Questions and Replies
29 October 2020 - NW2077
Mohlala, Mr M to ask the Minister of Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Given that about 250 housing beneficiaries in the Missionvale Reconstruction and Development Programme project in Port Elizabeth are still waiting for houses to be built on concrete foundation slabs laid since 2014, (a) by what date will her department complete the construction of the specified houses, (b) what is the name of the contractor that was appointed to build the houses and (c) what total amount has the specified contractor been paid to date?
Reply:
(a) The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS) reported that the planned total yield of the Missionvale Project is 2 498, of which 2 291 housing units have been completed and the remaining balance is 207. The date for completion of the construction of the specified houses cannot be confirmed at this stage because the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) is yet to submit an application to the ECDHS for the unblocking of the project. The said application must be accompanied by proof which confirms that the bulk infrastructure services are fully functional.
(b) The ECDHS appointed Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality as the developer for the Missionvale Project. Subsequently, the NMBMM appointed Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) for the construction of the houses.
With regards to the request for name(s) of contractors involved in the housing project referred to in this question, I am constrained and prohibited by the document titled “Guide to Parliamentary Questions in the National Assembly” from providing the Honourable Member with the name of the contractor. The document referred to states that:
“Questions are to be framed as concisely as possible. All unnecessary adjectives, references and quotations are omitted. Names of persons, bodies and, for example, newspapers are only used in questions if the facts surrounding the case have been proven. As the mere mention of such names could be construed as publicity for or against them, it should be clear that this practice is highly undesirable. If a question will be unintelligible without mentioning such names, the Departments concerned are notified of the name (-s) and this phrase is used: ".......a certain person (name furnished)”
(c) The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality has advised that it has expended an amount of R157 639 933.26, to date, to the contractors for the work and value they created at the Missionvale Project.
29 October 2020 - NW2362
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health
With regard to the Level 1 lockdown regulations to curb the spread of Covid-19, what are the reasons that day students travelling between Eswatini and the Republic are not required to undergo Covid-19 tests but weekly boarders do?
Reply:
Yes, daily students travelling from Eswatini are not required to produce COVID-19 test results as they are screened daily on arrival and departure through the point of entry by health officials to determine if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Weekly learners are taken through the same screening protocol at the border, however this is conducted once weekly on entry and departure. As the weekly learners do not travel daily, a health official is not in a position to detect whether or not they are symptomatic during their weekly stay. Should a student potentially become symptomatic during their weekly stay, this may result in further transmission as well as importation of COVID-19 as they would not have undergone the daily screening by a health official. It is important to also note that the Department of Basic Education has issued a directive that all schools conduct daily screening of learners so both day students and weekly boarders are screened.
END.
29 October 2020 - NW1915
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1307 on 20 July 2020, he confirms that he was aware of the outbreak of Covid-19 since November 2019?
Reply:
As I have previously responded, as far as I know the outbreak of COVID-19 was announced to have started in December 2019 and not November 2019.
END
29 October 2020 - NW2388
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether his department has a system in place to scrutinise the quality of personal protective equipment in all (a) hospitals and (b) clinics; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) where do healthcare workers report quality issues and (b) how does his department intervene when such grievances are raised by healthcare workers?
Reply:
1. The National Department of Health in collaboration with South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) set the quality standards for the various personal protective equipment items. Each province is responsible for ensuring that the quality standards of PPE procured are maintained. The National Department of Health has also supported the provinces with availing a Policy on Respiratory Protective Equipment and a list of PPE specifications that provinces can utilise to guide the PPE procurement process. In addition, PPE quality assurance training was conducted for provinces. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) also provides support to the manufacturers and distributors in respect of applicable standards and conformity assessments to assist them to prepare for the licensing and approval processes. The Department of Health intends to approach National Treasury to seek approval for single sourcing of Quality Assurance Companies to undertake assessment of the PPE procured and to be delivered in all health care facilities for quality assessment. This will ensure that such PPE is of acceptable quality and standards. This intervention will be executed in line with or in compliance to section 79 of the Public Finance Management Act, which allows organs of state to apply for deviations from open competitive bidding process based on good grounds and urgency of this matter in protecting health care workers. This is to further ensure that health care workers are provided with PPE that is complaint to standards and quality requirements subject to concurrence and approval of National Treasury.
2. Each province, district and facility have Occupational Health and Safety Committees that since 1 October 2020 are verifying the availability of PPE reported by health facilities on the Stock Visibility System on a weekly basis. The Occupational Health and Safety grievance processes are followed at a local level and escalated accordingly.
END.
29 October 2020 - NW1838
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a) total number of Home Affairs offices have been closed since the beginning of the lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, (b) services have been affected the most and (c) measures has his department put in place to deal with the backlog?
Reply:
a) A total of 92 offices were closed since beginning of the lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.
b) The following services were affected during the period:
- Death registration
- Births Registration
- Temporary Identity Certificates
- Re-issuance of Births Certificates
- Collection of Identity Documents
- Late Registration of Birth (LRB)
- Registration and Solemnization of Marriages
- Smart ID Cards applications for leaners
- Applications for amendments and rectifications
- Withdrawal of records at the back office
c) The Department initiated a recovery plan to workout production lost from various branches as follows:
- Implementation of rotational plans or introduction of shift system to cater for those who might be infected by COVID-19.
- Gradual re-introduction of services or products to clients using a phased approach
- Use of virtual meetings to monitor and report progress.
- Continuous communication to clients and the public on new services that were introduced or reopened.
- The department has public awareness on services that were reintroduced or reopened.
- Use of community Radio and virtual launches on certain products such Smart ID Cards to learners, particularly matriculants.
- Use of mobile offices to reach out to communities.
- Segmentation of services and directing clients to different catchment areas using pamphlets, provincial managers and local managers to inform clients.
END
29 October 2020 - NW2191
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)What total number of (a) persons must work at the Sterkspruit office in line with the organogram and (b) positions are (i) filled and/or (ii) vacant; (2) by what date will all the vacant positions be filled; (3) whether the Sterkspruit office is fully functional on a daily basis; if not, what main challenges are experienced; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) by what date does he envisage will the Sterkspruit office be fully functional on a daily basis?
Reply:
(1)(a) Fifteen (15) officials, in terms of the Organogram, must work at the Sterkspruit Local Office
(1)(b)(i) (a) 1x1 Office Manager - Filled,
(b) 1x1 Civic Service Supervisor - Filled,
(c) 1x1 Mobile Operator - Filled,
(d) 1x1 Messenger - Filled,
(e) 5x1 Admin Clerks – Filled
(f) 2x1 Immigration Officers - Filled,
(g) 1x1 Cleaner – Filled
(1)(B)(ii) (a) 2x1 Admin Clerks – Vacant-Unfunded
(b) 1x1 Control Immigration – Vacant-Unfunded,
2. Vacant posts will be filled when funds are available.
3. The office is fully functional, except when the Network is down.
4. The Sterkspruit Local Office is fully functional, on daily basis.
END
29 October 2020 - NW2211
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to reports being received that highly qualified medical personnel are being turned down for positions in hospitals and other public health institutions in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) because they do not meet the BEEE criteria, what (a) exactly are the criteria and/or protocols for employing specialised personnel in his department, (b) are the reasons that specialised personnel are being denied positions which are (i) not filled and (ii) being re-advertised after being rejected for the same positions and (c) is the current vacancy statistics for (i) paediatricians, (ii) dieticians, (iii) surgeons and (iv) other specialists in the KZN hospitals?
Reply:
In accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Act, 1994, as amended, appointments and the filling of posts in the public service shall be in accordance with equality and the other democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution. Thus, all persons who qualify for the appointment, transfer or promotion concerned shall be considered; and the evaluation of persons shall be based on training, skills, competence, knowledge and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve a public service broadly representative of the South African people, including representation according to race, gender and disability.
The Department is not aware of any unfair discrimination to qualifying applicants and when there were no applicant from a targeted group in terms of Employment Equity Targets institutions requests deviation on Employment Equity targets as per Departmental prescripts namely Human Resource Management Circular number 82 and 90 of 2017.
(a) The criteria for recruiting all prospective employees including but not limited to medical personnel within KZN Department of Health is done in line with the Recruitment and Selection Policy circulated under Human Resource Management Circular number 08 of 2018.
The Department is also mandated to comply with section 20 of the Employment Equity Act number 55 of 1998, as amended.
(b) (i) Human Resource processes are followed to fill the posts.
