Questions and Replies
02 March 2021 - NW17
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether he has found that minibus taxis and flights that are allowed to operate at full capacity and thereby exposing passengers and travellers in close proximity to many hours of coughing, sneezing, talking and eating, do not pose a serious risk to the transmission of COVID-19; if not, what evidence does he rely on to make such concessions; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Public Transport
In terms of the Public Transport Directions published on the 22 July 2020 (Gazette No: 43538) loading capacity for long distance public transport travel is restricted to 70% whereas for any trip regarded as short distance a 100% capacity is allowed. Medical experts and professionals advised that the longer you are exposed to an infectious person the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus. This implies that encounters with an infectious person for a short time have a lesser risk of spreading the virus. It is for this reason that allowing closer contact of passengers (100% capacity) on shorter trips/period, coupled with other mitigating measures such as wearing of masks and sufficient ventilation, would not necessarily pose a higher risk of infection to passengers. It should also be emphasised that the wearing of masks is currently compulsory.
South African Civil Aviation Authority
The Minister of Transport has permitted aircraft to be filled to capacity except the two rows in the front or back of the cabin which must be kept open in case a suspected case is identified during flight. This decision was taken following a risk assessment exercise and the implementation of a multi-layered approach to the prevention of the spread of the virus which includes amongst others:
- Mandatory wearing of masks throughout the flights by both crew and passengers except children under 5 years and those with documented medical exclusions.
- Screening at domestic & international airports upon entering the terminal building that include thermal scanners, questionnaires and visual inspections.
- Social Distancing throughout the journey.
- Contactless check-in and boarding procedures.
- Issuance of Directions and detailed guidelines on procedures to be followed by each operator customised to their individual operations.
- Disinfection of the aircraft before it enters service and in between trips.
- Training of Crew in the management of communicable diseases.
- Universal Precaution Kits on board.
- Mandatory PCR Testing & Antigen Testing of International Passengers.
- Management of medical waste in the cabin.
- Contact tracing mechanisms.
- Airlines/Charter Operators & Airports are required to submit procedures for approval by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) in compliance to the Minister’s Directions and guidelines. The SACAA is responsible to monitor compliance.
- Public Education through media campaigns.
- Embarkation & Disembarkation procedures are implemented at airports during boarding and upon arrival.
In terms of the Aircraft itself, the following is applicable to modern aircraft and this is based on IATA, Airbus, Boeing & Embraer research.
Cabin Air Quality: The research conducted indicated the following findings:
- The risk of transmission in the modern cabin environment is low for a number of reasons: passengers face the same direction, seatbacks act as barriers, air flow is from the top to bottom, and the air is also very clean.
- There is a higher rate of air renewal than in other indoor facilities.
- The air in the aircraft cabin comprises of around 50% fresh air from outside the aircraft and 50% of HEPA filtered air. The air in the cabin is renewed 20-30 times an hour, once every 2-3 minutes and about 10 times more than most office buildings. Research has shown that the airflow in an aircraft (from ceiling to floor) is effective to prevent the droplet spread in the cabin.
- Modern jet aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. These filters have similar performance to those used in hospital operating theatres and industrial clean rooms and these HEPA filters are 99.9+% effective at removing viruses, bacteria and fungi.
- The bacteria/virus removal efficiency rate of the HEPA filters onboard includes viruses such as SARS, which is similar to COVID-19.
- The guidelines issued by the Minister requires that airlines maintain appropriate ventilation during all phases of travel, including while the plane is on the ground.
Aircraft by their nature are confined spaces and for decades operators have relied on sophisticated air conditioning systems to filter out viruses that could be carried by passengers and these systems have proven to be effective in filtering out viruses and bacteria that could be exchanged on board an aircraft. Studies conducted by aircraft manufacturers and operators prove the effectiveness of these systems. Same have been recognised by international bodies regulating civil aviation world-wide.
02 March 2021 - NW64
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether he has been informed that the roads in the agricultural town of Standerton in Mpumalanga are full of potholes and that this has persisted for quite some time now; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether his department has plans in place to address the persisting problem; if not, why not; if so, by what date will the plans be implemented?
Reply:
1. The Minister of Transport has been informed about the bad condition of roads within the town of Standerton in Mpumalanga Province. The Minister has also discovered that the mentioned roads fall within the jurisdiction of the local sphere of Government and they needed to be rehabilitated through the MIG funding made available by COGTA.
2. The Department is constantly engaging with all 44 Municipalities on road data collection so that municipalities can be able to prioritise the maintenance and rehabilitation of their road network using their MIG allocations from COGTA. The Department is of the view that the Standerton local Municipality has made plans as per assessment data they have received thus far.
Municipalities are also encouraged to enter into MOA with SANRAL to augment their technical skills where that is a challenge for their execution of road maintenance activities.
Furthermore, SANRAL through its routine maintenance contracts do daily route patrols of all national roads under SANRAL’s jurisdiction and identify, for example potholes that must be repaired within 48 hours.
We are made to understand that, the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (PWRT) is aware of the poor condition of the Municipal roads in Standerton and was requested by the Local Municipality in question for certain municipal roads to be taken over by the Province. This transfer is encouraged.
02 March 2021 - NW61
Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Health
Whether the matter of long queues at the Mayville Clinic in Ward 101 in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality was brought to his attention; if not, will he take steps to resolve the situation; if so, what steps has he taken to resolve the situation?
Reply:
The matter of the long queues at the Mayville clinic in ward 101 are known. This clinic is jointly managed by the Provincial Department of Health and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. This clinic operates for 5 days from 07h00 to 16h00. The clinic is managed in line with Ideal clinic programme, which has reduction of the long waiting times as one of its objectives. It is a known fact that long waiting times results in long queues in the clinics. Through the ideal clinic, Mayville clinic has been implementing the Integrated Clinic Services Management (ICSM), which directs that there be three streams. The streams are Acute Care; Mother child and Women’s health and the third stream is Chronic care. The implementation of the three streams has resulted in the reduction in the long queues because all users are seen at their own streams and thus avoid users waiting at wrong streams.
The clinic has indeed seen long queues in the past year due to the following problems:
a) All users that come to the clinic must undergo COVID-19 screening as part of the Covid-19 guidelines, and this leads to long queues as each user must be screened as part of the protocols.
b) The need for social distancing of 1,5 meters which adds to the long queues
c) Due to COVID-19 response, the clinic established CCMDD pick up points outside to avoid allowing many patients in the clinic. The outside pick point was closed when the country moved to lower lockdown levels. This led to the sudden increased number of patients who had been receiving their treatment remotely during the hard lockdowns.
The following steps have since been taken to address the situation:
a) The department has assigned 6 more COVID-19 screeners to improve efficiency and reduce the waiting times which lead to long queues
b) The department has implemented the fast queue for people with disabilities and the elderly so that they don’t wait longer hours.
c) There has an engagement with the local leadership to facilitate the reopening of the community halls as external pick up points for CCMDD. This will assist in that the patients do not have to queue at the clinic all at once for collection of chronic medication
The province has started to engage eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality regarding the provincialization of the Personal Primary Health Care Services. Once this clinic is provincialized, the province will be able to start with the extension of hours of services. These actions will address the long queues even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
END.
01 March 2021 - NW365
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the total amount of money that was received by the Government from the (a) World Health Organisation, (b) International Monetary Fund and (c) World Bank for research in the development of vaccines in the Republic?
Reply:
The Department of Science and Innovation has not received any funding from the (a) World Health Organization, (b) International Monetary Fund and (c) World Bank for research in the development of vaccines in the Republic.
01 March 2021 - NW272
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) In view of the severe damage to infrastructure (details furnished) caused by the tropical storm Eloise in some parts of the Republic over the past three weeks, what contingency plan does her department have in place to ensure that all schools have water available at all times; (2) whether her department has a database of schools where learners might not be able to get to schools on time due to the damaged infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, how will the learners be accommodated in order to ensure that they are not left behind with lessons?
Reply:
1. Provinces have provided schools with rainwater harvesting tanks and schools replenish the water in the tanks through their school allocations. In cases where schools are unable, agreements have been entered into with municipalities for the replenishment of water at affetcted schools.
2. The Department has received reports from provinces which indicate the number of schools affected by storm damages. Only in 6 schools, where learners are not able to utilize the classrooms, due to the extent of the damages. In four of the schools, learners and educators are accommodated in adjacent schools, while repairs are in progress; and in two of the schools, mobile classrooms have been provided.
01 March 2021 - NW361
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department has commenced with the recruitment process to fill vacancies of the 1 600 educators who succumbed to COVID-19; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The filling of vacant posts is an ongoing process to ensure that there is a teacher in front of every class. Schools received their new post establishments for 2021 in September and October 2020. All vacant posts that occurred as a result of the declaration of the new post establishments, and/or natural attrition, are filled continuously. This would include all vacancies that resulted from the loss of 1600 educators, who succumbed to COVID-19. The posts are filled in the order of priority, which involves the placement of educators declared in addition; placement on provincial and national bursary recipients; placement of young graduates; and lastly other unemployed educators seeking employment in public schools.
01 March 2021 - NW269
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether she has been informed that many public schools are still excluding learners on the basis of non - payment of school fees; if not, why not; if so, what steps has she taken to stop the practice and allow learners to receive education without any hindrances?
Reply:
I have been informed about the illegal practices by schools to collect school fees, and charge registration fees as a condition for learners to return to school.
I have instructed the Department to work with Provincial Education Departments to ensure that school principals and School Governing Bodies stop the practice. Officials of the Department have been conducting interviews on various radio stations in the country, to inform parents about their rights on the demand by schools to charge registration fee. Media statements, including statements on social media, have been issued on the matter, advising all affected parents to report such cases to the nearest provincial or district office for intervention.
01 March 2021 - NW139
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
With reference to a certain tender (details furnished) from the National Lotteries Commission, what (a) was the total amount the tender was worth, (b)(i) was the total number of persons who were bidders for this tender, (ii) are all their full names and (c) was the scope of the work pertaining to the tender, including the work done?
Reply:
I have been furnished with a reply to the question submitted, by Ms Thabang Mampane, Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission.
