Questions and Replies
08 March 2021 - NW153
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)With reference to her reply to question 2242 on 27 November 2020, what are the terms and conditions attached to the occupation of 62 Orchard Street in Newlands by the specified departmental official; (2) Whether her department has received any rental income in respect of the property; if not, why not; if so, what amount was received in each month since occupation?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I have been informed by the Department that the terms and conditions attached to the occupation were that:
(a) the official can reside at the residence for a period of 3 months;
(b) the official will be liable for a monthly rental as determined by the Department for duration of her stay; and
(c) the residence should be made available for the renovations at any given moment.
(2) The Department has not yet received any monies as the rental amount was never determined and rent was never charged. The implicated official was responsible to determine the rent in terms of her job description. Consequence management, including disciplinary action and the recovery of rental owed, is in progress.
08 March 2021 - NW74
Nxumalo, Mr MN to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether she will furnish Mr M N Nxumalo with the full relevant details of outstanding rental fees owed to her department to date; if not, why not; if so, on what date; (2) whether she will furnish Mr M N Nxumalo with the full relevant details of (a) persons and/or entities and (b) the nature of the agreement with her department?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I am informed by the Department that the outstanding rental owed to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) as at 31 January 2021 is R3 108 516 329 broken down as follows:
(i) Outstanding claims owed by User Departments for accommodation
The total outstanding claims owed by User Departments for accommodation is R3 108 516 329 broken down as follows:
- The DPWI charges rental for the use of State properties by User Departments in line with the Devolution Framework approved by National Treasury. The outstanding balance owed by User Departments for state-owned accommodation is R1 926 228 416 as at 31 January 2021.
- The DPWI also signs lease agreements with private landlords in instances where state properties are not available for use by the User Department, after which the Department recovers all costs related to these leases from the User Departments. The outstanding balance for leases is R1 182 287 913 as at 31 January 2021
(ii) Rental debtors is R101 046 999
These are persons and entities who are renting properties that are not being utilized by Government.
(iii) Prestige debtors is R7 849 565
These are persons who include members of the Executive, former members of the Executive, Members of Parliament, Directors-General, former Directors-General, officials required to be accommodated in Cape Town and/or Pretoria, and other eminent persons required to be provided with accommodation.
The abovementioned amounts may exclude money not yet allocated or cash in transit. At the beginning of the sixth administration, the Minister requested the Department to implement a debt recovery process.
2. (a) The full relevant details of persons and entities owing DPWI as at 31 January 2021 are found in attached Annexure A.
(b) The nature of the agreement is that these persons and entities are leasing properties from DPWI either as a benefit provided in various statutes. In case of properties occupied by User Departments, the agreements are governed by the Devolution Framework as approved by National Treasury.
08 March 2021 - NW228
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of State Security
Whether the State Security Agency has investigated criminal charges laid against a certain person (name furnished), a former employee of the Department of State Security, after the SA Police Service allegedly transferred the investigation of the charges laid on 9 April 2009 at the Durban Central Police Station; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full details of the (a) investigation and (b) its outcome?
Reply:
A reply to this Parliamentary Question has been logdged.
08 March 2021 - NW324
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What is the climate change adaptation and resilience strategy of her department given the imminent impact of climate change on local tourism; (2) whether her department has met with key role players and experts on the impact of climate change on tourism to mitigate the worst impact it is likely to have on tourism; if not, (a) on what date will a meeting be convened and (b) who will extend an invitation to attend the meeting; if so, (i) on what date was the meeting convened, (ii) who were in attendance and (iii) what was the agenda of the meeting; (3) whether a strategy and/or plan was adopted going forward; if not, why not; if so, on what date will a follow-up meeting be convened
Reply:
1. The Department of Tourism developed the National Tourism and Climate Change Response Programme focusing on adaptation and mitigation in the sector. The department further conducted a climate change risk and vulnerability assessment of 27 tourism sites across the country, culminating into a three year tourism adaptation implementation plan 2019/20 financial year. As part of its implementation plan, the department is developing a climate change communication plan.
2. (a)-(b)
(i) The department has had a number of engagements with key role players and experts in climate change, some of whom were members of the Task Team that drove the development of the National Tourism and Climate Change Response Programme. Going forward, climate change related work will be an integral part of the Environmental Implementation Plan (EIP) which is being develop in the current financial year. Engagement on these matters are taking place on a regualr basis.
(i) The department is not in a position to provide this information as it constitutes third party’s personal information.
(ii) Discussions pertain to climate change adaptation and mitigation matters with the tourism context.
3. As indicated in (1) above. A three year implementation plan on tourism and adaptation was developed and is currently being implemented and meetings are regularly convened with regard to the Environmental Implementation Plan (EIP) development.
08 March 2021 - NW441
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What steps will she take to ensure that decent classrooms are built for the educators and learners at the Empumelelweni Primary and High School in Eerste River, Cape Town?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Western Cape Department of Education and a response will be submitted as soon as it is received.
08 March 2021 - NW245
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of State Security
(1) What are the relevant details of the procedures that are followed by the State Security Agency (SSA) in order to ensure that firearms are (a) stored safely and (b)(i) issued and (ii) returned correctly in accordance with procedure; (2) what total number of firearms in the SSA has been (a) lost and/or (b) stolen in each respective year since 2009; (3) whether any firearms and/or ammunition have been issued since 2008 to persons who were or are not members of the SSA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what total number of firearms and/or ammunition, (b) to whom was it issued, (c) for what purpose and (d) what number of the firearms and/or ammunition has been returned to the SSA; (4) whether any steps have been taken to determine if some of the firearms that were issued were used in criminal offences; if not, why not; if so, what total number of firearms?
Reply:
A reply to this Parliamentary Question has been logdged.
08 March 2021 - NW311
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether her department owns a property known as Elwyn Court, Chelmsford Road, Vredehoek, Cape Town; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so (a) on what date was the property acquired and (b) for what purpose; (2) whether the property is still used for the specified purpose; if not, for what purpose is it currently being used; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I am informed by the Department that the property is owned by the Department of Public Works and infrastructure.
a) On the 1st December 1998
b) For residential accommodation for SAPS.
2. No; it is not being used for its originally intended purpose as it is at present illegally occupied. The Department has now initiated the eviction processes. Once the illegal occupants are evicted from the property; the building is due to be rehabilitated and included in the Prestige Residential Portfolio.
08 March 2021 - NW332
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)What progress has been made on the sourcing of accommodation for the Detectives Branch of the Florida SA Police Services; (2) whether he has found that there will be sufficient floor space on-site to ensure that the Detectives Branch can function optimally; if not, what buildings have been identified as suitable for the needs of the Detective Branch; if so, what (a) plans have been made in respect of suitable structures to be erected and (b) impact will it have on existing structures; (3) whether there are buildings that have been identified off-site for the needs of the Detective branch; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) is there (i) sufficient floor area and (ii) secure parking in the identified buildings and (b) are the identified buildings safe for members of the public to access the detectives; (4) whether the identified buildings will require refurbishment prior to uptake; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (5) (a) what are the time frames for the finalisation of the specified process and (b) for what period is the current resolution envisaged to be utilised?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I have been informed by the Department that no alternative accommodation has been acquired for Florida Detectives as yet due to non-responsive bids. There has been a joint walkabout between SAPS and DPWI to physically look for suitable accommodation in Florida and a suitable building was identified on corners of Jan Smuts and Jan Hofmeyer Avenue.
2. There have been investigations to establish whether (a) temporary structures can be placed on site at the current Florida police station site and (b) these have revealed that the available space will not be enough to accommodate the ± 500m² accommodation requirement for the detectives so the plan to continue with placement of temporary structures on site has been placed on hold.
3. (a) A suitable building has been identified on the corner of Jan Smuts and Jan Hofmeyer Avenue in Florida. (i) The building was identified by the Detectives Unit Commander for Florida detectives and it was established through a site inspection that there is enough floor space to accommodate the detectives’ current space requirements and also, enough space for future use should the need arise. This building is situated approximately 2km’s away from Florida police station and according to the Detective’s Unit Commander, will not cause much of an inconvenience in terms of their operations. (ii) The building has enough parking on site with parking bays available both underground and above ground (uncovered) at the identified premises.
(b) The condition of the building is fairly satisfactory and allows for easy implementation of access control to keep members and the public safe from any Occupational Health and Safety hazards.
4. The identified building will not require any refurbishment prior to uptake except for installation of IT and telephone lines which will be the responsibility of the tenant (SAPS).
5. (a) At the moment, it is difficult to determine how long the process of finalising this acquisition will take since SAPS has been requested to submit documentation to support a motivation to National Treasury for their accommodation to be procured on a negotiated process since previous open procurement strategies have not been successful.