(ii) Posts being re-advertised are filled following HR processes.
(c) (i),(ii),(iii) The vacancy rate as at 30September 2020 the overall vacancy rate for Medical Specialists is 26.1% and for Dieticians is 15,6% while for the various Pediatrics and Surgery specialties, the average vacancy rate is 18, 5%.
Specified Ranks |
Filled Post |
Vacant Post |
Grand Total |
Vacancy rate |
Allied Health: Dietician |
179 |
33 |
212 |
16% |
Medical Specialist |
639 |
226 |
865 |
26% |
(iv) Other specialists in the KZN hospitals
Discipline |
Filled Posts |
Vacant Posts |
Grand Total |
Vacancy Rate |
ANAESTHETICS |
55 |
29 |
84 |
34.5% |
CARDIOLOGY |
7 |
5 |
12 |
41 .7% |
Discipline |
Filled Post |
Vacant Post |
Grand Total |
Vacancy Rate |
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY |
7 |
6 |
13 |
46.20/0 |
DERMATOLOGY |
6 |
1 |
7 |
14.3% |
ENDOCRINOLOGY |
2 |
2 |
4 |
50.0% |
FAMILY MEDICINE |
13 |
3 |
16 |
18.8% |
GASTROENTEROLOGY |
1 |
1 |
100.0% |
|
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT |
10 |
9 |
47.4% |
|
INTERNAL MEDICINE |
49 |
12 |
61 |
19.7% |
MAXILLO FACIAL & ORAL SURGEON |
4 |
2 |
6 |
33.3% |
MEDICINE |
28 |
47 |
40.4% |
|
NEONATOLOGY |
19 |
2 |
21 |
9.5% |
NEPHROLOGY |
10 |
10 |
0.0% |
|
NEUROLOGY |
9 |
1 |
10 |
10.0% |
NEUROSURGERY |
6 |
2 |
8 |
25.0% |
OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY |
76 |
18 |
94 |
19.1% |
ONCOLOGY |
6 |
3 |
9 |
33.3% |
OPHTHALMOLOGY |
15 |
8 |
23 |
34.8% |
ORTHO SURGERY & OPHTHALM. |
3 |
2 |
5 |
40.0% |
ORTHOPAEDICS |
40 |
14 |
54 |
25.9% |
OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY |
10 |
7 |
17 |
41 .2% |
PAEDIATRICS & NEONATOLOGY |
9 |
9 |
0.0% |
|
PAEDIATRIC SURGERY |
10 |
10 |
0.0% |
|
PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY |
2 |
2 |
0.0% |
|
PAEDIATRICS |
57 |
12 |
69 |
17.4% |
PATHOLOGY FORENSIC |
6 |
1 |
7 |
14.3% |
PATHOLOGY HAEMATOLOGICAL |
3 |
3 |
0.0% |
|
PLASTIC SURG |
6 |
3 |
9 |
33.3% |
PSYCHIATRY |
30 |
15 |
45 |
33.3% |
PUBLIC HEALTH |
2 |
3 |
5 |
60.0% |
PULMONOLOGY |
4 |
4 |
0.0% |
|
RADIATION ONCOLOGY |
2 |
2 |
100.0% |
|
RADIOLOGY |
27 |
13 |
40 |
32.5% |
RHEUMATOLOGY |
5 |
5 |
0.0% |
|
SURGERY |
72 |
13 |
85 |
15.3% |
TRAUMA & EMERGENCY |
23 |
11 |
34 |
32.4% |
UROLOGY |
8 |
7 |
15 |
46.7% |
TOTAL (MEDICAL SPECIALISTS |
639 |
226 |
865 |
26.1% |
29 October 2020 - NW2202
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)With reference to the arbitration held on 27 July 2020 between the (a) Public Servants Association of South Africa, (b) National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union, (c) Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa and (d) Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa and his department with case number PSHS 769-19/20 relating to about 1 200 members, (i) on what date was the arbitration awarded and (ii) what was the outcome of the case; (2) whether the resolutions of the award have been implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
1. (i) on 27 July 2020;
(ii) Accordingly, the ruling in the award is following:
(a) The respondent is to table a sustainable model with salary levels and notches for FPO, s within 30 days of receipt of this award.
(b) There is no order as to costs.
2. Yes, the National Health Council Technical Committee met on 17 September 2020, wherein the issue of Forensic Pathology Officer sustainable model was one of the agenda items as per the award, which agree that the draft sustainable model be shared with the respective recognised unions through the General Secretary of the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDSBC).
Council met on the 16th October 2020, for the parties (Employer and Labour unions) to deliberate on the model. The model was presented in this meeting by the employer. It was agreed that the matter will be discussed further on 7 November 2020 after consultations with the labour union constituencies.
END.
29 October 2020 - NW2331
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)On what date did the senior clinical manager at the Mankweng Hospital near Polokwane in Limpopo, who reportedly does not have sufficient experience to have been appointed as a clinical manager, (a) attain his medical degree and (b) complete his internship; (2) what (a) total number of years did the specified doctor practise as a general practitioner before his promotion and (b) are the regulations regarding experience required for a doctor to serve as a clinical manager; (3) what action will he take in this regard?
Reply:
In accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Act, 1994, as amended, appointments and the filling of posts in the public service shall be in accordance with equality and the other democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution. Thus, all persons who qualify for the appointment, transfer or promotion concerned shall be considered. Also, the evaluation of persons shall be based on training, skills, competence, knowledge and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve a public service broadly representative of the South African people, including representation according to race, gender and disability.
1. Currently there is no one appointed as Senior Clinical Manager at Mankweng Hospital, as this post does not exist on the approved organisational structure of the Hospital.
(a) Not applicable;
(b) Not applicable.
2. Not applicable.
3. Not applicable.
END.
29 October 2020 - NW2266
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has any plans to source goods from black industrialists sponsored and/or funded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for items such as (a) bed linen and (b) food?
Reply:
The following responses were received from the Provincial Departments of Health:
1. Eastern Cape
The Department complies with the requirements of Local Content for the designated items.
a) Linen
The Department issued a competitive (and transparent) bid through the government tender bulletin. The bid requirements included compliance with Local Content, including SBD 6.2 and relevant Annexures for declaration. Awards were made to companies that complied with this requirement.
b) Food
The department procures patient food for the ECDOH facilities and where processed vegetables are procured; Local Content requirements are complied with. The department currently has a combination of procurement strategies which include long term rate-based contracts and quotations, compliance to this requirement is monitored on an ongoing basis.
The Department did not do any limited bidding specifically targeted support by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition department.
2. Free State
The Department procures goods, services and works in line with the applicable laws and regulations governing Public Sector Supply Chain Management Systems in the Country. The procurement of (a) bed linen and (b) food may only be done directly from aforementioned group on directive and/ or instruction by the Minister of Finance at National Treasury.
3. Gauteng
The Department has adopted a radical approach to transform health economy by encouraging sub-contracting to Township Enterprises and designated groups through the value chains of health sector markets which have proven to be monopolistic in nature. This will assist the department to achieve by embracing the system thinking approach and involving the current market structures towards inclusive health economies.
The Department gives preference to targeted groups including township suppliers when procuring the following:
a) Procurement of Patient Clothing and Hospital Linen from Women Cooperatives.
b) Food supplies
-
- Meat, fish & Poultry
- Bread and confectionary
- Milk and milk products
- Processed Vegetables
- Fruits and vegetables
In addition, and where possible, the Department has enforced Subcontracting of building alterations during procurement of medical equipment.
4. KwaZulu-Natal
The Department source goods from black industrialists sponsored and/or funded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for items such as:
a) Bed linen
Yes
(b) Food
Yes
5. Limpopo
(a)-(b) The procurement of goods or any services within the public sector is guided by Section 217 of the Constitution of South Africa which says “When an organ of state in the national, provincial or local sphere of government, or any other institution identified in national legislation, contracts for goods or services, it must do so in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective”.
The Department does not object to any plans to source goods from black industrialists sponsored and/or funded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. At this stage the Department is unaware of the procurement process that includes the DTI & Competition or any approval from National Treasury for procurement of goods through set asides.
It is the position of the Department to implement Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2017 “REGULATION 4” (Pre-Qualification Conditions) in order to advance designated groups when advertising tenders where possible.
