undertaken in five (5) provinces.

In the co-curricular offering, the DBE has two programmes that assist with the promotion of gender empowerment in schools. These programmes are the Girls and Boys Education Movement (GBEM) and Techno-Girl. Briefly:

• GBEM aims to encourage girls and boys to work together as equals and to foster respect for the human dignity and rights of both sexes. Through engaging with the movement and its activities, learners are equipped with adequate knowledge to engage on various issues such as governance, lifeskills, sport and development, gender based violence an related topics in a constructive manner, thereby encouraging active citizenry.

 

• Techno-Girl programme on the other hand, is a girl economic empowerment initiative, which is achieved through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Girls from disadvantaged communities benefit from a three-year structured job shadowing, mentorship and skills development programme with companies that have core skill requirements for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. The programme provides girls with a unique opportunity to explore various STEM career choices, analyse and make informed decisions in a given career choice. The programme has developed a mentorship component through Techno-Girl Alumni where learners, especially those who are in Grade 12, are offered assistance for applying to tertiary institutions.

 

b) Is there a total number of schools in each province which have been identified for implementation of programmes specifically designed to address gender equity?

 

Province	District	Number of Schools
Eastern Cape	Chris Hani	06
	Buffalo City Metropolitant	06
	Amathole East	07
	Nelson Mandela Bay	09
Gauteng
	Gauteng West	15
	Johannesburg West	09
	Tshwane South	09
Limpopo
	Capricorn	09
	Waterburg	05
Mpumalanga
	Gert Sibande	06
	Ehlanzeni	11
	Nkangala	07
	Bohlabela	06
KwaZulu Natal
	Umgungundlovu	06
	Uthukela	06
	Umlazi	11

The Lifeskills and Life Orientation curriculum, as it addresses gender empowerement and equity, is offered in all 25 154 schools across the country.

The phased implementation of Scripted Lesson Plans for CSE is in 2176, broken down as follows:

Province	Number of Schools
Western Cape	101
Free State	131
Gauteng	436
KwaZulu-Natal	930
Mpumalanga	578

 

The GBEM programme is implemented in a selected 128 schools from the following provinces:

The latest statistical information on the Techno-Girl programme is still being consolidated by the Techno-Girl Trust with whom the DBE holds a partnership.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. (a) To have an informed position on the feasibility of rectifying all physical defects of the Beitbridge Border fence, the Accounting Officer sanctioned a detailed Technical Condition Assessment of the constructed 40km border fence to determine the extent of material deficiencies and breaches. The assessment was undertaken during December 2020.

On 2 February 2021, the outcome of this assessment was reported against recommendation (b) of the Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on its oversight visit to Beitbridge Border Post, from 4 to 6 September 2020, dated 17 November 2020 (ATC of 19 November 2020), which stated that:

The Committee recommends that the Accounting Officer ensures that all physical defects are rectified in line with all applicable regulations,

(b) As the fence, in its current form, is not fit for purpose and in material non-compliance with the specifications, the Department has taken a decision not to entertain the possibility of any further repairs of the fence.

Any further border fence initiatives will be located in the context of the Integrated Border Management solution currently underway. In this regard, the site clearance process is aimed at being completed by June this year, from where the Department will embrace and utilise a best practice approach to border security in consultation with the Department of Defence (DoD). The relevant Request for Information (RFI) on the Integrated Border Fence Solutions will accordingly be published by the end of March 2021 to facilitate consultations for solutions.

2. (a) I am informed by the Department that Security Vetting is a lengthy process and usually takes 3 months or more to complete. The Department has 7 Vetting officials who must vet the outstanding 253 SCM and Bid Committee officials.

The vetting process includes the following steps:

 

• • • The SCM officials must complete the Z204 Vetting forms and attach personal documents such as copies of bank statements (savings, investment, house loan, vehicles loan, business interests), copies of academic qualifications, as well as other relevant documents. 

• • • Thereafter fieldwork interviews by the vetting officers commence, where they go around the country to interview references of the official who is being vetted. Thereafter follows a personal interview with the official and his/her supervisor. 

• • • The vetting officer compiles the report from where the vetting files are submitted to the State Security Agency (SSA) to conduct a polygraph test.

• • • After the polygraph test, the files go to the SSA Evaluation Unit to determine whether security clearance should be issued or not. 

• • • It should be noted that the SSA has to cater for all Government Departments and SOEs where the standard SSA process for polygraph testing and evaluation can sometimes take up to a year or more.

The process outlined above, is what informed the anticipated timeframe of completing the vetting of SCM and Bid Committee officials by March 2022.

 

(b) The Accounting Officer requested that SSA consider the DPWI vetting files as top priority for the expedition of polygraph testing as well as evaluation of vetting files. The Minister has also requested that the process be concluded as soon as possible.

3. (a) It was recommended that the Principal Agent and the main contractor be restricted from doing business with Government subject to the application of the relevant due process and National Treasury concurrence, pursuant to the examination of the findings of the investigation that they acted in an irregular manner in their respective engagements with the DPWI.

The matter served before the Restriction Committee and Authority (RCAA) on 28 August 2020, after which detailed evidence contained in the Investigation Report was sought by the RCAA to enable it to continue its business. The Department was compelled to delay the release of this information and to reconstitute the composition of the RCAA recognising that the chairperson of the RCAA was one of the officials cited in the investigation report and subject to disciplinary action.