(b) SAPS is intending for this facility to be leased for an initial period of 5 years whilst a long term property solution is being investigated.
08 March 2021 - NW341
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a) steps has he taken since he was appointed as Minister of Home Affairs in 2019 to ensure that the offices of his department once again operate on Saturdays and (b) are the relevant details of the (i) dates of meetings with the unions regarding the matter, (ii) steps agreed upon, (iii) progress on steps and (iv) next steps in the process?
Reply:
The department’s response to questions (a), (b), (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are as follows
a) I convened bilateral meetings with National Office Bearers of NEHAWU and PSA in which parties deliberated on the significance of processing collective bargaining procedures on working time arrangements. Parties agreed that collective bargaining process hold a key to working time arrangement in the Department of Home Affairs in compliance with the Constitutional Court judgement on working time arrangement. The Departmental Mandating Team, consisting of Senior Managers and chaired by the DDG: HRM&D, Ms N. Mohoboko was established and is operational.
The Mandating Team is guiding the Departmental Bargaining Council negotiators on matters for discussion. Currently, parties have agreed on the following:
1. A Task Team to develop shift models was established and terms of reference for the Team were drafted and agreed to.
2. A Task Team of funding model for the shift system was established. The latter Team will start its operation once the Team on shift models has finalised its task. The function of the Task Team on funding model is dependent on the outcomes of the shift models that will be agreed to. Negotiations at the Bargaining Council are currently deadlocked as Trade Unions have raised concerns on the program of the Youth Forum of the Department in which they agreed as Youth to volunteer to render services on Saturdays to their youth counterpart in procuring critical documents such as Identity documents to access matriculation studies and related services.
The impasse is referred to the Director General who has scheduled a meeting on the 19th of March 2021 with a view to break the deadlock.
b) The meeting between the Director General of the Department and Trade Unions is confirmed for the 19th of March 2021.
In terms of question (ii), (iii) and (iv) the department will provide feedback as soon as the parties have met on 19 March 2021.
END
08 March 2021 - NW342
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With reference to a certain notice on his department’s website (details furnished) in terms of which his department will introduce collection kiosks to reduce waiting times for collections, (a) what steps have been taken to implement dedicated collection kiosks and (b) on what date will they operate?
Reply:
a) The Department has commenced with the process of bringing in a professional service provider for the design and development of the KIOSK for the provision of DHA services, including collection services. The request for the appointment of the service provider to design and develop a virtual interactive machine (KIOSK) for the provision of DHA service has been approved by the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC) and members of the BSC and BEC appointed in November 2020. The Department envisaged advertising the tender during the first quarter of 2021/22 financial year and having the preferred service provider on board by end of the second quarter of the financial year, given the supply chain processes.
b) The appointed service provider will commence with the design and development of the virtual interactive machine (KIOSK) during the third quarter of 2021/22 financial year. It will only be during this period that the department will learn of the period it will take the service provider to design, develop and test the virtual interactive machine (KIOSK) for readiness and utilisation by the department.
END
08 March 2021 - NW313
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with reference to the property known as Elwyn Court, Chelmsford Road, Vredehoek, Cape Town, her department has taken any steps to evict any occupant that is living in the specified property illegally and/or without paying rent; if not, why not; if so, what steps have been taken; (2) what steps does her department envisage to take in order to (a) rehabilitate the building and/or (b) dispose of this property and (c) in each case, on what date?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I am informed by the Department that the Department has taken steps to evict all illegal occupants from the specified property. The matter has been referred to the State Attorney for eviction.
2. There is a Project registered for the rehabilitation of the building.
a) This Project is currently in the planning stages
b) It is not currently intended for disposal
c) The administrative functions of the Project can continue, however the implementation and date of the physical hand over of the site is delayed due to the impending eviction. As such a start date for the rehabilitation cannot be confirmed.
08 March 2021 - NW62
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1857 on 30 October 2020, a certain company (name furnished) has provided reasons why her department must not recommend their restriction to the National Treasury; if not, has her department recommended to the National Treasury that the specified company be restricted from doing business with the State; if so, what were the reasons?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
I’ve been informed by the Department that the service provider has not provided reasons nor made representations regarding restriction and as such, the department has not recommended restriction to National Treasury.
Upon receipt of the Departments letter dated 28 September 2020 notifying of the intent to restrict, the service provider through their attorneys requested on 16 October 2020 that the department provide them with all and any relevant information so as to enable them to make representations. The department acknowledged this request on 30 November 2020.
The departments Restriction Committee and Authority and the office of the acting Director-General has subsequently agreed on the documentation to be provided and this was submitted to the service provider on 12 February 2021. The department now awaits the representations that must be submitted within 14 days and upon receipt thereof, the Restriction Committee will progress the matter.
08 March 2021 - NW331
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)With reference to the Tafelkop Farmers, Hereford Irrigation Scheme in Groblersdal, what (a) progress has been made with regard to the finalisation of the title deeds for the farmers that were due to be handed over on 31 March 2020 and (b) total number of title deeds have been (i) registered by the conveyancers and (ii) handed over to individuals; (2) whether any delays were experienced; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the reasons for the specified delays; (3) what are the projected time frames for the resolution of any problems; (4) what is the proposed date by which all title deeds will be handed to the farmers
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. (a) On 1 February 2021, 25 of 33 Title Deeds were registered in the names of 25 beneficiaries as received from the State Attorney.
(b) (i) 25 Title Deeds have been registered.
(ii) No Title Deeds have been handed over to individuals.
T2. here are delays with the Title Deeds for 6 beneficiaries whose Deed of Donations had to be signed again as 5 of the beneficiaries’ spouses, who jointly signed with them, have passed away and 1 had a matrimonial challenge. A further 2 beneficiaries do not comply, where 1 is not utilising the farm and has not completed the required documentation, and the other has a conflict in family as the original beneficiaries have passed on.
3. The deeds of donations for the 6 outstanding compliant title deeds have been handed over to the State Attorney to initiate the process of registering the land parcels into beneficiaries’ names. It is anticipated that the processes will be finalised within the next six months depending on all requirements for registration being addressed.
4. Progress on the finalisation of the title deeds for the Tafelkop farmers will be presented in the next Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform where a recommendation will be made for a joint handover ceremony led by the Deputy President with Ministers of Public Works & Infrastructure and Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development for the issuing of the 25 Title Deeds that have been registered.
08 March 2021 - NW154
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2242 on 27 November 2020, the investigation by the Acting Director-General is complete; if not, by what date is it expected that the investigation will be complete; if so, what are the findings of the investigation; (2) whether her department intends to develop the specified property; if so (a) on what date, (b) for what purpose and (c) at what cost?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I have been informed by the Department that the investigation has been concluded.
It was found that on her appointment as Director of Property Management in the Cape Town Regional Office on 15 January 2018, the official relocated from Durban to Cape Town. The official submitted a request to stay in the property while she would look for her own place in Cape Town. The request was approved in April 2018 for a three (3) month period, subject to a rental being paid as determined by the Department. The Property and Valuation unit of the Department was never requested to determine the market related rent and rent was never charged. The official also did not vacate the property after the agreed three (3) months lapsed.
On 12 November 2020, the official was given 30 days’ notice to vacate the property by 15 December 2021. When the official failed to vacate the property, a final notice was issued on 26 January 2021 to hand over the keys by 5 February 2021. The official was also informed that she would be liable for all outstanding rent.
On compassionate grounds, the official requested an extension to the end of February 2021 to vacate the property which was granted by the Accounting Officer. The official informed the Accounting Officer on 23 February 2021 that she had vacated the property and that the keys had been handed over.
The valuation unit of the Department is in the process of determining the market related rent, upon which the official will be served with a notice to pay the outstanding rental amount. Consequence management, including disciplinary action on why rental amounts were never determined and charged, and why the property was not vacated within the agreed to three (3) months will be implemented.
(2) I have been informed by the Department that it intends to develop this property.
(a) 2022/2023 Financial Year;
(b) For purposes of utilisation by Members of the Executive; and
(c) The cost is yet to be determined.
08 March 2021 - NW360
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to the announcement that teachers will be considered as frontline workers to receive the vaccines, what (a) is the detailed plan for the vaccination rollout for teachers, (b) measures have been put in place for (i) teachers and (ii) learners who suffer from co-morbidities so that they are not be left behind as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and (c)(i) are the details of the regulations for the safe re-opening of schools and (ii) how does her department intend to ensure its strict implementation?
Reply:
a) The plan for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination is led by the National Department of Health (NDOH).
b) The national strategy has three phases; with phase one focusing on health workers - phase one started during the week of 15 February 2021; and phase two will focus on frontline workers, including teachers.
c) The Department of Basic Education has developed Standard Operating Procedures for the containment and management of COVID-19 in schools and further gazetted Directions issued in terms of regulation 4(3) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), regarding the reopening of schools and measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in the basic education sector.
