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16 November 2020 - NW1634

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)With regard to the additional social workers, (a) how have the 1 089 social workers been deployed, (b) in which provinces are they delivering services, (c) under which national and/or provincial services and (d) who is paying their salaries; (2) whether she will provide Ms L L van der Merwe with a table showing the numbers distributed across the different geographical areas, agencies and services; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details? NW2020E

Reply:

1 (a) Social Workers have been recruited from the social work graduate database. The deployment of Social Workers has been informed by the possible risk of the spread of the virus, the vastness and geographical spread of provinces, the population size and density in the province and the number of service offices.

(b) Provincial Departments of Social Development in Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.

(c) Social Workers have been appointed under the Victim Empowerment and Prevention of Gender Based Violence Programme.

(d) The National Department of Social Development is paying their salaries.

(2) Province

Allocation per province

Total Social Workers employed

Northern Cape

33

32

Eastern Cape

171

175

Western Cape

0

The provincial department declined the allocation of social workers and didn’t participate in the process.

Limpopo

116

116

Free State

92

92

Mpumalanga

128

113

North West

81

81

Gauteng

676

160

KZN

266

268

Total

1809

1037

National AssemblyWritten Reply: 1634 of 2020

________________________

Approved by the Minister of Social Development

Date……………………….

13 November 2020 - NW2506

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Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether he has considered regulating third parties in administration of medical claims to the Compensation Fund; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

No. The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act provides for parties in the claims process which are:

  • Employers who are required to register, pay annual assessment and submit claims when workers are injured or contract an occupational disease in the workplace.
  • Medical Service providers who treat the injured workers or those who contracted occupational diseases and claim such costs from the Compensation Fund
  • Workers who when they are injured in the workplace are entitled to benefits as outlined in the Act.

The law is adequate with regards to provisions related to the above mentioned parties hence there has been no need to issue a regulation(s) in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases for parties who are not in the Act.

13 November 2020 - NW2655

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Ngwenya, Ms DB to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

With reference to her reply to question 1801 on 7 August 2020, what are the details of the (a) urgent redress she demanded to be afforded to victims of forced sterilisation and (b) support that her Office has been giving to the specified victims who have been trying to access justice for more than 11 years?

Reply:

(a)

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is engaging with the Department of Health on the Investigative Report of the Commission for Gender Equality on Forced Sterilisation of Women living with HIV and Aids. This collaboration is based on the findings and recommendations contained in the report to respond so that justice be served where there is proof of the violation of human rights and dignity, and reproductive injustices committed.

In this regard the redress must include the following that:

  • the Department of Health must facilitate engagement with the complainants so that where such violations were committed, the appropriate redress can be provided for;
  • there be an immediate review of the policy on sterilisation and if necessary, of the Sterilisation Act No 44 of 1998.
  • where necessary, the guidelines and protocols related to the issue of sterilisation be reviewed and amended in order to protect against any loopholes that could lead to such violations;
  • the Department of Health investigate the issue so that those doctors and nurses guilty of the alleged heinous acts be appropriately sanctioned.

The meeting between the two departments was to establish what interventions the Department of Health has made to date and to determine how the matter can be expeditiously addressed and redressed. The Department of Health informed the Department of the actions taken to date:

  • In February 2020, the Department of Health received the Report from the Commission on Gender Equality, following which the Minister of Health engaged the Chair, Deputy Chair and the CEO of the Commission for Gender Equality, seeking clarity on issues contained in the Report .
  • In order to better understand the nature and extend of the complaints and to take corrective action, the Department of Health is establishing a panel of independent experts from various fields to further investigate the matter.
  • The Department of Health will request through the media that women who feel that they have been sterilised against their will make representation to the Health Ombudsman confidentially, so that they are not prejudiced
  • The Department of Health is probing the consent forms for sterilisation to ascertain whether the provisions contained therein provide for and protect the principle of informed consent in all respects. The Department of Health indicated that the previous consent form has a few limitations which need to be strengthened and tightened to avoid any unintended negative consequences and that they are currently addressing these, including the recommendations from the Commission for Gender Equality report on language of counselling, and the provision of a “cooling off” period for the person seeking the procedure before it is actually performed, among others.

(b) The Department is unable to directly engage the alleged victims as they remain anonymous. It is envisaged that in working with the Department of Health the issue will be addressed though the interventions that the Department of Health is putting into place.