Another reason for delaying the release of the report to the RCAA, was to allow the Department to initiate and advance disciplinary processes before releasing the investigation report to third parties to protect the confidentiality of the information contained in the report.

On 11 February 2021 the department approved the final charges against the officials and formally reconstituted the RCAA to exclude from membership of the Committee any person who may have a conflict of interest. On 12 February 2021 the matter was tabled again with the RCAA and all the relevant reports and supporting evidence were provided to the committee to enable it to conclude its work.

The Committee has considered and studied the relevant investigation reports and issued letters to the contractor and consultant on 26 February 2021 requesting reasons why the Department should not recommend to National Treasury their restriction from doing business with the State. The RCAA has indicated that it will afford the respective service providers a period of 14 days to provide their written representations. The RCAA estimates that this process will be finalised by mid-March 2021.

(b) At this stage, the Department has not identified any justifiable grounds to terminate the existing contracts, as these contracts have been duly awarded. However, the Department is in the process of reviewing these contracts though its Internal Audit unit.

The Department is further seeking legal advice as to whether the conduct of the respective companies in relation to the Beitbridge contract constitutes sufficient grounds to seek termination of their remaining contracts with the Department. The matter is currently under legal review.

Reply:

Since 2018, the Department has embarked on a plan to review and update programmes and qualifications offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in order to align them with the needs of industry and society. This plan has focused on the following aspects of the curriculum:

1.   Integrating digital skills knowledge into current programmes;

2.   Introducing new programmes in response to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR);

3.   Phasing out of outdated programmes;

4.   Reconstruction of Engineering programmes to make them more responsive to the changing industry environment; and

5.   Revision and updating of subject content.

 1. Integrating digital skills knowledge into current programmes

With the support of CISCO Systems, the Department has developed digital skills training, which has been integrated into the National Certificate (Vocational) [NCV] programme. Knowledge of the use of the internet, email, cyber security and databases are examples of digital skills training that have been integrated into the NCV programme.

2.   Introducing new programmes in response to the 4IR

The Department has developed a new stream focusing on Robotics in the NCV: Information Technology and Computer Science programme which previously focused on programming and systems development only. This stream will cover subjects such as Electronic and Digital concepts for Robotics, Robotics Fundamentals and Industrial Automation. The curriculum for this programme is currently being quality assured by Umalusi and is envisaged for implementation in 2022.

3.   Phasing out of outdated programmes

In November 2020, the Department published a government notice for public comment on the phasing-out of NATED Report 191 N1 – N3 programmes. These programmes have been identified to be outdated in their curriculum structure, purpose and articulation possibilities within the National Qualifications Framework. The Department has received public comments, which are currently being analysed before final recommendations can be made.

4.   Reconstruction of Engineering programmes to make them more responsive to the changing industry environment

The Department has collaborated with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) in reconstructing curricula of Engineering Studies programmes to align with industry needs and standards of professional bodies. The programmes that have been prioritised and are currently being reconstructed are in the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering.

This reconstruction commenced in August 2020 and is anticipated to be completed by June 2021. The completion of this process will see a reduction in the offering of the current NATED programmes and a move to occupational programmes, which are more industry-aligned.

5.   Revision and updating of subject content

The Department has since 2018 updated curricula in 38 subjects of the NATED Report 191 programmes covering Engineering, Business and Services studies. The implementation of these revised/updated curricula started in January 2021.

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

1. There are 520 Post Offices nationally across the Provinces, except for the Western Cape (which SAPO does not service currently) that have e-Natis with a current total of 580 machines.

2. Yes, staff are trained on the use of e-Natis machines.

(a) Approximately 2080 staff were trained nationally with a minimum of at least 2 per branch.

(b) Training needs change continually based on specific operational requirements and with the service offerings of the respective branch that are based on specific provincial negotiated agreements. Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and North West have a combination of full service and renewals. SAPO also has a supervisor and teller functions per branch as per e-Natis requirements.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The 700 000 hectares made available to farmers is under the control of the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

a) None of these hectares fall under the control of Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure;

b) The land is situated throughout national and provincial spheres of government;

c) According to DALRRD, the land is vacant.

Reply:

1. South Africa is not in a position to pronounce on whether the Ugandan Elections were free and fair because it did not observe the Elections. Based on the African Union principle of subsidiarity, which mandates regional organisations to take the lead in managing political and other issues occurring in their respective regions, South Africa defers its position to observations that were made by the East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) that had sent Elections Observer Missions to Uganda. Unfortunately, the African Union did not send an Elections Observer Mission which could also have guided South Africa’s position. Both these regional authorities did not pronounce on whether the Ugandan Elections were free and fair.

 

2. The outcome of the Elections was announced by a legitimate entity in Uganda, the Election Commission, on 16 January 2021. However, it was reported on 21 January 2021 that one of the Presidential contestants, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has challenged the outcome of the Elections. He lodged his complaints with in the Supreme Court of Uganda, which is the apex court in Uganda. He also has an option of referring the matter to the East Africa Court of Justice which also has jurisdiction following the exhaustion of local remedies. South Africa supports the resolution of political disputes through political and legal means, and will await the the outcome of the judicial process which is currently underway.