08 March 2021 - NW250
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What steps has she taken to ensure that all the schools that fall within the KwaMbonambi municipal area adhere to all COVID-19 protocols, and that includes ensuring that there are sanitisers, temperature scanners and masks for all the teachers and learners?
Reply:
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the containment and management of COVID-19 in schools; and further gazetted Directions issued in terms of regulation 4(3) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), regarding the reopening of schools and measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in the Department of Basic Education, all Provincial Education Departments, all Education district offices and all schools in the Republic of South Africa. The SOPs and Directions are not municipal specific, but are applicable to the entire education system.
08 March 2021 - NW417
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Since he took office in 2019, what has he found to be the most notable successes of the Immigration Service Inspectorate?
Reply:
There have been a number of notable successes that the Inspectorate have achieved since 2019 such as maintaining regular deportations which have numbered 29376 in 2019/20 and in the financial year 2020/21 we have deported 11787.
The Inspectorate are participants in the weekly Okae Mulao Operations led by the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS.
The Inspectorate has also assisted in the removal of the UNHCR protesters in Pretoria in November 2021 and from Greenmarket Square and the Central Methodist Church in April 2020 and further verifications of such persons who were relocated to 2 Shelters at Wingfield and Paint during the course of October and November 2020 resulting in 204 arrests of undocumented persons.
The Inspectorate are also part of the inter-sectoral task team that deals with violence within the trucking industry in 54 joint law enforcement operations/roadblocks with the Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Transport, the South African Police Services, Metro Police Departments and Bargaining Council, whereby the Department was able to apprehend and charge offenders as follow, 33 cases were opened against Employers (Charged) and 160 Undocumented foreign truck drivers were charged.
During the period 2 January 2021 to February 20 2021 60 inspectorate officials were deployed to the high risk borderline areas and conducted 13088 direct deportations of those encountered attempting to enter the country clandestinely.
END
08 March 2021 - NW312
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with reference to the property known as Elwyn Court, Chelmsford Road, Vredehoek, Cape Town, the property has been declared a problem building by the municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) for what reason and (b) what steps did her department take to rectify the problem; (2) whether the specified property is occupied; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) by whom and (b) do the occupants pay any rent?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I am informed by the Department that:
a) The Department, as owner of the property; was ordered in terms of section 6 (5) of the Problem Building By-Law of 2010 to repair, renovate, repaint, alter, close, demolish, secure, or remove all refuse from, the problem building.
b) As the property is unlawfully occupied, the Department handed over the matter to the Office of the State Attorney for eviction as well as engaged with the Department of Human Settlements and the Local Authority to undertake the profiling process of all the occupants and to provide alternative accommodation for the unlawful occupants in order for this office to prepare for eviction.
2. Yes.
a) Herewith the names of the unlawful occupants:
Item |
NAME |
IDENTITY NUMBER |
1 |
Lerna Marneveld |
|
2 |
Thembakazi queenie Mbolo |
|
3 |
Colleen Booysen |
|
4 |
Elizabeth Booysen |
|
5 |
Vinzenzo Booysen |
|
6 |
Mary Elizabeth Lang |
|
7 |
Sean Charles Lang (spouse) |
|
8 |
Brandon Owen Lang (adult child) |
|
9 |
Gerhardus Wilhelmus Stoop |
|
b) No, they are not paying any rental.
08 March 2021 - NW343
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(a)What is the current status of the application for permanent residence, Ref: PRP1726119? (b) What is the reason for the delay in its finalisation and (c) on what date will the application be finalised?
Reply:
a) The application in respect of PRP1726119 is currently within the adjudication workflow process and resides at the 3rd quality assurance level.
b) The application has not been finalised due to an accrued backlog of cases. The department is addressing this through a project that will ensure all unresolved cases dating back to 2016 can be resolved and finalised by 31 June 2021. Further processing of this application will be monitored to ensure that it is finalised by the end of March 2021.
END
08 March 2021 - NW444
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a)(i) total number of learners entered Grade 1 in 2009 and (ii) number of the specified learners wrote final examinations for Grade 12 in 2020 and (b) happened to the rest of the learners who could not reach Grade 12?
Reply:
(a)(i) According to our national records, there were 1 106 827 learners enrolled in Grade 1 in 2009. It needs to be noted that this figure includes learners that repeated Grade 1; and therefore, the number of learners that entered Grade 1 in 2009, will be slightly lower.
(ii) The number of full-time candidates who wrote the final examination in Grade 12 in 2020, was 578 468.
(b) The rest of the learners who did not write the final Grade 12 examination, but entered Grade 1 in 2009, are included in:
- the almost 30 000 learners who registered for the 2020 NSC examinations, but were absent for the examinations;
- a large number of learners would have failed in one of the earlier Grades; and thus, would be retained in the system as repeaters;
- a large number of learners would have left the schooling system in Grade 10, 11; and registered at the TVET Colleges;
- a significant number of learners would have entered the world of work; and
- a large number of learners would have exited the system in Grade 10 and Grade 11, or earlier; and registered to write the final NSC examinations, either in the May / June examinations, or in October / November examinations as part-time candidates.
08 March 2021 - NW323
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) Whether she has been informed of the severe international brand damage and ensuing impact on SA Tourism caused by the captive lion breeding and hunting industry, also known as canned lion hunting; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what plans has her department put in place to address the issue of captive lion hunting and the negative impact this has on international tourism; (3) whether her department has been informed that the Safari Club International, the world's largest hunting club, has slammed the door shut on the canned lion industry of the Republic, announcing it will no longer allow captive-bred lion operators to advertise or market captive-bred lions at its annual convention and will reject all captive-bred lion entries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what is the (a) position and (b) plan of her department to address the brand damage caused to SA Tourism by the captive/canned lion hunting industry; (5) whether her department has been informed that a peer-reviewed paper authored by an environmental economist (Dr Ross Harvey), critiques the conservation and economic claims advanced by the captive-predator breeding industry in the Republic; if not, will her department engage the specified person and other experts to address the captive lion breeding industry; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department of Tourism acknowledges that any association to canned hunting of the destination brand presents challenges to the promotion of the destination. The department further recognises that wildlife management and animal welfare are within the mandates of the Department of Environment, Fisheries, Forestry as well as the Department of Rural Development, Agriculture and Land Reform. It is for this reason that in positioning the country’s brand, the Department and its entity, South African Tourism maintains the country’s legal framework on hunting in the brand messaging.
2. Not applicable, the matter falls under the departments stated in (1) above.
3. The Department of Tourism is not in a position to comment on individual business decisions. However, in engagements with the Professional Hunting Association of Southern Africa, the department emphasised the need to uphold responsible and sustainable tourism practices that must be in line with the law at all times.
4. (a) and (b) South Africa’s destination brand promotion is widely diversified based on the variety of experiences and products that it offers. The country’s messaging on matters of hunting where necessary is aligned to the legal framework governing the practice in the country.
5. Not applicable, the matter falls within the mandate of the departments stated in (1) above.
08 March 2021 - NW38
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of State Security
Whether a certain person (name furnished) was on the payroll of the State Security Agency at any stage during and after the specified person’s incarceration; if so, what total amount has the State spent on the person’s sustenance and upkeep ever since the person was released from jail?
Reply:
A reply to this Parliamentary Question has been logdged.
05 March 2021 - NW201
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
With regard to his reply to question 2639 on 26 November 2020, regarding questions (a) 2109, (b) 2112 and (c) 2113, on what date is it envisaged that he will furnish Mr G R Krumbock with the requested information?
Reply:
(a). QUESTION No. 2109
Question no.2109 was responded to on
(b). QUESTION No. 2112-2020
In response to this question the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) indicated that due to staff still working remotely, they will need more days to collate the information. They further indicated that they would only be able to retrieve information for the past 5 years.
We have contacted SASCOC to impress upon them to respond to this question we have not received any responses
(c). QUESTION No. 2113-2020
What (a) total amount has the SA Sports Trust spent on providing (i) sporting infrastructure, (ii) kit, (iii) equipment and (iv) programmes aimed at developing the young persons of the Republic in each financial year since its inception and (b) in each case, which sporting codes were the beneficiaries and/or recipients?
REPLY
Question no. 2113 was responded to.
05 March 2021 - NW24
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether he had been informed of the break-in at the Museum Africa in Gauteng in November 2020 and the damage done to the music exhibition and art collection after water pipes were broken during the break-in; if not, why not, if so, (a) has he sent persons to assess the cost of the damage and are the plans in place to prevent the same thing from happening again?