13 November 2020 - NW2496

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Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Why has the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) ignored the case of a certain person (name furnished), who was unfairly dismissed by the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Trust and lodged a case with the CCMA, case number WEGE4091-19?

Reply:

The matter was conciliated on 12 December 2019.

The request for Arbitration was received late and the applicant applied for condonation, which was granted on 26 May 2020. The arbitration was scheduled and heard on 1 July 2020 where the applicant was in attendance.

The Commissioner found that the respondent, Tsitsikamma Forest Village Trust, had not dismissed the applicant, Mr. Mzinosi Ntentile, as alleged by the applicant in his referral of his dispute to the CCMA. The Commissioner found further that the applicant’s employment had in fact, come to an end, when his fixed term contract had ended in August 2019. The Arbitration Award was issued and served on 13 July 2020.

END

13 November 2020 - NW2611

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Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to the judgment by the Eastern Cape High Court, Grahamstown (details furnished), on 25 August 2020, the conditions that were required to be filled prior to departure included that a reduced number of sheep may be exported live to the Middle East and her department to monitor and ensure compliance with the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health, what are the relevant details of how her department, within the time period of less than a week between the specified judgment and departure, complied with all the responsibilities of the Competent Authority, including the monitoring and evaluation of all 50 000 sheep at the point of loading; (2) what are the relevant details of how her department ensured that (a) the animals were housed and loaded correctly, including protecting them from adverse weather and minimising stress, by parties competent in the humane handling and care of animals, (b) minimum standards were set for the welfare of the animals while on board, at the end of the journey and in case of emergencies, (c) there was sufficient equipment and medication on board, including enough facilities, as well as competent handlers and vets and (d) the animals were given sufficient time to adjust to a novel diet they would receive on the ship?

Reply:

(1) The judgement by the Eastern Cape High Court instructed the Department Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to monitor the loading of the sheep and ensure that the exportation is in line with the animal welfare chapter of the Terrestrial Animal Code of the World Health Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Two Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) employed veterinarians, two Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) employed veterinarians and a DALRRD employed Animal Health Technician participated in the monitoring exercise. One DALRRD veterinarian and one DRDAR veterinarian monitored the loading at the East London harbour and the rest were monitoring the loading at the Castledale feedlot in Berlin.

The judgement also required that the officials submit affidavits to the Registrar of the Animal Improvement Act within a day of completion of the loading. This was done and the Registrar acknowledged receipt of the affidavits. The affidavits were also lodged with the Eastern Cape High Court as required.

(2) As indicated in the response to question one, five government officials participated in the monitoring of the loading exercise both at the feedlot and the harbour. This monitoring exercise was part of ensuring that the loading is done correctly and in line with the court judgement.

13 November 2020 - NW2596

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Ngwezi, Mr X to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether, with reference to students who have not been paid a salary of R3 500 per month since August 2019, but have been advised that as they are registered with a certain company (name furnished) and technically employed by his department under its skills development programme, they do not qualify for the COVID-19 relief fund, he will expedite the backpayment of COVID-19 relief grants in the sum of R350 per person, per month to the 490 Specialised Resource Management students currently undergoing skills development training with the specified company in KwaZulu-Natal; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the full, relevant details and (b) will he further investigate the specified matter and hold those implicated in the alleged corruptionliable?

Reply:

What we are picking up from our records thus far is that, the learners referred to, do not belong to the Labour Activation Programmes of the Unemployment Insurance Fund. We will continue to investigate this matter with a view to establish as to whether there any links that might be there with our LAP.

However, for information purposes, LAP learners who were active before the nationwide lockdown, supported by attendance registers, are paid Covid-19 lockdown stipends for the months of April, May and June 2020. They are not expected to claim any other grant by virtue of this payment. In cases where they have not yet received their payments, it means there might be other circumstances delaying the payments.

13 November 2020 - NW2610

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Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether, with reference to the suffering of animals during live export and given that the Muslim Judicial Council has stated that live export violates the tayyib (clean and pure) requirements and standards needed for Halaal certification, thereby making the live animals unfit for religious purposes and in light of the fact that prior to 2019, chilled carcasses were exported in order to ensure food security in the importing country and provide revenue generation for emerging farmers, she will acknowledge that live export excludes all downstream processing industries and the jobs that this supports; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons that her department is supporting live export?

