Questions and Replies

Reply:

1. a). Domestic Worker Cases

Sector	Received	Inspected	Compliant	Not Compliant	Scheduled	Cancelled
Domestic	25 699	3289	2958	331	3954	473

(i) The statistics for the Lockdown period (Quarters 1 & 2 of the 2020/21 Financial Year is still being verified and interrogated.

(ii) The Department does not maintain statistics in respect of sexual assault cases as these are criminal matters.

(iii) The Department does not maintain statistics in respect of rape cases as these are criminal matters.

(b) In reference to national Minimum Wage (NMW) Cases, 7 days is the turnaround time to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, due to Covid - 19 Pandemic, Inspectors had to undertake Administrative Inspections (working from home) which made adherence to this time-limit difficult.

(c) The statistics for the Lockdown period (Quarters 1 & 2 of the 2020/21 Financial Year is still being verified and interrogated.

(2) Yes, complaints were made through the Impimpa Hotline. Since the inception of the Impimpa Hotline in March 2020, 178 000 cases have been reported

(3) To ensure the effective monitoring and enforcement of the national minimum wage, my department developed a reporting line to allow workers to report cases of non-compliance with the national minimum wage without any cost to them which I subsequently launched on the 5th March 2020.

To recognise the Batho Pele principle of openness and transparency and to hold us accountable on whether the cases reported on the reporting line were resolved within the stipulated time-frames, a dashboard was built to extract data from the system. The data would then be published on the department’s website on a weekly basis.The data was subsequently published on the website but that was unfortunately halted as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.

4. The success of this hotline was very much dependent on properly marketingit to ensure that it is communicated to all employees. My department therefore engaged GCIS to arrange for the marketing and advertising of this NMW Impimpa reporting line.

It was therefore crucial to use different media platforms in order to ensure that the information on the system reached all the intended beneficiaries. The department therefore made use of about six media platforms (print, radio, taxi rank advertising, train station advertising, television and social media) amounting to R21 620 000 00 to cover the cost of marketing and advertising of the NMW Impimpa hotline.

(5) The department made use of six media platforms (print, radio, taxi rank advertising, train station advertising, television and social media) amounting to R21 620 000 00 to ensure that the message is delivered to all stakeholders.

Since the launch of the NMW Impimpa hotline in March, employees have been making use of this service as to date about 178 000 cases were recorded on the NMW Impimpa dashboardbut it has unfortunately been temporarily put on hold as the department has received more numbers than anticipated which has put the department on pressure with regards to funding.

Reply:

a) No.The Auditor-General has not yet concluded the audit of the ITB for 2019/20 Financial Year.

b) No.The provision of schools, clinics, water, electricity, roads and other basic services remains the primary obligation of government and are not catered for in the Ingonyama Trust Act.

(i),(ii) Falls away.

Reply:

(a)(b) & (c):

(i)(aa) number of applications were received between 1 June 2020 and 8 October 2020

• [email protected] : Applications received : 27, 387
• [email protected] : Applications received: 3,651
• [email protected] Applications received: 1-15 October 2020: 4,701

(i)(bb) number of officials are/were dealing with the specified applications

• [email protected] : 5 officials on rotational basis
• [email protected] : 6 officials
• [email protected] : 6 officials

(ii)(aa) - Requests for travel were allocated within one day to prioritise urgent cases at least 2 days prior to the date of travel.

• All applications are managed on the basis of striving to achieve a 24hr turnaround, and in order to achieve this a rotational staff roster (as specified above in (i)(bb) has been assigned.

(ii)(bb) Resolutions are communicated within 1-10 days. Immediate communication was send to all applicants in the form of an autoresponse with details on the supporting documentation required for travel, the process and the final Immigration Controls at the Ports of Entry.

 

END

Reply:

1. (a) 2017-2018: Yes.

2018-2019: No

2019-2020: No

(b) Since 1 April 2020: No.

(a),(b),(i),(ii)(aa),(bb)(iii),(iv) Please refer to the table below.

		(i)	(ii)(aa)	(ii)(bb)	(iii)	(iv)
No	Name	Reasons for suspension (type of misconduct)	Date of suspension	Date uplifted	Full pay (Y/N)	Duration
1.	Chief Surveyor-General	Possible interference (irregularities in the handling of project)	11 May 2017	Still on suspension	Yes	36 months (Commenced 31 July 2017)
2.	Chief Director Cadastral Spatial Information	Possible interference (irregularities in the handling of project)	10 May 2017	4 Nov 2019	Yes	36 months (Commenced 17 July 2017)

(2) Yes, the Departmental Disciplinary Policy. Disciplinary hearingsmust be held within 30 to 60 days from the date of suspension, depending on the complexity of the matter and length of the investigation.

Reply:

1(a). The current number of positions occupied in an acting capacity is Two (2).

(b). Acting Deputy Director: Demand appointed from August 2019 to date; the Acting Executive Head: Languages from 01 August 2020 to date

(c). The previous incumbent (Deputy Director: Demand was dismissed 29 November 2019 due to misconduct.

2(a). The total number of executive positions available is three (3)

(b). The details of specified positions are Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Head: Languages.

(c). The Total number of Executive positions filled in an acting capacity is one, (1) namely, Executive Head: Languages.

3. As per the instruction of the former Chairperson of the board, through the office of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, the office of the Chief Financial Officer was instructed to initiate the process of changing bank accounts. A tender was advertised on 3 September 2020. Bids were received from various banks and to date no action has taken place.

(a) The former Chairperson of the board instructed that the bank account be changed, as the board was not happy with the current bank used.