Reply:
Unfortunately, I have not been informed of the break-in and the extent of the damage done to the Music exhibition and the art collection that took place at Museum Africa in Gauteng in November 2020. Museum Africa is managed by the City of Johannesburg and not one of our entities.
05 March 2021 - NW237
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture:
1. Whether his Department has conducted a study to establish how the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the suffering of the arts sector; If not, why not; if so, what are the details of the extent of the suffering as identified by his department; 2. What are the full relevant details of the beneficiaries of his department’s relief fund to date? NW204E
Reply:
- Yes, The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) undertook a study in the early stages of the lockdown, which was completed in May 2020, that include an online survey and an econometric analysis.
The Impact?
Approximately 600 completed surveys were received, and the survey distinguished between:
- formal (65%) and informal businesses (35%)
- employers (with employees) (38%) and freelancers (with no permanent employees)) 62%)
- those who operate mainly face-to-face (31%) and those who do not operate face-to-face (69%)
Survey Responses by Domain
Domain |
Percentage |
Cultural & Natural Heritage |
3% |
Performance & Celebration |
28% |
Visual Arts & Crafts |
16% |
Books and Press |
5% |
Audio-Visual & Interactive Media |
31% |
Design & Creative Services |
10% |
Support Activities |
6% |
Formal sector operators seem to have experienced a higher proportion of cancellations of scheduled work than freelancers, possibly because of their longer-term planning horizons. Similarly, employers were more likely to have had scheduled work cancelled than freelancers. While those operating in a mostly not face-to-face mode initially experienced more cancellations (68%) than those operating mostly face-to-face, there were a greater proportion of face-to-face operations that experienced cancellations in future months.
Some respondents indicated that they were using the time productively to invest in the future of their businesses, which included:
- Moving business activities, such as meetings and production, online (35%)
- Arranging for greater flexibility to work from home (26%)
- Agreeing with clients to postpone (but not cancel) work until a future date (34%)
- Working on aspects of production (such as archiving, administration, developing creative ideas) that could be done without face-to-face interaction (36.5%)
- Building up a stock of the goods we produce, to be sold at a later date (7%)
- Using the time to up-skill or train myself and/or my employees (32%).
Less sustainable strategies involved short-term access to finance, which included:
- Using up reserves or savings (40%)
- Applying for a new loan, or an extension of a current loan (13%)
- Getting support (money or other services) from friends and family (20.5%).
Other strategies being used were:
- Moving business activities online, including production, distribution and sales, investing in skills, equipment and software that allows them to do this: “working on my website to strengthen my market image and presence”. There is, however, acknowledgement that online work limits access to poorer and rural communities.
- General cost-cutting and reducing overheads wherever possible: “downscaling our business”
- Diversifying into new or additional areas of business and exploring new markets: “Looking for new customers, and pivoting my business to add another income stream”.
- Working on proposals and pitching new work to existing and new clients: “Trying to pitch work to existing clients which can be done online”.
Using the information on the characteristics of each domain a vulnerability score, out of 10, was developed for each domain, where a higher number indicates greater vulnerability
Vulnerability Score by Domain
Domain |
Freelance |
Mostly F2F |
Informal |
Weighted vulnerability score out of 10 (ranking) |
Cultural & Natural Heritage |
35.0% |
85.7% |
10.5% |
5.55 (4) |
Performance & Celebration |
67.5% |
95.2% |
36.9% |
7.52 (1) |
Visual Arts & Crafts |
72.5% |
50.0% |
47.8% |
5.63 (3) |
Books and Press |
56.7% |
26.7% |
33.1% |
3.70(6) |
Audio-Visual & Interactive Media |
63.7% |
71.7% |
33.5% |
6.17 (2) |
Design & Creatives Services |
56.9% |
30.0% |
34.5% |
3.90(5) |
TOTAL |
62.4% |
68.6% |
34.9% |
6.00 |
Using an input output table developed to include the CCIs the average impact of the Covid-19 shutdown per domain for 2020 (Gross Domestic Product in billions of rand and percentage impact on the sector itself):
- Cultural & Natural Heritage -R1,156 (-44,8%)
- Performance & Celebration -R2,806 (-55,6%)
- Visual Arts & Crafts -R2,173 (-44,5%)
- Books and Press -R8,262 (-36,1%)
- Audio-Visual & Interactive Media -R10,394 (44,7%)
- Design & Creatives Services -R18,523 (-35,1%)
Two domains: the book and press and the designing creative services domains had the least impact and many authors and designers could continue working during Covid lockdown. On the other hand, the Performance and Celebration domain is most vulnerable (because of the high proportion of freelance and face-to-face production).
What, if anything were the positives?
Generally, the sector was forced to become more innovative in order to survive. One of the positive outcomes of the lockdown has been the increased use of information and communication technology (ICT). This has been particularly useful for enterprises and freelancers that have the equipment and the skills necessary to exploit these technologies. Unfortunately, many creatives, particularly in rural areas, could not access or use ICTs. Nevertheless, the use of these technologies has speeded up the 4th Industrial Revolution and will have positive consequences in the long-term for the South African creative economy. Creative are using the time to up-skill and acquired new skills.
2. The department have rolled out Covid 19 relief initiatives and invited practitioners to apply to date 4971arts practitioners have benefitted from these initiatives.
\
05 March 2021 - NW60
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether her department has been informed of the cause of the water crisis in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is aware of water shortages in the Umhlathuze Local Municipality. The Umhlathuze Local Municipality (LM) abstracts and treats water from Lake Cubhu at the Esikhaleni Water Treatment works for supply to the Esikhaleni area. However, the water demand in the area exceeds the available supply, necessitating the rotational supply of water to ensure all residents have access to some water.
The Mhlathuze Water Board is currently working with the Umhlathuze LM to install a 15 Ml/day package treatment plant to augment supplies to the area. The municipality has reported that this project is in the final design stage and construction should begin in May 2021. It is envisaged that the project will be completed within 12 months. In the longer term, a pipeline is planned to supply water from the Nsezi Water Treatment Works to the Forest Hill Reservoirs.
Honourable Member, it is important to distinguish the functions of various government departments and the different spheres of government when it comes to access to water and sanitation services.
- The Department of Water and Sanitation is the custodian of water and in terms of the National Water Act is responsible for ensuring that water as a resource is allocated equitably and used beneficially in the public interest, while promoting environmental values.
- Schedule 4B of the Constitution places the function of provision of water services to local government (municipalities).
- Section 154 of the Constitution places a responsibility on national and provincial government to support and regulate local government in carrying out this mandate.
- Section 3 of the Water Services Act outlines the right of access to basic water supply and sanitation which mandates that “everyone has a right of access to basic water supply and basic sanitation” and places the responsibility on Water Services Authorities to ensure that they develop a Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) to ensure the realisation of this right.
- Section 4 of the Water Services Act sets conditions for the provision of water services.
- Section 9 of the Water Services Act prescribes that the Minister may from time to time develop compulsory national norms and standards for water services which outline the exact levels of services that municipalities must provide.
- Section 10 of the Water Services Act provides norms and standards for setting tariffs for the provision of water services.
- Section 11 of the Water Services Act mandates that “every Water Services Authority has the duty to all consumers or potential consumers in its area of jurisdiction to progressively ensure efficient, affordable, economical and sustainable access to water services.”
- Section 84(1) d of the Municipal Structures Act mandates that municipalities are responsible for the provision of potable water and domestic waste water disposal systems.
05 March 2021 - NW145
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture”
1. What is the total number of meetings of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture which took place since 1 January 2020 and total number of the specified meetings did he attend; 2. what were the three main reasons why he did not attend the specified committee meetings; 3. whether he received any communication from the Chairperson of the committee regarding action to be taken to address the issue of his non-attendance; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what action has the Chairperson of the committee proposed?
Reply:
(1) (a) The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, has got all the records of meetings that were held in 2020, (b) as well as the apologies that I tendered in my absence and there is no stage that I could not attend the meeting without a reason. The Member should appreciate the fact that I had always shown high regard for the Portfolio Committee whenever I am requested to appear before it. In most instances, where it was absolutely impossible for me to attend the committee meeting, I would request the Deputy Minister to lead the Department.
(2) Some of the reason are as follow;
- If I am presenting in the Cabinet Committee/Cabinet meeting
- Meetings on Coronavirus Command Council etc.
(3) I constantly communicate with the Chairperson on several issues regarding the Portfolio and all the apologies are directly forwarded to the Chairperson.