Reply:

The department has not made any finding that the animals suffer during live export. The transportation of live animals by sea, if done in compliance to animal welfare and health requirements, does not pose any more challenges to the animals than it would be the case when the animals are kept on a farm or feedlot.

The Muslim Judicial Council has not submitted any statement on live animal exports to the department and therefore the department is not in a position to respond to the question until we have received the statement and studied it.

Access to mainstream markets is the heartbeat of agribusinesses. Ability of smallholder farmers to secure supply contracts for animals at export parity prices is an affirmation to the competitiveness of agribusinesses exporting the animals. In this instance, downstream value chain actors such as abattoirs will need to procure raw material at export parity prices. It is unfair and unjust expectation for smallholder farmers to sell animals at lower than export parity prices with the intention to accommodate downstream activities. Inclusive economic growth of the sector that significantly contributes to job creation and reduction of poverty is directly linked to the competitive performance of agribusinesses.

13 November 2020 - NW2503

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Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)Whether, with reference to the report of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research which indicates that the Republic faces load shedding for at least the next 18 months unless the Government and Eskom make the decision this year to bring the cheapest and most reliable energy on to the grid within the next three years, and Government’s approval that consumers may generate their own renewable energy, he will consider the possibility of allowing access by default to the national power grid so as to allow private instances who generate renewable energy, to be in a position to load surplus energy onto the national power grid, subject to the required safety conditions; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. In line with similar prognosis on supply and demand, the IRP2019 recognises that there is risk of load shedding in the next 18 to 24 months.

It is for this reason that as one of the 9 (nine) decisions in the IRP2019 we committed to the following:

Decision 1:Undertake a power purchase programme to assist with the acquisition of capacity needed to supplement Eskom’s declining plant performance and to reduce the extensive utilisation of diesel peaking generators in the immediate to medium term. Lead-time is therefore key.

Decision 2: Koeberg power plant design life must be extended by another 20 years by undertaking the necessary technical and regulatory work.

Decision 3: Support Eskom to comply with MES over time, taking into account the energy security imperative and the risk of adverse economic impact.

We in addition to these decisions made provision for distributed generation by allowing electrify consumers to generate their own electricity. We have in this regard taken following steps:

    • The department has enabled generation for own use by removing the licensing requirements for certain category of generation facilities under one megawatt (1 MW). 139 requests for registration have been processed by NERSA to date with capacity of 59. This capacity excludes installations under 1MW that register direct with local municipalities.
    • The department has also eased the licensing of generation for own use above 1 MW which is mainly to supplement power supply to commercial and industrial customers including the mines. The IRP 2019 now makes provision for distributed generation for own use above 1MW, which takes away the need for a Ministerial approval for deviation from the IRP before NERSA can process a generation license application. 5 Licences have been issued to date. The Department has invited applicants experiencing challenges to engage DDG responsible for Programmes and Projects.

2. These initiatives have already beenpublicly pronounced.

 

13 November 2020 - NW2405

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Ngwezi, Mr X to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

(1)In view of the findings of a recent survey (details furnished) conducted by a certain company (name furnished) that underemployment had risen among domestic workers during lockdown and a study (details furnished) conducted by a certain institution (name and details furnished) which found that instances of abuse, ill-treatment, sexual assault and rape increased during lockdown as workers were forced to live in close proximity with their employers for extended periods, (a) what total number of complaints did his department receive from domestic workers and/or other interested parties on their behalf about (i) employers not adhering to mandated wages, (ii) sexual assault and (iii) rape, (b) how long did it take his department to dispatch inspectors in response to the specified complaints and (c) what total number of cases of wage disputes were resolved and resulted in a settlement being reached; (2)whether any of the complaints were made through the Impimpa Hotline; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total number of complaints; (3)whether, in view of the Chief Director of Collective Bargaining, Thembinkosi Mkalipi’s indication upon the launch of the specified hotline that a dashboard would be made available on a weekly basis, his department published the findings from the complaints on its website; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4)whether he has found that the R20 million which was earmarked to raise awareness on the hotline has indeed been utilised for that purpose; if so, (5)whether he will furnish Mr X Ngwezi with the full, relevant details of (a) how and (b) where the specified amount was spent?

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.