Ms Mampane’s reply is as follows:
(a) “The total amount for the bid was R460 287.50 all inclusive.
(b) (i) There were a total of 19 bidders.
(ii) The full names of the bidders were as follows;
ITEMS |
NAME OF BIDDER |
1 |
Apros |
2 |
Digital Republic |
3 |
Insight2lead |
4 |
KTM Knowledge Solutions |
5 |
LM Training |
6 |
Majeke Macheke School of Business Leadership |
7 |
Mgiba |
8 |
Mngotha Project Management |
9 |
Mthente |
10 |
Ndziane Inc Attorneys |
11 |
Pan Africa TMT Group |
12 |
Quest Research |
13 |
Siloam People Development Agency |
14 |
SMEC |
15 |
Surveyfiesta |
16 |
Toma-Now |
17 |
Underhill Corporate Solutions |
18 |
Urban-Econ |
19 |
Wits |
(c) The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to appoint a suitably qualified service provider to conduct research on the social, economic and operational impact of the Corona virus pandemic and related emergency measures on funded organisations; and to make recommendations on an appropriate grantmaking strategy in the short, medium and longer term. The study would include an overview of how other international and national grant makers have responded to the pandemic (or to other historical emergencies or crisis) and lessons learned from these experiences.
The service provider was also required to report [sic] should inform discussion and planning about how the NLC should amend its grantmaking strategy in response to the identified trends and factors as well as include in the proposal a process to workshop the research findings with the Commission to facilitate adjustments to its grantmaking strategy, considering the legislative framework within which the Commission operates.
The following work was done by the service provider:
- Inception report.
- Literature review & stakeholder mapping.
- Data collection: Desktop research.
- Stakeholder engagement & interviews.
- Draft report”.
-END-
01 March 2021 - NW448
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What are the reasons that the Xhariep region does not have its own District Office and what is the logic behind subjecting principals and educators to travel all the way to Bloemfontein to get services for their schools, sometimes losing up to six hours that could have been spent teaching and/or doing school-related administration?
Reply:
The information required to respond to the question is not available at the Department of Basic Education but rather the Free State Department of Education. According to the Public Service Act, 1994 (Proclamation 103 of 1994 (PSA) s, 1, 3, 7(a)), the power to demarcate, name and organise education districts in a province vests with the Member of Executive Council (MEC) for Education, who is the executive authority responsible for the organisation of the provincial education department (PED).
26 February 2021 - NW410
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether there are any diplomatic discussions that South Africa has entered into with the Government of India as a result of the Oxford - AstraZeneca vaccine debacle; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details? MW 416 E
Reply:
Yes, The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation spoke to the Indian Minister of External Affairs on Monday, 1 February 2021, to convey the Government of South Africa’s profound appreciation to the Indian Authorities, after the arrival of the first vaccine shipment in the country from the Serum Institute of India.
Subsequent to the arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine the South African Department of Health decided not to go ahead with the vaccination programme of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to clinical trial results showing that the vaccine 1s less effective In preventing mild and moderate symptoms associated with the 501Y.V2 variant of the virus that is more prevalent in South Africa. Instead the South African Department of Health decided to rather continue with the vaccination programme by using the Johnson & Johnson's vaccine that has shown better efficacy against the 501Y.V2 variant.
The South African High Commissioner to India, His Excellency, Mr J.S. Ndebsle spoka to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regardlng the findings of the clinical trials and the resultant change in South Africa's vaccination programme. Tho High Commissioner is also scheduled to meet with the Ministry on Wednesday, 24 February 2021
26 February 2021 - NW49
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What total number of young persons have benefited from agricultural education, extension services young farmers’ development and empowerment opportunities provided by the National Rural Youth Service Corps Programme?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development has provided agricultural training and youth empowerment as follows:
a) Agricultural Training
A total of 2 238 youth have graduated in various programmes in Colleges of Agriculture for the past 5 years. In the main, the youth graduated from the following agriculture study fields: animal production, plant production, irrigation management and animal health.
Currently, a total of 2 540 young people are registered for various agricultural programmes at Diploma level in the 11 Colleges of Agriculture. Of the 2 540 youth registered, 960 are at first year level of their studies, 851 second year and 729 are at third year.
In addition to this, a total of 4 014 youth have been enrolled/registered in training related to the agricultural sector through the NARYSEC Programme in various provinces. Of these youth, 3148 have completed training, and 866 are currently engaged in training in various TVET Colleges and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and are expected to finish by December 2021.
The Recapitalisation and Development programme provided credited and uncredited (on-farm hands on training) benefiting 1 785 youth.
The Department further supports youth who meet the requirements and are interested in pursuing scarce and critical skills in agriculture and land reform through bursary. Since the inception of the Department’s external bursary scheme, a total of 1 738 young people benefitted through under graduate and post graduate studies.
b) Young Farmers’ Development, Extension Services & Empowerment Opportunities
As a form of an exit strategy to the external bursary scheme, the Department further recruit unemployed agricultural graduates and place them in Commercial farms to enhance their employability and practical exposure. A total of 1 029 youth benefitted from graduate placement programme.
To give practically empowerment to youth through the Land Reform Programmes, the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development allocated 181 703 Ha of land (81 farms) to young people since 2010/2011 financial year benefiting 295 youth.
A total of 989 youth received production support through 1HA -1 household programme further empowering this youth on their various sector related activities. In addition, 6 684 youth directly received support through Recapitalisation and Development programme.
The department is implementing the Strategy for employment of young unemployed agricultural graduates in extension and advisory services. Currently 215 unemployed graduates are employed whereby 46 is employed by DALRRD and a total of 169 is employed by Provinces as follows: Mpumalanga employs 53, Free State 30, North West 46 and Kwa-Zulu Natal employs 40.
.
26 February 2021 - NW78
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What are the full relevant details of the steps that she has taken with her counterpart in the Communications and Digital Technologies, to ensure that SG technology can be rolled out in the Republic without harming human health and/or causing environmental degradation, particularly in light of the significantly intrusive provisions regarding the installation and deployment of electronic communication networks contemplated by the proposed amendments to the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989, and given the precautionary principle embodied in the National Environmental Management Act, Act 108 of 1998?
Reply:
Section 21 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005) provides that the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies has the authority to, in consultation with the Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Rural Development and Land Reform; Water and Environmental Affairs [Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation]; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and other relevant institutions, develop a policy and policy directions for !he rapid deployment and provisioning of electronic communications facilities, following which, the Authority must prescribe regulations.
In response to the above, the then Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services [now Communications and Digital Technologies] wrote to the then Minister of Environmental Affairs (Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) requesting that an official from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) be nominated to be part of an Interim Rapid Deployment Steering Committee and Co-ordination Centre (Rapid Deployment and Coordination Center). The Minister's request was acceded to, and a DEFF official was nominated. The nominated ofcial attended meetings scheduled by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) wherein discussions were held with regard to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations requirements and possible listed activities that may be triggered by the proposed Rapid Deployment of Electronic Communication Facilities. The nominated official also facilitated engagements between the DCDT and other units within the DEFF that were identified as critical to the process.
The Department also provided written comments on Government Notice No. 43537 published by the DCDT with regard to their proposed Policy and Policy Direction on Rapid Deployment of Electronic Communications Networks and Facilities. The Department remains committed to assisting and providing guidance to the DCDT as and when required.
In relation to reference to ‘the proposed amendments to the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of f989’, it should be noted that the Department is not considering any related amendments to the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended) or the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 106 of 1998) which is the current legislation guiding the management of environmental impact.
Regards
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 26/02/2021
26 February 2021 - NW160
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the President of the Republic
With reference to his address to the nation on 14 December 2020, where he announced that beaches would be closed in the Eastern Cape, Sarah Baartman District Municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality, what (a) scientific data and modelling information did he rely on to make this decision, (b) is the source of the scientific data and modelling information and (c) total number of COVID-19 infections and deaths were prevented by the closure of the beaches vis-a-vis keeping them open?
Reply:
The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) meets regularly to receive reports on the status of the pandemic at national, provincial and district levels. These reports are based on data compiled by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases and the national and provincial Departments of Health.
The NCCC also receives and considers recommendations based on an analysis of this data and consultation with experts in the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 and relevant stakeholders.
Based on the recommendations of the NCCC, at a special meeting on 13 December 2020, Cabinet decided on a number of measures to contain the spread of infections in the three areas identified as hotspots, namely the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Sarah Baartman District and the Garden Route District. These measures included the closure of beaches.
During the festive season in particular, beaches and other recreational areas are sites of informal gatherings, which in the midst of a surge of infections significantly increase the likelihood of transmission.
The decision was made to, along with other interventions, close beaches and remove this possible source of rapid cluster outbreaks. This was also done to protect the health care system which was already very strained and to prevent unnecessary excess deaths.
It should also be noted that hotspot declarations were made in consultation with the districts under consideration.
There was a significant drop in new infections, hospital admissions and deaths in all three hotspots between the middle of December 2020 and the end of January 2021.
This evidence supports the decision to take stringent measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and prevent deaths due to COVID-19.
It is not possible to isolate the impact of one intervention. What is evident is the overall effect of several measures, including the change in human behaviour and enforcement of interventions.
26 February 2021 - NW158
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the President of the Republic
Whether, with reference to the Western Cape High Court ruling against the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the illegal and unconstitutional ban on tobacco products under the Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002, which cost the country upwards of R3 billion in tax and inflicted misery on 11 million South Africans, he intends taking disciplinary steps against her for her illegal and unconstitutional action; if not, why not; if so, what steps have or will be taken?
Reply:
The High Court ruling to which the Member refers is on appeal as government is of the firm view that this decision should be appealed.
The nature of the pandemic is constantly changing and government’s caution, based on information available at the time was therefore entirely justifiable.
As a responsible government we consider it critical that we continue to have all options at our disposal should any of these prove necessary to combat the pandemic.
There is no intention to take any disciplinary action against the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on this matter. It was a collective decision of Cabinet to take all precautions necessary to limit transmission of the coronavirus and to limit the likely increase in the number of severe cases.