(b)(i). Person/(s) in charge of the bank accounts as at 2 November 2020 Dr Bongumenzi Mpungose: Chief Executive Officer, Ms Veliswa Dwamena Deputy: Finance Manager (Former Acting Chief Financial Officer)

(ii). Ms Portia Prudence Chilwane: Board member

Reply:

(a). No province has yet given input into identifying statues, symbols and monuments that are not in line with the spirit and values of the South African Constitution for relocating, repositioning and curating into Regional Cultural Nation Building Parks. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has mandated the South African Heritage Resources Agency to conduct an audit of all monuments and statues in South Africa.

Once the national audit have been conducted and completed, my department will commence with the process of identifying statues, symbols and monuments that are not in line with the spirit and values of the South African Constitution for relocating, repositioning and curating into Regional Cultural Nation Building Parks.

Provinces will form part of the Steering Committee that will drive this process including the necessary consultation processes.(b-e). Falls off as outlined in (a) above, i.e. “Provinces will form part of the Steering Committee that will drive this process including the necessary consultation processes.”

Reply:

1. Law Enforcement officials within Department of Home Affairs (DHA) come within 2 categories. there are immigration officers in the inspectorate unit which deal with transgressions under the immigration act and other departmental legislation where a foreign national is attempting to gain a benefit such as using fraudulent information to obtain an ID, birth certification or citizenship. The other law enforcement official is those working within the Counter Corruption and Security Services Branch to combat corruption and unethical conduct by officials within the department. Immigration Inspectorate officials derive their powers under section 33 of the Immigration Act,2002. They can investigate any matter falling under the Immigration Act, subject to the directions of the Minister. Under section 34(1) of the Immigration Act an immigration officer without the need for a warrant may arrest an illegal foreigner, cause him or her to be deported and pending deportation may detain him or her. The job description of an inspectorate official is derived from the Immigration Act, 2002. They are also declared as peace officers under the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.
2. The matters relating to this official are part of an ongoing investigation into gross misconduct. The Honourable member is referred to our media statement released on 2 October 2020 (www.dha.gov.za) which addresses this question regarding support provided to the official on investigations they have undertaken.
3. This matter remains a pending investigation. Further action will be determined following further investigation.

END

Reply:

1(a). The Chief Executive Officer of PanSALB, has not resigned as is still in the employ of PanSALB, (b-d) falls off.

2(a). Yes, the Chief Financial Officer of PanSALB, resigned in March 2020, (b) Career Development, Better offer (Competitive Salary package), (c) former Acting CFO Ms. VeliswaDwamena, and (d) acted as CFO from March 2020 to 30 September 2020.

3(a). No, the Executive Head of Languages was dismissed effective 15 June 2017, (b) dismissed due to Ill Health / Incapacity, (c) Joint Acting - Mr. LufunoNdlovu(Acting period: April 2019 – 30 June 2019) and 01 August 2019 until 31 July 2020. Dr. Sally Maepa (Acting period: 01 July 2017 and 01 April 2019 to 30 June 2019), former acting Executive Head: Languages. Ms. NikiweMatebula is currently acting, and (d) Ms. Matebula acted as Executive Head: Languages from 01 August 2020 to date.

Reply:

1. The person holds no position within the Department or Ministry of Home Affairs as he is not in the employ of the Department. However, the Advocate has represented the Department in various matters in court, like many other counsel, on behalf of the State Attorney.
2. Not applicable.
3. Not applicable.

 

END

Reply:

a) Level 1 Regulations do not pose any restrictions on SADC for South African Citizens to repatriate back home.

b) The Immigration Act requires that any student wishing to register at a recognised learning institution should apply for a study visa authorising them to study in South Africa. Such study visas are issued for the duration of study. South African Missions prioritize study visa applications from all SADC countries. This is done in conjunction with learning institutions to ensure that prospective students from SADC countries are given the necessary support.

END

 

Reply:

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

Reply:

a) The Greater Letaba Municipality Local Municipality falls within the Mopani District Municipality which is a Water Services Authority (WSA) and has a constitutional mandate to ensure adequate supply of clean water within its areas of jurisdiction including Greater Letaba Local Municipality.

The Greater Letaba Local Municipality has a total population of 247 739 residing in 132 villages and 3 towns namely Sekgosese, Modjadjiskloof and Kgapane which are serviced by two Water Treatment Works (WTW) both of which are currently performing at 72%. The details are as follows:

• Politsi WTW which is operated by Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) with a design capacity of 5.5 Ml/d; currently producing 6 Ml/d. The plant abstracts raw water at Vergelegen Dam which is at 100.33%
• The Modjadji WTW is operated by Mopani District Municipality which has a design capacity of 12 Ml/d and currently producing 7 Ml/d due to insufficient raw water from Modjadji Dam the level of which are currently at 11%.

The surface bulk water supply is augmented by 334 boreholes, 231 of which are operational and 103 are not operational. The details of the boreholes that are not operational are as follows:

• 39 boreholes are awaiting ESKOM connections and application are in progress,
• 4 boreholes were vandalized,
• 7 boreholes collapsed,
• 39 boreholes are dry and require funds for re-drilling.

The Mopani District Municipality is currently attending to 18 boreholes which require electrical and mechanical maintenance and 4 boreholes out of the 18 boreholes will augment the Modjadji WTW. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) and over the 2020/21 MTEF has allocated R45 000 000 to assist Mopani District Municipality which will also the Greater Letaba Local Municipality.

Furthermore, Mopani District Municipality is currently implementing 7 MIG water projects within Greater Letaba Local Municipality and the overall progress is at 52%. This is meant to address bulk pipeline development and reticulation within villages.

b) The following are the reasons for the disruption in water supply at the within Greater Letaba Local Municipality:

• Modjadji Dam is currently at 11% and there are restrictions that are imposed by the Department which require users to reduce abstraction by 50%. This has reduced the performance of Modjadji WWTW by almost 50%.
• The Greater Letaba Local Municipality currently has 103 non-functional boreholes as per details provided above.