6. Mpumalanga
a) The Department is in the process of finalizing a specification for the supply and delivery of bed linen and patient clothing for advertisement in the new future. The specification will include requirement for minimum threshold for local content and production. The bed linen are currently procured on a contract that was extended on a month-to-month basis for a period not exceeding six months effective from 01st June 2020. The Department will also consider the use of pre-qualification criteria in terms of the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2017 to address black ownership.
b) The following bid with a closing date of 08th November 2019 was advertised in the Mpumalanga Provincial Supply Chain Management Bid Bulletin Volume No. 283 published on 09th October 2019:
NR |
DESCRIPTION |
BID NUMBER |
1 |
SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF PERISHABLE AND NON-PERISHABLE FOOD FOR HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (03) YEARS |
HEAL/046/19/MP |
The above bid was evaluated, adjudicated and awarded to twenty-three service providers effective from 01st June 2020. Any plans to source goods from black industrialists sponsored and/or funded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition can only be considered after expiring of the existing contract
7. Northern Cape
a) The Northern Cape department of Health is considering procurement from companies listed on the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition on bed linen.
b) Not yet.
8. North West
As the Provincial Health Department we always strive to source items from black-owned companies regardless of whether or not they are sponsored and/or funded by DTI and Competition. It is usually difficult to determine who funds the companies, as it is usually not a requirement, in terms of PPR 2017 (Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017) when requesting bids for items. In the case where there are no black companies in the relevant sector i.e. Medical Equipment, we ensure their participation through sub-contracting of 30% of the total cost of the bid amount to SMME’s.
9. Western Cape
Western Cape Government Health (WCGH) currently has no such plans, however:
a) WCGH procures its linen from Service Products (Supported Employee Enterprises) which is an entity of the Department of Labour; and
b) WCGH is compliant to the requirements regarding local content & production regarding designated sectors, which include agro-processing, textiles/leather and footwear and furniture, with awards being made to bidders who are compliant to local content requirements and who score the highest total preference points.
END.
29 October 2020 - NW2389
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) total number of complaints have been lodged with the Health ProfessionsCouncil of South Africa against a certain doctor (name and details furnished), (b) are the details of each complaint, (c) number of the specified complaints resulted in an investigation that included, but was not limited to, site visits to his practice to verify that he maintains proper patient records that are in line with his medical fees and treatments he claims to provide, (d) number of the complaints resulted in him being charged and (e) were the outcomes of each complaint?
Reply:
a) Four (4) complaints were lodged against Dr Pretorius;
b) The details of each complaint are as follows:
-
- Complications following cancer treatment;
- Incompetence;
- Use of off-label insulin to treat cancer; and
- Negligence related to cancer treatment: allegations of misrepresentation as a cancer treatment doctor and further investigation related to whether the amount of R400,000.00 charged over a period of 7 months was in line with the treatment provided.
c) All the complaints were investigated but the investigations did not include a site visit to his practice;
d) Below is the list of cases and (e) the outcomes of each complaintare as follows:
Case |
Outcome |
(i) Complications following cancer treatment |
The complaint was withdrawn in Feb 2020 at Inquiry by the complainant. File closed |
(ii) Incompetence |
At Inquiry awaiting an expert opinion and the matter will be set down for a hearing |
(iii) Use of off-label insulin to treat cancer |
Inquiry matter. Hearing set down for February 2021 |
(iv) Negligence |
Matter under investigation. Lodged in Oct 2020 |
END.
29 October 2020 - NW2276
Mohlala, Mr M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
What (a) total number of wastewater treatment plants are in a serious state of decay in the Republic, (b) measures has she put in place to refurbish and maintain the specified plants and (c) impact will there be if she fails to refurbish and maintain the plants?
Reply:
(a) The total number of Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) that are in a state of decay in the Republic are 265
(b) Maintenance and refurbishment of Waste Water Treatment Works is the primary responsibility of the Water Service Authorities (WSAs), i.e. municipalities. However, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) works together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to ensure that municipalities receive the necessary support and grant funding to refurbish and maintain their assets. Water Service Authorities, through their Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) allocation for water and sanitation, have allocated funding for the refurbishment of some of WWTW.
The Department also funds certain refurbishment and upgrading projects that meet the criteria of the different funding programmes such as Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG). Some of the specified plants have been included in these programs depending on availability of funds availed to the Regions. The intended outcome is to improve the performance of the plants which will, in turn, improve the quality of effluent discharged into the water resources.
Further, the DWS conducts regular inspections and requires local authorities to develop Operation and Maintenance plans as a mandatory activity. These plans must provide system operators in the municipalities with comprehensive guidelines, procedures, and the necessary technical references to efficiently operate wastewater plants. Local authorities are required to amend the plans whenever there is a change in the treatment works design, construction, operations or maintenance which substantially changes the treatment works operations and maintenance procedures.
(c) Non-functional Waste Water Treatment Plants leads to the pollution of water resources. Pollution contributes to the deterioration of water quality which impacts on the sustainability of the ecosystems in the water resources. Poor water quality increases water treatment costs. Pollution of water resources also poses a health risk to the citizens as high microbial counts in the water may cause waterborne diseases like diarrhoea which may lead to loss of life. It can also impact on the economy of the country since it is a risk to irrigated crops and exports market, and therefore can result in the loss of investors and business opportunities.
29 October 2020 - NW2329
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)On what date did the senior clinical manager (name furnished) at the Mahwelereng Hospital in Mokapane, who reportedly does not have sufficient experience to have been appointed as a clinical manager, (a) attain his medical degree and (b) complete his internship; (2) what (a) total number of years did the specified doctor practise as a general practitioner before his promotion and (b) are the regulations regarding experience required for a doctor to serve as a clinical manager; (3) what action will he take with regard to the appointment should the specified doctor not have the requisite qualifications?
Reply:
1. (a) The Senior Clinical Manager (SCM) of Mokopane Hospital attained his medical degree on the 31st December 2013;
(b) He completed his medical internship during the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2015.
2. (a) The SCM had 2 years and 6 months as a medical practitioner before his promotion on 1 July 2018. The breakdown is as follows: Medical Practitioner: Community Service (01 January – 31 December 2016) and Medical Practitioner: Independent Practice (1 year 6 months as (01 January 2017 – 30 June 2018).
(b) The experiential requirements for the post of SCM is “a minimum of 3 years as Medical Practitioner after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Even though, the SCM did not have the three years minimum years of experience at the time of promotion, since he had only two (2) years and six (6) months experience as a medical practitioner, he was considered as a suitable candidate following a directive by the Executive Authority that where the Province is unable to recruit a suitable candidate during interviews, candidates acting as Clinical Managers can be considered for appointment, provided they are deemed compete during the selection process by the interviewing panel. At the time of promotion, the SCM was an Acting Clinical Manager at WF Knoble Hospital.
3. No action will be taken as the candidate concerned has the requisite qualifications as a medical practitioner certified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Furthermore, the Executive Authority exercised her wrights in terms of Sub-Section 67 (7) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016 that (7) ”If the selection committee is unable to recommend a suitable person for appointment from those who applied in terms of sub regulation (5), the Executive Authority may, after that selection process has been completed, approve the head-hunting of one or more persons with the requisite competencies and subject such person or persons to the same selection process as those who applied.
END.
29 October 2020 - NW2260
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What total amount has his department spent on advertising in media such as (a) radio, (b) television, (c) newspapers and (d) social media; 2) whether he will provide Ms L L van der Merwe with a list of media institutions that benefited from the advertising in the past 12 months; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a) Radio - R 10,596,343.00
1. (b) Television - R 2,558,411.13
1. (c) Newspapers - R 3,477,185.20
1. (d) Social Media - R 636,500.00
2. List of Media Institutions:
(a) Radio
- Mediamark
- Msg Afrika Technologies
- Primedia Broadcasting
- Sabc
- United Stations
- Community Radio
- Alex Fm
(b) Television
- E SAT TV
- Dstv Media Sales
- Mediamark
- Sabc
- Media Mansion
- Mediamark
- MVM Multimedia
- Zallywood Ltd
(c) Newspapers
- Arena Holdings
- Independent Newpapers
- Media 24
- Vuk’uzenzele
- Ads 24
- Onshelf Trading Forty Four
- The Citizen
- Tiso Blackstar Group
(d) Social media
- Arena Holdings
- Independent Newspapers
- Media24
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Mr J W McKay Dr PA Motsoaledi, MP
A/Director-General Minister of Home Affairs
Date: Date:
29 October 2020 - NW2278
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Health
(a) Which company and/or companies is/are responsible for the Covid-19 App, (b) how was the contract awarded and (c) what (i) is the total value of the contract and (ii) total amount has the company and/or companies been paid to date?