26 February 2021 - NW291
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the President of the Republic
With reference to his categorical statement in April 2020 that he, the Deputy President, Mr D D Mabuza, Ministers and Deputy Ministers will each take a one-third cut in their salaries for three months and that this portion of their salaries will be donated to the solidarity fund, what (a) total number of Members of the Executive honoured the pledge and (b) is the name of each Member of the Executive who did not honour the pledge?
Reply:
As I said previously in response to a similar question (NW2111E) asked by the Leader of the Opposition on 24 July 2020, the donation to the Solidarity Fund is a voluntary contribution that each Member of Cabinet and Deputy Minister chose to make in support of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Minister and Deputy Minister was responsible for making the necessary arrangements to contribute to the Fund.
26 February 2021 - NW240
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) Whether her department has investigated recent reports of artificial breaching and/or the opening of the Lake St Lucia mouth to carve an artificial link to the beach, despite concerns by several ecologists against such moves and several estuarine experts having recommended that 50 years of artificial manipulation of the mouth should be halted; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will investigate claims by the isimangaliso Wetland Park Authority that it was merely carting out work to restore functionality of the estuary and not to break open the mouth; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
Reply:
(1)and (2)
The Minister has noted the widespread public interest in this matter as well as differing scientific views on the most ideal management strategy for the conservation and preservation of this significant World Heritage Site. The Minister has decided to appoint an independent scientifc panel to advise on among others:
To assess the significance/impacf of the artificial breach and how this impact to the implementation of the Global Environment Facility GEF 5 project interventions and the St Lucia estuary management plan;
- To determine the exceptional circumstances, as defined in the estuarine management plan, that lead to the decision to open the mouth, including those of an environmental, social and economic nature;
- To establish the impact of the artificial breach on 6 January 2021 on the functioning of the Estuarine Functional Zone(EFZ), as well as the associated environmental, social and economic implications; and
- To develop Guidelines for the immediate and ongoing management of the system.
Regards
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 25/2/2021
26 February 2021 - NW20
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department keeps a record of farm evictions; if not, why not; if so, what total number of persons have been evicted from farms in the period between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2020?
Reply:
Yes, according to the Department’s records 2 194 individuals were reported to be evicted from the farms under the period in question. Not all evictions are reported to the department or brought before courts.
26 February 2021 - NW80
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether, given that certain provinces are allegedly not complying with the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) regulations, her department has conducted an audit to determine which provinces are noncompliant; if not, why not; if so, which provinces are noncompliant; What are the full relevant details of the progress of her department in standardising all environmental legislation and regulations, including bringing all provinces in line with TOPS regulations?
Reply:
Mpumalanga (MP) and the Western Cape Provinces (WC) are currently not implementing the TOPS Regulations. In the case of MP, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) which is the conservation management authority in Mpumalanga responsible for the function of biodiversity conservation has indicated serious capacity challenges that have impacted on the ability of the institution to implement the TOPS Regulations. In respect of the WC, Cape Nature
considers the implementation of the TOPS Regulations as an unfunded mandate, given that additional funds are not allocated to Cape Nature for the implementation function.
In 2016, the Department conducted an audit of the capacity requirements for the provincial conservation authorities to implement the revised TOPS Regulations, in particular, personnel to issue permits and conduct inspections in terms of provincial legislation, TOPS and CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) Regulations. Capacity challenges were considered when the draft revised TOPS Regulations were finalised; e.g. the impact of provisions that could lead to unnecessary regulatory requirements. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (the Department) has since amended the TOPS Regulations and species lists.
The revised TOPS Regulations, whilst still ensuring that conservation and regulation of species are not compromised, will be less onerous in respect of the requirements for permits, (e.g. except for a few species such as lion, rhino, leopard and elephant) a person will no longer require a permit for dead specimens. Furthermore, the movement of species between registered game farms does not require a permit.
These amendments are currently in the Parliamentary approval processes following which they will be published for implementation. Mpumalanga and Western Cape povinces have since, through MINMEC, expessed their willingness to implement the amended TOPS Regulations when published for implementation.
?he Department, working with all provinces invested considerable amount of efforts and time in addressing conflict in legislation (i.e. alignment, addressing overlaps and duplications) through the existing sectoral cooperative governance system or intergovernmental processes(Working Groups, MINTECH and MINMEC). A project in this regard is ongoing and wifi intensify once the capacité is enhanced. However, the role of bath National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. °0 of 2004) (NEMBA) and National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA) as the principal framework legislation for protected areas, Biodiversity conservation cannot be overlooked in this regard. It must be noted that provinces are also in different stages of aligning their provincial legislation with national biodiversity legislation.
Regards
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Date: 22/02/2021
26 February 2021 - NW389
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)In light of the fact that the Free State Agriculture, an organisation that represents the interests of commercial farmers in the province, recently accused the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, of failing to create a clear plan for the agricultural sector for the year 2021 and in the future, as well as the absence of a concise plan from the President’s State of the Nation Address which has caused a concern for farmers across the Republic, what are the Government’s plans to assist farmers in 2021 and beyond, seeing that the national state of disaster may not end in the near future; (2) Whether the Government has made provision for contingency plans regarding food security in this uncertain period; if not, what are the details of the Government’s position regarding the state of food security in the Republic in the near future and beyond; if so, what are the plans?
Reply:
The government’s plan to assist farmers in 2021 and beyond include the following:
- In 2021 and beyond the implementation of the eight (8) production schemes in the AAMP in partnership with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture and other sector partners will be rolled out. The eight production schemes are: grains, white meat, red meat, oilseeds, fibre, industrial crops, fruits and nuts and vegetables.
- DALRRD will continue to implement drought mitigation strategies inclusive of developing drought-resistant seeds by the ARC, planting and storing fodder, removal of invasive plants and management strategies to prevent soil degradation.
- The department will pursue the allocation of state land as part of transforming land ownership patterns and promoting access to land, especially for the previously disadvantaged, through allocating land to smallholder producers and enhanced comprehensive support to the smallholders.
- The DALRRD remains committed to supporting agricultural producers towards intensifying the domestic food production amidst the COVID 19 situation. To this effect, implementation of Programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), Ilima Letsema and LandCare are continuing in all Provinces.
- In 2021/22 at least 9 500 vulnerable households will be supported to produce own food through household food gardens and a total of 65 314 hectares will be planted through the Ilima/Letsema conditional grant support of R597 million.
- Support will further be provided through CASP conditional grant amounting to R1.4 billion to 7 800 smallholder and subsistence producers with on-farm infrastructure.
- The Department provided a R1, 2 billion Covid-19 Disaster Relief Agricultural Intervention Fund to provide relief to struggling smallholder and communal farmers in 2020/21.
- The Department is implementing the R1 billion Presidential Employment Stimulus initiative for subsistence producers. This will enable producers to retain self-employment in the agricultural sector.
These interventions are aimed at ensuring increased household food production, whilst increasing food access and improved livelihoods of poor and marginalised households, thereby contributing to food security and economic growth.
2. Yes. Food security remains a fundamental strategic imperative of the South African government in this uncertain period of the COVID 19 situation. The Government, through a multi-sectoral approach, continues to implement the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (2017 – 2022) which is coordinated from the Office of the Deputy President and Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME). The Plan embodies the government’s collective response to the challenge of food insecurity and malnutrition. A number of programmes under this plan are already being implemented using the existing resources in various government departments.
This plan is implemented through six strategic objectives which are as outlined below:
6 Strategic Objectives (SO) Anchoring the Plan |
Lead Department |
Other Key Departments and Social Partners |
|
1 |
Institutional Arrangements for food and nutrition security Establish multi-sectoral Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) Councils and supporting structures oversee alignment of policies, legislation and programmes; coordination and implementation of programmes and services which address FNS and; draft new policies and legislation where appropriate |
Office of the Deputy President DPME |
DALRRD; DSD; COGTA; DBE; DTI; DRDLR; Provinces; Local government; Civil Society; Organised Labour, Development Partners |
2 |
Establish inclusive local food value chains to support access to nutritious, affordable foods |
DALRRD |
Water & Sanitation; DTI; DSBD; DST, NT; Civil Society, Development Partners |
3 |
Expand targeted social protection measures and sustainable livelihood programmes |
DSD |
DOH; Home Affairs; DBE; Provinces and local government; Civil Society; Development Partners |
4 |
Scale up of high impact nutrition interventions targeting women, infants and children |
DOH |
DBE; DSD; Home Affairs; Civil Society; Development Partners |
5 |
Develop an integrated communication plan to influence people across the life cycle to make informed food and nutrition decisions |
DOH |
DBE; DSD; Home Affairs; Development Partners |
6 |
Develop a monitoring and evaluation system for FNS in South Africa and establish an integrated risk management system for monitoring FNS related risks. |
StatsSA DALRRD |
DPME; DALRRD; DOH; DBE; Statistics SA; COGTA |
In addition, government implemented a number of interventions in response to COVID 19. These include social protection initiatives and programmes that are aimed at strengthening resilience of livelihood systems in various communities. As part of the governments’ collective response, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing a number of initiatives. These include:
- Intensifying efforts to geographically locate food insecure, vulnerable and hungry population within the country in fulfilment of the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Programme spearheaded by SADC.
- DALRRD further conducted a rapid assessment in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. This was aimed at quantifying the impact of the COVID 19 on agriculture, trade as well as food and nutrition security.
- A total of R81.2 million has also been committed by the Department to conducting the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey for 2021/22 targeting over 84 000 households nationally. The results of this survey and the rapid assessment will inform the collective planning and proper targeting of food security interventions.
Although a few challenges were experienced by producers and suppliers associated with acquisition of agricultural production inputs in the country, overall no major disruptions were experienced during the 2020/21 planting season, which started in October 2020. Despite the challenges of uncertain weather patterns, such as floods and draught, experienced of in some parts of the country, the weather outlook for the 2020/21 planting season has been positive. According to the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) the preliminary area estimate of maize as at February 2021 is 2,776 million ha, which is 6, 35% more than the 2,611 million ha planted for the previous season. This follows a bumper harvest of about 15.3 million tons of commercial maize that is estimated to be harvested for this season. The country has ample maize to meet the demand in the human and feed markets, and will be able to export into neighbouring countries.