 

Reply:

(a) There has never been a livestock ban and/or moratorium between South Africa and Kuwait, which has been in place and applied to livestock in the Eastern Cape for more than a decade or any similar period. The only ban related to livestock and Kuwait was the court order that was granted to the NSPCA on the 09th June 2020 to ban the exportation of live animals from South Africa to the Middle East. The judgement was subsequently reversed in August 2020 through an appeal lodged by the exporter.

(b) There was no livestock ban or moratorium between South Africa and Kuwait.

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation has informed me that it has settled all commitments and liabilities relating to procured goods and services, including services provided in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reply:

SAA’s Board of Directors placed the airline into voluntary business rescue on 6 December 2019 as a result of ongoing liquidity constraints and the airline’s inability to meet its financial obligations as and when they became due.

Upon being placed into business rescue, the Business Rescue Practitioners subsequently assumed responsibility for the management of the airline and finalised a business rescue plan to restructure SAA. Additional funding is required for the successful implementation of the plan as without funding the airline will be placed under liquidation.

Subsequently, Cabinet resolved to support the restructuring of SAA in order to avert the liquidation of the airline and the additional R10.5 billion allocated to SAA will therefore be utilised for the implementation of the business rescue plan.

Reply:

1. The National Director of Pubic Prosecutions informed me that as a result of representations made by a law firm acting on behalf of the relatives of the victim, the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP): Western Cape in July 2019. The matter is under investigation and is being guided by a senior member of the DPP’s office. Once the investigation has been concluded, a decision will be made whether to re-open the inquest or prosecute if prosecution is still viable at that stage. Further information cannot be divulged pending the conclusion of the investigation.

2. The information cannot be disclosed at this stage as it forms part of an ongoing investigation.

3. The information cannot be disclosed at this stage as it forms part of an ongoing investigation.

4. The circumstances relating to the deaths in detention of Mr Steve Biko and Mr Saloogee are currently under investigation by the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI), guided by the NPA. Once the investigations have been concluded, which are receiving priority attention, decisions regarding the re-opening of the inquests or instituting prosecutions will be taken, if the latter is viable. In fact, several other deaths in detention are currently under investigation, and two (2) inquests have already been re-opened (i.e. Ahmed Timol and Dr Neil Aggett). In the Timol matter, prosecution has been instituted pursuant to the inquest. Prosecutions in cases relating to atrocities committed during the apartheid era remains a top priority for the NPA, and are included in the Strategic Plan of the National Prosecuting Service.

The NPA has embarked on a process which will result in all the deaths in detention dealt with by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) being investigated. In addition, prosecution has been instituted relating to the murder of Nokuthula Simelane. The TRC acknowledged that the majority of amnesty applications came from convicted persons. This was as a result of investigations conducted by the South African Police Service and prosecutions instituted by the NPA. With that said, it must be acknowledged that there are serious issues with funding and a lack of human resources both in the NPA and DPCI which is primarily responsible for the investigations. The decentralised model for prosecutions is intended to address the lack of capacity in the NPA and its effectiveness will be evaluated in due course. For now, it is provided with much needed additional resources in the regions where cases are because the lapse of time means that witnesses and suspects are dying whereas loved ones are seeking justice. This needs to be urgently addressed hence the NPA is engaging with the DPCI.

5. The NPA is unaware of such an agreement.

Reply:

1. Yes we do use UAVs but cannot disclose their type, as that would be compromising the security of this country.

Reply:

1. No, EX MAFADI is conducted at the Drakensberg mountain range,

(b) Practical exercise on how to provide legal support during internal and external operations, operations with other state departments, peace keeping operations, operations other than war and during war

2. EX MAFADI is the Field Exercise for the Joint Battle Handling Course (JBHC) for Military Law Practitioners and a Combat Readiness Exercise for the Defence Legal Service Division (DLSD).

3. The supporting documents will be made available to the members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence as these are classified documents.

4. NO

Reply:

1. Interns that participated in the Programme have been absorbed for employment by various sectors, as depicted in Figure 1 below. Data on the retention of interns for employment by their respective hosts has not been collected. The Department has commissioned an impact study that will provide more information on the retention of interns by their hosts and their career progression. The study will be completed in March 2022.

Figure 1: Sectors employing Interns on completion of the internship

2. Two months after the end of each internship, high-level data on the employment is collected, through exit surveys. Table 1 below provides statistics on interns’ employment and further studies. According to the annual exit surveys, of the 5 505 interns enrolled in the Programme since inception more than 2 100 were employed (a) The number reported is a cumulative number of interns employed while in the Programme and two months after exiting, as per annual exit survey’s findings. It should be noted that this number may have changed significantly with interns who exited the programme more than two years ago (b) Longer-term tracking of interns is currently not in place, and the impact study that has been commissioned is expected to gather data on the nature of their first employment after the internship.

Table 1: Interns’ status at the end of each internship

Internship Year	No. Placed	Employed	Further Study	Total
2005/06	49	38	4	42
2006/07	169	135	21	156
2008/09	92	46	34	80
2009/10	160	70	34	104
2010/11	280	124	54	178
2011/12	276	96	83	179
2012/13	517	220	149	369
2013/14	568	232	128	360
2014/15	710	249	246	495
2015/16	728	253	260	513
2016/17	733	284	277	561
2017/18	622	172	308	480
*2018/19	601	200	146	346
Total	5505	2119	1744	3863

3. As part of the intern performance management, mentors are expected to develop a detailed work plan for their respective interns for the internship period. This includes an agreement between the mentor and the mentee to identify training needs and courses for the intern to enhance their skills and competencies such as basic project management, report writing and Curriculum Vitae drafting. Training undertaken is reported on in the intern quarterly reports.