12 November 2020 - NW2481

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

With regard to the removal of statues, symbols and monuments that do not reflect the constitutional values of a post-colonial and post-apartheid democratic order to theme parks, (a) which provinces gave input into the removal of statues, (b)(i) where and (ii) on what dates were the meetings held, (c) where were the meetings advertised, (d) what total number of persons responded to the issue and (e) what was the outcome of the feedback received by the provinces?

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.”

12 November 2020 - NW1492

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Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether any persons employed in the National Geomatics and Management Services of her department have been suspended (a) in each of the past three financial years and/or (b) since 1 April 2020; if so, what are the relevant details in each case, including (i) the reason for suspension, (ii) the date on which suspension (aa) was instituted and (bb) ended, (iii) whether the specified employee received full remuneration during the suspension and (iv) the duration of each disciplinary hearing conducted; (2) whether her department has a policy on the turnaround time for conducting disciplinary hearings; if so, what are the relevant details?

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.

12 November 2020 - NW2550

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the minister of sport, arts and culture”

(1) (a) What is the current number of positions at the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) that are occupied in an acting capacity, (b) from what dates have the specified positions been filled in an acting capacity and (c) what are the reasons that the individuals who previously occupied the positions resigned from the specified positions; (2) What (a) total number of executive positions are available, (b) are the details of the specified positions and (c) total number of executive positions are now filled with persons in an acting capacity; (3) Whether the Board has changed the banking details of PanSALB; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the reasons and (b) is the name of the person who (i) was in charge of the bank accounts and (ii) is currently in charge of the bank account?NW3221E

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

12 November 2020 - NW1797

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Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether, (a) with reference to the 2019-20 Annual Report of the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) which showed that there is no evidence which confirms that traditional communities on trust land have actually benefited from the increase in revenue as a result of converting Permissions To Occupy to leases and (b) in response to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development the Chairperson of the ITB, (name furnished) said the funds were held in trust, her department has taken any steps to ensure that the rightful beneficiaries of the trust receive clinics, schools, electricity, water, good roads and other basic service needs from the proceeds of the rentals on their land; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, what (i) steps has her department taken and (ii) benefits have accrued to the beneficiaries in the past five years?

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.

12 November 2020 - NW2337

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Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

With reference to each of his department’s three email addresses, (a) [email protected], (b) [email protected] and (c) [email protected], that were used to receive applications during the lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, what (i) number of (aa) applications were received between 1 June 2020 and 8 October 2020 and (bb) officials are/were dealing with the specified applications and (ii) was the average time between an application being received and (aa) it being allocated to an official and (bb) resolution being communicated back to the applicant?

Reply:

(a)(b) & (c):

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

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

(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

12 November 2020 - NW2400

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Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

With regard to the Level 1 lockdown regulations to curb the spread of Covid-19, why (a) Southern African Development Community countries are making it difficult for South Africans to repatriate back home while Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini are low-risk countries and (b) are students travelling between Eswatini and South Africa being plagued by Visa requirements as there is no exemption for university students stuck in Eswatini?

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

 

12 November 2020 - NW2422

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Mulder, Mr FJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)Whether he will indicate what the position, role and functions of a certain person (name and details furnished) are within his department and/or the Ministry; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what process was followed to appoint the specified person in such a position; (3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

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

12 November 2020 - NW2549

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the minister of sport, arts and culture”

1. Whether the Chief Executive Officer of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) resigned; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date, (b) what were the reasons for the specified person’s resignation, (c) who is acting in the position and (d) from what date has the person been acting in the position; (2) whether the Chief Financial Officer of PanSALB resigned; if so, (a) on what date, (b) what were the reasons for the specified person’s resignation, (c) who is acting in the position and (d) from what date has the person been acting in the position; (3) whether the Executive Head: Languages of PanSALB resigned; if so, (a) on what date, (b) what were the reasons for the specified person’s resignation, (c) who is acting in the position and (d) from what date has the person been acting in the position? NW3220E

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.

12 November 2020 - NW2399

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

In light of the fact that the Public Servants Association of South Africa has accused his department of victimising and harassing its Director of Law Enforcement, (name and details furnished), what are the details of the job description of a Law Enforcement Officer within his department; (2) whether he has found that the specified person’s investigation of the specified individuals fell outside of her duties; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details; (3) whether he has found that the person was engaged in any unlawful conduct; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why was the person not arrested and charged with a criminal offence?