The government of RSA is committed to ensuring food and nutrition security amid the COVID 19 pandemic.
26 February 2021 - NW79
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
In light of section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic, 1996, which guarantees the right to every person to an environment that is not hamful to their health or wellbeing and therefore do not subject any person to pollution or ecological degradation, what are the full relevant details of the steps that her department has taken in the Republic to ensure that the roll-out of 5G technology is not harmful to humans and the environment?
Reply:
In terms of the Bill of Rights, included in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, everyone has a right to an environment that is protected and that is also not harmful to health or well- being. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (the Department) has developed !egal instruments to ensure that this right is given effect to, which include, inter alia, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (as amended) (the EIA Regulations) promulgated in terms of the National Envionmental Management Act, 1988 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA).
Although the EIA Regulations do not address health aspects directly, other impacts associated with masts and/or towers on the eceiving environment are considered, in line with the Department's
constitutional mandate. However, in developing the 3 Listing Notices of the EIA Regulations, the Department was guided by the informed views of the Department of Health (DOH), in relation to the effects of electromagnetic fields. The directorate responsible for Radiation Control in the Department of Health is, in turn, guided by the international Commission on Non-lonising Radiation Control’s (ICNIRP) guidelines insofar as it relates to the regulation of electronic products producing non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMF), especially from the perspective of human health.
Following an engagement with the DOH, confirmation was obtained that there is no confirmed scientific evidence that points to any health hazard associated with the very low levels of exposure that the general public would typically experience in the vicinity of a cellular base station. DOH further confirmed that it is satisfied that the health of the general public is not being compromised by their exposure to the microwave emissions of cellular base stations (which includes 5G infrastructure). The DOH deems the ICNIRP guidelines to be appropriate to manage potential radiation risks and cautioned that local and other authorities, in considering the environmental impact of any particular base station, do not need to, and should not attempt, fern a public health point of view, set any restrictions with respect to parameters such as the height of the mast, distance to the mast, and duration of exposure.
Since 2 August 2010, the development of masts or towers used for telecommunication broadcasting or radio transmission purposes has been identified as an activity requiring environmental authorisation. In the case where masts or towers exceed IS metres in height, such masts or towers are placed on a site not previously used for this purpose and are to be developed within certain identified geographical areas. Should the mast or tower not meet these criteria or fall outside any one or more identified geographical areas, environmental authorisation is not required, as the potential impact of such developments are not deemed to be significant. Environmental authorisation is also not required if they are attached to existing buildings, masts or rooftops.
?he EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), through the 3 Listing Notices, identify activities that may result in substantial negative impacts on the environment, and it requires that an environmental authorisation must be obtained prior to commencement with any such identified activities. The EIA Regulations further requires that an environmental impact assessment process is followed in respect of these identified activities and that applications are submitted to the Competent Authority for consideration and decision prior to the commencing with any of such identified activities that may result in substantial negative impacts on the environment. ?his means that an environmental impact
assessment process must be followed in respect of these identified activities, and applications must be submitted to the Competent Authority for consideration.
In line with Section 24(2)(a) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), the Department has considered all the potential significant impacts associated with cellular masts on the receiving environment. Currently the development of masts or towers used for telecommunication broadcasting or radio transmission purposes has been identified as an activity requiring environmental authorisation, but only where such masts or towers:
exceed 15 metres in height;
are placed on a site not previously used for this purpose;
are to be developed within certain specified geographical areas; and
will not be attached to existing buildings, masts or rooftops.
Should the mast or tower not meet the above criteria, environmental authorisation is not required, as the potential impact of such developments are not deemed to be significant.
The Department, in developing the current enacted Listing Notices (Listing Notices 1, 2 and 3 of the EIA Regulations) was guided by the views of the Department of Health (amongst others) regarding the effects of electromagnetic fields.
The Department of Health, through its Directorate: Radiation Control, considers the World Heath Organisation and the International Commission on Non-lonising Radiation Control (ICNIRP) guidelines to be appropriate to manage potential radiation risks. The Department of Health has indicated that measurement surveys conducted in South Africa and elsewhere have shown that the actual levels of public exposure, as a result of base station emissions, are only a fraction of that of (he ICNIRP guidelines.
In a letter, dated 13 June 2020 (attached as Annexure A), on the health effects of cellular base stations and handsets, the Department of Health (DOH) confirms that presently them is no confirmed scientific evidence that points to any health hazard associated with the very low levels of exposure that the general public would typically experience in the vicinity of a cellular base station, DOH further confirmed it is satisfied that the health of the general public is not being compromised by their exposure to the microwave emissions of cellular base stations. It also clarified that local and other authorities, in considering the environmental impact of any particular base station, do not need to, and should not
akempt, from a public health point of view, set any restrictions with respect to parameters such as the height of the mast, distance to the mast, and duration of exposure.
Therefore, it is implicitly assumed that the normal engineering and security measures, which ae routinely implemented by cellular network providers at base stations, will effectively prevent reasonable members of the public from gaining close access to the actual antennas situated on any mast structue.
The Department may, should the DOH change its position in this regard, or if indeed requested by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to do so, reconsider the relevant listing of cellular masts and base stations.
Regards
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND 7HE ENVIRONMENT
DATE:
25 February 2021 - NW176
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether there is a budget to repair the lift at the Germiston Police Station that has eight floors; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the budget and (b) on what date will the lift be repaired?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
I am informed by the Department that budget is available for the maintenance of the lifts at the Germiston Police Station through a term contract.
Germiston Police Station vertical transportation service comprises of five lifts. All the lifts have reached and exceeded their end of lifespan and are over-due for a complete replacement.
Three lifts are out of service due to age and spares unavailability, the balance of two lifts are in service under the DPWI’s Johannesburg Region planned maintenance, however, only one lift is in operation as the other is currently switched off by the maintenance service provider whilst awaiting critical spare parts from the overseas suppliers.
a) The maintenance budget is available under a maintenance contract for the lifts under DPWI responsibility. Only two (2) of the five (5) lifts fleet in Germiston SAPS are repairable, though all have exceed their useful life and are beyond economic repair. The entire fleet needs to be replaced from a capital works fund to be provided by SAPS as a client.
b) A plan has been initiated to register a capital works project that will accommodate the replacement of the dilapidated lifts; this entails an instruction from the User Department (SAPS) together with funding allocations. The replacement period for the lifts is estimated at 12 to 18 months as lifts are being imported.
25 February 2021 - NW183
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)With reference to recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) after its oversight visit to the Beitbridge Border Post and the state of the fence built during 2020 by her department as part of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, (a) what did her department’s Acting Director-General mean during the meeting of 2 February 2021 when he stated that her department’s Accounting Officer is only taking steps to ensure that all physical defects in the fence are rectified because Scopa recommended it and (b) what plans has her department put in place to rectify all the defects that it also admits exist; (2) in view of the recommendation that all supply chain management personnel be vetted and with Scopa now being told that this will take until March 2022, (a) what are the reasons for such a long delay with compliance with this recommendation and (b) what is being done to expedite this; (3) (a) what progress is being made on the recommendations to blacklist the principal contractor and the main contractor from doing business with the Government in terms of Regulation 14 of the Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2017 and (b) why there is still a number of contracts with these companies in place? NW186E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. (a) To have an informed position on the feasibility of rectifying all physical defects of the Beitbridge Border fence, the Accounting Officer sanctioned a detailed Technical Condition Assessment of the constructed 40km border fence to determine the extent of material deficiencies and breaches. The assessment was undertaken during December 2020.
On 2 February 2021, the outcome of this assessment was reported against recommendation (b) of the Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on its oversight visit to Beitbridge Border Post, from 4 to 6 September 2020, dated 17 November 2020 (ATC of 19 November 2020), which stated that:
The Committee recommends that the Accounting Officer ensures that all physical defects are rectified in line with all applicable regulations,
(b) As the fence, in its current form, is not fit for purpose and in material non-compliance with the specifications, the Department has taken a decision not to entertain the possibility of any further repairs of the fence.
Any further border fence initiatives will be located in the context of the Integrated Border Management solution currently underway. In this regard, the site clearance process is aimed at being completed by June this year, from where the Department will embrace and utilise a best practice approach to border security in consultation with the Department of Defence (DoD). The relevant Request for Information (RFI) on the Integrated Border Fence Solutions will accordingly be published by the end of March 2021 to facilitate consultations for solutions.
2. (a) I am informed by the Department that Security Vetting is a lengthy process and usually takes 3 months or more to complete. The Department has 7 Vetting officials who must vet the outstanding 253 SCM and Bid Committee officials.
The vetting process includes the following steps:
-
-
- The SCM officials must complete the Z204 Vetting forms and attach personal documents such as copies of bank statements (savings, investment, house loan, vehicles loan, business interests), copies of academic qualifications, as well as other relevant documents.
-
-
-
- Thereafter fieldwork interviews by the vetting officers commence, where they go around the country to interview references of the official who is being vetted. Thereafter follows a personal interview with the official and his/her supervisor.
-
-
-
- The vetting officer compiles the report from where the vetting files are submitted to the State Security Agency (SSA) to conduct a polygraph test.
-
-
-
- After the polygraph test, the files go to the SSA Evaluation Unit to determine whether security clearance should be issued or not.
-
-
-
- It should be noted that the SSA has to cater for all Government Departments and SOEs where the standard SSA process for polygraph testing and evaluation can sometimes take up to a year or more.
-
The process outlined above, is what informed the anticipated timeframe of completing the vetting of SCM and Bid Committee officials by March 2022.
(b) The Accounting Officer requested that SSA consider the DPWI vetting files as top priority for the expedition of polygraph testing as well as evaluation of vetting files. The Minister has also requested that the process be concluded as soon as possible.
3. (a) It was recommended that the Principal Agent and the main contractor be restricted from doing business with Government subject to the application of the relevant due process and National Treasury concurrence, pursuant to the examination of the findings of the investigation that they acted in an irregular manner in their respective engagements with the DPWI.