Reply:
a) Discovery Health supported the Department of Health to develop the CovidAlert App;
b) The Department has not awarded any procurement contract for the CovidAlert App. The Department received an offer of support from Discovery Health’s CEO. The Department in its press release/media statement on 1st September 2020 mentioned that: “COVID Alert SA was developed at no cost to the Department, through a partnership with world-class developers at Discovery Health, Apple and Google”;
c) (i) Total value of the contract is 0.
(ii) The Department has not paid any money for the CovidAlertApp.
END.
27 October 2020 - NW1727
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) total amount has the Ingonyama Trust (IT) invested in agriculture since 1 January 2010 and (b) are the relevant details of the projects in which the IT invested?
Reply:
a) he Ingonyama Trust (IT) is not an investor in Agriculture as it holds monies in trust on behalf of tribes and communities.
b) Falls away.
27 October 2020 - NW2300
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)In view of the series of student deaths that have occurred at the University of Fort Hare (details furnished), which seem to be reflective of broader trends in the higher education sector, what immediate steps has his department taken in response to the tragic state of affairs; (2) whether there are systems in place to monitor universities and colleges’ level of compliance with legal investigations following the death of a student; if not, what steps does his department intend to take to remedy the situation; if so, what are the relevant details of the monitoring systems?
Reply:
1. The University of Fort Hare (UFH) experiences a significant number of student deaths each year. The University keeps a record of all student deaths, although not all deaths occur on campus or while students are at the University. The causes of death include natural causes (illness), car accidents, suicides, and/or violent deaths as a result of stabbing or assault. In 2019, a student drowned in the University pool, which was reported to the Department. The University has provided the following summary of student deaths with causes, during 2019 and 2020:
Cause of Death |
2019 |
2020 |
Natural causes (Illness) |
3 |
7 |
Suicide |
4 |
2 |
Car accident |
3 |
2 |
Stabbing |
1 |
4 |
Assault |
1 |
|
Hit and run accident |
1 |
|
Drowning |
1 |
|
Injuries sustained in a fire |
1 |
|
Total |
13 |
17 |
The University and the Department are deeply concerned about the prevalence of preventable deaths, specifically suicide and assault (including stabbing). The Department engages with the institution regularly and receives reports from the University when a tragic event occurs, particularly if they are on campus.
Last year, the University employed two part-time social workers to work with its psychologists. The Student Affairs Division has also partnered with the Social Work and Psychology Departments to provide support to students in distress, over and above the work done by the Student Counselling Unit. Residences have started the process of replacing Wardens with Residence Student Assistants. The Residence Student Assistants are mainly selected from among senior students from the Psychology and Social Work Departments. In 2019, the Student Affairs Division started a group called Champions Against Gender-Based Violence. These students are mainly selected from Social Work, Psychology and Criminology Departments and they create awareness on campus, support victims, and attend social gatherings. Just before the national lockdown, the Student Affairs Division was in conversation with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to explore areas of collaboration to curb substance abuse amongst students. The Student Counselling and HIV/Aids Units holds regular information sessions with students in the evenings.
Higher Health has introduced innovative measures and solutions to support the mental health of students at universities, such as the 24-hour toll-free number mental health support service managed by a dedicated team of experienced psychologists, social workers, and counsellors. The service is available to all students within universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges.
The Department also engages with Universities South Africa on matters relating to the mental health of students, and safety and security on campus on a regular basis.
2. The University cooperates with government agencies tasked with conducting investigations when a death occurs. The University also provides reports to the Department where cases are subject to legal investigations. The Department monitors the implementation of the recommendations of the reports provided and lends further support if requested by the University.
27 October 2020 - NW1729
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department has taken any steps to ensure that the Ingonyama Trust adheres to section 2(5) of the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust Act, Act 3KZ of 1994, which prohibits it from leasing, encumbering, pledging, alienating and/or disposing of any land under its custodianship without the prior written consent of the traditional authority and/or community authority; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, the Minister has taken steps to improve governance in the affairs of the Board. The Department is finalizing a Shareholder Compact with the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) to enhance accountability of the ITB to ensure compliance with the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust Act, 1994 (Act No. 3 of 1994).
27 October 2020 - NW2381
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she has engaged with the Minister of Finance on the closure of foreign missions in order to save costs; if so, (a) which foreign missions will be closed and (b) what impact will the closure of the specified foreign missions have on the bilateral countries?
Reply:
Yes, there was consultation with the Minister of Finance on the possible closure of some foreign missions.
(a) The Missions proposed to be closed are still to be considered.
(b) Once considered, consulations will be embarked upon with the relevant host countries to ensure that bilateral relations are not affected.
27 October 2020 - NW1804
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What total number of black farmers have received assistance to get licensed and establish reputable farms with complete infrastructure and international exposure in the cannabis industry for medicinal use, which stands to be worth more than R30 billion by 2030?
Reply:
None.
27 October 2020 - NW2382
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
In view of the increasing damage being caused by the current insurgency in Mozambique, especially the displacement of its citizens, by what date does she envisage will the Southern African Development Community (SADC) invoke Article 6(1) of the 2003 SADC Mutual Defence Pact, which stipulates that an armed attack against a state party shall be considered a threat to regional peace and security and such an attack shall be met with immediate collective action?
Reply:
The Troika of the Southern African Developent Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is seized with the matter of the security situation in the Republic of Mozambique. Currently, there is no envisaged specific date to invoke Article 6(1) of the 2003 SADC Mutual Defence Pact. Collective action will be decided upon in accordance with the Roadmap, which is being awaited from the Republc of Mozambique. Article 7(1) of the same SADC Mutual Defence Pact should be kept in mind, which reads as follows: “State Parties undertake to respect one another’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and, in particular, observe the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of one another”. Article 7(2) of the 2003 SADC Mutual Defence Pact further states that “no action shall be taken to assist any State Party in terms of this Pact, save at the State Party’s own request or with its consent”.
26 October 2020 - NW2057
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the announcement by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) of the insourcing of 3 000 security guards, with the subsequent exclusion of many persons who provided services to Prasa but did not meet the requirement of having a Matric certificate, including job losses at Prasa, as the workers were effectively disqualified for the positions that were advertised as they do not meet the specified requirement, (a) why has Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) experience and expertise accumulated over time not been considered in this case and (b) what total number of security guards who were providing services to Prasa have been left out of the insourcing drive?
Reply:
a) The minimum requirement for the advertised posts was a matric qualification and as such only applicants who possessed matric at the time of application were considered. Acquisition of RPL is the responsibility of an applicant to obtain through the assessment of their existing qualification (if any) and experience through SAQA.
b) PRASA has no knowledge of people that were left out of the insourcing drive. PRASA Human Capital Management gathers statistics of applicants, in other words no special applications were done for private security,all people for external adverts were treated as applicants.
26 October 2020 - NW1951
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
Why does he keep on spending taxpayers’ money on Autopax and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), given that out of a fleet of 555 Autopax buses only 131 buses are operating and that PRASA did not have money to pay its employees in January 2020, whilst some of its competitors are delivering a good service and have been making a profit for years?
Reply:
One of the main objects of PRASA’s business, provided for in the Legal Succession Act of South African Transport Services (“SATS” Act of 1989 as amended), is to provide for long haul passenger bus services within, to and from the Republic in terms of the principles set out in section 4 of the National Land Transport Transition Act, 2000 (Act No. 22 of 2000).
The strategic role for Autopax is in the provision of long distance travel to passengers that are currently stranded and isolated from mainstream long distance public transport routes. There is a known demand for mobility from rural and poorer communities for affordable regional transport links as these communities are held to ransom by service providers that charges exorbitant fees at times of the payment of social pensions benefits and visits to healthcare facilities.
The majority of Autopax’s competitors only serve lucrative high passenger demand routes and have sustainable capital replacement programmes.The recapitalisation of the Autopax bus fleet is a priorityfor PRASA and has been disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic, as buses were planned to be repaired/rebuilt with major units repaired/replaced, such as engines, gearboxes and differentials.
26 October 2020 - NW2058
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the intention of the SA National Roads Agency to roll out road infrastructure projects, in particular the 278 projects that have been advertised and the 200 additional road infrastructure projects across the nine provinces, what (a) total number of the specified road infrastructure projects are rural road upgrades and (b) are the names of the villages that will benefit from the projects?