05 March 2021 - NW423
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether she will furnish Dr W J Boshoff with a list of all schools in Kimberley in the Northern Cape; if not, why not; if so, by what date will she provide the specified list, indicating under each school (a) if the specified school charges (i) school fees or (ii) no school fees and (b) the number of vacancies for additional learners; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1.(a) (i) (ii) Refer Annexure A attached
05 March 2021 - NW147
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture”
(1). What is the total amount of Iziko Museum budget that has been (a) allocated to upgrade and maintain infrastructure over the past five financial years and (b) actually spent on maintenance and infrastructure of each building under the care of Iziko; (2). What are details of (a) the persons who are responsible for maintenance and upgrading of all infrastructure and (b) maintenance and upgrading that has been done on each of the buildings under the care of Iziko?
Reply:
1.(a). In terms of Section 4 of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA), 2007 (Act No. 19 of 2007) as amended, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), the Executive Authority of Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko Museums), is the user of the following buildings that are occupied by Iziko Museums:
- Bertram House and Bertram House Annexe, (early 19th century)
- Bo-Kaap Museum (early 19th century)
- Koopmans-de Wet House (18th century)
- National Mutual Building (20th century) housing the Social History Centre
- Old Town House (18th century) housing the Michaelis Collection
- Rust en Vreugd Museum (late 18th century) and Rust en Vreugd Annexe
- Slave Lodge (foundation was laid in 1679, but sections were added in 17th and 18th centuries)
- SA Museum (late 19th century) and Planetarium (20th century)
- SA National Gallery (20th century) and SA National Gallery Annexe
The Minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has been appointed as the custodian of immovable assets, which vest in the national sphere of government and is thus the caretaker of state-owned buildings in terms of GIAMA section 4(2) and will be able to provide the answer to this question.
In terms of paragraph 7 of the Guidelines for Day to Day Maintenance, DPWI as the custodian in terms of GIAMA section 4, will accept responsibility “for services which falls within the scope of the Day to Day Maintenance Services obliged for an amount exceeding R100 000”, previously this was an amount exceeding R30 000.
The subsidy received from DSAC includes funding for day-to-day maintenance services, so provision is made in the annual budget for the estimated expenditure in the annual budget.
The DSAC subsidy also includes funding to employ a Maintenance Coordinator to perform day-to-day repair and maintenance services.
The total estimated provision in the budget and the actual expenditure for day-to-day maintenance services for the past five years is indicated in the table below.
Repairs and Maintenance from 2016 to 2021 |
||
|
Budget |
Actual |
Day to day maintenance services |
R 3 067 338 |
R 1 403 491 |
Total |
R 3 067 338 |
R 1 403 491 |
It must be noted that the day to day projected budget for a financial year is an estimate so the fact that funding is not spent does not mean that Iziko has not been doing day to day maintenance, it means that it is simply not possible to accurately estimate what day to day maintenance would be needed at the nine sites occupied by Iziko so it is critical that sufficient funding is allocated.
(b). The table in paragraph (1) (a) includes the estimated expenditure allocated, as well as the actual expenditure in the past five years.
2.(a). The Minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has been appointed as the custodian of immovable assets, which vest in the national sphere of government and is thus the caretaker in terms of GIAMA section 4(2) of state-owned buildings.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is the user, not the custodian, of buildings occupied by Iziko Museums as a public entity of DSAC in terms of Section 4(2) of GIAMA. DSAC has nevertheless allocated R9.51 million to Iziko Museums to appoint an Architect to develop a five-year Conservation and Maintenance Plan to assist with day to day maintenance services and to provide Iziko with an estimated cost of repair and renovation projects so that funding can be sought for projects as prioritised and costed in the Plan.
The following documents were developed for each of the nine buildings occupied by Iziko Museums:
- As-Built Drawings;
- An Existing Building Condition Report (EBCR);
- A Conservation Management Plan (CMP); and
- A five-year Conservation and Maintenance Plan.
The CMP for the nine buildings occupied by Iziko was submitted to Heritage Western Cape (HWC) for approval, but only eight were approved, as the CMP for Iziko SA National Gallery had been mislaid.
(b). Maintenance and Upgrade of Buildings by Custodian
The last time that the custodian of state-owned buildings allocated funding for major repairs and renovation of a building occupied by Iziko Museums was in 2005 for the Iziko SA Museum.
For many years, DPWI has been able to only fund health and safety related projects. The Halon Gas Fire Suppression System at the Iziko SA National Gallery was therefore replaced by DPWI.
DPWI will be able to provide the amount spent on the nine buildings occupied by Iziko Museums.
Maintenance and Upgrade of Buildings by User
DSAC and Iziko Museums have allocated funding for repair and maintenance projects, but it has been a challenge to spend the funding as Heritage Western Cape (HWC) has taken more than a year to issue permits and in some instances, additional documents such as plans are requested though construction is not planned.
DSAC has allocated funding for projects such as a the construction of an emergency escape, a fire suppression system, the painting of buildings, repair of a ceiling and the upgrade of the electricity supply at the Iziko Old Townhouse, which was the first building with electricity in Cape Town.
Iziko Museums has also managed to allocate some funds for repair and maintenance projects as indicated in the table below.
Repair and Maintenance Expenditure from 2016 to 2021 |
|
|
Actual |
DSAC funded repair and maintenance projects |
R 7 996 395 |
Iziko funded repair and maintenance projects |
R 601 161 |
|
R 8 597 556 |
05 March 2021 - NW146
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
With reference to his reply to question 2480 on 30 October 2020, and in light of the fact that 128 out of 278 municipalities are in financial distress and are failing in service delivery, bill services and revenue collection according to the 2019 report by the Auditor-General, as well as the fact that his department’s budget has been adjusted and reduced by a billion rand because of the COVID-19 pandemic, (a) what budget allocation will be made available to the affected municipalities that are required to allocate an operational budget for the removal of statues, (b) where will the money actually come from to support the removal and management of (i) statues, (ii) symbols and (iii) geographical names?
Reply:
It is too early to know what budget allocation will be made available to relocate and curate statues, monuments and memorials that are not in line with the spirit and values of the South African Constitution. The first phase of the transformation project, which is the national physical audit of statues, monuments and memorials in all 52 districts of the country, will be completed in the first quarter of the next financial year. The due diligence exercise will result in a costed implementation plan on the basis of which informed decisions about budget allocations can be made.
a) The due diligence exercise referred to in (a) above will result in a costed implementation plan on the basis of which informed decisions about the budget source(s) as well as where the budget will come from to relocate and curate identified (i) Statues, (ii) Symbols and (iii) Geographical Names.
05 March 2021 - NW111
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
How much (a) State-owned land and (b) land identified for land reform will be transferred to (i) the National Department of Human Settlements and (ii) the Provincial Departments of Human Settlements for the provision of serviced sites for human settlement developments?
Reply:
(a) State-owned land in the extent of 14 018 hectares held nationally by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been identified and approved by Cabinet for release in order to advance the development of human settlements.
(b) The identified land parcels will be released by way of Power of Attorney in favour of the Housing Development Agency (HDA) to enable immediate joint development planning in conjunction with the various Provincial Human Settlements Departments and the respective municipalities. The identified land also addresses urban land reform through human settlements development.
05 March 2021 - NW25
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture”
1. Given his decision to remove retired judge Zak Yacoob as Chairperson of the interim board of Cricket South Africa, what reasons motivated him to appoint Dr Stavros Nicolaou as his replacement; 2. what expertise has he found will Dr Nicolaou bring to his department, after he has been appointed for a third term by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, to the board of Brand South Africa, and appointed by the Minister of Public Enterprises as Chairman of the Board of SA Express
Reply:
1. In appointing Dr Stavros Nicolaou as a replacement for Judge Zak Yacoob to chair the Cricket SA Interim Board, the Minister took the following facts into consideration, amongst others: -
- A replacement coming from Interim Board, for continuity purposes
- business acumen of the incumbent
- interpersonal skills
- his active supportive role when Judge Yacoob was still the Chairperson.
- His acumen in Corporate governance issues was an added advantage.
2. Dr Stavros Nicolaou will be replacing Judge Yacoob for the balance of the Cricket SA Interim Board tenure, which is April 2021. Dr Nicolaou was considered for his business knowledge and experience gained in public entities like Brand SA, Public Enterprise and SA Express as the kind of skills the Interim Board would benefit from in discharging their public mandate. That has also assisted in ensuring that he hits the ground running as Interim Board Chairperson.
05 March 2021 - NW191
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(1). Whether, with reference to his reply to oral question 642 on 25 November 2020, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust has purchased any property since its establishment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the physical address of the property, (b) on what date was each property purchased, (c) what was the cost of each property, (d) in whose name is property registered and (e) what was the reason for each purchase; (2). whether any of the above properties have been subsequently sold, if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, (a) to whom was each property sold, (b) for what amount was each property sold and (c) on what date was each property sold?
Reply:
(1) and (2). The 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust indicated that the Trust did not buy any property and does not intend to buy any property.