The matter served before the Restriction Committee and Authority (RCAA) on 28 August 2020, after which detailed evidence contained in the Investigation Report was sought by the RCAA to enable it to continue its business. The Department was compelled to delay the release of this information and to reconstitute the composition of the RCAA recognising that the chairperson of the RCAA was one of the officials cited in the investigation report and subject to disciplinary action.
Another reason for delaying the release of the report to the RCAA, was to allow the Department to initiate and advance disciplinary processes before releasing the investigation report to third parties to protect the confidentiality of the information contained in the report.
On 11 February 2021 the department approved the final charges against the officials and formally reconstituted the RCAA to exclude from membership of the Committee any person who may have a conflict of interest. On 12 February 2021 the matter was tabled again with the RCAA and all the relevant reports and supporting evidence were provided to the committee to enable it to conclude its work.
The Committee has considered and studied the relevant investigation reports and issued letters to the contractor and consultant on 26 February 2021 requesting reasons why the Department should not recommend to National Treasury their restriction from doing business with the State. The RCAA has indicated that it will afford the respective service providers a period of 14 days to provide their written representations. The RCAA estimates that this process will be finalised by mid-March 2021.
(b) At this stage, the Department has not identified any justifiable grounds to terminate the existing contracts, as these contracts have been duly awarded. However, the Department is in the process of reviewing these contracts though its Internal Audit unit.
The Department is further seeking legal advice as to whether the conduct of the respective companies in relation to the Beitbridge contract constitutes sufficient grounds to seek termination of their remaining contracts with the Department. The matter is currently under legal review.
25 February 2021 - NW168
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) plans has her department put in place to create and implement the promotion of gender empowerment in school communities and (b) is the total number of schools in each province which have been identified for the implementation of programmes specifically designed to address gender equity?
Reply:
a) What plans does DBE put in place to create and implement the promotion of gender empowerment in school communities?
DBE has a responsibility of implementing gender empowerment in schools. This is a constitutional obligation, but also serves as a catalyst in addressing gender discrimination, dismantling patriarchy, boosting confidence and promoting mutual respect between and amongst people, in particular learners.
Gender Empowerment is addressed in the Lifeskills and Life Orientation Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) delivered in all schools. To enhance the Lifeskills and Life Orientation offering, a phased implementation of Scripted Lesson Plans for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is currently undertaken in five (5) provinces.
In the co-curricular offering, the DBE has two programmes that assist with the promotion of gender empowerment in schools. These programmes are the Girls and Boys Education Movement (GBEM) and Techno-Girl. Briefly:
- GBEM aims to encourage girls and boys to work together as equals and to foster respect for the human dignity and rights of both sexes. Through engaging with the movement and its activities, learners are equipped with adequate knowledge to engage on various issues such as governance, lifeskills, sport and development, gender based violence an related topics in a constructive manner, thereby encouraging active citizenry.
- Techno-Girl programme on the other hand, is a girl economic empowerment initiative, which is achieved through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Girls from disadvantaged communities benefit from a three-year structured job shadowing, mentorship and skills development programme with companies that have core skill requirements for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. The programme provides girls with a unique opportunity to explore various STEM career choices, analyse and make informed decisions in a given career choice. The programme has developed a mentorship component through Techno-Girl Alumni where learners, especially those who are in Grade 12, are offered assistance for applying to tertiary institutions.
b) Is there a total number of schools in each province which have been identified for implementation of programmes specifically designed to address gender equity?
Province |
District |
Number of Schools |
Eastern Cape |
Chris Hani |
06 |
|
Buffalo City Metropolitant |
06 |
|
Amathole East |
07 |
|
Nelson Mandela Bay |
09 |
Gauteng |
||
|
Gauteng West |
15 |
|
Johannesburg West |
09 |
|
Tshwane South |
09 |
Limpopo |
||
|
Capricorn |
09 |
|
Waterburg |
05 |
Mpumalanga |
||
|
Gert Sibande |
06 |
|
Ehlanzeni |
11 |
|
Nkangala |
07 |
|
Bohlabela |
06 |
KwaZulu Natal |
||
|
Umgungundlovu |
06 |
|
Uthukela |
06 |
|
Umlazi |
11 |
The Lifeskills and Life Orientation curriculum, as it addresses gender empowerement and equity, is offered in all 25 154 schools across the country.
The phased implementation of Scripted Lesson Plans for CSE is in 2176, broken down as follows:
Province |
Number of Schools |
Western Cape |
101 |
Free State |
131 |
Gauteng |
436 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
930 |
Mpumalanga |
578 |
The GBEM programme is implemented in a selected 128 schools from the following provinces:
The latest statistical information on the Techno-Girl programme is still being consolidated by the Techno-Girl Trust with whom the DBE holds a partnership.
25 February 2021 - NW204
Winkler-Lidgett, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether there is a planned revision of curricula offered at technical and vocational education and training centres in light of the fact that many courses offered to equip students with trade skills are more theory-based than focused on practical application and skill, thus effecting graduating students’ employability; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Since 2018, the Department has embarked on a plan to review and update programmes and qualifications offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in order to align them with the needs of industry and society. This plan has focused on the following aspects of the curriculum:
1. Integrating digital skills knowledge into current programmes;
2. Introducing new programmes in response to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR);
3. Phasing out of outdated programmes;
4. Reconstruction of Engineering programmes to make them more responsive to the changing industry environment; and
5. Revision and updating of subject content.
1. Integrating digital skills knowledge into current programmes
With the support of CISCO Systems, the Department has developed digital skills training, which has been integrated into the National Certificate (Vocational) [NCV] programme. Knowledge of the use of the internet, email, cyber security and databases are examples of digital skills training that have been integrated into the NCV programme.
2. Introducing new programmes in response to the 4IR
The Department has developed a new stream focusing on Robotics in the NCV: Information Technology and Computer Science programme which previously focused on programming and systems development only. This stream will cover subjects such as Electronic and Digital concepts for Robotics, Robotics Fundamentals and Industrial Automation. The curriculum for this programme is currently being quality assured by Umalusi and is envisaged for implementation in 2022.
3. Phasing out of outdated programmes
In November 2020, the Department published a government notice for public comment on the phasing-out of NATED Report 191 N1 – N3 programmes. These programmes have been identified to be outdated in their curriculum structure, purpose and articulation possibilities within the National Qualifications Framework. The Department has received public comments, which are currently being analysed before final recommendations can be made.
4. Reconstruction of Engineering programmes to make them more responsive to the changing industry environment
The Department has collaborated with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) in reconstructing curricula of Engineering Studies programmes to align with industry needs and standards of professional bodies. The programmes that have been prioritised and are currently being reconstructed are in the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering.
This reconstruction commenced in August 2020 and is anticipated to be completed by June 2021. The completion of this process will see a reduction in the offering of the current NATED programmes and a move to occupational programmes, which are more industry-aligned.
5. Revision and updating of subject content
The Department has since 2018 updated curricula in 38 subjects of the NATED Report 191 programmes covering Engineering, Business and Services studies. The implementation of these revised/updated curricula started in January 2021.
25 February 2021 - NW222
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with reference to the 89 Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) in the Eastern Cape that form part of the Non-State Sector Expanded Public Works Programme, the NPOs are required to pay Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) contributions on behalf of their participants; if not, why not; if so, are the contributions monitored by the Independent Development Trust; (2) whether the specified contribution from the NPOs are up to date; if not, (a) what measures are in place to ensure that outstanding monies are paid up on behalf of the participants and (b)(i) what total amount of outstanding contributions are owed for UIF and COIDA to her department and (ii) by which NPOs; (3) whether the stipend allocations are made in advance; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what happens to any excess monies that are not paid over to participants in cases such as absenteeism, (b) how often are the calculations made as to the amount of excess monies held by the NPO and (c) is there a record of anticipated expenditure versus actual expenditure in respect of each NPO; (4) in cases where the stipend allocations are made in arrears, what are the time frames for payments to the NPOs for each payment period? NW225E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I am informed by the Department that to implement the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Non-State Sector Non-Profit Organisation (NPOs) programme in the Eastern Cape Province, a total of forty eight (48) NPOs were contracted for two years in the 2019/20 financial year. From April – November 2020, twenty four (24) NPOs were utilized to implement the EPWP COVID-19 Response Project.
Based on the contract signed between the intermediary the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the NPOs, there is an allocation paid to NPOs to ensure they pay the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) for participants contracted in the programme.
The payments done by the NPOs towards UIF and COIDA to the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) are monitored by the IDT in the following manner:
- Upon contracting, NPOs have to submit a valid Letter of Good Standing with the UIF and for COIDA to cover the period of the programme/project implementation.
- NPOs also expected to submit a proof of payment of the UIF to DEL to the IDT before the allocation can be paid.
2. All twenty four 24 NPOs contracted to implement the EPWP COVID-19 response are up to date with the COIDA contributions. However, from these NPOs, three (3) NPOs are not up to date with the UIF contributions.
(a) To ensure all outstanding monies are paid on behalf of participants to UIF and COIDA, the IDT continues to remind and encourage NPOs to settle any outstanding payments as the existing contracts signed with the NPOs does not have any punitive measures to be enforced.
(b)
(i) There are no outstanding contributions owed to and by NPOs on COIDA. Only three (3) NPOs have outstanding contributions on UIF. The 3 NPOs submitted their invoices to the IDT in February 2021 for the payment of UIF they did on behalf of participants, while participants had finished working on 13 November 2020. No payment has been done yet by the IDT to the NPOs, as the NPOs have been requested to provide evidence that payment was done for participants during the implementation of the EPWP COVID-19 Response Project.