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

11 November 2020 - NW2524

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Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

What (a) steps will she take to ensure that the residents of the Greater Letaba Local Municipality will have access to clean quality water and (b) are the reasons for the disruption in water supply at the specified municipality?

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.

 

11 November 2020 - NW2582

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Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to the reported facilitation of the lifting of the livestock ban between South Africa and Kuwait by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, (a) what was the reason for the ban and/or moratorium that had been in place and applied to livestock in the Eastern Cape for more than a decade (details furnished) and (b) on what grounds was the ban or moratorium lifted?

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.

11 November 2020 - NW2660

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Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

On what date is it envisaged that the school that was built and completed in 2019 in Patensie, Eastern Cape, will be available for use by local learners who have to go to dilapidated farm schools for their education?

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.

10 November 2020 - NW2578

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Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance

On what basis did he decide to relent on the question of wasting more taxpayer money on SA Airways instead of refusing to provide yet another bailout to the airline?

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.

10 November 2020 - NW2344

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Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)What are the details of the unmanned arial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones and radar, that have been utilised in border protection as part of Operation Corona as referred to in a meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts; (2) whether the specified UAVs are (a) the Denel Seekers supplied by Denel and/or (b) UAVs supplied by private companies; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what number of UAVs are in use and/or in service at any one time?

Reply:

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

10 November 2020 - NW2420

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Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1667 on 24 August 2020, the EX MAFADI training course is also offered at the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn; if so, what (a) is the reason that it is offered in Oudtshoorn and (b) does the curriculum of the specified course entail; (2) what is the connection between the EX MAFADI and other training courses (names and details furnished); (3) whether, given that she had declared EX MAFADI as a combat readiness training course, she will furnish the (a) directive, (b) instruction, (c) training plan, (d) support plan and (e) financing flan thereof; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

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

10 November 2020 - NW2218

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation

(a) What is the status of the 30-day payment within the Department of Water and Sanitation, (b) who are the suppliers that have not been paid within 30 days and (c) what is the value of the non-payments?

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.

10 November 2020 - NW2290

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Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Whether, given that nearly a year ago the Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions accepted and handed over the memorandum on the killing of Imam Abdullah Haron to the SA Police Service (SAPS) to verify the statements given and to ascertain the whereabouts of SAPS members who testified in the 1970 inquest and that there has been little progress, he will release the information (details furnished) on the security policemen who worked at the Maitland Police Station at the time when Imam Haron was killed; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the further relevant details; (2) whether the investigations into the infamous security policeman Spyker van Wyk and his brother have conclusively found, in consultation with the records of the Department of Home Affairs, that they are in fact deceased; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the family of the deceased policemen has shared with the SAPS any documents that may assist in the new inquest to allow for the families to meet in a genuine case of reconciliation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he has found that the reasons that no perpetrator of Apartheid-era killings of leaders such as Imam Haron, Mr Steve Biko, Mr Suliman Babla Saloogee and hundreds of others have not been prosecuted because the National Prosecuting Authority has (a) funding issues, (b) a lack of human resources, (c) a failed approach of decentralising prosecution, (d) a lack of capacity and (e) ongoing lack of interest and/or a lack of will; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether there was any other agreement, secret or otherwise, that granted amnesty to those security policemen identified during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that should have been prosecuted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, was the agreement legal or political?

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.

09 November 2020 - NW2565

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Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

What are the reasons of her non-attendance of each meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development (a) in the past financial year and (b) since 1 April 2020?”

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.

09 November 2020 - NW2532

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Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology

(1)What total number of graduates have been retained by their respective host institutions since the National Research Fund internship programme of the Department of Science and Innovation commenced; (2) whether he has the statistical data on the number of graduates who have been able to find employment once the internship ended; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what is the data of (a) how long it took for graduates to gain employment and (b) the terms of their (i) permanent and/or (ii) contract employment; (3) whether there are any obligations placed on the host institutions and mentors to facilitate formal skills training during the programme to enhance the chances of the graduates to gain employment once their internship is completed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) with the 2020-21 cohort of graduates, what support mechanisms are in place to ensure that students obtain their qualifications within the two-year period?

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.