Reply:

a) The COVID-19 TERS benefit was extended until 15 March 2021. However, through the special COVID-19 TERS benefit government is supporting some employers to continue operating their businesses, whilst not having to pay wages during the period of decreased economic activity, thus preventing job losses.

Furthermore, employees that have to work reduced working time or have been laid off temporarily can apply for UIF-benefits under section 12(1)(b) for income replacement.

b) The following contribution was made to the economy since March 2020 to 10 February 2021

• 13 468 043 beneficiaries received payments to the value of R57 488 330 825 in terms of the COVID-19 TERS benefit scheme
• 1 161 059 employers applied for the above benefit on behalf of their employees.

In addition, a further R13 754 711 897 was paid in terms of unemployment and other statutory benefits to a further 2 445 665 beneficiaries.

Reply:

The Department of Social Development work very closely with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services and the Judiciary in child protection matters as mandated by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. The Act mandates the two departments to work together to care, protect and develop children. In order to successfully implement the Act it is important that officials from the two departments, who are key in the implementation of the Act should have a common understanding of the Act. It is against this background that capacity building sessions are held with the officials from the two departments.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development facilitated refresher training in 2018/19 on the submission of information to the Register of the National Child Protection Register in conjunction with the Registrar of the National Child Protection Register. This training targeted officials from the Department of Social Development in all the provinces.

Furthermore there is a structure that has been established in terms of the Children’s Act which is National Child Care and Protection Forum (NCCPF) where the two departments are key. This structure serves as a platform to engage on child protection issues of which Protection orders with regard to rights of children are one of those discussed to ensure common understanding and correct interpretation thereof.

The two departments established an inter-sectoral steering committee on Foster Care which provide a platform to share information, reflect on lessons learned, implementation challenges and strategies to address these challenges.

Reply:

When the special relief grant of R350 per month was introduced, it was expected that the majority of the applicants would have the grant paid into their personal bank accounts. The second option was to pay through mobile money to a cell phone. However, on implementation, it was found that the number of clients who provided banking details was relatively small, while the process to positively link a cell phone number to a specific client, as required by National Treasury before any payments could be made to that number, did not yield the desired results.

Of the total approved grants paid to date, approximately 66% are paid through SAPO, 30% through direct deposits into bank accounts and less than 5% through mobile money. This has placed great strain on the post office infrastructure, and has resulted in long queues outside post offices every day.

Initiatives implemented to try and manage the queues at post offices include the following:

• The placement of volunteers at the busier post offices to assist with queue management ensuring that social distancing is maintained, and reminding all to keep their masks on at all times;
• Scheduling clients through sending SMS notifications as to when they should collect their money. The recent SMS notifications have included the name of the post office at which the client should collect, if this information is available from previous collection history;
• Encouraging clients to change the payment method by capturing their bank account details on the SASSA SRD website; and
• SAPO has introduced staggering of collection according the last 3 digits of the ID number, so, for example those whose ID numbers end in 080 and 081 are allocated a specific date; those whose IDs end in 082 and 083 another day, and so on.

With the extension of the grant for a further 3 month period, the communication to clients to advise them to capture their banking details on the website has been strengthened.

Reply:

1. SASSA does not carry information as to whether an applicant for a grant is homeless or not. Any South African who meets the qualifying criteria for a grant is eligible to apply for, and receive the social grant.

Applicants for the R350 special relief grant also do not have to provide addresses, so it is not known how many of these clients are homeless.

2. The grants for all approved grant beneficiaries are paid on a monthly basis. All social grants are paid into a bank account, and can be accessed by the client at his/her convenience. Even the SASSA/SAPO card is a bank account into which the funds are paid.

Clients who receive the R350 special relief grant and who do not have bank accounts, collect these at the post office. As at end January, there are approximately 590 000 clients who have not yet accessed their grant from the post office. The reasons for them not collecting the funds is not known. However, all have been sent messages to remind them to collect the available funds.

3. Application channels for all social grants are available for every citizen. SASSA has offices throughout the country at which application can be made. There is no discrimination against citizens who are homeless.

One of the challenges which may be experienced by homeless applicants may be the inability to produce the required documents, as legislated in the Social Assistance Act, 2004. However, for all required documents, provision is made in the Act for an affidavit to be provided as an alternative, so this should not prevent eligible citizens from applying.

In addition to the above channels, applications may be lodged on line. SASSA is also exploring alternative channels through which applications can be lodged, including whatsapp, following the success of the process introduced for the R350 special relief grant.

Reply:

The Occupational Health and Safety inspectors, nationally, conducted around 18 238 inspections for the three quarters in the financial year 2020/21. 47% of workplaces inspected were found to be non-compliant whilst 53% were found to be compliant with OHS and COVID19 Directions.

Around 8619 notices were issued to non-compliant employers during this period. This included contravention, prohibition and improvement notices.

Reply:

Honourable Cardo must note that South Africa is a Constitutional democracy whereby the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution protects the right to engage in collective bargaining and freedom of association. Therefore, the Honourable Dr Cardo is calling on the government to act unconstitutional by diminishing and/or removing the right to engage in collective bargaining.

It is sad that certain members lament constitutional violations in other countries and with the same breath are calling for the Government to act unconstitutional.