(ii) The three (3) NPOs mentioned above are indicated in table 1 below:
Table 1: NPOs with outstanding UIF Payments
Item |
District Municipality |
Name of NPO |
UIF Allocation |
UIF Amount Spent |
UIF Amount Un-spent |
1. |
Alfred Nzo |
Ixabiso Lomntu Aids Awareness & Home Base Care |
R5,641.86 |
R0.00 |
R5,641.86 |
2. |
Alfred Nzo |
Mount Frere Paralegal Advice Centre |
R6,363.00 |
R0.00 |
R6,363.00 |
3. |
Amathole |
Ubabalo Lusanele Skills Centre |
R5,641.86 |
R0.00 |
R5,641.86 |
3. Payment of stipends/wages to the NPOs are not made in advance. The payments to NPOs for participants stipends are based on claims submitted to the IDT for the work done supported by attendance registers.
a) The issue of excess monies does not apply in the NSS NPOs programme, as payments of stipends/wages are made on the basis of submission of the invoices which are supported by the attendance registers.
b) Calculations for payments held by NPOs on outstanding stipends/wages do not apply in the NPOs programme, as there are no advance payments made in the programme.
c) Yes, there are records of projected expenditure and actual expenditure for each NPO kept. Upon contracting, NPOs are allocated a budget based on the number of participants they should contract against the number of work days included in the contract. From this information, the IDT is able to project monthly expenditure for each NPO prior. For actual expenditure of projects, NPOs are also expected to submit invoices on monthly basis before payments can be done.
4) It takes 14 days to process the invoice of the NPO provided there are no corrections needed to be made by the NPO. The NPO invoice payment will exceed 14 days in cases where the NPOs have to make corrections. The turn-around time for payment depends on the speed of correction of the invoice by the NPOs. This varies from NPO-to-NPO. The IDT does not pay the NPO until all corrections / queries have been addressed.
25 February 2021 - NW167
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) is the total number of schools that have been identified by Sanitation Appropriate for Education to have inappropriate sanitation and (b) number of schools have had their sanitation facilities upgraded as a result?
Reply:
a) An initial list of 3 898 schools were identified for intervention under the SAFE programme.
b) Since the start of the programme, some of the non-viable schools have been closed or rationalised and do not need intervention under the SAFE programme. A verification of the actual need at schools, futher revealed that some schools have appropriate toilets; and do not need intervention under the SAFE programme. There are however, 2 865 schools that do require intervention under the SAFE programme. Of these, the construction of new toilets has progressed to practical completion at 683 schools. A further 340 schools have toilets under construction. New toilets at the remaining 1 842 schools, are scheduled for construction during 2021/22.
25 February 2021 - NW185
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and the annual renewal of certain electronic communication licences that were awarded and for which payment was made on 28 July 2020, but have not been received (details furnished), (a) on what date(s) were the specified licences issued for 2020, (b) on what date can the clients expect to receive the licences and (c) by what means are actual licences delivered to successful applicants?
Reply:
I have been advised by the ICASA as follows:
License Numbers
District Monitoring-License numbers 545-461-2 and 552-562-1
District Watch-License numbers 493-819-8, 145-617-2 and 483-730
District Bassetti-License numbers 532-539-4
a) ICASA issued all invoices for the annual Radio Frequency Spectrum (RFS) licence fees in respect of the RFS licences for the 2020-21 financial year on 22 July 2020. A batch of RFS Licences – including those held by District Watch, District Basset and District Monitoring - were printed on 29 November 2020.
b) The printed RFS licences are posted to licensees by the Authority’s service provider via unregistered postage. However, in light of the question posed it is apparent that the licensees may not have received their licences via post. The Authority will contact the licensees to arrange a reprint of the RFS licences for delivery or collection by the licensees at the Authority’s offices.
c) As stated above, printed RFS licences are posted to licensees by a service provider via unregistered postage. The Authority has however, noted the inefficiencies of this process and is currently implementing a new system (an Automated Spectrum Management System (“ASMS”)) for the processing of applications / renewals and delivery of RFS licences.
The ASMS system provides an online portal for receipt of – amongst others - new and renewal applications. The ASMS automatically sends invoices for administrative and licence fees via e-mail to the applicants as required. The system also automatically issues the RFS licences and e-mails them to successful applicants once processing and verification processes have been finalised. Going forward – with effect from 1 April 2021 - licensees will be able to download copies of their licenses from the ASMS and will no longer require the Authority to post licenses.
MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
25 February 2021 - NW203
Winkler-Lidgett, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
On what date will all National Student Financial Aids Scheme students at technical and vocational education and training centres at (a) Esayidi Campuses and (b) Thekwini College in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, receive the laptops as he promised in 2020?
Reply:
The procurement of laptops by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is still underway. NSFAS has communicated to all Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges that laptops will be distributed to all qualifying students in the month of April 2021.
25 February 2021 - NW16
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether the investigation by the former Department of Science and Technology in 2016 into alleged maladministration by a certain person that was in the employ of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research at the time (name furnished), led to a report and/or any other indication of wrongdoing by the specified person; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
- There was no investigation instituted against the former CEO of the CSIR by the DSI.
- Based on the answer given above, the question is moot.
25 February 2021 - NW364
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the (a) total number of students who wrote their final examination in the 2020 academic year and (b) ratio of those who wrote exams versus the enrolment rate of 2020?
Reply:
(a) A total of 469 549 candidates participated in the November 2020 final examinations.
(b) The table below provides a breakdown of enrolments and participation ratios per qualification as at 19 February 2021.
Qualification Category |
Number Enrolled |
Number Wrote |
Participation Ratio |
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2 - 4 |
175 232
|
138 351
|
79.0% |
National Technical Education Report 190/1 N1-N6 |
355 535
|
289 509
|
81.4% |
General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training Level 4 |
74 063
|
41 689
|
56.3% |
Total |
604 830 |
469 549 |
77.6% |
25 February 2021 - NW88
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether any of the 700 000 hectares of State land, that is currently being made available for farmers, falls under the control of her department, if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many hectares fall under the control of her department, (b) where is the land situated and (c) who is currently occupying the land?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
The 700 000 hectares made available to farmers is under the control of the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
a) None of these hectares fall under the control of Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure;
b) The land is situated throughout national and provincial spheres of government;
c) According to DALRRD, the land is vacant.
25 February 2021 - NW186
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) What number of post offices have electronic National Traffic Information System (e-NATIS) vehicle licence machines? (2) Whether staff are trained on the use of the e-NATIS machines; if not, why not; if so, what (a) number of people are trained in this regard in each branch and (b) is the nature of the training?
Reply:
I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:
1. There are 520 Post Offices nationally across the Provinces, except for the Western Cape (which SAPO does not service currently) that have e-Natis with a current total of 580 machines.
2. Yes, staff are trained on the use of e-Natis machines.
(a) Approximately 2080 staff were trained nationally with a minimum of at least 2 per branch.
(b) Training needs change continually based on specific operational requirements and with the service offerings of the respective branch that are based on specific provincial negotiated agreements. Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and North West have a combination of full service and renewals. SAPO also has a supervisor and teller functions per branch as per e-Natis requirements.
MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
25 February 2021 - NW192
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to her reply to question 2995 on 6 January 2021, what total number of (a) persons paid their TV licences in (i) 2017-18, (ii) 2018-19 and (iii) 2019-20 financial years and (b) accounts were sent out via (i) mail, (ii) sms and (iii) email in each financial year?
Reply:
I have been advised by the SABC as follows:
(a)
Financial Year |
Business Licence |
Dealer Licence |
Concessionary Licence |
Domestic (Normal) |
Total |
2017 - 2018 |
37 003 |
4 079 |
514 653 |
2 181 630 |
2 737 365 |
2018 - 2019 |
36 400 |
4 007 |
461 621 |
2 265 324 |
2 767 352 |
2019 - 2020 |
29 522 |
3 418 |
393 963 |
1 896 586 |
2 323 489 |
(b)
Financial Year |
E-mails |
SMS |
Mailed letters |
2017 - 2018 |
23 846 458 |
103 909 803 |
372 |
2018 - 2019 |
23 793 849 |
82 655 991 |
0 |
2019 - 2020 |
8 025 851 |
28 055 096 |
0 |
MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
25 February 2021 - NW187
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What (a) number of students was able to enrol in each public university (i) in 2020 and (ii) in 2021 in terms of the enrolment plan of each university and (b) is the current enrolment numbers at each public university; (2) what number of the students who enrolled at each of the specified universities in 2020 were beneficiaries of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme?
Reply:
(1) (a) The table below reflects the Ministerial approved enrolment planning targets for the 2020 and 2021 academic years.
Institution |
Projected Targets |
|
2020 |
2021 |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
35 498 |
37 027 |
University of Cape Town |
28 037 |
28 174 |
Central University of Technology |
18 255 |
19 098 |
Durban University of Technology |
30 219 |
30 439 |
University of Fort Hare |
17 310 |
17 673 |
University of Free State |
40 271 |
40 519 |
University of Johannesburg |
49 727 |
49 969 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
47 726 |
46 829 |
University of Limpopo |
21 995 |
22 561 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
12 980 |
13 391 |
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
29 792 |
30 461 |
North-West University |
63 065 |
61 054 |
University of Pretoria |
51 978 |
52 134 |
Rhodes University |
8 714 |
8 866 |
University of South Africa |
376 000 |
376 468 |
University of Stellenbosch |
31 690 |
32 380 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
61 814 |
62 439 |
Vaal University of Technology |
20 992 |
22 154 |
University of Venda |
16 992 |
17 332 |
Walter Sisulu University |
30 269 |
29 544 |
University of the Western Cape |
24 800 |
25 060 |
University of the Witwatersrand |
40 935 |
41 003 |
University of Zululand |
17 920 |
18 636 |
University of Mpumalanga |
4 218 |
5 217 |
Sol Plaatje University |
2 512 |
3 278 |
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University |
6 640 |
6 820 |
Total |
1 090 350 |
1 098 526 |
(b) The Department has only received preliminary data from universities on their 2020 enrolments and this is therefore subject to change. More reliable data on enrolments will be received from universities at the end of April 2021. Once they have identified all their graduates, the Department will receive the final audited data at the end of July 2021.
(2) As at 31 December 2020, NSFAS had confirmed funding for 487 411 university students on the DHET Bursary Scheme. It is estimated that this number would increase taking into consideration that NSFAS is concluding outstanding funding decisions. The table below provides a breakdown of the numbers per institution.