05 March 2021 - NW23
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(a). What are the reasons that cultural archives, museums and some libraries are still closed and (b) by what date will they open?
Reply:
(a). Archives, Museums and Libraries reporting to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture are open to the public and are following strict COVID-19 protocols. All these Entities were opened according to the amendment of directions issued in terms of regulation 4(10) of the regulations made under section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, dated 6 July 2020.
However, libraries in some districts that have been declared hotspots may still be closed. It must be noted that some libraries may be temporarily closed to comply with COVID-19 regulations issued under the Disaster Management Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
(b). The closed libraries will be opened upon the easing of COVID-19 regulations
05 March 2021 - NW380
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2223 on 30 October 2020, he will furnish Mr M Waters with the full audited reports since the inception of the FIFA 2010 World Cup Legacy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The South African Football Association (SAFA) in its response indicated that they are not in the office and would only be able to provide information on their return.
05 March 2021 - NW336
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether any staff member in her department (a) performed work in addition to the responsibilities related to his or her work, outside normal working hours, in the past five financial years and (b) has been performing such work during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, how is it determined whether such work is being performed or not; if so, in each case, (i) what number of staff members and (ii) in what job or work categories are the specified staff members employed; (2) whether approval for such work was obtained in each case; if not, what are the relevant details; if so, (a) what is the policy of her department in this regard, (b) by whom are such applications considered and approved, (c) what number of contraventions of this policy were brought to the attention of the National Treasury in the past five financial years and (d) what steps have been taken against the transgressors?
Reply:
(1)
(a) Yes
(b) Yes there are staff members who were performing remunerative work outside the Department from 1 April 2014, and approval for such remunerative work is granted over a period of twelve (12) months, and subject to re-application, if it continues beyond the initial 12 months period.
(i) There are twenty (20) staff members who obtained approval to do remunerative work outside the Department for the period under review i.e., 1 April 2014 to date.
(ii) the specified staff members are in categories of:
- Chief Directors
- Directors
- Chief Education Specialist
- Deputy Directors
(2) Yes approval was obtained in each case.
(a) The Policy of the Department requires prior application for approval to do remunerative work outside the Department.
(b) Applications to perform remunerative work outside the Department are considered by the respective Branch Heads (DDGs) and Ethics Officers; and approved by the Director-General.
(c) There have been no transgressions of this policy for the past five years to date in the Department.
(d) Not applicable.
05 March 2021 - NW14
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). Whether he has been informed that the current leadership of Basketball South Africa is unconstitutional as per the amended constitution ratified at the Annual General Meeting on 23 August 2014, due to a quorum not being achieved and elections not having taken place since 2016; if not, why not; if so, what steps will he take in this regard; (2). what are the reasons that his department is still approving funding for activities when reports from the provinces indicate that no activities are taking place, let alone the existence of governing structures within the broader Basketball South Africa spectrum; (3). what are the reasons that the financial statements have not been audited for the past five financial years, even though the submission of audited financial statements is one of the criteria for federations to receive funding; (4). whether he is in a position to give account with regard to (a) who compiled the financial statements and (b) who audited such statements prior to 2018; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1). The Minister has not been informed that the current leadership of Basketball SA is unconstitutional. However, the Minister is aware of the problems experienced by Basketball SA. The Minister in conjunction with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee is engaging Basketball SA to solve the problems bedevilling the sport in order to place in an acceptable administrative position.
2). The Department has not transferred any funds to Basketball SA since 2016. This recognizing that the organization was non-compliant with the minimum requirements for receiving Government Grant.
3). Basketball SA indicated that they were not receiving favourable cooperation from their previous Auditors, Sithole SS Chartered Accounts. They indicated that as a result they have had to change the Auditors.
4). (a) Basketball SA indicated that Bakgone Chartered Accounts compiled the financial statements.
(b) Basketball SA indicated that Sithole SS Chartered Accounts were the Auditors for the organization until 2019. However, did not complete the audits since 2016 / 2017 financial year hence Basketball SA had to change Auditors to Bakgone Chartered Accounts. Bagkone Chartered Accounts thereafter conducted Audits for the financial years since 2016 / 2017 to date 2019 /2020.
05 March 2021 - NW200
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
On what date will he furnish Mr G R Krumboch with the information with regard to his replies to questions (a) 1530, (b) 1531 and (c) 1613 on 29 july 2020, which have not been answered?
Reply:
(a). Question No.1530 was responded
REPLY
1) According to the Audited Financial Statements for Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games Bid Project provided by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee the Operating Expenses amounted to R114,288,883.
2) (a) and (b) The following is the breakdown of Revenue as per the Audited Financial Statements provided by SASCOC;
CONTRIBUTING ENTITY |
AMOUNT |
SAA |
1,546,284 |
Sport and Recreation SA |
1,000,000 |
Kwa Zulu Natal Sport and Recreation |
17,500,000 |
EThekwini Municipality |
17,500,000 |
National Lotteries Commission |
63,000,000 |
Gride Investments (dividend) |
12,000,000 |
(b). QUESTION No. 1531
What is the (a) name of each athlete in the Operational Excellence Courses Programme of his department and (b) average monthly amount paid to an athlete for participating in the specified programme? NW1902E
REPLY
Question no. 1531 was responded to.
(c). QUESTION No. 1613
Whether (a) the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, (b) the SA Sports Trust and (c) any national federation pays any amounts to sponsorship consultants; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the names of the consultants, (ii) total amount is paid to each specified consultant each month, (iii) is the total amount paid to the consultant by each specified entity and (iv) is the monetary value of the sponsorship that each consultant has secured since their appointment(s)? NW1997E
REPLY
Question no. 1613 was responded to.
05 March 2021 - NW202
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
With reference to his reply to question 2566 on 26 November 2020, regarding questions 954, 955, 956, 960, 1173, and 1175 on what date is it envisaged that he will furnish Mr. Krumbock with the requested information?
Reply:
Question 954, 955, 956, 960, and 1173 were responded to and feedback on question no.1175 from SASCOC is still pending and a reminder for urgent response has been sent.
National Assembly.
Recommended.
QUESTION No. 226-2021
FOR WRITTE REPLY
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.1-2021, DATE OF PUBLICATION 11 FEBRUARY 2021:
Mr TW Mhlongo (DA): TO ASK THE MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE:
(1) Whether with reference to his department’s first phase and second phase relief funding; his department conducted an audit of the R150 million relief funding; if not why not; if so what are the relevant details,
(2) a) who was appointed to audit the relief fund books, (b) what was the reasons that his department did not appoint an independent audit company, (c) what total amount was given to the sports trust to administer on behalf of his department and (d) has he found the appointments of the sports trust to be fair;
(3) whether all the relevant procedures, processes and regulations in appointing the sports trust were followed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the terms of reference of the trust? NW 229E
REPLY
- So far, only the first phase has been audited. The rollout of the entire R150 million has not been concluded and it is expected that the next phases will also be audited when concluded.
2. (a) The Audit was conducted by both Internal Audit of DSAC and the Auditor General. Both audit outcome reports have been issued to the accounting officer of the department.
(b) The department was content with the Auditor General process, who is
independent from the Department.
(c). The total amount transferred to the Sport Trust for Relief Funding is R9.4m as per National Treasury approval.
(d). Yes, there has not been any indication that the appointment of the Sports Trust was in anyway unfair. The Sports Trust is a Non-Profit Organization that partners the Department on the delivery of sport and recreation initiatives and has proven to be efficient and effective.
3. Yes, the relevant procedures, processes and regulations were followed. Before appointing the Sports Trust to assist in managing payments to the beneficiaries, the Department obtained approval from the National Treasury.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Recommended.
QUESTION No. 237-2021
FOR WRITTE REPLY
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.1-2021, DATE OF PUBLICATION 11 FEBRUARY 2021:
“Inkosi B N Luthuli (IFP): to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture:
- Whether his Department has conducted a study to establish how the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the suffering of the arts sector; If not, why not; if so, what are the details of the extent of the suffering as identified by his department;
2. What are the full relevant details of the beneficiaries of his department’s relief fund to date? NW204E
REPLY
- Yes, The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) undertook a study in the early stages of the lockdown, which was completed in May 2020, that include an online survey and an econometric analysis.
The Impact?
Approximately 600 completed surveys were received, and the survey distinguished between:
- formal (65%) and informal businesses (35%)
- employers (with employees) (38%) and freelancers (with no permanent employees)) 62%)
- those who operate mainly face-to-face (31%) and those who do not operate face-to-face (69%)
Survey Responses by Domain
Domain |
Percentage |
Cultural & Natural Heritage |
3% |
Performance & Celebration |
28% |
Visual Arts & Crafts |
16% |
Books and Press |
5% |
Audio-Visual & Interactive Media |
31% |
Design & Creative Services |
10% |
Support Activities |
6% |
Formal sector operators seem to have experienced a higher proportion of cancellations of scheduled work than freelancers, possibly because of their longer-term planning horizons. Similarly, employers were more likely to have had scheduled work cancelled than freelancers. While those operating in a mostly not face-to-face mode initially experienced more cancellations (68%) than those operating mostly face-to-face, there were a greater proportion of face-to-face operations that experienced cancellations in future months.