 

The Honourable member must note that our labour market policies are decided and agreed upon by way of consensus by NEDLAC social partners consisting of Organised Business, Organised Labour, Organised Community and Government. The Government does not dictate to social partners which policies are best suitable to govern their environment.

Dr Cardo must remember that bargaining councils are voluntary arrangements. It is parties themselves within the sector and understanding their dynamics within their sectors that conclude these collective agreements best suited for them.

Notwithstanding that, it is parties to the bargaining council without the intervention of government that conclude collective agreements best suited for their sector,

Reply:

National Treasury is working on designing a Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) framework that will be implemented for the National Treasury and Department of Public Enterprises during the 2021/22 medium term expenditure framework. The framework will aim to reduce unnecessary government expenditure to create space for other priorities including prevention of deficits and spiraling of government debt. The objectives will include:

• Improving the performance of programmes/projects
• Identifying redundant programmes/projects
• Identifying bottlenecks within government’s finance supply chain
• Identifying possible duplication of activities between and within departments
• Improve and optimizing resource allocation, to prevent wasting available resources

The framework to implement the ZBB will be mainly through utilising expenditure reviews, which are used by several countries that have implemented ZBB before. The elements of the framework will include, amongst others:

• Identifying objectives and outcomes
• Roles and responsibilities and required skill sets
• The link between ZBB and the budget process

Reply:

Various role players contribute to tourism. Prepaid licensing fees for the Charter and Tourism Business Industry is not the competency of the Department of Tourism, but the mandate of the Department of Transport. The department engages from time to time with the Department of Transport on various matters. The Honourable member may refer the question to the Minister of Transport.

1. (a) to (c) Not applicable.

2. (a) to (b) Not applicable.

Reply:

a) A total of 1 383 clients in the Northern Cape did not receive their grants in January 2021. These were clients whose grants were approved, but who failed the bank verification process. Every new applicant, or client who changes the method of payment provides SASSA with the bank account details. Once this is captured on the system, the information is subject to a bank verification process, to ensure that the grant is paid into the account which belongs to that client and that the account is open. Where the account fails the verification process, the account cannot be credited. This process is in place to ensure that the grant is paid to the right person.

b) The process is system driven and the failure may be as a result of incorrect information provided; the client providing the details of an account which is in their spouse’s name; the account being closed by the time the credit should be processed or errors made during capturing.

c) The accounts will be credited once the information on the system has been corrected. This is done by the clients being contacted and requested to bring in a copy of their bank statement so that the record can be updated. Once the record is corrected, the payment is extracted, and the account credited, during the next payment cycle. The amount credited will then include the amount from when the grant was approved, or from the date of the last payment, to ensure that the client is not prejudiced.

Reply:

The Performance Agreement signed between the Minister and the President outlines the work that the Minister, supported by the Deputy Minister, the Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities must achieve. The Minister is expected to work with other Ministers on the various Cabinet Clusters to achieve the outlined priorities. Whether the Minister is delivering or not, will be assessed by the President during the Performance Evaluation process.

Priorities are outlined in the Annual Performance Plans, Strategic Plans, that were used as a basis for allocating the Budget to the Department of Employment and Labour.

Implementation progress on these priorities get reported in Parliament by the Department of Employment and Labour and its entities, through Legislature Committees, be it Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour, that Hon. Bagraim is a member of, Select Committee, etc. The Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities also table Annual Reports that are audited by the Auditor General on its Performance information and how the budget was used.

Reply:

a) During December 2020, there was a total of 13 doctors to conduct medical assessments for SASSA clients. These doctors were utilised at a ratio of 40 clients per doctor per session. As from January 2021, this number has increased to 28 doctors in the province, and the maximum number of clients each doctor can attend to in a single session has been increased to 80.

(ii)The doctors are not confirmed to a single district municipality, but are allocated to specific areas as and when required.

b) A total of 108 assessments were done in December 2020 in Hantam local municipality as follows:

Calvinia 28

Brandvlei 20

Niewoudville 21

Williston 26

Fraserburg 13

Reply:

The Performance Agreement signed between the Minister and the President outlines the work that the Minister, supported by the Deputy Minister, the Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities must achieve. The Minister is expected to work with other Ministers on the various Cabinet Clusters to achieve the outlined priorities. Whether the Minister is delivering or not, will be assessed by the President during the Performance Evaluation process.

The Department and all its entities, do report to Parliament, especially the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour Portfolio, that Honourable Bagraim is a member of and the Select Committee on the Quarterly progress on the implementation of priorities,

as outlined in the Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans that were used as a basis for allocating the Budget to the Department. The Department and all its entities also table Annual Reports that are audited by the Auditor General on its Performance information and how the budget was used.

Reply:

1. (a) The 1 million jobs that are projected to be created, is a target that the government aspire to achieve in the Medium Term Strategic Framework for the next five years ending in 2024. The target was informed by the job summit commitments and economic stimulus interventions that are to be initiated by the Presidential Program Management Office to create 800,000 jobs. The Department of Employment and Labour will create an additional 256,050 was based on the previous four year trends in counselling and placement of people in employment, subsidies offered to Non-Governmental Organisations and Supported Employment Enterprises to promote employment of people with disabilities, Unemployment Insurance Fund Labour Activation and Compensation Fund sponsored programs uptake.