Institution |
NSFAS Funded Students |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
15 521 |
Central University of Technology |
8 868 |
Durban University of Technology |
19 994 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
10 430 |
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
14 164 |
North-West University |
22 356 |
Rhodes University |
3 128 |
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University |
3 229 |
Sol Plaatje University |
1 434 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
36 447 |
University of Cape Town |
5 109 |
University of Fort Hare |
9 339 |
University of Free State |
21 503 |
University of Johannesburg |
23 328 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
23 916 |
University of Limpopo |
15 749 |
University of Mpumalanga |
3 090 |
University of Pretoria |
10 706 |
University of South Africa |
157 395 |
University of Stellenbosch |
3 952 |
University of the Western Cape |
10 471 |
University of the Witwatersrand |
9 327 |
University of Venda |
10 890 |
University of Zululand |
13 092 |
Vaal University of Technology |
12 540 |
Walter Sisulu University |
21 433 |
Total |
487 411 |
25 February 2021 - NW236
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, in light of the fact that in many parts of the world school sport has restarted, albeit tentatively, she has plans in place to ensure that school sports go on this year, especially at schools in areas that are more impoverished in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what plans?
Reply:
On 21 October 2020 the Department of Basic Education issued the Amended Directions, in terms of Regulation 4(3) of the Regulations made under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), regarding the re-opening of schools; and measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19 at Alert Level 1. At that point, non-contact sport was allowed and inter-school matches were allowed to resume activity. However, this was short-lived as the country experienced a surge in the number of people who contracted the corona virus; and the country was then moved to Alert Level 3. As a result, the Department has finalised the amended draft Directions in line with Alert Level 3.
These Directions have been consulted on widely with basic education stakeholders and the Human Rights Commission. The draft Directions allow for non-contact sport to resume within all schools, provided that compliance with social distancing, hygiene and safety measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 is adhered to.
The following safety measures must be adhered to with this resumption:
- The number of persons in the sporting venues, change rooms or training area at any given time, must be limited as far as is reasonably practicable;
- Sport personnel and all participants must be subjected to temperature screening before they enter the sport venue or sport fields;
- Face masks, or appropriate items that cover the nose and mouth as required by the health protocols, must be worn by all personnel and participants entering the sporting venues, change rooms or training area except participants when training or participating in matches;
- All windows and doors must remain open, where feasible, to reduce contact and ensure adequate ventilation;
- Social distancing must be maintained at all times; and
- A register of all personnel and participants must be kept.
Contact sport training is also allowed under Lockdown Alert Level 3, provided there is no contact during training, and physical distancing is maintained. Arts and Culture and other enrichment programmes are also allowed to resume in schools with safety and hygiene measures maintained.
For now, inter-school matches, choir rehearsals, choir competitions and sport championships at district, provincial and national level will be suspended. This is temporary as the country deals with the surge in the numbers of infections.
These measures are temporary and will be reviewed as the Covid-19 infections decline.
24 February 2021 - NW31
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
In light of the long queues at post offices for persons to receive their COVID-19 grants of R350, what steps has she taken to ensure that there is a better way of distributing the grants, without subjecting persons to the indignity of waiting for hours to be assisted?
Reply:
When the special relief grant of R350 per month was introduced, it was expected that the majority of the applicants would have the grant paid into their personal bank accounts. The second option was to pay through mobile money to a cell phone. However, on implementation, it was found that the number of clients who provided banking details was relatively small, while the process to positively link a cell phone number to a specific client, as required by National Treasury before any payments could be made to that number, did not yield the desired results.
Of the total approved grants paid to date, approximately 66% are paid through SAPO, 30% through direct deposits into bank accounts and less than 5% through mobile money. This has placed great strain on the post office infrastructure, and has resulted in long queues outside post offices every day.
Initiatives implemented to try and manage the queues at post offices include the following:
- The placement of volunteers at the busier post offices to assist with queue management ensuring that social distancing is maintained, and reminding all to keep their masks on at all times;
- Scheduling clients through sending SMS notifications as to when they should collect their money. The recent SMS notifications have included the name of the post office at which the client should collect, if this information is available from previous collection history;
- Encouraging clients to change the payment method by capturing their bank account details on the SASSA SRD website; and
- SAPO has introduced staggering of collection according the last 3 digits of the ID number, so, for example those whose ID numbers end in 080 and 081 are allocated a specific date; those whose IDs end in 082 and 083 another day, and so on.
With the extension of the grant for a further 3 month period, the communication to clients to advise them to capture their banking details on the website has been strengthened.
24 February 2021 - NW138
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether, with reference to sections 26 and 32 of the Labour Relations Act, Act 66 of 1995, which deals with closed shop agreements and the extension of collective bargaining agreements respectively, his Ministry and/or his department have ever considered, are considering, or are willing to consider (a) amending one or both of the abovementioned provisions with the goal of diminishing the influence of such agreements on the labour market and/or (b) removing one or both of the abovementioned provisions in their entirety from the specified Act; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details to the questions respectively?
Reply:
Honourable Cardo must note that South Africa is a Constitutional democracy whereby the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution protects the right to engage in collective bargaining and freedom of association. Therefore, the Honourable Dr Cardo is calling on the government to act unconstitutional by diminishing and/or removing the right to engage in collective bargaining.
It is sad that certain members lament constitutional violations in other countries and with the same breath are calling for the Government to act unconstitutional.
The Honourable member must note that our labour market policies are decided and agreed upon by way of consensus by NEDLAC social partners consisting of Organised Business, Organised Labour, Organised Community and Government. The Government does not dictate to social partners which policies are best suitable to govern their environment.
Dr Cardo must remember that bargaining councils are voluntary arrangements. It is parties themselves within the sector and understanding their dynamics within their sectors that conclude these collective agreements best suited for them.
Notwithstanding that, it is parties to the bargaining council without the intervention of government that conclude collective agreements best suited for their sector,
24 February 2021 - NW81
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, considering the widespread allegations of human rights violations and intimidation by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, it is the Republic’s position that the Ugandan Elections have been free and fair; if not, what is the position in this regard ; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether it is the Government’s position that the election outcome is legitimate; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW84E
Reply:
1. South Africa is not in a position to pronounce on whether the Ugandan Elections were free and fair because it did not observe the Elections. Based on the African Union principle of subsidiarity, which mandates regional organisations to take the lead in managing political and other issues occurring in their respective regions, South Africa defers its position to observations that were made by the East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) that had sent Elections Observer Missions to Uganda. Unfortunately, the African Union did not send an Elections Observer Mission which could also have guided South Africa’s position. Both these regional authorities did not pronounce on whether the Ugandan Elections were free and fair.
2. The outcome of the Elections was announced by a legitimate entity in Uganda, the Election Commission, on 16 January 2021. However, it was reported on 21 January 2021 that one of the Presidential contestants, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has challenged the outcome of the Elections. He lodged his complaints with in the Supreme Court of Uganda, which is the apex court in Uganda. He also has an option of referring the matter to the East Africa Court of Justice which also has jurisdiction following the exhaustion of local remedies. South Africa supports the resolution of political disputes through political and legal means, and will await the the outcome of the judicial process which is currently underway.
24 February 2021 - NW205
Winkler-Lidgett, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)With reference to the unsubsidised Charter and Tourism Bus Industry that have not been able to work a day utilising their Tourism & Charter permits since 26 March 2020, whereas many operators have paid their prepaid licence fees for the year March 2020 to March 2021, (a) on what date will the Department of Transport reimburse the license fees, (b) will permit holders be required to pay for the 2021-22 financial year even if they paid for the 2020-21 financial year but had not operated at all and (c) what engagements have her department and the Department of Transport undertaken to discuss and resolve the issue of the reimbursement of the prepaid license fee; (2) whether her department and the Department of Transport have engaged in any discussion and/or meeting to resolve and plan a way forward to assist the Charter and Tourism Bus Industry with the query on their prepaid licensing fees; if not, on what date is it envisaged that the (a) two departments will meet and (b) issue of the license fees be addressed; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
Various role players contribute to tourism. Prepaid licensing fees for the Charter and Tourism Business Industry is not the competency of the Department of Tourism, but the mandate of the Department of Transport. The department engages from time to time with the Department of Transport on various matters. The Honourable member may refer the question to the Minister of Transport.
1. (a) to (c) Not applicable.
2. (a) to (b) Not applicable.
24 February 2021 - NW137
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether, with reference to the Performance Agreement he signed with the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, (details furnished), he will provide progress updates regarding meeting the specified targets pertaining to the 2019-20 financial year of the different management areas listed under Key Responsibility Area 4; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Performance Agreement signed between the Minister and the President outlines the work that the Minister, supported by the Deputy Minister, the Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities must achieve. The Minister is expected to work with other Ministers on the various Cabinet Clusters to achieve the outlined priorities. Whether the Minister is delivering or not, will be assessed by the President during the Performance Evaluation process.
The Department and all its entities, do report to Parliament, especially the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour Portfolio, that Honourable Bagraim is a member of and the Select Committee on the Quarterly progress on the implementation of priorities,
as outlined in the Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans that were used as a basis for allocating the Budget to the Department. The Department and all its entities also table Annual Reports that are audited by the Auditor General on its Performance information and how the budget was used.
24 February 2021 - NW144
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether a feasibility study was done on zero-based budgeting; if not, why not; if so, what (a) were the findings and recommendations in this regard and (b)(i) are the terms and references and (ii) time frames for identified departments that will participate in the pilot project?
Reply:
National Treasury is working on designing a Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) framework that will be implemented for the National Treasury and Department of Public Enterprises during the 2021/22 medium term expenditure framework. The framework will aim to reduce unnecessary government expenditure to create space for other priorities including prevention of deficits and spiraling of government debt. The objectives will include:
- Improving the performance of programmes/projects
- Identifying redundant programmes/projects
- Identifying bottlenecks within government’s finance supply chain
- Identifying possible duplication of activities between and within departments
- Improve and optimizing resource allocation, to prevent wasting available resources
The framework to implement the ZBB will be mainly through utilising expenditure reviews, which are used by several countries that have implemented ZBB before. The elements of the framework will include, amongst others:
- Identifying objectives and outcomes
- Roles and responsibilities and required skill sets
- The link between ZBB and the budget process
24 February 2021 - NW171
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What is the total number of grant dependent beneficiaries who did not receive any SA Social Security Agency payment in the Northern Cape in January 2021 due to their accounts not being credited, (b) who is the person responsible for the failure to credit the accounts of the grant recipients and (c) on what date will their accounts be credited?