4. Interns are encouraged to enrol for postgraduate studies whilst participating in the Programme. It is required that mentors support interns on their further study activities so as to ensure that interns obtain the qualifications. The Programme makes provisions for interns to take study leaves when preparing for examinations and undertaking research activities. Progress on studies is also reported as part of the intern quarterly reports.

Reply:

Whenever the Minister for Small Business Development is not able to attend a Portfolio Committee meeting, there is always an apology that is tabled which provides a reason for the Minister’s absence from that particular meeting. The Secretariat of the Portfolio Committee can provide the Honourable member with copies of the Minister’s apologies for each meeting the Minister was not able to attend.

Reply:

1. (a) ProgrammeFunding

Compensation of Employees (PERSAL allocation) R151 729 000

Direct Transfer (Subsidy) R 88 550 000

COVID 19 allocation R 3 233 000

Total Bursary allocation (20%) R 59 068 000

Capital Infrastructure Efficiency Grant R 11 872 784

(b) ProgrammeFunding

Compensation of Employees (PERSAL allocation) R151 729 000

Direct Transfer (Subsidy) R 88 550 000

COVID 19 allocation R 3 233 000

Total Bursary allocation (20%) R 59 068 000

Capital Infrastructure Efficiency Grant R 11 872 784

(c) Duetothecurrentaccountingsystem andstaffcomplimentinplace,EsayidiTVETCollege operatesonacentralizedbudget.Alloperationalcostsarebudgetedandpaidforcentrally.Each campus requests specific items based on their student enrolment figures, maintenance and individual campus needs.

(d) The budget breakdown and expenditure for each line item per campus based on the COVID-19 amended 2020 budget is attached.

2. EsaydiTVET College has not received anyfunds for laptops for any of its campuses.

3. Umzimkulu as a town has severe water issues and water is only pumped for a few hours a day.Thecampus has implemented a waterbackup storagesystemtoensurethatthereisbackupwateravailablespecificallyfortheresidences.Thecollegeisinthe processofaddressingthelack of toilets.Quotationshavebeenobtained,but sincethequotesexceeded theprocurementlimits,itwillgooutonpublictenderwithinthenext 2 weeks. Thecollegeisintheprocessofupgrading its infrastructureonallcampusesandplanstohave Wi-Fi available in 2021.

Reply:

(a) (i) In terms of information on PERSAL as at 31 May 2020, 62 581 employees have been appointed on temporary basis. Attached is a breakdown of temporary appointments per department (Annexure A).

(ii) The breakdown from PERSAL as at 31 May 2020 on the permanent organogram in terms of staff structures of each specified department is attached at (Annexure B).

(iii) and (iv) Budget and expenditure details for the relevant contracted positions can be obtained from the National Treasury.

(b) Persons may be employed to contracted positions additional to the establishment of a department based on a temporary need and such appointments are in terms of Regulation 57 (2) where;

• The incumbent of a post is expected to be absent for such a period that his/her duties cannot be performed by other employees;
• A temporary increase in work occurs or it is necessary for any other reason to temporarily increase the staff of the department;
• An employee’s post has been abolished and he or she cannot be transferred into another post; and
• An employee is part of a development programme as contemplated in regulation 58 (Development Programmes: Internship)

Appointments of this nature are for a period that must not exceed 12 consecutive calendar months.

2. The following 10 departments were merged on 01 April 2020 to coincide with budget appropriations for the 2020/21 financial year:

No.	Departments that Merged	New Merged Departments
1.	Agriculture	Rural Development and Land Reform	Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
2.	Communications	Telecommunications and Postal Services	Communications and Digital Technologies
3.	Mineral Resources	Energy	Mineral Resources and Energy
4.	Sport and Recreation South Africa	Arts and Culture	Sports, Arts and Culture
5.	Trade and Industry	Economic Developments	Trade, Industry and Competition

3 (a) The process of placement has not yet been concluded. Consultations with organized labour are underway in the affected departments on the matching and placing of the staff of the merged departments. Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2019 provides guidelines on the identification, transfer and placement of staff in a transparent, fair and inclusive process.

(b) The agreement provides that excess employees not matched and placed, be held additional to the post establishment. The employer must apply measures to enhance redeployment including training of employees additional to the establishment to meet the requirements of vacant posts.

A National Implementation Task Team comprising of the employer and organised labour under the auspices of the PSCBC will monitor implementation. Departmental Task Teams are established to facilitate the process of matching and placing.

End

Reply:

Response 

(1) and (2) Please see attached slides. 

Reply:

(a) Whales are fully protected in South African waters. Legal instruments are in place to ensure the long-term survival of whales, including the following:

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). In the Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations, whales are listed as a threatened or protected species. In terms of these regulations, certain aMvitl99 are prohibited, such as hunting, catching, killing, capturing, importing or exporting of a listed species. Human activities around whales are also regulated.

The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Amendment Act, 2014 (Act No. 21 of 2014) which enables the establishment of marine protected areas to provide sanctuaries for all marine species.

South Africa is also a signatory or party to various international treaties that promote the protection of whales, including Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources(CCMALR) and the International Whaling Commission.

These legal instrument provide optimum conditions for all whale species to recover from past unsustainable whaling practices. In addition, South African re9earcheo play a leading role in international science forums aimed at determining the food requirements of top predators such as whales and setting measures to ensure adequate access to their prey.

(b) Whales eat a variety of prey within South African marine waters and at traditional feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean. In general, whales feed in the polar waters and breed in warmer waters. Feeding time is therefore typically spent away from South Africa in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. The Southern Ocean is managed by agreement, including the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). South Africa is an active member and contributes to deliberations on conservation of the Southern Ocean.

1. (a) The South African policy and legal framework protects all whale species. The Department plays a meaningful role in International Conventions and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations to ensure that all fisheries are sustainable and that the environment is protected.