09 November 2020 - NW2458

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Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science andTechnology

(1) What(a)amount in funding has his department allocated to Esayidi Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in KwaZulu-Natal, (b) is the specified TVET’s annual total budget for the 2020-21 financial year and (c) is EsayidiTVET’s budget allocation to each of its campuses for the specified year and (d) is the budget breakdown for each line item and present expenditure per item for each campus for the specified year; (2) whetherthepromisedfundsforlaptopsforstudentstofacilitateonlinelearning during the Covid-19 lockdown at EsayidiTVET Umzimkulu Campus were allocated and received by the Umzimkulu Campus;if not,(a)on what date and what amount will be received for laptops and (b) on what dates will the students receive their promised laptops; if so, (i) what amount in funding was received,(ii) on what date and what amount of funds received and (iii) to whom were the funds released; (3) whether he has been informed that EsayidiTVET’s Umzimkulu Campus has no library, problems with running water in the residences, only four toilets on the campus for approximately 1000 students and that the Wi-Fi on the campus is not working; if not, what plans does his department have in place to address the specified issues;if so,what are the relevant details of his department’s plans to address the specified issues?

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.

06 November 2020 - NW2487

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Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether, with reference to the Fishing Rights Allocation Process 2015-16 (FRAP), the provisional allocation included a process to inspect the Deputy Director-General’s (DDG) allocations and submit comments to Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd, she will furnish Mr J R B Lorimer with the details of the comments submitted; if not, why not; if so, what (a) verification process was followed on the basis of the comments and (b) are the details of how the provisional allocations changed as a result of the comments; (2) whether there was an effective verification process; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) (a) how will the FRAP 2020-21 process differ from the process used previously, (b) what steps will be taken during the FRAP 2020-21 to ensure that there are no paper quotas to persons from non-coastal communities; and (c) what will be the role of the Fisheries DDG in the FRAP 2020-21 process?

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

 

06 November 2020 - NW2561

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Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)       What is the total number of learners who have dropped out of primary school in the period 1 April 2020 to 1 October 2020; (2) whether her department has a plan in place to monitor and address the challenge of learners who drop out of school; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the plan?

Reply:

Response 

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

06 November 2020 - NW2406

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) In view of a recent letter, dated 9 October 2020, and signed by more than 350 scientists and conservationists from 40 countries, which calls for global action to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises from extinction and specifically calls on countries like South Africa where there are whales, to take precautionary measures to ensure that these species are being protected from human activities, and to work with regional fishing bodies to ensure that overfishing does not impact whales, what precautionary measures does her department intend b take to ensure(a) the long-term survival of whales and (b) that whales have sufficient access to food during their migration to their breeding grounds; (2) how will her department work together with local fishing authorities to ensure that (a) there is a framework for sustainability and (b) the specified policy framework is adhered to?

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

06 November 2020 - NW2484

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Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) (a) What are the reasons that parts of the fishing industry which were given exemption from permits until September have been unable to get their permits renewed and (b)(i) why has the online system been down and (ii) on what date is it envisaged to operate again; (2) Whether she has been informed that the lack of permits has stopped he catching, import and export of fish; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is she doing to remedy the situation and (b) by what date will the situation be remedied?

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

06 November 2020 - NW2457

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Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) With reference to her reply to question 1995 on 11 September 2020 in relation to the setting of the 2020 trophy hunting quota of 50 elephant, what are the scientific reasons and/or scientific evidence to support the trophy hunting quota of 50 elephant; (2) whether she, when approving the quota, considered the scientific data that shows that removing older male elephant, parlicula8y through trophy hunting has a disastrous impact on the species as a whole; if not, why not; if so, (a) how and (b) on what basis is the 2020 quota of 50 elephants allocated for each province; (3) what (a) is the 2020 elephant trophy hunting quota for each province and (b) are the 9cientific masons and/or scientific evidence for the specific provinces b be allocated with an elephant hunting quota?

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

(#)

06 November 2020 - NW2513

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Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department intends to refurbish the Mayville Primary School in Ward 101 in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in Durban which has decaying infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

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

06 November 2020 - NW2472

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Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(a) What are the reasons that the fisheries offices of her department are still closed and (b) on what date will they re-open?

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

06 November 2020 - NW2449

Profile picture: Schreiber, Dr LA

Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

What number of public servants have been identified to have irregularly (a) applied for and (b) benefited from the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme?

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

06 November 2020 - NW2504

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Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2281 on 16 October 2020, the invoices that were received were based on the new ComEasy System; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the total number of unpaid invoices that could not be migrated to the new system?

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

06 November 2020 - NW2192

Profile picture: King, Ms C

King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What type of support was provided to Learners with Special Educational Needs during the lockdown in each province?