Reply:
a) As SANRAL is responsible for the National Road network which links cities and towns nationally, most of the national road network is rural, as a result most of SANRAL road projects are located in rural areas. Of the 278 projects (Total for Consultants and Contractors), that have been advertised at time of article for calendar year 2020, 77 projects were for financial year 2019/20 and 201 for financial year 2020/21. For financial year 2020/21 thereremained at time of article a further 200 projects (Total for Consultants and Contractors) to be advertised, resulting in a total of 401 projects for 2020/21 financial year. Of these, 318are located in rural Local Municipal Areas and thus directly related to maintenance and upgrade of the SANRAL National Road network in these rural areas.
b) Due to the linear nature of national road projects they typically traverse one or more local municipalities at a time, with the majority of theprojects beings outside village boundaries. As such a single SANRAL project will provide opportunities for multiple villages located within the relevant local municipalities traversed by the SANRAL project. The local municipalities in which the 401 projects to be advertised for 2020/21 financial year are located are summarised in the attached Table.
Municipality |
No Projects |
Total Metro/Rural |
0.3 Buffalo City |
3 |
83 |
City Of Cape Town |
10 |
|
City of eThekwini |
31 |
|
City Of Johannesburg |
13 |
|
City Of Tshwane |
4 |
|
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality |
10 |
|
Mangaung Local Municipality |
6 |
|
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality |
6 |
|
Albert Luthuli Local Municipal |
1 |
318 |
Alfred Nzo District Municipali |
2 |
|
Alfred Nzo District Municipality |
2 |
|
Amahlati Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Amatole District Municipality |
1 |
|
Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Beaufort West Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Bitou Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Blouberg Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Blue Crane Route Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Bojanala Platinum District Municipality |
3 |
|
Bophirima District Municipality |
2 |
|
Breede River/Winelands Local Municipality |
4 |
|
Camdeboo Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Capricorn District Municipality |
2 |
|
Cederberg Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Central Karoo District Municipality |
1 |
|
Chris Hani District Municipality |
5 |
|
Dihlabeng Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Ditsobotla Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Dr J S Moroka Local Municipality |
4 |
|
Drakenstein Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Elias Motsoaledi Local Municip |
3 |
|
Elundini Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Emalahleni Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Emnambithi-Ladysmith Local Mun |
3 |
|
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipali |
2 |
|
Enthanjeni Local Municipality |
3 |
|
eThekwini Municipality |
1 |
|
Fetakgomo Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Gariep Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Ga-Segonyana Cross Boundary Lo |
2 |
|
George Local Municipality |
5 |
|
GertSibande District Municipality |
4 |
|
Govan Mbeki Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Great Kei Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Greater Groblersdal Cross Boun |
5 |
|
Greater Tubatse Cross Boundary |
3 |
|
Greater Tzaneen Local Municipa |
3 |
|
Hantam Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Hessequa Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Hibiscus Coast Local Municipal |
1 |
|
Hlabisa Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Ilembe District Municipality |
3 |
|
Ingquza Local Municipality |
2 |
|
IntsikaYethu Local Municipality |
1 |
|
InxubaYethemba Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Joe Gqabi District Municipalit |
1 |
|
John TaoloGaetsewe District M |
2 |
|
Kai Carib Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Kamiesberg Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Kgalagadi Cross Boundary Distr |
2 |
|
KgetlengRivier Local Municipa |
1 |
|
KharaHais Local Municipality |
1 |
|
King SabataDalindyebo Local M |
3 |
|
Klerksdorp Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Knysna Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Kopanong Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Kouga Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Kwadukuza Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Laingsburg Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Lejweleputswa District Municipality |
5 |
|
Lekwa Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Lepele-Nkumpi Local Municipali |
1 |
|
Lephalale Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Lesedi Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Local Municipality Of Madibeng |
1 |
|
Mafikeng Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Makana Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Makhado Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Maletswai Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Maluti A Phofung Local Municip |
1 |
|
Maquassi Hills Local Municipal |
1 |
|
Masilonyana Local Municipality |
4 |
|
Matjhabeng Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Mbhashe Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Mbizana Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Mbombela Local Municipality |
6 |
|
Mbonambi Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Merafong City Cross Boundary L |
1 |
|
Mkhondo Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Mnquma Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Modimolle Local Municipality |
4 |
|
Mogalakwena Local Municipality |
6 |
|
Molemole Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Mookgopong Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Moqhaka Local Municipality |
4 |
|
Mossel Bay Local Municipality |
4 |
|
Motheo District Municipality |
1 |
|
Mtubatuba Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Musina Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Nama Khoi Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Ndlambe Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Newcastle Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Ngaka Modiri Molema District M |
1 |
|
Ngqushwa Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Ngquza Hill Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Ngwathe Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Nkomazi Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Nsukaligwa Local Municipality |
1 |
|
O.R.Tambo District Municipality |
2 |
|
Polokwane Local Municipality |
4 |
|
Port St Johns Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Potchefstroom Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipalit |
3 |
|
Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipal |
1 |
|
Richmond Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Rustenburg Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Sakhisizwe Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Senqu Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Setsoto Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Sisonke District Municipality |
1 |
|
Siyancuma Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Siyanda District Municipality |
3 |
|
Sol Plaatjie Local Municipalit |
6 |
|
Steve Tshwete Local Municipali |
1 |
|
Sunday'S River Valley Local Mu |
5 |
|
Swartland Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Swellendam Local Municipality |
1 |
|
ThabaChweu Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Thabazimbi Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Thabo Mofutsanyane District Mu |
1 |
|
The Big Five False Bay Local M |
1 |
|
The Kwadukuza Local Municipali |
1 |
|
The Msunduzi Local Municipalit |
2 |
|
Theewaterskloof Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Thembisile Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Tsantsabane Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Ubuntu Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Ugu District Municipality |
9 |
|
Umgungundlovu District Municipality |
6 |
|
Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Umhlathuze Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Umkhanyakude District Municipality |
3 |
|
Umsobomvu Local Municipality |
7 |
|
Umtshezi Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Umzimvubu Local Municipality |
1 |
|
Umzinyathi District Municipali |
1 |
|
Uphongolo Local Municipality |
3 |
|
Uthukela District Municipality |
1 |
|
Uthungulu District Municipalit |
2 |
|
Ventersdorp Local Municipality |
2 |
|
Vhembe District Municipality |
2 |
|
Walter Sisulu Local Municipali |
1 |
|
West Coast District Municipali |
3 |
|
Xhariep District Municipality |
3 |
|
Z F Mgcawu District Municipali |
1 |
|
Zululand District Municipality |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
401 |
401 |
26 October 2020 - NW1847
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) is the extent of the damage done to the rail network in Cape Town, (b) will be the total cost to his department to fix the damages and restore rail operations in Cape Town and (c) steps, besides building fences and employing security guards, have been taken by his department to prevent vandalism to infrastructure in future?
Reply:
a) The Damage to the Cape Town Rail Network Infrastructure is currently at a point where electric trains cannot run in some of the corridors. The following corridors in particular are extremely impacted by acts of sabotage and criminality:
- Langa –Bonteheuwel-Sarepta-Bellville,
- Bonteheuwel – Kaptensklip, and
- Bonteheuwel –Chris Hani.
b) The total cost to repair and upgrade the affected corridor is in excess of R1.8billion
c) PRASA will be putting the following measures in place to complement the security solution:
- Installation of motion detectors and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance to be monitored by security,
- Replacing the conventional Overhead Traction Equipment (OHTE) Copper Catenary with a Tiger Wire(Aluminum),
- The conventional Train Detection Equipment (Track Circuits) will be replaced by New Train Detection Technology (Axle Counter) which mainly uses Optic Fibre for Data Transmission,
- Replacement of Telecoms Copper Coax Cables with Optic Fiber,
- Installation of Reinforced Concrete Steel on Track Side Equipment,
- Closing Underground Cable Trenches with Concrete, and
- Installation of Vandal proof Covers on Points Machines.
23 October 2020 - NW2182
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What are the relevant details of all the deaths of persons while in custody and/or detention of the SA National Defence Force in the period between 1 April 2020 and 31 August 2020?
Reply:
There is NO person who died in custody and/ or detention of the SA National Defence Force in the period between 1 April 2020 and 31 August 2020.