(b) and (c) The breakdown in terms of the DEL contribution which include the Unemployment Insurance Fund is as follows:

(i) Public Employment Services: 190 000

(ii) Supported Employment Enterprises and NGOs promoting employment of People with Disabilities: 1000

(iii) Unemployment Insurance Fund Labour Activation Programme: 61050

(v) Compensation Fund: 4000

2. The costs of the above activities will consist of a combination of National Treasury Budget allocation as forecast in the Estimate of National Expenditure to be announced by the Minister of Finance for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework period and allocations that the two funds will set aside for the revenue to be generated. The exact annual amounts to each of these initiatives, will be outlined in Annual Performance Plans that are to be tabled in parliament.

Reply:

The Performance Agreement signed between the Minister and the President outlines the work that the Minister, supported by the Deputy Minister, the Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities must achieve. The Minister is expected to work with other Ministers on the various Cabinet Clusters to achieve the outlined priorities. Whether the Minister is delivering or not, will be assessed by the President during the Performance Evaluation process.

The Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities, do report to Parliament, through Parliamentary committees such as Select Committee and Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour,

that Honourable Bagraim is a member of, on the Quarterly progress on the implementation of priorities as outlined in the Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans that were used as a basis for allocating the Budget to the Department.

The Department and all its entities also table Annual Reports that are audited by the Auditor General on its Performance information and how the budget was used.

Reply:

Government’s transformation policy and in particular the Implementation of the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act is central to the rollout of departmental programmes. Furthermore, the department implements programmes aimed at supporting black people’s participation in ownership, management control, skills development and enterprise development amongst others. The department’s programmes have by design a footprint in the rural areas of our country. The department will continue along this path to ensure that black people are part of the tourism sector post Covid-19 pandemic. Among other interventions on working towards transformation of the sector, we launched the Tourism Equity Fund.

Reply:

1. The previous Chief Executive Officer of Armscor’s last day of service was 30 April 2019.

2. The Board considered and approved payment of performance remuneration for the 2018/2019 financial year, at its sitting on 28 August 2019. This was after receiving the Auditors General’s report, which confirmed the satisfactory performance of Armscor against agreed objectives and goals.

3. Upon meeting the requirements of his performance contract, Armscor paid 20% of the total remuneration package, which was approved by the Board. The total taxable amount was R763 200-00 and R419 760.00 (after tax) was paid on 13 September 2019.

4. On termination of service on 30 April 2019 the previous Chief Executive Officer received his normal monthly salary plus the leave payment for accumulated vacation leave credit of 23,43 days. This is in accordance with the Armscor conditions of employment which reads as follows:

“When an employee leaves Armscor's service, he/she is entitled to convert his/her leave and long service leave into cash, calculated on total cost to Armscor on day of termination of service.”

The taxable amount for the accumulated leave days was R425 134.78 and R233 824.13 (after tax) was paid on 30 April 2019.

5. The previous Chief Executive Officer received no performance remuneration payment for the 2019/2020 financial year.

Reply:

a) What mechanisms, processes and procedures are in place in respect of the Tourism Equity Fund.

• The sefa Board approves the investment guidelines of the Tourism Equity Fund based on the agreed Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Tourism.
• A dedicated portfolio management strategy applies to the ring-fenced funds with regards to funding allocation, accounting, and reporting.
• sefa will report to the Department of Tourism on a quarterly basis on the performance of the fund as well as consolidate the performance and outcomes of the Fund within its annual financial statements and annual report.

(b)(i) How will successes and failures be monitored and analysed.lections and Reporting

• • The beneficiaries will also receive non-financial support to ensure support
  • Approved applicants will be monitored for at least three years after final disbursement.
  • Site inspections will be conducted with all the approved applicants at each claim stage before disbursements. A site inspection report will be completed as part of this process.
  • Approved applicants are required to participate and a monitoring report will be completed as part of this process.
  • Where Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) or other commercial finance institutions form part of funders for projects, the main DFI / commercial funder must submit bi-annual progress report on all beneficiaries projects funded as part of the TEF for the duration of the fund.

(ii) and (iii) Projects will be monitored quartely by the Department of Tourism and sefa.

(c) What criteria will be used in the prioritisation of applications.

The following are the funding requirements:

• Business Profile
• BBBEE certificate or affidavit
• Company statutory documents
• FICA documents
• Certified ID copies of Directors/Members
• 12 months bank statements
• Latest Annual Financial Statements and Management Accounts not older than three months from date of application (Statement of Financial Performance and Statement of Financial Position) – where applicable
• 5 year Cash Flow Projections (with clear assumptions) – where applicable
• Relevant industry certification – where applicable
• Facility Statements of other funders – where applicable

(d) What minimal qualifications must applicants to the fund have to qualify.

• Be a registered legal entity in South Africa in terms of the Companies Act, 1973 (as amended); Close Corporations Act, 1984 (as amended); and the Cooperatives Act, 2005 (as amended)
• Be 100% owned by South African citizens.
• Be predominantly black-owned (51%).
• Be registered and compliant with the South African Revenue Service.
• Be majority black owner-managed and controlled.
• Operate in the qualifying sectors.

(e) The fund will be administer by the Small Enteprise Financial Agency (sefa)

Reply:

a) South African Tourism operate globally through offices in 10 counties, it must be noted that the Minister has requested the board to review this offices and present a report with recommendations before financial year end.

b) Where is each of the specified offices situated.