(b) The existing policy and legal framework to protect whales is currently being implemented and compliance and enforcement initiatives are in place to aid protection of our marine species.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: 6/11/2020

Reply:

(1) (a) Despite being given a one and half months notice B apply for new permits, the majority of the industry operators submitted their applications for new permits on the eve of the expiration of the exemption given to them until the end of Alert Level 2 of the National Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown. Furthermore, a number of fishing seasons also commence in the 9ummer months and right holders are therefore applying for new permits which have ‹exulted in the current backlog. The Department is currently working on clearing a backlog of Permit Applications that have been submitted by the industry.

(b) (i) The Electronic Application System is not down, it is currently operational. The Department is experiencing a slight backlog in processing permits for the reasons explained above.

(ii) The Electronic Application System is currently operational.

1. A large number of applications that have been submitted to the Department do not meet the minimum application requirements, and have been returned to applicants for resubmission with full and up-to-date documentation æ that the applications can be processed. This causes delays in the Department being able B issue new permits. The Department has also received a large number of new applications since the start of Alert Level 1 Lockdown and is working to clear the backlog.
2. The Department has engaged with Industry Associations as well as individual applicants to prioritise the processing and issuing of the outstanding permits and licences that meet the requirements and have been submitted to the Department timeously. Staff in the relevant permitting sections will also be working overtime to assist in clearing the backlog.
3. It is envisaged that the existing backlog should be cleared by mid November 2020.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Date: 6/11/2020

Reply:

(1)  The 2020 trophy hunting quota for elephants was set at 106 elephants. However, on average only 50 bulls are hunted annually. Globally, elephant as listed on the IUCN Red List as "Vulnerable“. In South Attica, the species is listed on the regional Red List as “Least Concern"

The national elephant population for South Africa is increasing, and estimated at approximately 30,000 individuals, of which an estimated 24,000 individuals occur within national and provincial reserves collectively, in seven of the nine provinces of South Africa.

The elephant population of South Africa is well managed and activities related to elephants are regulated through the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA), specifically the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (TOPS Regulations), the National Norms and Standards for the Management of Elephants in South Africa (Government Gazette no. 30833), and respective provincial conservation legislation. In addition, local protocols managing elephant trophy hunting, taking into consideration the role of mature bulls, are in place in many areas were t trophy hunting of elephants take place in South Africa. South Africa has an annual national Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) trophy hunting quota of 150 elephants (300 tusks). In managing this quota, provinces are required to conduct calculations of their annual provincial level off-takes. These provincial off-takes are then collated to provide for a national quota.

On a provincial level, the quota is calculated by estimating the total elephant population within the province, multiplied by 19› to obtain the off-take quota for the specific province. Trophy hunting of elephants within South Africa is limited and the allocated annual quota is often not fully utilised. Therefore, trophy hunting is considered as having a negligible impact on elephant populations in South Africa. The 1% trophy hunting off-take is much lower than the average growth rate of the national elephant population.

(2) The study by Elephants for Africa and the University of Exeter, on "The Importance of Old Bulls: Leaders and Followers In Collective Movement of All-Male Groups In African Savannah Elephant", was recently published in September 2020, whereas the determination of the 2020 quota was made prior to the results of the said study. The department and the Provincial Scientific Authority will consider the key findings of the study in making determination of hunting quota for elephant in the future.

However, given the population numbers and the low number of elephant bulls' trophy hunted per annum the impact on populations is likely to be negligible. The Allen e/ at. (2020) study highlights that the off take (trophy hunting) of older mature bulls (considered bulls over 26 years of age) not only removes the prime breeders, but also removes individuals with a central ‹ale in the male society.

In South Africa the majority of bulls hunted are over the age of 50 years and nearing senescence, thus no longer bleeding. It is acknowledged that mature older bulls do play an important role in bull society. However, where low numbers of mature bulls and specifically those nearing senescence are hunted the impact on the population aa a whole and the bull society is likely to be negligible. In addition, elephant have evolved to cope with natural mortalities taking place, with the natural mortality rate of older mature bulls at approximately 1% per annum.

A study conducted by Burke et al, (2008) evaluating the risk and ethical concerns of hunting male elephant has indicated that all responses measured were minor and that the hunting of male elephant in South Africa is ethically acceptable when considering effects on the remaining elephant population. The authors recommended that bulls should be hunted when alone. This recommendation has been captured in the Norms and Standards for Management of Elephant in South Africa

(3) (a) The table below indicates the 2020 elephant trophy hunting quota for each province:
 

Province	Quota No.
Eastern Cape Province	3 Elephants (06 Tusks)
Free State Provinc	0
Gauteng Province	0
KwaZulu-Natal Provinc	15 Elephant(30 Tusks)
Limpopo Province	50 Elephant (100 Tusks)
Mpumalanga Province	40 Elephants (80 Tusks)
North West Province	0
Northern Cape Province	0
Western Cape Province	0
TOTAL	108 Elephants (216 Tusks)

b. See the response to question 1 above

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 6/11/2020

(#)

Reply:

The question has been referred to the KZNDOE; and the response will be provided as soon as it is received.

Reply:

(a) The Fisheries Offices are closed

The Fishing Sector was identified as an essential service in the provision of food during the National Covid-19 Lockdown. Office-based fisheries staff have been working on rotation since Alert 4 of the Lockdown, but have all returned to office with the commencement of Alert Level 1.

(b) Not applicable

Regards
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 6/11/2020

Reply:

Type	Total exceptions	Total amount
Possible Double Dipping - PERSAL	9 494	R 41 009 737.70
Possible Double Dipping - SANDF	78	R 327 638.36
Total	9 572	41 337 376.06

Reply:

Yes, they were based on information in CompEasy.

A total of 38 946 invoices could not be migrated into CompEasy mainly due to the invoices not meeting the criteria for migration.

These invoices had already been rejected on uMehluko and the rejection reasons of those medical invoices were already communicated to medical service providers. Reasons for rejection included tariff code that did not match the published gazetted Compensation fund tariff codes.