Reply:
a) A total of 1 383 clients in the Northern Cape did not receive their grants in January 2021. These were clients whose grants were approved, but who failed the bank verification process. Every new applicant, or client who changes the method of payment provides SASSA with the bank account details. Once this is captured on the system, the information is subject to a bank verification process, to ensure that the grant is paid into the account which belongs to that client and that the account is open. Where the account fails the verification process, the account cannot be credited. This process is in place to ensure that the grant is paid to the right person.
b) The process is system driven and the failure may be as a result of incorrect information provided; the client providing the details of an account which is in their spouse’s name; the account being closed by the time the credit should be processed or errors made during capturing.
c) The accounts will be credited once the information on the system has been corrected. This is done by the clients being contacted and requested to bring in a copy of their bank statement so that the record can be updated. Once the record is corrected, the payment is extracted, and the account credited, during the next payment cycle. The amount credited will then include the amount from when the grant was approved, or from the date of the last payment, to ensure that the client is not prejudiced.
24 February 2021 - NW140
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Given the forecast by economists that the continuation of the adjusted Level 3 lockdown restrictions could result in a further 1,4 million job losses, and given that the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s COVID-19 TERS scheme came to an end on 15 October 2020, what (a) steps is his department taking to prevent job losses on a massive scale and (b) is his department doing to provide income support to those persons who cannot work because of the adjusted Level 3 lockdown restrictions?
Reply:
a) The COVID-19 TERS benefit was extended until 15 March 2021. However, through the special COVID-19 TERS benefit government is supporting some employers to continue operating their businesses, whilst not having to pay wages during the period of decreased economic activity, thus preventing job losses.
Furthermore, employees that have to work reduced working time or have been laid off temporarily can apply for UIF-benefits under section 12(1)(b) for income replacement.
b) The following contribution was made to the economy since March 2020 to 10 February 2021
- 13 468 043 beneficiaries received payments to the value of R57 488 330 825 in terms of the COVID-19 TERS benefit scheme
- 1 161 059 employers applied for the above benefit on behalf of their employees.
In addition, a further R13 754 711 897 was paid in terms of unemployment and other statutory benefits to a further 2 445 665 beneficiaries.
24 February 2021 - NW135
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether, with reference to the Performance Agreement he signed with the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, (details furnished), he will provide progress updates regarding meeting targets of the different interventions listed under (a) Key Responsibility Area 1 - Priority 2, (b) Key Responsibility Area 1 - Priority 4, (c) Key Responsibility Area 1 - Priority 6 and (d) Key Responsibility Area 2 – Priority 1; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Performance Agreement signed between the Minister and the President outlines the work that the Minister, supported by the Deputy Minister, the Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities must achieve. The Minister is expected to work with other Ministers on the various Cabinet Clusters to achieve the outlined priorities. Whether the Minister is delivering or not, will be assessed by the President during the Performance Evaluation process.
Priorities are outlined in the Annual Performance Plans, Strategic Plans, that were used as a basis for allocating the Budget to the Department of Employment and Labour.
Implementation progress on these priorities get reported in Parliament by the Department of Employment and Labour and its entities, through Legislature Committees, be it Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour, that Hon. Bagraim is a member of, Select Committee, etc. The Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities also table Annual Reports that are audited by the Auditor General on its Performance information and how the budget was used.
24 February 2021 - NW35
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether his department has done any investigations into the adherence of employers to labour laws during the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19; if so, has he found that employers adhered to the specified laws in the manner that they treat the workers during the lockdown?
Reply:
The Occupational Health and Safety inspectors, nationally, conducted around 18 238 inspections for the three quarters in the financial year 2020/21. 47% of workplaces inspected were found to be non-compliant whilst 53% were found to be compliant with OHS and COVID19 Directions.
Around 8619 notices were issued to non-compliant employers during this period. This included contravention, prohibition and improvement notices.
24 February 2021 - NW149
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
What collaborative work is being done by her department and the Department of Justice and Correctional Services to allow for a clearer interpretation and protection for protection orders with regard to rights of children in such cases?
Reply:
The Department of Social Development work very closely with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services and the Judiciary in child protection matters as mandated by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. The Act mandates the two departments to work together to care, protect and develop children. In order to successfully implement the Act it is important that officials from the two departments, who are key in the implementation of the Act should have a common understanding of the Act. It is against this background that capacity building sessions are held with the officials from the two departments.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development facilitated refresher training in 2018/19 on the submission of information to the Register of the National Child Protection Register in conjunction with the Registrar of the National Child Protection Register. This training targeted officials from the Department of Social Development in all the provinces.
Furthermore there is a structure that has been established in terms of the Children’s Act which is National Child Care and Protection Forum (NCCPF) where the two departments are key. This structure serves as a platform to engage on child protection issues of which Protection orders with regard to rights of children are one of those discussed to ensure common understanding and correct interpretation thereof.
The two departments established an inter-sectoral steering committee on Foster Care which provide a platform to share information, reflect on lessons learned, implementation challenges and strategies to address these challenges.
24 February 2021 - NW109
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to the three types of homeless persons, namely chronic, transitional and episodic, what (a) is the total number of persons currently registered as beneficiaries of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant and (b) type of SASSA grants do the beneficiaries receive; (2) whether the specified beneficiaries access their grants on a regular basis; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what initiatives exist to ensure better access to SASSA grants by homeless persons in the Republic
Reply:
1. SASSA does not carry information as to whether an applicant for a grant is homeless or not. Any South African who meets the qualifying criteria for a grant is eligible to apply for, and receive the social grant.
Applicants for the R350 special relief grant also do not have to provide addresses, so it is not known how many of these clients are homeless.
2. The grants for all approved grant beneficiaries are paid on a monthly basis. All social grants are paid into a bank account, and can be accessed by the client at his/her convenience. Even the SASSA/SAPO card is a bank account into which the funds are paid.
Clients who receive the R350 special relief grant and who do not have bank accounts, collect these at the post office. As at end January, there are approximately 590 000 clients who have not yet accessed their grant from the post office. The reasons for them not collecting the funds is not known. However, all have been sent messages to remind them to collect the available funds.
3. Application channels for all social grants are available for every citizen. SASSA has offices throughout the country at which application can be made. There is no discrimination against citizens who are homeless.
One of the challenges which may be experienced by homeless applicants may be the inability to produce the required documents, as legislated in the Social Assistance Act, 2004. However, for all required documents, provision is made in the Act for an affidavit to be provided as an alternative, so this should not prevent eligible citizens from applying.
In addition to the above channels, applications may be lodged on line. SASSA is also exploring alternative channels through which applications can be lodged, including whatsapp, following the success of the process introduced for the R350 special relief grant.
24 February 2021 - NW136
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether, with reference to the Performance Agreement he signed with the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, (details furnished), he will provide progress updates regarding meeting the specified targets pertaining to the 2019-20 financial year of the different management areas listed under Key Responsibility Area 3; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Performance Agreement signed between the Minister and the President outlines the work that the Minister, supported by the Deputy Minister, the Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities must achieve. The Minister is expected to work with other Ministers on the various Cabinet Clusters to achieve the outlined priorities. Whether the Minister is delivering or not, will be assessed by the President during the Performance Evaluation process.
The Department of Employment and Labour and all its entities, do report to Parliament, through Parliamentary committees such as Select Committee and Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour,
that Honourable Bagraim is a member of, on the Quarterly progress on the implementation of priorities as outlined in the Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans that were used as a basis for allocating the Budget to the Department.
The Department and all its entities also table Annual Reports that are audited by the Auditor General on its Performance information and how the budget was used.
24 February 2021 - NW215
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1)With reference to the performance agreement he concluded with the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, on 6 October 2020, on what research, evidence, methods and calculations are the assertions based that (a) one million jobs would be created for the youth by 2024, (b) his department would contribute 256 050 jobs to the one million jobs for the youth and (c) 61 050 jobs would be created at the Unemployment Insurance Fund; (2) what will the cost of employment to the State be for each of the specified job creation targets?
Reply:
1. (a) The 1 million jobs that are projected to be created, is a target that the government aspire to achieve in the Medium Term Strategic Framework for the next five years ending in 2024. The target was informed by the job summit commitments and economic stimulus interventions that are to be initiated by the Presidential Program Management Office to create 800,000 jobs. The Department of Employment and Labour will create an additional 256,050 was based on the previous four year trends in counselling and placement of people in employment, subsidies offered to Non-Governmental Organisations and Supported Employment Enterprises to promote employment of people with disabilities, Unemployment Insurance Fund Labour Activation and Compensation Fund sponsored programs uptake.
(b) and (c) The breakdown in terms of the DEL contribution which include the Unemployment Insurance Fund is as follows:
(i) Public Employment Services: 190 000
(ii) Supported Employment Enterprises and NGOs promoting employment of People with Disabilities: 1000
(iii) Unemployment Insurance Fund Labour Activation Programme: 61050
(v) Compensation Fund: 4000
2. The costs of the above activities will consist of a combination of National Treasury Budget allocation as forecast in the Estimate of National Expenditure to be announced by the Minister of Finance for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework period and allocations that the two funds will set aside for the revenue to be generated. The exact annual amounts to each of these initiatives, will be outlined in Annual Performance Plans that are to be tabled in parliament.
24 February 2021 - NW199
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) total number of SA Social Security Agency doctors are available to service the residents of (i) Hantam Local Municipality and (ii) Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality and (b) was the doctor-patient ratio to the total number of persons examined in each town in December 2020 for disability grants in Hantam Local Municipality?
Reply:
a) During December 2020, there was a total of 13 doctors to conduct medical assessments for SASSA clients. These doctors were utilised at a ratio of 40 clients per doctor per session. As from January 2021, this number has increased to 28 doctors in the province, and the maximum number of clients each doctor can attend to in a single session has been increased to 80.
(ii)The doctors are not confirmed to a single district municipality, but are allocated to specific areas as and when required.
b) A total of 108 assessments were done in December 2020 in Hantam local municipality as follows:
Calvinia 28
Brandvlei 20
Niewoudville 21
Williston 26
Fraserburg 13