Nigeria	Germany	UK	US	Netherlands	France	China	Japan	India	Australia
Lagos	Frankfurt	London	New York	Amsterdam	*Paris	Beijing	Tokyo	Mumbai	Sydney

*South African Tourism moved out of its Paris office space due to the high cost of rent. The team has been housed in virtual offices in Paris while suitable offices are being sought.

c) What budget has been allocated to each office: (ZAR)

	AFRICA	AMERICAS	EUROPE	ASIA	AUSTRALASIA
	Nigeria	US	Germany	UK	France	Netherlands	India	China	Japan	Australia
2017/18	31 336 173	80 128 526	70 587 093	61 241 379	50 299 260	36 340 817	50 922 009	36 199 037	16 889 252	32 506 659
2018/19	30 036 783	76 265 152	77 994 899	71 851 647	31 392 564	49 998 733	49 595 332	36 631 210	20 463 251	40 428 712
2019/20	26 210 153	104 874 679	64 665 996	69 127 524	45 425 302	43 207 601	44 694 662	39 526 887	15 513 332	43 993 558
(ii)Since 1 April	12 020 803	20 568 796	18 304 367	18 422 864	16 989 398	13 881 719	17 190 343	11 301 529	7 248 486	14 227 593

d) What expenditure has each office incurred: (ZAR)

	AFRICA	AMERICAS	EUROPE	ASIA	AUSTRALASIA
	Nigeria	US	Germany	UK	France	Netherlands	India	China	Japan	Australia
2017/18	29 929 382,18	89 673 998,13	63 416 737,35	80 418 753,12	44 371 186,92	40 384 310,26	49 391 953,82	38 214 129,16	18 451 120,94	27 081 866,75
2018/19	22 975 996,53	87 702 343,47	68 764 894,46	101 125 186,11	36 897 595,21	54 860 182,60	49 233 774,94	39 729 727,46	19 740 223,20	37 373 842,35
2019/20	22 154 884,26	103 414 766,18	55 643 291,48	94 537 239,58	19 086 267,45	35 083 701,59	20 935 729,03	27 664 437,27	15 945 166,85	39 223 667,13
(ii)Since 1 April	4 322 791,05	15 041 722,26	8 755 135,69	15 911 011,08	10 088 766,85	11 661 909,80	14 830 874,99	10 474 356,24	4 282 858,10	10 595 639,76

e) (i) Key Performance Areas (KPAs) for each of the offices.

Activities at all global offices contribute towards the achievement of the KPIs as stated in the organisational Annual Performance Plan. Each office operates as a regional hub servicing key source markets, to ensure effective marketing initiatives, support to the value chain partners and effective delegation of authority and responsibility. Mandate of each office is to drive number of international tourist arrivals into South Africa, increase tourist foreign direct spend, drive geographic spread, and increase brand awareness and positivity. Key focus areas of each office are as below:

• Destination Brand Management

Increase:

• Destination profiling to grow destination appeal
• Brand awareness, Brand affinity, Brand positivity
• Consideration
• Messaging on matters of travel facilitation (the ease of travel to destination South Africa)

• Consumer Engagements
• Awareness and consideration campaigns
• Influencer marketing
• Authentic, educational, entertaining and inspiring fit for purpose content for targeted segments
• Showcase diversity of experiences
• Digital communities, social tribes
• Advocacy
• Distribution Channel Engagements and Capacitation
• Trade Training – physical and virtual
• Trade Communication – publications, newsletters marketing, etc.
• Database Management / Customer Relations Management Rollout
• Focus on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events
• Deals pages – partnerships with airlines and distribution channel (traditional and non-traditional)
• Media Engagements
• Trade and non-trade media publications for Public relations campaigns
• Press releases, Emailers, media placements
• Partnership Identification and Management
• Traditional and non-traditional partnerships
• Content partnerships
• Outsourced third party media channels
• Stakeholder messaging
• DIRCO and Mission Training

.Marketing and Communication Platforms

• Websites and virtual platforms
• Digital Tools – social listening and tracking, gamification, WhatsApp bots, etc.
• Virtual training tools – SA Specialist, etc.
• Distribution channel engagement platforms
• Real time data
• Toolkits for South African Product Owners and in country trade and Missions

 

(ii) How are the KPAs monitored and measured.

Activities at all global offices are monitored and evaluated quarterly by our Strategy Unit, EXCO and Board. Furthermore Executive Authority through the support of the Department provides oversight on the work of the entity.

Reply:

1. (a) The South African National Defence (SANDF) has the responsibility to provide security for any of its guests on the South African soil. This is based on diplomatic responsibilities by utilising our current inherent Protection Services for movement, protection and security of the Cubans during deployment.

(b) The VIP Protection Services comprises of members of the SANDF, and therefore the detachment of this Service to Project THUSANO does not involve additional cost either than what is already utilised as an inherent service within the Department of Defence.

Reply:

There are several factors that determined employees’ annual leave entitlement in 2019-20;

• employees are entitled to a maximum of 22 – 27 days per annum (depending on years of service);
• employees have a period of six months within which to take all annual leave days that they may have accumulated in respect of the previous calendar year;
• employees may have had annual leave days from before the previous calendar year, as prior to a leave policy change, employees were allowed to maintain a carry-over balance of 10 days in accrued leave; and
• some employees received once-off additional leave credits, to correct for leave unduly lost owing to an electronic leave system error.