These invoices were subsequently paid through the finance system of the Fund after medical service providers had provided the Fund with corrected information

Reply:

Eastern Cape: 

• Radio lesson schedules were developed and broadcasts included: 2 National Radio Stations;  14 Community Radio Stations; and 1 On-Line Radio Station
• Broadcast for e-School underway.  Access via the following link: rtmp://197.242.147.204/live/2e1 
• Grade 12 Tips for Success, Mind the Gap study guides and past exam papers all uploaded and available on ECDoE website.
• Access viawww.ecdoe.gov.za.  Click on Learners’ Support Menu or www.eccurriculum.co.za

Gauteng: 

• Provided autumn camp support material to all learners.
• Created an e-platform containing learning materials.
• Radio broadcast: using community radio stations.
• Created WhatsApp groups for learners/ teachers and subject advisors
• Weekly reports were provided to the provincial Command Centre on the readiness of the Special Schools to receive learners.
• The GDE COVID-19 steering committee had a representative from the disability sector. This enabled direct reporting and requesting progress on support required.
• National guideline documents were contextualised for Special Schools to facilitate effective and efficient implementation. 
• Special Schools were supported with the restructuring of timetables and transport routes.
• Youth Brigade members were deployed in Special Schools to assist with the activities regarding the containment of the COVID-19.
• Virtual or on-site school visits, monitoring and supporting school readiness were conducted from provincial level. 
• The Inclusion and Special Schools Directorate updated and added links to support Special Schools offering the Differentiated CAPS for learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities, the Technical Occupational Curriculum and the Learning Programme for Learners with Profound Intellectual Disabilities.  This included curriculum content and lesson plans: 
• Technical Occupational Stream: https://education.gauteng.gov.za/Pages/Technical-Occupational-Curriculum-for-Special-Schools.aspx  
• NCS CAPS for SID: https://education.gauteng.gov.za/Pages/DCAPS-Gr-R-5-Severe-Intellectual-Disabilities.aspx
• Learning Programme for PID: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QQgJUt1ZcqMqViyKmwdWa-dbjA2zLBau?usp=sharing

KwaZulu-Natal: 

• Distributed lesson plans, in video format, to all schools for the Deaf. The province has also secured slot for broadcasting lessons in the local radio stations, including Ukhozi FM. 
• Created the eFunda Portal with online resources;
• Print media utilised to support learning home;
• Radio broadcast programme/Comprehensive Schedule.

North West: 

• Parents were kept up to date on school contamination and provision of personal protective equipment upon return of learners.
• An audit of learners who would be or not returning to school was undertaken.
• Parents were encouraged to take learners to hospitals and clinics for their appointments.
• Parents were advised to contact schools for guidance and support on how to access therapeutic services.
• The Department collaborated with the Department of Health regarding the rendering of therapeutic services for learners while they were at home.
• A Facebook page was created to support learners by transversal itinerant outreach teams. 
• Google Classroom was used to support learners with co-morbidity. 
• Arrangements were made for parents to collect learning materials, assistive devices and instructions from schools. 
• Western Cape: 
• Made available revision programme for 12 subjects available in English and Afrikaans.
• Created a one-pager guideline for all subjects indicating what should be done, distributed to parents and teachers and learners.
• Telematics Broad Cast lessons: Register all grade 10- 12 learners in the country; Access through live streaming; Have all past recorded lessons (Grade 10-12)
• All subject advisers – created WhatsApp groups with teachers.
• WCED portal was loaded with comprehensive set of resources for each subject.
• Autism Western Cape have also made resources available for parents and caregivers and these were obtainable at https://www.autismwesterncape.org.za/services-resources/ . These were videos that explained the contents of the booster box/packs that they had developed. There was also a booklet for reference by parents and caregivers. Working with Autism South Africa, Autism Western Cape were able to send the available booster boxes to parents.
• Set up a Facebook page for “Real South African Sign Language”, and at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePDwWPAwFXo&t=6s, containing free lessons for the lockdown period.
• Resources for children with autism spectrum disorder were made available to parents at  https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/supporting-individuals-autism-through-uncertain-times.Teachers .
• With reference to the Schools of Skills, in which the Technical Occupational Stream is being piloted, a shared folder on Google Drive was shared with all principals of these schools.
• Sent video clips with activities via WhatsApp to parents and guardians. In addition, the PED created a WhatsApp resource bank, to which each of the members of the transversal outreach itinerant teams is linked. All available resources for this category of learners were shared with members in this group.

Reply:

There was no overall decrease of 3% on the Traditional Affairs budget allocation in February this year. However, as part of the 2020 Special Adjustment, in June an amount of R3 million was suspended from the allocation of the Department. This was for purposes of supporting the COVID-19 macro-economic stimulus response.

End.

Reply:

Type	Total exceptions	Total amount
Possible Double Dipping - PERSAL	9 494	R 41 009 737.70
Possible Double Dipping - SANDF	78	R 327 638.36
Total	9 572	41 337 376.06

2. The matter is under investigation by the UIF Fraud Unit as well as the SIU and based on the investigation recommendations, the recovery process will be initiated by UIF. In addition, possible criminal cases and internal disciplinary cases can be instituted

Reply:

(1),(2) and (3) The management of the environment and protection of natural resources is a concurrent function between the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and Provincial Departments responsible for matters related to the environment, Therefore, the issues raised in this question fall within the jurisdiction of the North West Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. In View of this it is recommended that the matter be referred to the relevant Member of Executive Council (MEC) responsible for environmental affairs in the North West Province.