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.

06 November 2020 - NW2301

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Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

With reference to an overall decrease of 3% on the Traditional Affairs budget allocation in February this year and a further decrease of R2, 1 million, what has she found to be the reasons behind the specified further decrease?

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.

06 November 2020 - NW2450

Profile picture: Schreiber, Dr LA

Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

(1)What is the total amount of Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funding that has been irregularly paid to public servants who were not eligible for TERS funding because they continued to receive their full salaries throughout the lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus; (2) how will he (a) recoup and (b) hold public servants accountable who irregularly applied for and/or received TERS money meant to support struggling private sector enterprises and workers?

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

06 November 2020 - NW2455

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Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether, with reference to the 2017 decision by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs that the game animals, which were the subject of the R183million irregular donation of game animals through the SA Rare Game Breeders Association to so-called politically connected private game farm owners, be returned to the North West Province and the repatriation costs be funded by certain person (name and details furnished), the game animals with their progeny have been returned in full; if not, (a) what number of animals have in fact been returned and (b) on what date are the remaining animals expected to be returned; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified person refunded the cost of the repatriation as instructed; if not, what action has been taken to ensure the recovery of the costs; (3) whether the SA Police Service and/or any other judicial body have been requested to investigate the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the results of the investigation in each case?

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
 

06 November 2020 - NW2452

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

What (a) is the total number of labour centres in the Republic, (b) number of the specified labour centres failed to open when Alert Level 1 of the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 came into force on 21 September 2020 and (c) was the reason for the prolonged closure in each specified instance?

Reply:

1. 125

2. None

3. Note applicable

 

06 November 2020 - NW2463

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

(a) What are the full details of the officials of the Unemployment Insurance Fund who have been suspended on full pay following the Auditor-General’s investigation into financial irregularities associated with the Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme, (b) what is their monthly salary in each case and (c) on what date will they return to work?

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.

06 November 2020 - NW2505

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Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

What total number of invoices have not been paid as a result of migration to CompEasy System?

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.

06 November 2020 - NW2451

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

What (a) is the total number of applicants who received the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme payments between 1 April 2020 and 30 September 2020 as (i) applicants below the legal age of employment, (ii) applicants with the same identity number as Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) employees, (iii) deceased individuals, (iv) individuals in prison, (v) individuals with invalid identity numbers, (vi) applicants who received benefits from other state institutions, including remuneration and (vii) applicants with the same banking details as UIF employees and (b) is the total quantum of payments in each category?

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

  1. 613.89

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

Total amount: R 119 769 058.31

06 November 2020 - NW2518

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Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

By what date does her department intend to refurbish the Inkqubela Public Primary school in Port Elizabeth which has damaged classrooms and dilapidated toilets?

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.

06 November 2020 - NW2511

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Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department intends to build a primary school in Ward 5, Phokwane Local Municipality, in the Northern Cape; if not, how are the learners who reside in the specified ward expected to learn when there is no school available; if so, what are the further relevant details?

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.

06 November 2020 - NW93

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Mrs M Clarke (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1) (a) What are the details of (i) each department that has contracted workers, (ii) the permanent organogram in terms of staff structures of each specified department, (iii) the budget for the relevant permanent positons and (iv) the expenditure for the relevant contracted positions within each department and (b) why are contracted positions established within each department when the staff organogram have vacant funded positions available; (2) What total number of government departments have merged? (3) Whether the staff of the merged departments have been placed; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total number of staff members have not been placed within positions and (b) what does the department intend doing with staff that has not been placed?NW105E

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

05 November 2020 - NW2456

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Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) With reference to her reply to question 1995, on 11 September 2020, in relation to the setting of the trophy hunting quota of eleven leopards for 2020, what is (a) the total number of wild leopards in the Republic and (b) their distribution in each province; (2) what (a) is the total number of male Leopards in the age range of seven years and above and (b) is the distribution of male leopards in each province; and (3) (a) chat are the scientific reasons and/or scientific evidence for the decision to set the 2020 national trophy hunting quota at eleven leopards, (b)(i) how and (ii) on what basis is the 2020 quota of eleven leopards allocated per province, (c) what (i) is the 2020 leopard hunting quota for each province and (ii) are the scientific reasons and/or scientific evidence for the specific provinces to be allocated with a leopard hunting quota?

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