 

 

SIGNATURE PAGE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER: 91 [NW94E]

Deadline = 19 February 2021

Recommended / Not recommended

DR. KAY BROWN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: FINANCIAL AND FISCAL COMMISSION

DATE:

 

Approved / Not approved

DR. DAVID MASONDO, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE

DATE:

Reply:

There was instability and a lack of leadership and oversight in the Finance Division. This was related to the disciplinary hearing of the now dismissed chief financial officer, leading to the commission having to appoint acting Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) while finalizing the disciplinary process. This resulted in weaknesses in the processing and reviewing of transactions during the compilation of the Annual Financial Statements. The commission has appointed a permanent CFO and has capacitated the internal control systems.

Reply:

Value-added tax was levied at the standard rate of 14% on all 2010 World Cup ticket sales.

VAT revenue from such sales amounted to R318 million.

Reply:

a) Both principals underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship. The US Government acknowledged South Africa as an indispensable partner and remarkable global player, as well as an important commercial partner for the US. In the area of health, South Africa acknowledged the US support for PEPFAR, which has been impactful in South Africa and the region.

Covid-19 pandemic (US): The Biden Administration has committed to working with partners in international institutions, including on continental issues. Within the World Health Organisation (WHO) context, the US has joined the COVAX initiative and will also work with other multilateral institutions to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. The US also wants to address global health security and work on climate impact with other countries.

South Africa welcomed the decision by the Biden Administration to re-join the WHO and the COVAX initiative. The US aproach aligns with South Africa’s position that there should be equitable and affordable distribution of vaccines. The focus on global health will assist to prepare less developed countries, including in Africa, to better prepare for the next pandemic, when it occurs. Mitigating the impact of climate change is also priority for South Africa and therefore the importance that the US is placing on this matter, including within the multateral context, is welcomed.

China: The US Government will adopt a more nuanced approach towards China, but the tensions with China are expected to continue under the Biden Administation. It was conveyed that South Africa and China enjoy good relations and that it was important to ensure that all countries, including the US, China and Russia, work jointly to assist those who are least able to help themselves. The Secretary displayed a willingness to further discuss this matter with South Africa.

b) According to Secretary Blinken, Africa will be a priority for the Biden Administration. South Africa raised the World Trade Organisation (WTO) position for Director-General and requested that the US Government support the candidature of former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who was opposed by the former President, Mr Trump.

Shortly after the telephone conversation, the Biden Administration expressed its strong support for the Nigerian candidature.

Reply:

(1) No, the South African Government has not extended any help during the second wave of COVID-19 to Zimbabwe. However, it is heartening to note that the Development Bank of Southern Africa donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during the first wave to the Government of Zimbabwe in July 2020 to help in the fight against COVID-19 at that time and for future use. The items included, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits, surgical masks, face shields, examination gloves, surgical gowns, medical suits and goggles.

Reply:

a)What  are the reasons that teacher assistants have not been paid in KwaZulu-Natal for the past three months

The teacher assistance were employed in December 2020. The province reported that the delay in payment of stipend is that the PED experienced a challenge with monthly cashflows received from their Provincial Treasury . The Provincial Treasury is allocating cashflow to the Provincial department amounting to 8.33% of the annual budget.

b)What steps has she taken to resolve the specified matter?   

The Department is conducting weekly meetings with PEDs to provide assistance and guidance. The PED reported that they  engaged  with the Provincial Treasury, and  the funds will be released to Districts on 11 and 18 February 2021. It is envisaged that the outstanding stipends will be finalised by 20 February 2021. The matter pertaining to February and March stipends is being attended to by the PED with the Provincial Treasury.

Reply:

The FIC received an unqualified audit report with no findings (“clean audit report”) and there were no internal control deficiencies identified.

The Audit Report indicates:

“The matters reported below are limited to the significant internal control deficiencies that resulted in the annual performance report and the findings on compliance with legislation included in this report.”

And below it recorded:

“I did not identify any significant deficiencies in internal control.”

Reply:

The question has been referred to the North West Department of Education and a response will be provided as soon as it is received.

Reply:

The question has been referred to the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the response will be provided as soon as it is received.

Reply:

(a) Internal delays in the payment of invoices resulted mostly from the following:

• Suppliers often send invoices directly to business units instead of directly to the Finance business unit (Finance) which is responsible for payment. This results in a delay in the processing of invoices and the subsequent late payment.
• There are incidents where relevant documentation is not timeously approved or submitted to Finance, resulting in Finance having to follow up on the status of the documentation which subsequently results in undue delays.
• These internal inefficiencies have been identified and addressed and although not fully eradicated, the results have been improving. The FIC is committed to achieving and maintaining 100% compliance to the target.

 

(b) The reasons were extended to the relevant employees.

Reply:

The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) receives and analyses regulatory reports, which the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act 38 of 2001) (FIC Act) requires certain institutions to submit to it. These regulatory reports include those that relate to suspicious and unusual activities and/or transactions (as per section 29 of the FIC Act).