Some respondents indicated that they were using the time productively to invest in the future of their businesses, which included:
- Moving business activities, such as meetings and production, online (35%)
- Arranging for greater flexibility to work from home (26%)
- Agreeing with clients to postpone (but not cancel) work until a future date (34%)
- Working on aspects of production (such as archiving, administration, developing creative ideas) that could be done without face-to-face interaction (36.5%)
- Building up a stock of the goods we produce, to be sold at a later date (7%)
- Using the time to up-skill or train myself and/or my employees (32%).
Less sustainable strategies involved short-term access to finance, which included:
- Using up reserves or savings (40%)
- Applying for a new loan, or an extension of a current loan (13%)
- Getting support (money or other services) from friends and family (20.5%).
Other strategies being used were:
- Moving business activities online, including production, distribution and sales, investing in skills, equipment and software that allows them to do this: “working on my website to strengthen my market image and presence”. There is, however, acknowledgement that online work limits access to poorer and rural communities.
- General cost-cutting and reducing overheads wherever possible: “downscaling our business”
- Diversifying into new or additional areas of business and exploring new markets: “Looking for new customers, and pivoting my business to add another income stream”.
- Working on proposals and pitching new work to existing and new clients: “Trying to pitch work to existing clients which can be done online”.
Using the information on the characteristics of each domain a vulnerability score, out of 10, was developed for each domain, where a higher number indicates greater vulnerability
Vulnerability Score by Domain
Domain |
Freelance |
Mostly F2F |
Informal |
Weighted vulnerability score out of 10 (ranking) |
Cultural & Natural Heritage |
35.0% |
85.7% |
10.5% |
5.55 (4) |
Performance & Celebration |
67.5% |
95.2% |
36.9% |
7.52 (1) |
Visual Arts & Crafts |
72.5% |
50.0% |
47.8% |
5.63 (3) |
Books and Press |
56.7% |
26.7% |
33.1% |
3.70(6) |
Audio-Visual & Interactive Media |
63.7% |
71.7% |
33.5% |
6.17 (2) |
Design & Creatives Services |
56.9% |
30.0% |
34.5% |
3.90(5) |
TOTAL |
62.4% |
68.6% |
34.9% |
6.00 |
Using an input output table developed to include the CCIs the average impact of the Covid-19 shutdown per domain for 2020 (Gross Domestic Product in billions of rand and percentage impact on the sector itself):
- Cultural & Natural Heritage -R1,156 (-44,8%)
- Performance & Celebration -R2,806 (-55,6%)
- Visual Arts & Crafts -R2,173 (-44,5%)
- Books and Press -R8,262 (-36,1%)
- Audio-Visual & Interactive Media -R10,394 (44,7%)
- Design & Creatives Services -R18,523 (-35,1%)
Two domains: the book and press and the designing creative services domains had the least impact and many authors and designers could continue working during Covid lockdown. On the other hand, the Performance and Celebration domain is most vulnerable (because of the high proportion of freelance and face-to-face production).
What, if anything were the positives?
Generally, the sector was forced to become more innovative in order to survive. One of the positive outcomes of the lockdown has been the increased use of information and communication technology (ICT). This has been particularly useful for enterprises and freelancers that have the equipment and the skills necessary to exploit these technologies. Unfortunately, many creatives, particularly in rural areas, could not access or use ICTs. Nevertheless, the use of these technologies has speeded up the 4th Industrial Revolution and will have positive consequences in the long-term for the South African creative economy. Creative are using the time to up-skill and acquired new skills.
- The department have rolled out Covid 19 relief initiatives and invited practitioners to apply to date 4971arts practitioners have benefitted from these initiatives.
\
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Recommended.
QUESTION No. 378-2021
FOR WRITTE REPLY
378. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture:
Whether the SA Football Association (SAFA) received any monies, in the form of a loan and/or any other category, from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association 2010 Legacy Trust; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the total amount of money that was received by SAFA, (b) was the money used for and (c) total amount has been paid back? NW384E
REPLY
The South African Football Association (SAFA) in its response indicated that they are not in the office and would only be able to provide information on their return.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Recommended.
QUESTION No. 379-2021
FOR WRITTE REPLY
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture:
Whether the SA Football Association has bought any properties; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the physical address of each property, (b) what is the total amount that was paid for each property, (c) in whose name is each property registered and (d) what is each property used for? NW385E
REPLY
The South African Football Association (SAFA) in its response indicated that they are not in the office and would only be able to provide information on their return.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Recommended.
QUESTION No. 380-2021
FOR WRITTE REPLY
380. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture:
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2223 on 30 October 2020, he will furnish Mr M Waters with the full audited reports since the inception of the FIFA 2010 World Cup Legacy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW386E
REPLY
The South African Football Association (SAFA) in its response indicated that they are not in the office and would only be able to provide information on their return.
05 March 2021 - NW378
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether the SA Football Association (SAFA) received any monies, in the form of a loan and/or any other category, from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association 2010 Legacy Trust; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the total amount of money that was received by SAFA, (b) was the money used for and (c) total amount has been paid back?
Reply:
The South African Football Association (SAFA) in its response indicated that they are not in the office and would only be able to provide information on their return.
05 March 2021 - NW46
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What total (a) number of artists has his Department managed to assist to deal with the restrictions introduced to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and (b) amount has his Department spent to date to assist the specified artist.
Reply:
At the moment we are busy with the third wave of assisting artists through this difficult period. I will be able to furnish the Honourable Member with concrete information once the process is completed.
05 March 2021 - NW113
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Will she furnish Ms E L Powell with the full details of every temporary residential unit project of her department across the Republic that commenced between 1 March 2020 and 1 October 2020, which (a) exceeded R70 000 per unit cost including civil works and infrastructure costs and (b) did not comply with National Norms and Standards as per the National Housing Code: Volume 4: Part 3: Emergency Housing Programme?
Reply:
Honourable Member, in Region A (Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the North Cape Provinces):
(a) All the TRUs under implementation do not exceed R70 000 per unit.
(b) The Mdantsane/Duncan Village project yield is 1174, of which 276 units have been completed. The TRUs do not comply with the National Norms and Standards (SANS 517) according to the assessment conducted by the NHBRC. A rational design was carried out by an independent Structural Engineer to ensure that the minimum norms and standards as outlined in the National Housing Code Volume 4 are met and exceeded in some circumstances.
In Region B (Gauteng, Limpopo and the North West Provinces):
(a) All the TRUS under implementation do not exceed R70 000 per unit.
(b) There are 40 units in Limpopo Province (Talana Project located in Tzaneen) which, according to the assessment done by the NHBRC do not comply with the national norms and standards e.g SANS 517.
However, having taken cognisance of the NHBRC report, the Housing Development Agency (HDA) has since appointed independent Engineers to oversee the corrective measures that are currently being implemented and in progress.
05 March 2021 - NW226
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE
(1) Whether with reference to his department’s first phase and second phase relief funding; his department conducted an audit of the R150 million relief funding; if not why not; if so what are the relevant details, (2) a) who was appointed to audit the relief fund books, (b) what was the reasons that his department did not appoint an independent audit company, (c) what total amount was given to the sports trust to administer on behalf of his department and (d) has he found the appointments of the sports trust to be fair; (3) whether all the relevant procedures, processes and regulations in appointing the sports trust were followed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the terms of reference of the trust?
Reply:
1. So far, only the first phase has been audited. The rollout of the entire R150 million has not been concluded and it is expected that the next phases will also be audited when concluded.
2. (a) The Audit was conducted by both Internal Audit of DSAC and the Auditor General. Both audit outcome reports have been issued to the accounting officer of the department.
(b) The department was content with the Auditor General process, who is
independent from the Department.
(c). The total amount transferred to the Sport Trust for Relief Funding is R9.4m as per National Treasury approval.
(d). Yes, there has not been any indication that the appointment of the Sports Trust was in anyway unfair. The Sports Trust is a Non-Profit Organization that partners the Department on the delivery of sport and recreation initiatives and has proven to be efficient and effective.
3. Yes, the relevant procedures, processes and regulations were followed. Before appointing the Sports Trust to assist in managing payments to the beneficiaries, the Department obtained approval from the National Treasury.