Regards
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 6/11/2020
 

Reply:

1. 125

2. None

3. Note applicable

 

Reply:

a)

1. Mr Tebogo Maruping – Unemployment insurance Commissioner.
2. Ms Fezeka Puzi, UIF CFO.
3. Ms Judith Kumbi, Chief Director Operations.
4. Ms Maria Ramashaba, Director: Supply Chain Management.
5. Ms Nompumemlelo Mconywa: chief Director: Labour Activation Programme.

b)

1. Monthly gross salary is R107 863.90

2. Monthly gross salary is R101 118.31

3. Monthly gross salary is R94 252 .56.

4. Monthly gross salary is R800 89.44

5. Monthly gross salary is R97 227.18.

The date of return to work is dependant on completion and processing of the investigation report. The report is expected, according to norms, within 60 days from September 2020 or such extended period as may apply.

Reply:

None. There are no invoices that have not been paid as a result of migration into CompEasy.

Invoices were migrated into CompEasy from uMehluko so that they can continue to be paid in CompEasy when payable.

Reply:

Type	Total	Total amount
Below legal age of employment	53	224 677.43

(i) Applicants below the legal age of employment:

(ii) Applicants with the same identity number as Unemployment Insurance Fund

Type	Total	Total amount
Applicant's ID numbers same as UIF employee	1	4 027.45

(iii) Deceased individuals:

Type	Total	Total amount
Deceased	113	441 144.34

Type	Total	Total amount
Inmates	26	R 129 242.64

(iv) Individuals in prison:

(v) Individuals with invalid identity numbers:

Type	Total	Total amount
Invalid ID numbers	4 161	R 30 071 248.84

(vi) Applicants who received benefits from other state institutions, including remuneration:

Type	Total	Total amount
(SASSA) disability grant	20	69 419.36
(SASSA) Old age grant	22 611	88 814 684.36

(vii) Applicants with the same banking details as UIF employees:

(a) is the total quantum of payments in each category?

Type	Total	Total amount
Applicant's bank details same as UIF employee	4	613.89

(b) Is the total quantum of payments in each category?

Total amount: R 119 769 058.31

Reply:

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

Reply:

Response from the Northern Cape Department of Education:

Ward 5, Phokwane Local Municipality is located in Hartswater Area, within this area there is a Primary School named CW KiesIntermediêreSkool. This school is classified as a Level 3 Primary School and accommodates learners from Grade R to Grade 8. Over the last 3 years the learner enrolment at this school that caters for Primary School learners were 752 (2018), 730 (2019) and 744 (2020) which on average indicates a decline in learners. This is also the case over a 5 year period. There is a total of 22 ordinary classrooms at the school and 1 single ECD Classroom, however according to the Norms and Standards there is only 18 ordinary classrooms required and 3 ECD Classrooms. The Department on the Infrastructure Plan have prioritized an additional Double ECD Classroom for this school, this is however still in outer years due to budget availability. The school within this academic year as well as the prior year’s however does not experience overcrowding.

The estimate population of Ward 5, Phokwane Local Municipality is 8 245, of the total population, about 14% is of primary school-going age; the existing primary school can serve up to 910 learners with the current infrastructure, however there are for this academic year only 744 learners.

Within the Infrastructure Plans there is a new English Medium Primary and Secondary School planned for Hartswater, however sites for these schools have not yet been acquired. According to the future planning as stated in the Spatial Development Framework of the Phokwane Local Municipality the open areas within Ward 5 are earmarked for upgrading of public space as well as settlement upgrades therefore there is no new settlements planned in this ward that will have an immediate effect on the population size. Within the Integrated Development Plan Review 2019/20 and Planning for 2020/21 the community members if ward 5 mentioned various priorities, the construction of a new primary school however was not one of the mentioned priorities.

The current school infrastructure caters for learners within the vicinity and therefore there are no plans for a new school for this specific area.

Reply:

 

1. The Department received over one thousand (1000) comments, with the majority (876) being submitted in the West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery. These comments are available for inspection at the premises of the Fisheries Branch.

   1. The comments were assessed and analysed by members of the Assessment Panel in each fishery.

   2. The details of how the provisional allocations changed as a result of the comments received can be determined by studying the difference between the Provisonal GPR and the Final GPR.

 

 

 

(2) and (3) a,b,c
It is common knowledge that the FRAP process 2015/16 has been the subject of lengthy litigation some of which continues to this day.

In our view one of the reasons for this was the decision to centralise decision-making in the hands of the Deputy Director-General of the Fisheries Branch, who was subsequently dismissed, by the then Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

In an effort to ensure a fair, transparent and accountable process of FRAP 2020/21 the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is doing the following:

appointing a number of Delegated Authorities, rather than just one;
augmenting the capacity of the Department via the appointment of external service providers to assist with the various phases of the FRAP process; appointing a Process Observer/Auditing Firm to oversee and audit the process;
the appointment of an independent Legal Team to advise and ensure a legally defensible process;
developing an online application process in order to reduce data-capturing errors.

 

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT DATE: 05 NOVEMBER 2020

 

Reply:

The international trip undertaken by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans was approved by me on 8 September 2020. As I was not in Gauteng at the time of the receipt of the request, the approval was verbal and the relevant documentation was signed as soon as possible thereafter.

While the request did not comply with the requirement in the Guide for Members of the Executive that requests should be made at least two weeks prior to departure, this is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence due to the pressures of state work.

I do not intend to take any further action. I deem the reprimand given to the Minister, the directive that three months’ salary be donated to the Solidarity Fund, and the obligation to ensure that the costs of the trip are reimbursed by the political party (which has been done) sufficient sanction.

I was informed that the Minister would be travelling with 2 support staff as listed in her written request for permission to travel to Zimbabwe, submitted to me on 7 September 2020.

The information about the request for permission to travel by the Minister as well as my approval was made public on 1 October 2020, and can be accessed on the Presidency website.