Provisions in the FIC Act preclude the FIC from divulging information about the receipt of regulatory reports, their content, the subject(s) of reports and the identities of reporters. These provisions protect reporters and subjects of reports, and safeguard sensitive information concerning the FIC’s analysis of reported information.

The confidentiality requirements in the FIC Act also serve to avoid disruption of investigative processes that the competent authorities may undertake, based on the financial intelligence reports they receive from the FIC.

Reply:

The 1998 version of the National Guidelines for Traffic Calming have not been updated since they were published.

The National Guidelines for Traffic Calming together with the supplementary documents on the ‘Design and Implementation of Speed Humps’ and the ‘Design Guidelines for Mini-roundabouts’ have however remained the de facto main national reference documents for traffic calming. Given the holistic approach described in the document, some local authorities had adopted the National Guidelines for Traffic Calming as formal municipal policy as a whole, without any amendment whereas other municipalities opted to develop their own policies and standards for traffic calming.

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.

Reply:

Civil Aviation

The airport does not have an ILS (Instrument Landing System) as the terrain around the airport could cause problems with signals. The airport had an ILS test done by an independent Company that installs ILS and it was found not to be a site where an ILS can be installed. The airport has a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) which is in use to aid aircraft to land at Mthatha Airport.

The airport does have a VOR (Very High Frequency Omni Range) but when the new runway was added to the airport by the National Department of Transport (DOT), DOT did not move this VOR as it was installed for use on the old runway as a let-down aid. In building the new runway the VOR was too far off centre line to be used as a let-down procedure. A new DVOR is planned for Mthatha Airport and it will be installed by Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) when ATNS upgrades other VORs in South Africa. COVID-19 has delayed the procurement of such VORs but this will take place in the new financial year.

Mthatha Airport has one of the most modern runway lighting systems in the world and this includes approach lights, PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) Approach lights, taxiway lights and edge lighting including marker boards for taxiways.

There is no fuelling at the airport for civilian use currently as the demand for such fuel is minimal. The airline that serves the airport does not require fuel and there are very few private flights to this airport. The South African Police Service (SAPS) have their own fuelling arrangements at the airport at the air wing site helipad. The Department of Defence has a similar arrangement where they fuel their own helicopters.

In 2018 the Eastern Cape Department of Transport advertised an Expression of Interest and received two responses. However, the responses were not up to the standard due to the fact that the aviation fuelling requirements are strictly regulated and not any one can operate such a facility. The Department is attempting to have a sole service provider appointed, who operates at the East London airport and has been operating for many years.

 

Reply:

The statistics on the persons allegedly murdered flowing from the torching of trucks are kept by the South African Police Service (SAPS). That being said, I humbly request that this question be re-directed to the Departments of Employment and Labour and the SAPS for a reason that the President established an Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) under the leadership of the Department of Employment and Labour. It is worth noting that SAPS chairs the National JOINTS where security information is shared including such criminality that is taking place within the freight industry. It must also be noted that the Department of Transport initially led the Task Team prior to the establishment of the IMC. The then Minister of Transport, Dr B Nzimande officially handed over a report on this matter to then Minister of Labour on 15 April 2019.

The Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Nxesi is now leading this portfolio.

 

Reply:

The Department has the speed hump design manual published in 1998 and it needs updating to be in line with new developments within the built environments.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), as the lead agency on road safety, is responsible for chairing the National Road Safety Steering Committee (NRSSC) to look into among other priorities the updating of procedure manuals, including Road Safety manuals and design manuals. These manuals and guidelines are ratified at COTO before they get incorporated to Provincial Authorities Implementation guidelines.

The Department has since instructed the RTMC to prioritise the updating of National Guidelines for traffic calming for inclusion into Provincial Road Safety Authorities implementation guidelines.

Furthermore, the Provinces through their traffic engineering sections, do carry out design traffic calming measures eg. rumble strips, speed humps, delineators etc. to mitigate road fatal crashes and protect pedestrian traffic.

Reply:

The Design and Implementation of Speed Humps: Supplement to the National Guidelines for Traffic Calming has not been updated since it was last published in 1997.

The National Guidelines for Traffic Calming 1998 together with the supplementary documents the ‘Design and Implementation of Speed Humps’ and the ‘Design Guidelines for Mini-roundabouts’ have remained the de facto main national reference documents for traffic calming. Given the holistic approach described in the document, some local authorities had adopted the National Guidelines for Traffic Calming as formal municipal policy as a whole, without any amendment whereas other municipalities opted to develop their own policies and standards for traffic calming.

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.

Reply:

a) All the changes to departmental budgets for the implementation of the SAA Business Rescue are reflected in the 2020 Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure (AENE). Changes to each departmental appropriation are reflected in Table 3 of the AENE, while Table 2.1 outlines the changes per economic classification, including shifts between votes for all adjustments, mostly the SAA Business Rescue and the extension of the Social Relief of Distress allocations.

b) The Business Rescue Plan of SAA has been activated and envisages the establishment of a new, restructured airline. In this regard, any previously projected losses will ha to be reduced and finally eliminated and the business rescue plan is specifically designed to achieve this objective, which is the reason for the allocations towards its execution. The allocations made for SAA in this Second Adjustments Appropriation Act will include payment of severance packages for staff, and other requirements to reduce costs over the long term.