22 October 2020 - NW2239
Sharif, Ms NK to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
(1)What funding model will be used to finance the (a) National Council for Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and (b) initiatives that were undertaken with the R17 million funding from the Solidarity Fund in regard to the National Strategic Plan used to support victims of GBVF; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will furnish Ms N K Shariff with information on how the Covid-19 relief funds were used to assist women through Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2811E
Reply:
(a) The Department is in discussion with National Treasury on how the Council will be funded.
(b) The National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF-NSP) is still being costed. The costing will determine the model for funding that will be adopted.
(2) The R17m from the Solidarity Fund was allocated towards;
Adding in the scale up of the GBV Command Centre to handle the increase in GBV related cases through the recruitment and training of social worker supervisors, trauma training for social workers and the procurement of equipment, data and furniture;
Supporting the 78 shelters under the National Shelter Movement and the 55 Thuthuzela Care Centres with funding for PPE and critical medical services; and
Implementing a communication campaign to increase awareness and information about the services available at the shelters and the GBV Command Centre.
(3) The COVID-19 relief funds were used for pillar 4:
The purpose of Pillar 4 is to provide Response, Care, Support and Healing to victims of Gender Based Violence. It further ensures that all relevant departments within the Criminal Justice System enhance their interventions to respond on time in an integrated manner, provide psycho-social support and eliminate or minimize secondary victimization.
A number of strategies and related interventions were developed and implemented to minimise the negative impact of COVID-19 on women. These included increases in social grants, the introduction of the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, the distribution of food parcels and the establishment of homeless shelters.
Furthermore, according to the Department of Social Development COVID-19 Progress Report (August 2020) there are 134 GBV shelters in place as well as 193 new shelters which were established for homeless people, catering for 11 851 women and men as from April to July 2020.
Counselling and psychosocial services were provided, with 174 831 people reached from April to June 2020, for affected and infected persons and their families. The statistics from the Department of Social Development GBV Command Centre reveal that, since the lockdown, the Centre received 1 275 cases for GBV from March to May 2020. The Centre also received calls for counselling, and enquiries pertaining to substance abuse.
To address evidence of increased food insecurity and hunger of women and their families, the Department of Social Development led the distribution of food parcels to qualifying families. A total of 8 951 204 food parcels were distributed from April to August 2020.
22 October 2020 - NW2241
Sharif, Ms NK to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Which departments (a) will be implementing the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide and (b) (i) are and (ii) are not reporting on a weekly basis in this regard?
Reply:
(a) (b)(i) All Government departments are supposed to be implementing the National Strategic Plan for Gender Based Violence and Femicide.
(b) (ii) Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Department of Communications and Digital Technologies; Department of Higher Education; Department of Transport; Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Sport, Arts and Culture; Small Business Development; Science and Technology; and National Treasury.
22 October 2020 - NW2240
Sharif, Ms NK to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
How does the Inter-Ministerial Committee play a key facilitating role and at the same time do oversight on the facilitation and implementation of the National Council for Gender-based Violence and Femicide as well as the National Strategic Plan for Gender-based Violence and Femicide?
Reply:
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) is playing a key role by;
Providing strategic guidance, leadership and engagement with the key stakeholders with regard to the establishment of the National Council; and
Monitoring progress made on the implementation of the NSP and enforces accountability and compliance with reporting across all government departments. The IMC Chairperson ensures that the Department receives updated weekly reports that are sent to the President on the implementation of the GBVF-NSP.
22 October 2020 - NW2208
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether any portion of the $4,3 billion loan granted to the Republic by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be used to pay the salaries of public servants; if not, what mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that no portion of the IMF loan will fund the salaries of the public servants; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The loan of $4.3 billion loan granted to the Republic by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will not be earmarked specifically for the payment of salaries. The loan is a special facility created for member countries experiencing emergencies. It is called a Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), and does notbear conditionalities, nor does it require the implementation of an IMF structural programme. Countries, however, receiving IMF emergency financing have committed totransparently utilising and reporting spending.Thus, the loan receipts (or disbursements) will form part of the National Revenue Fund to be used to support existing government programmes, which could include salary payments.
Access to the RFI was specifically expanded to help countries deal with the balance of payments (BOP) problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan provides a low-interest opportunity for South Africa to provide counter-cyclical support to the economy and fund COVID-19 related emergency support. In other words, it mitigated the need for massive spending cuts in response to the dramatic revenue shortfalls of government, and avoided an explosion in the financing needs brought on by high-cost borrowings.
The reporting on the loan’s use will form part of the general responsibility of government of publishing all information related to COVID-19-related support programmes, including procurement.
22 October 2020 - NW2201
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What amount has been refunded to the State by a certain political organisation (name furnished) in respect of the irregular use of an SA Air Force jet to transport a delegation of the specified political organisation to Zimbabwe for talks with a political party in that country; (2) whether the specified amount is the (a) full and (b) final amount with which the specified political organisation will refund the State; if not, what action is the National Treasury taking to recover the full cost of the irregular flight; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Any revenue due to the state flows to the National Revenue Fund (NRF) through departments concerned before it is surrendered to the NRF. As it stands, the Department of Defence is still working on the matter and will inform the National Treasury accordingly once the matter is finalised.
21 October 2020 - NW2166
Marawu, Ms TL to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Whether he is aware of the alleged flouting of Covid-19 regulations and the Continuing Education and Training (CET) Act, Act 16 of 2006, at the Motheo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Bloemfontein, as per the whistleblowers’ report to the College Council Chairperson; if not, what steps will he take to thoroughly investigate the matter; if so, what steps have been taken to ensure that the specified persons are brought to book?
Reply:
According to Mrs D Phutsisi, Principal of Motheo TVET College, the college is not aware of a whistle blower who raised such allegations to the Council Chairperson. If these allegations were made, the Council as the highest decision-making governance structure would have followed the college policy on whistleblowing. The college’s Executive Management however brought an anonymous letter to the attention of Council that was circulating at the college raising similar allegations. Council dealt with these allegations accordingly.
21 October 2020 - NW2268
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) What measures has he taken to dissuade the National Student Financial Aid Scheme from defunding the 5000 students they publicly announced they will defund and (b) how are students expected to complete their studies if the defunding of the students continues?
Reply:
(a) Section 38 (g) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) on the duties of Accounting Officers dictates that “on discovery of any unauthorized, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure, must immediately report, in writing, particulars of the expenditure to the relevant treasury, and in the case of irregular expenditure involving the procurement of goods or services, also to the relevant tender board;”.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) unfunded students whom it discovered were funded above the approved policy thresholds of R350 000 annual family income (students registered for the first time from 2018 onwards) and R122 000 annual family income (pre-2018 continuing students). The declared income on applications were verified against income declared to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). If NSFAS continued to fund these students above the approved policy thresholds, such expenditure would be classified as irregular. The Minister could therefore not dissuade NSFAS from taking this action, as continuing the funding would be in contravention of the PFMA.
The Minister ensured that students whose funding was withdrawn due to the SARS income verification process had an opportunity to provide further evidence and appeal the decision by NSFAS.
(b) Students who successfully appealed the decision will continue to be funded by NSFAS. Students who did not appeal, or whose appeal was unsuccessful, may look to other sources of funding to support their studies, as they do not qualify as NSFAS beneficiaries.
20 October 2020 - NW2004
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to her reply to question 1264 on 19 June 2020, (a) on what date will the process of appointing additional assessment doctors in (i) George and (ii) Boland region be finalised and (b) what other measures does the SA Social Security Agency have in place to ensure that the backlog of assessments in George is cleared up?
Reply:
SASSA George Local Office:
Currently, the George Local Office has 3 contracted medical doctors with the focus on medical assessments for clients who could not fulfil their medical appointments due to the lockdown.
The SASSA George Local Office has also engaged the District of the Department of Health for the opening of the clinics and to make more doctors available for client initiated medical assessments. The District of the Department of Healthcould only assist with the opening of the clinics for theSASSA contracted doctors to commence with the client initiated medical assessments.
b) The following measures are in place to eradicate the existing backlog of clients waiting to be assessed.
- Fridays are dedicated for disability applications/appointments at SASSA local offices
- 9 contracted doctors are available to render services with the process to contract more doctors underway.
- Bookings for assessments are done according to a schedule agreed between SASSA and Department of Health.
- Clients are contacted and given a date for assessment.
- Only a limited number of clients can be booked on a specific day at a specific site due to the need to comply with the health measures in place.
- The Department of Health also follows a health initiated process where the treating doctor requests and completes the medical form for clients that they deal with and where they feel a disability grant is warranted. SASSA will then contact the client for an appointment to complete the administrative application process.