05 March 2021 - NW112
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
What legislation informs the (a) provincial departments’ legal right to (i) determine its own housing plans in line with allocated budgets and (ii) determine, advertise and award its own contracts related to the provision of those planned human settlement developments and (b) National Department of Human Settlements’ legal and legislative right to request that all contracts referred to in (ii) above must first be approved by an accounting and/or procurement officer employed in the national department?
Reply:
(a)(i) Section 7 of the Housing Act, 1997 (Act no 107 of 1997), requires that every provincial government must, after consultation with provincial organisations representing municipalities, as contemplated in section 163(a) of the Constitution, do everything in its power to promote and facilitate the provision of adequate housing in its province within the framework of national housing policy.
Furthermore, in subsection 2 (d) provincial governments are required to co-ordinate housing development in the province; and (g) prepare and maintain a multi-year plan in respect of the execution in the province of every national housing programme and every provincial housing programme, which is consistent with national housing policy and in accordance with the guidelines that the Minister approves for the financing of such a plan.
(ii) Section 17 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2020 (Act no 4 of 2020) provides that:
(1) Despite any other legislation to the contrary, an allocation referred to in Schedules 4 to 7 may only be used for the purpose stipulated in the Schedule concerned and in accordance with the applicable framework.
(2) (a) A framework may provide for components within a conditional allocation that are subject to specific conditions.
(b) A transferring officer may shift funds from one component to another—
(i) after consulting the relevant receiving officer;
(ii) with the approval of the National Treasury; and
(iii) in accordance with the applicable appropriation legislation.
(b) Section 10 (1) (a) of the Division of Revenue Act, 2020 (Act no 4 of 2020) provides that the transferring officer of a Schedule 5 or 6 allocation must—
(a) not later than 14 days after this Act takes effect, certify to the National Treasury that—
(i) any monitoring or system that is used, is compatible and integrated with and does not duplicate other relevant national, provincial and local systems; and
(ii) any plans required in terms of the framework of a Schedule 5 allocation regarding the use of the allocation by— (aa) a province, have been approved before the start of the financial year
The Act further provides in Section 10 (1) (b) of the Division of Revenue Act, 2020 (Act no 4 of 2020), that the transferring officer of a Schedule 5 or 6 allocation must (b) in respect of Schedule 5 allocations—
(i) transfer funds only after receipt of all information required to be submitted by the receiving officer in terms of this Act and after submission of all relevant information to the National Treasury;
(ii) transfer funds in accordance with the payment schedule determined in terms of section 23, unless allocations are withheld or stopped in terms of section 18 or 19; and
(iii) deposit funds only into the primary bank account of the relevant province or municipality; and
(c) comply with the applicable framework.
05 March 2021 - NW59
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether the water tank which was installed inside a resident stand in Ward 24 in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality was intended to serve residents of Ward 24; if not, why did the specified municipality install a water tank inside one resident stand only; if so, why was the water tank installed inside a private citizen stand?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation has advised that it did not install a water tank inside a resident’s stand in Ward 24 in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
The Honourable Member is therefore advised to address the question to my colleague, the Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), as that Department is responsible for oversight over municipalities.
Honourable Member, it is important to distinguish the functions of various government departments and the different spheres of government when it comes to access to water and sanitation services.
- The Department of Water and Sanitation is the custodian of water and in terms of the National Water Act is responsible for ensuring that water as a resource is allocated equitably and used beneficially in the public interest, while promoting environmental values.
- Schedule 4B of the Constitution places the function of provision of water services to local government (municipalities).
- Section 154 of the Constitution places a responsibility on national and provincial government to support and regulate local government in carrying out this mandate.
- Section 3 of the Water Services Act outlines the right of access to basic water supply and sanitation which mandates that “everyone has a right of access to basic water supply and basic sanitation” and places the responsibility on Water Services Authorities to ensure that they develop a Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) to ensure the realisation of this right.
- Section 4 of the Water Services Act sets conditions for the provision of water services.
- Section 9 of the Water Services Act prescribes that the Minister may from time to time develop compulsory national norms and standards for water services which outline the exact levels of services that municipalities must provide.
- Section 10 of the Water Services Act provides norms and standards for setting tariffs for the provision of water services.
- Section 11 of the Water Services Act mandates that “every Water Services Authority has the duty to all consumers or potential consumers in its area of jurisdiction to progressively ensure efficient, affordable, economical and sustainable access to water services.”
- Section 84(1) d of the Municipal Structures Act mandates that municipalities are responsible for the provision of potable water and domestic waste water disposal systems.
04 March 2021 - NW472
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What is being done to reduce outsourced functions and services within the national Department of Tourism, (b) what are the (i) time frames, (ii) timelines and (iii) deadlines in this regard, (c) what functions and services will be prioritised and (d) how will this be (i) monitored and (ii) measured?
Reply:
a) What is being done to reduce outsourced functions and services within the department.
At this stage the department has no plan to reduce outsourced functions and services within the department, due to the nature of these services and limited compensation budget. However, the department enters into negotiations with winning bidders for different services to ensure efficiency in the use of limited fiscal resources.
b) (i)-(iii) Not applicable
c) Not applicable
d) (i) – (ii) Not applicable.
04 March 2021 - NW386
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether, with reference to the recent statement of the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, that the Tourism Recovery Plan entails three strategic themes, namely reigniting demand, rejuvenating supply and strengthening enabling capability, she will break the strategies down into practical examples of how her department will ensure the success of the plan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) full relevant details and (b) timelines attached to the plan?
Reply:
The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan’s interventions shall be contained in the plan which will be publicly available upon completion of Cabinet approval processes in this regard. The plan will also be integrated into the Annual Performance Plans of both the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism starting 2021/22 financial year to ensure implementation thereof. Furthermore, the plan also takes into account a whole of government approach in its implementation.
(a) – ( b) Not applicable
04 March 2021 - NW382
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the focus on tourism from African countries, (a) which countries in particular will be prioritised, (b) what (i) criteria and (ii) data was used for such prioritisation, (c) what will be done to develop and grow the markets and (d) what are the (i) focus market segments, (ii) timelines, milestones and deadlines per market segment and (iii) budgets per market segment?
Reply:
a) Markets of key focus in 2021/22 fiscal are: Nigeria; Kenya; Zambia; Malawi; Mozambique; Zimbabwe; eSwatini; Lesotho; Botswana and Namibia.
b) (i) and (ii) An in-depth analysis to determine priority markets for marketing investment in the next 3-5 years was undertaken in mid-2020 and concluded by the end of 2020. The process considers data availability for the decision-making, size of travel market, attractiveness characteristics, and ability to attract it to travel to the destination.
c) Key focus in the continent in the upcoming financial year will be on driving brand positivity messaging through the new regional campaign and also to capacitate both the source market trade and South African Product Owners.
(d) (i) –( iii) Detailed plans for the financial year 2021/22 shall be based on Annual Performance Plan that is still to be tabled.
04 March 2021 - NW383
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the opening of international borders, what (a) are the plans to engage National Treasury to obtain more of the budget and (b) would be the main requirements for the budget?
Reply:
The Department of Tourism, as is the case with all other organs of state at a national level, make budget requirements and motivation submissions to the National Treasury within the medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) cycle which concludes with the budget speech prior to the finalisation of the Annual Performance Plans (APPs). Thus the Department and its entity, South African Tourism ensures that the APPs are within the financial means available in terms of the MTEF allocations.
a) and (b) Not applicable
04 March 2021 - NW470
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
a) What is being done to develop internal capacity within the national Department of Tourism, (b) what are the (i) time frames, (ii) timelines and (iii) deadlines in this regard and (c) on what areas will such capacity development focus?
Reply:
a) Branch managers are tasked to identify strategic training and development priorities. Training needs are furthermore identified through Personal Development Plans signed off annually between employees and supervisors. The skills gap is further identified through the outcomes of Performance management processes and the audit reports. After identifying the transversal training needs, the department develops and implements an annual Workplace Skills Plan. Technical and individual skills gaps are identified and addressed outside of the Workplace Skills Plan, and referred to as ‘ad-hoc’ training. Capacity is also developed through the awarding of bursaries to employees. The approved Learning and Development policy promotes educational development that supports the strategic objectives of the department and of government as a whole.
b) (i) - (iii) The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) is developed and submitted annually by end of May. Training programmes for transversal skills are scheduled throughout the training year and must be finalised by the end of the financial year. Bursaries are awarded annually, in preparation for the Academic Year, starting in January.
c) In the current financial year focus has been on the following transversal skills:
- Digital Transformation
- Project Management
- Contract Management
- Disability Management
- SMME development and support
- Tourism Analytics
- Leadership during crisis
- Public Service Senior Management Service Pre-entry programme
Other skills development programmes directed at the internship programme, included Breaking Barriers to Entry into the Public Service as well as Emotional Intelligence.