Reply:

(1)(a)(b), (2)(a)(b) and (3)(a)

Subsequent to the publication of the non-detriment finding for leopard in 2015, the Department, in liaison with the Scientific Authority, adopted an adaptive approach to determine the annual leopard hunting quota. Population trend data generated through the South African Leopard
Monitoring Project is used to inform decision making on the annual leopard hunting quota. South Africa ensures that leopard hunting is consistent with the sustainable use principles and that it does not have a detrimental impact on the survival of the leopard in the wild. Hunting of leopards in South Africa is therefore managed through:

Restrictions to designated hunting zones where trends in leopard density indicate that populations are stable or increasing, and

Limits to males older than 7 years, which is likely to have a minimal impact on population trends. This is used as an additional precautionary safeguard.

It is again emphasised that only hunting zones where leopard populations are stable and increasing have been designated as eligible for hunting of leopard. Trends in leopard populations were determined by multi state models fitted to leopard density data that wee collected through the Leopard Monitoring Project at 17 monitoring sites between 2013 and 2019. Data from these sites were used to designate hunting zones. As a precautionary measure, only one leopard can be hunted per eligible hunting zone.

(b)(i)(ii)

The 2020 quote of eleven leopards is a country wide quota and not a quota per province. In other words, the total number of leopards that may be hunted in South Africa in 2020 is eleven (11) and not ninety-nine (99) as inferred by be question. The basis for the allocation of the quota is provided in question 3(a) above.

The table below indicates the allocation of the 2020 leopard hunting quota for each province:

Province	Allocated quota
Eastern Cape Province	0
Free State Province	O
Gauteng Province	0
KwaZulu-Natal Province	0
Limpopo Province	nine (9) male leopards of seven years or older
Mpumalanga Province	O
North West Province	No (2) male leopards of seven years or older
Northern Cape Province	0
Western Cape Province	0

(c)(ii)

The basis for the allocation of the quota is provided in question 1-3 above.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: 6/11/2020

Reply:

The setting of prices falls within the ambit of the private sector. South African Tourism does engage the sector to consider special offers as part of the promotion activities they conduct i.e. Sho’t Left programme. The Minister of Tourism has commenced with a consultation process with the sector on the concept of dual pricing.

Reply:

I am aware of the testimony given by Mr Sodi to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State. No finding has been made by the Commission in this regard. I will apply my mind to any actions that need to be taken once findings and recommendations in this regard are made.

Reply:

Consultations on a lifestyle audits framework are ongoing and being finalised.

In the meantime, all members of the Cabinet and Deputy Ministers have submitted the declarations of their financial interests to the Registrar of Executive Interests, the Secretary of the Cabinet, in line with the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and the Executive Ethics Code.

Reply:

There is a high demand for skilled medical professionals in South Africa, as there is in most countries globally.

To address this problem, Government has, among other interventions, ensured the expansion of the training platform in South African medical schools and has increased the number of doctors graduating from South African universities.

Additionally, Government also increased the intake of students studying medicine within the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro Programme (NMFC), through an agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Cuba. The programme has since added a total of 2,498 medical doctors to our health workforce in the public health sector, and is expected to add a further 649 by January 2021.

With reference to the “South African foreign qualified medical doctors”referred to by the Honourable Member, I am advised thatthis concerns citizens who hold foreign qualifications, are not registered as medical practitioners under a foreign registering authority, have not completed training as interns and therefore are not meeting all requirements for registration.

In other words, these citizens are foreign-qualified medical graduates. They are not registered as medical practitioners or doctors in the countries where they have received their medical education.

To assist these medical graduates to get clinical exposure and to complete training as interns, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) on 24 June 2020 approved the pathway that was referred to in the oral reply of the Minister of Health to Question 379 on 2 September 2020.

I am advised by the Minister of Health that the HPCSA Pathway is in line with the 2018 Policy Guidelines issued by the National Department of Health.

This will assist citizens who are qualified outside South Africa and are not, or were not, registered with a foreign registering authority and have not completed training as interns with a smooth integration into the South African healthcare system.

In view of the above, there is no need for my intervention.

Reply:

(a) Yes, the Department of Public Service and administration has specified criteria in place regarding the number of officials who should attend the committee meetings in the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.

(b)(i) The criteria for attending committee meetings in Parliament is included in the departmental Travel Policy which states the following “The number of employees attending official engagement on the same matter must be limited to 3 employees from the department. If the number exceeds 3, approval must be obtained from the Accounting Officer. The Accounting Officer, Deputy Directors-General or employees holding an equivalent rank, Ministerial advisors appointed in terms of section 12A of the Public Service Act and other EXCO members reporting directly to the Accounting Officer, people performing Parliamentary duty and the Chairperson and Secretary to the Public Service Remuneration Review Commission (PSSRS) do not contribute to the three (3) employees mentioned above.”

END

Reply:

The Constitution provides that Ministers serve at the pleasure of the Head of the Executive. Section 91(2) of the Constitution empowers the President to appoint and dismiss them. Assignments to Ministers and decisions on their performance are within the President’s discretion.

I made clear that I disapproved of the Minister’s decision and actions, and therefore I applied the sanction in a manner that I deemed fit for her error in judgment.

As the President of the Republic I have no authority to sanction a political party for their actions. Decisions made within the political party are for the political party to communicate.

I understand that the Public Protector is investigating this matter.

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for the entry and exit of persons to and from the Republic and for investigating if anything untoward occurred with respect to their responsibilities.

As the Honourable Member would be aware, not all international travel was prohibited during the period in question. Repatriation flights, travel by diplomats, travel by investors or business persons (after seeking due permission) was allowed.

The account of the costs involved was submitted to me, and to the Public Protector and made public, as was confirmation of payment by the political party in question, and I have no reason to doubt their accuracy.

Reply:

Honourable Member, please be advised that my Department did not appoint the contractor for the Seraleng Housing Project and therefore did not pay any money towards the project.