National AssemblyWritten Reply: 2004 of 2020
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
20 October 2020 - NW1
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1) What number of (a) firearms and (b) ammunition of each (i) type and (ii) calibre were (aa) stolen and (bb) lost or went missing in the South African National Defence Force (aaa) during the periods (aaaa) 1 April 2017 and 31 December 2019. (2) What number of the specified (a) firearms and (b) ammunition (i) were recovered and/or (i) found to be linked to crimes. (3) Whether any persons and/or officials have been prosecuted successfully for negligence and/or theft of firearms and ammunition in military possession; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case. (4) What measures has the department introduced to combat the theft and loss of firearms and ammunition in military possession.
Reply:
1. (1&2) (a)(i) (ii)(aa) (bb)(aaa)(aaaa) - 1 April 2017 until 31 December 2019
(a) Firearms
S/No |
Number Stolen |
Number Lost |
Action taken |
||
Type |
Calibre |
||||
a |
b |
c |
d |
e |
|
01 |
R4 |
5.56mm |
47 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
02 |
R 5 |
5.56mm |
10 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
03 |
Star |
9mm |
04 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
04 |
Z88 |
9mm |
10 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
05 |
Sig Sauer |
9mm |
02 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
06 |
Baretta |
9mm |
05 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
07 |
Vector |
9mm |
01 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
08 |
Glock |
9mm |
01 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
b) Ammunition
S/No |
Ammunition |
Type |
Calibre |
Stolen |
Lost |
Action taken |
a |
b |
c |
e |
f |
g |
|
01 |
Small calibre ammunition |
R4/R5 |
5.56mm |
7618 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
02 |
Small calibre ammunition |
9mm |
9mm |
07 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
03 |
Small calibre ammunition |
LMG |
7.62mm |
04 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
04 |
Small calibre ammunition |
5.45mm |
5.45mm |
340 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
05 |
Small calibre ammunition |
9.19mm |
9.19mm |
01 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
06 |
Small calibre ammunition |
12.7mm |
12.7mm |
01 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
07 |
Yellow smoke grenade |
Yellow smoke grenade |
Yellow smoke grenade |
01 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
08 |
Stun grenade |
Stun grenade |
Stun grenade |
01 |
None |
Case still under investigation |
2. What number of the specified firearms and ammunition were recovered and/or found to be linked to crimes.
(a) None
19 October 2020 - NW2105
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) total number of SA Police Service members have had cases gender-based violence opened against them, (b) is the name of each police station where the specified members are based and (c) are the crimes that have been perpetrated in each case? NW 2666E
Reply:
(a) A total of 139 members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have had cases, relating to gender-based violence opened against them, 2019/2020.
(b) The names of the police stations, per province, where the specified members are based, are reflected in the table below:
Find here: Province; Name of each police station where the specified members are based
19 October 2020 - NW1913
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to her reply to question 1128 on 28 October 2019, (a) on what date were the performance agreements for (i) her and (ii) the Deputy Minister finalised and signed and (b) what are the key performance indicators used to monitor the deadlines set in the performance agreements for her and the Deputy Minister respectively?
Reply:
(a)(i) In line with the President’s announcement in his State of the Nation Address on 13 February 2020 that Ministers will contract with him and sign performance agreements, agreement were prepared. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected government’s plans and budgets, resulting in the tabling of a Supplementary Budget by the Minister of Finance in June 2020. The reprioritisation had an impact on departments’ Strategic Plans 2020-2025 and APPs 2020/2021, therefore government departments had to revise their APPs. Subsequently, the performance agreements of Members of the Executive were revised taking into account the new fiscal environment.
The Minister of Tourism’s Performance Agreement was submitted to the Presidency on 24 July 2020, as directed by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation’s (DPME) Circular to all Ministers, signed by the Minister in the Presidency on 17 July 2020.
The finalisation and signing of the Minister’s Performance Agreement (PA) with the President is dependent upon the completion of DPME’Sevaluation outcome of the Minister’s PA,.
(ii) Once the above process has been concluded, the Minister will enter into an agreement with the Deputy Minister to provide support relating to key responsibility areas in her performance agreement. No PA is signed by the Deputy Minister and the President.
(b) (i) The key performance indicators will be confirmed upon the signing of the Performance Agreement by the Minister and the President.
(ii) Refer to (a) (ii)
19 October 2020 - NW2104
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
What(a) total number of the VIP Protection Service are being investigated for (i) criminal charges (ii) civil charges and (iii) internal disciplinary charges and (b) are the relevant details in each case? NW2664E
Reply:
(a)(i) A total of 14 members of the Very Important Persons (VIP) Protection Service, are being investigated for criminal charges.
(a)(ii) No member of the VIP Protection Service, is being investigated for civil charges.
(a)(iii) A total of six members, of the VIP Protection Service, are being investigated for internal disciplinary charges
(b) The relevant details are reflected in the table below
10 |
Common assault |
Pending |
11 |
Sexual assault |
Pending |
12 |
Driving under the influence of alcohol |
Pending |
13 |
Pointing of firearm |
Pending |
14 |
Negligent loss of firearm |
Pending |
DEPARTMENTAL CASES |
||
No |
Description |
Status |
1 |
Contravention of Regulation 11(b)(1)(A) of Disaster Management Act (DMA) |
Investigation finalised – hearing pending |
2 |
Contravention of protection order |
Pending – member admitted for rehabilitation |
3 |
Driving under the influence of alcohol |
Investigation finalised – hearing pending |
4 |
Murder |
Investigation finalised – hearing pending |
5 |
Discharge of firearm /pointing of firearm |
Investigation finalised – hearing pending |
6 |
Regulation 5(3)(g),(n),(u) |
Investigation finalised – hearing pending |
19 October 2020 - NW2269
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What measures has been taken against (a) officials and (b) contractors responsible for the construction of Mayibuye Primary School in Tembisa, which was built over a wetland and has not been used since its completion?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Gauteng Department of Education and a response will be provided as soon as it is received.
19 October 2020 - NW2103
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
What are the reasons for the decline in performance by the National Forensic Science Laboratories during the third quarter with respect to percentage of (a) integrated Ballistics Identification Systems intelligence case exhibits and (b) biology Deoxyriboncleic Acid intelligence case exhibits that have been finalised? NW2663E
Reply:
(a) The decline in performance, during the third quarter of 2019/2020, with regard to the percentage of integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) intelligence case exhibits, was due to the lack of maintenance contract, for the IBIS. The maintenance contract has now been finalised, which resulted in an increase in performance
(b) The decline in performance, during the third quarter of 2019/2020, with regard to the percentage of biology Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) intelligence case exhibits, was due to laboratory instruments not being serviced, as well as a shortage of consumables, which is necessary for DNA analysis to be carried out. This was due to limited funds. The operational budget was increased, which enabled the servicing of laboratory instruments and the purchase of consumables, which in turn resulted in improved performance.
Reply to question 2103 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 202-10-09
Reply to question 2103 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 18/10/2020
19 October 2020 - NW2094
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What total number of persons have been arrested who were involved in (a) hijackings and (b) arson attacks in the road freight sector during the protest and disruptions that occurred (i) in Mooirivier in 2018, (ii) on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal, (iii) on the N1 and N7 in Cape Town and (iv) during any other specified protest incidents that have been reported to the SA Police Service; (2) whether any of the specified persons have been granted bail; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2654E
Reply:
(1)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv) and (2)
The information is not readily available and must be obtained from the provinces. A request is made for an extension of 14 days, to obtain the information and provide the response.
Reply to question 2094 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2020-10-09
Reply to question 2094 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 18-10-2020
19 October 2020 - NW2122
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Police
(1) With reference to visits seen on media platforms relating to the recent destruction of property and land invasion that have been taking place in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, where members of the SA Police (SAPS) were seen standing and watching, (a) what is his position on police standing and watching while property is being vandalised and lives threatened and (b) is this allowed; (2) what number of public order police units are deployed in each province with the issue of (i) land invasions and (ii) destruction of property? NW2684E
Reply:
(1)(a)(b) The mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS), as set out in Section 205(3) of the Constitution of Republic of South Africa, 1996, is to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property and to uphold and enforce the law. It is, therefore, important to note that the mandate of the SAPS is not only to protect the lives and property of persons, but to upload and enforce the law, including the rights of landowners.
The SAPS has taken not of the recent judgement, which was delivered in the Western Cape (Cape Town) High Court, in the matter of the South African Human Rights Commission v The City of Cape Town, for the police to protect and respect the rights of victims and enforce the law. In view of the judgment, the SAPS reaffirms its commitment to respect the fundamental rights of every person and reaffirms its responsibility to execute its constitutional mandate, including the responsibility to uphold and enforce the law.
(2)(i)(ii)
Province |
Number of Pubic Order Policing (POP) Units |
Number of Public Order Policing (POP) members |
Eastern Cape |
7 |
692 |
Gauteng |
6 |
1097 |
Free State |
6 |
498 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
7 |
1125 |
Limpopo |
6 |
498 |
Mpumalanga |
5 |
426 |
Northern Cape |
5 |
374 |
North West |
3 |
436 |
Western Cape |
4 |
520 |
There is no specific capacity assigned to land invasions and destruction of property POP members are deployed, where and when required
Reply to question 2122 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE
Date:
19 October 2020 - NW2061
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
Whether (a) he and (b) any member of his VIP protection detail own and carry a licensed firearm; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what (i) total number of the members of his VIP protection detail own and carry a firearm and (ii) are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(a) The reply to this question may directly affect the safety and security of the Minister of Police and, therefore, it cannot be provided.
(b) Close protectors, who are in possession of the required permits, in terms of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60. 2000), are issued with South African Police Service (SAPS) firearms, as per their SAPS108 personnel inventories.
The reply to the remainder of the question may directly affect the safety and security of the Minister of Police and, therefore, it cannot be provided.
(b)(i) The reply to this question may directly affect the safety and security of the Minister of Police. However, it can be confirmed that the close protectors carry SAPS firearms, which are issued to persons who have the required permits, in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
(b)(ii) The reply to this question may directly affect the safety and security of the Minister of Police. However, it can be confirmed that the close protectors carry SAPS firearms, which are issued to persons who have the required permits, in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
Reply to question 2061 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2020/10/09
Reply to question 2061 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 18/10/2020
19 October 2020 - NW1977
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Given that the community of Motala Farm in Ward 15 in the Ethekwini region has been without houses and proper sanitation since the dawn of democracy and that even though land was identified on which to build them houses, nothing has been done, by what date does she envisage will her department build proper houses and provide sanitation to the specified community?
Reply:
Based on the information provided by the Kwa-Zulu Natal Provincial Department of Human Settlements, the project is at a pre-feasibility stage. An application was received by the Provincial Department of Human Settlements from eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which was duly processed and feedback was accordingly provided to the Metropolitan Municipality. The eThekwini Metro is currently incorporating all the comments received from the Provincial Department of Human Settlements, to ensure that the project meets the funding criteria for the Human Settlement Development Grant (HSDG).
The table below provides the timeframes and envisaged dates for the execution of project tasks which includes the construction of houses.
Activity |
Time Frame |
Approval of project implementation funding |
February 2021 |
Detailed planning studies |
October 2019 - June 2021 |
Pre – Implementation Submission Consultations |
April 2021 |
Final planning application submission |
May 2021 |
Planning approval |
June 2021 |
Submission and approval of Tranche 2 application to Provincial Department |
July – September 2021 |
Installation of Services |
October 2021 - March 2022 |
Top structure construction |
April 2022 |
16 October 2020 - NW2281
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What was the total number of unpaid medical claims by the Compensation Fund by the end of September 2020?
Reply:
As at 30 September 2020, there are 67 338 unpaid invoices amounting to R 206 588 327,00 out of the 319 801 invoices submitted to the Compensation Fund amounting to R1 168 693 890.4. The 67 338 unpaid invoices are made up of the following categories:
Invoice Status |
Invoices Received |
Total Amount |
Description |
Invoice Pended |
9 458 |
R37 610 836,46 |
Invoice processed but information is outstanding |
Open Assessment |
5 914 |
R38 957 337,51 |
The invoices are in assessment stage |
Open Invoice Entry |
34 983 |
R56 791 275,32 |
Invoices have been received, not yet processed |
Parked Payment |
932 |
R2 833 159,31 |
Invoices have been assessed, to be referred to finance |
To be Approved |
15 952 |
R66 633 867,42 |
Invoices have been fully assessed, awaiting approval |
No Status |
99 |
R3 761 851,13 |
Invoice partially processed, to be assessed for further statuses |
|
|
|
|
|
67 338 |
R206 588 327,15 |
16 October 2020 - NW2282
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1)On what legal provisions does his department rely to allow the involvement of third parties in the Compensation Fund claims process; (2) whether he has found that the involvement of third parties in the Compensation Fund claims process leads to irregularities and/or inefficiencies; if not, why are they identified as part of the challenge; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1: These is no legal provision that allows or prohibits the involvement of third parties.
2: Yes, this createchallenges in the processing of claims. Claims processing is often delayed due to outstanding information required while medical service providers are paid and the injured workers remain unpaid as the Fund is unable to finalise the claims due to the outstanding claims information.
16 October 2020 - NW2280
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What total number of cases have been reported of medical service providers who refused to assist the Compensation Fund in (a) 2017, (b) 2018 and (c) 2019?
Reply:
Unfortunately, Honourable Member Mkhonto, Compensation fund does not have this information as it is not information required in support of a claim.
16 October 2020 - NW2086
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the more than 20 000 fraud cases reported by the SA Social Security Agency in 2019, what (a) total number of the specified cases have been resolved, (b) total amount has been recovered, (c) total number of implicated persons have been (i) fired, (ii) suspended, (iii) imprisoned and (iv) found not guilty and (d) total amount has been (i) lost through fraud and (ii) spent on investigations?
Reply:
a) A total of 19448 cases out of 23240 SASSA card related fraud cases reported in 2019 have been resolved. The bulk of these cases involved the fraudulent re-issuance of SASSA/SAPO cards resulting in genuine grant beneficiaries not receiving their money.
b) The money lost during 2019 was reimbursed by the South African Post Office to the value of R45 150 091.32.
c) Regarding implicated officials, this fraud happened within the SAPO environment. In total;
(i) A total of 14 SAPO employees have been dismissed
(ii) Information on the number of employees who have been (ii) suspendedand (iv) found not guilty has been requested from SAPO.
(iii) Seventy two (72) people were arrested of which 14 were SAPO employees.
d) In 2019, the total amount
(i) lost through the SASSA card fraud was R54 055 131.70.
(ii) spent on all fraud investigations in SASSA, including investigations conducted by the Special Investigation Unit was R18 915 137.00.
National AssemblyWritten Reply: 2086 of 2020
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
16 October 2020 - NW2066
Ngwenya, Ms DB to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether her department has done any study on the total number of unregistered early childhood development (ECD) centres in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what is the total number of ECD centres; (2) Whatsteps will she take to ensure that unregistered ECD centres adhere to Covid-19 requirements for social distancing?
Reply:
1. Yes , the total number of unregistered ECD centres identified is50 118; and 1041 non centre based programmes.
2. ECD centres will submit self-administered re-opening assessment accompanied by an application for support. Application must be verified by the department or appointed NGO/ECD forums/community network (NGO partner) available in the community. The SOPs prescribes 1.5m social distancing measures which both registered and unregistered ECD centres should adhere to as one of the COVID 19 requirements.ECD programmes are encouraged to put measures in place to adhere to social distancing.
National AssemblyWritten Reply: 2066 of 2020
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
16 October 2020 - NW2172
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether, based on Mr. Edwin Sodi’s recent testimony at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, which implicated him as a beneficiary of Mr. Sodi’s company, he declared the funds he had received from the specified company in accordance with the requirements of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, Act 82 of 1998, to the Registrar of Members’ Interests in Parliament; if not, what (a) total number of contracts have been awarded to Mr. Sodi’s company under his leadership in his (i) previous and (ii) current Ministerial portfolios and (b) is the monetary value of each specified contract so awarded?
Reply:
Minister Nxesi never received any money from Mr Sodi or his company. As Mr Sodi clarified at the Zondo Commission that the amount of R15 000 was paid directly to the learners’ school account and R30 000 paid directly for accommodation of other two learners to allow them to continue with their schooling.
Therefore, since the payments were not directly made to the Minister, there was no obligation to declare such in terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act 82 of 1998. Minister Nxesi is not related in any manner to the learners.
To the Minister’s knowledge, Mr Sodi or his company did not get any gratification for this kind gesture in a form of contracts from Departments under his leadership.