Questions and Replies
14 December 2023 - NW4048
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with all the reports regarding assessments and/or investigations into the Tambo Memorial Hospital in Gauteng since 1 January 2016 to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Table below is providing a list of reports that were conducted since 1 January 2016:
DESCRIPTION OF THE REPORT |
DATE OF THE REPORT |
CONDUCTED BY WHO |
LINK OF THE REPORT |
STATUS OF THE REPORT |
Occupation Health and Safety (OHS) Report |
17 September 2017 |
Bigen Africa on behalf of GDID (Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development) |
Contractor was appointed by IDT on behalf of the National Department of Health to address the non-compliance issues. |
|
Condition assessment on the structure of the hospital regarding the damages caused by the gas explosion |
29 December 2022 |
IDT on behalf of the National Department of Health |
Contractor was appointed by IDT on behalf of the National Department of Health to address the findings. |
|
Condition assessment on medical equipment/health technology equipment of the hospital regarding the damages caused by the gas explosion |
29 December 2022 |
National Department of Health |
All the findings were addressed and resolved in January 2023. |
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3977
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
Whether the position a certain person (name furnished) is holding, was job evaluated before the person was transferred as the person was not an employee affected by restructuring; if not, why not; if so, (a) how did the person know that there was a vacancy in the Office of the Director-General of her department, (b) was the irregular appointment of the person (i) challenged and (ii) reported to the Public Service Commission and (c) what was the outcome of the investigation?
Reply:
The job was evaluated.
a) The person was contacted by the Human Resource unit of the Department to establish if she would consent to a lateral transfer to the post of Director: Executive Support.
b) The appointment of the person was not irregular.
- There was no challenge in the form of a grievance, dispute referral or court process on the transfer of the person.
- The Department is aware that a complaint was referred in 2022 to the Public Service Commission on the transfer of the person.
- The Department has not received the outcome of the investigation by the Public Service Commission.
End
14 December 2023 - NW3889
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)(a) Who will form part of the delegation from the Republic to the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to be held in Panama from 20 to 25 November 2023 and (b) what are their expertise; (2) what is the (a) mandate and (b) position of the Government regarding the specified COP meeting?
Reply:
1. (a) COP 10 did not take place in November 2023 as scheduled. It was due to take place in Panama but has since been postponed and indication is that it will probably take place in the first quarter of 2024. Ordinarily the delegates include a legal representative responsible for drafting legislations and an official responsible for policy formulation, that is the programme manager for health promotion in the Department.
(b) The legal representative has experience in public service and working on health legislation and subordinate legislation and a health promotion official with experience in health policy formulation and application with both academic and professional health experience. Their experience and expertise place them in good standing to contribute towards development and alignment of the South African legislation and policies that promote public health.
2. (a) The delegates are mandated to advance the interests of South Africa and of the Continent on aspects that promote public health in relation to Tobacco Control and related products.
(b) South Africa is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which is a Global public health treaty. The treaty is evidence-based and reaffirms the rights of all people to the highest standard of Health. It aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Therefore, Government’s participation as a member state, is to learn, contribute, and adopt policy that may advance public health in South Africa.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3730
Mkhwebane, Adv BJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1).Whether he will furnish Adv B J Mkhwebane with proof that the amendment by the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) of the expired projects and unclaimed funds policy and the promulgation of the standard operating procedure comply with the various legislative requirements as clearly stipulated in remedial actions of the Public Protector, set out in 7.1.2.1.1 to 7.1.2.1.4 of the Report 125 of 2019/20; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2). what are the reasons that he has not reviewed the lawfulness of the policy operating at the NAC. (3) whether he intends to oppose the court application of the SA Roadies Association regarding the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1). The National Arts Council (“NAC”) wishes to place on record that the two remedial actions as formally recorded at clauses 7.1.2.1.1 and 7.1.2.1.4 of the Public Protector’s Report 25 of 2019/20 were implemented by the NAC in 2021.
The following documents are attached hereto as evidence of implementation of remedial actions 7.1.2.1.1 and 7.1.2.1.4:
- A copy of the Standard Operating Procedure; and
- A copy of the declaration of interests registers for all NAC employees relating to the projects they have initiated since 2015 to date.
(2). The National Arts Council has reviewed the Expired projects policy to ensure that it complies with laws and policies. The reviewed policy is attached for perusal.
(3). The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture will not oppose the court application by South African Roadies Association on the matter. The applicant is not seeking any relief against the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
14 December 2023 - NW4014
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether his department has any (a) short-term and/or (b) long-term contracts with any (i) South African and (ii) foreign companies in efforts to restore the energy contributions of the (aa) Kusile and (bb) Medupi Power Stations; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the (aaa) terms of each contract, (bbb) projected deliverables of each agreement and (ccc) further relevant details?.
Reply:
(a) and (b)
The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) does not have short-term and/or long-term contract with any national or foreign companies in respect of all Power Stations, this includes the Kusile and Medupi Power Stations. Any such contracts are entered into by Eskom. Examples would be with supplies from Cahovva Bassa, Southern African Power Pool
(aaa), (bbb) and (ccc)
The Department of Public Enterprises has an oversight responsibility over State-Owned Companies (SOCs) and is not involved in the operations of the SOCs. The Department is not responsible for procurement in the Eskom power stations in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd management is responsible for all the interventions at the Kusile and Medupi Power Stations.
.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW4036
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has any record for the projected number of retirements of public health service officers in the next five years in each (a) departmental section and (b) province; if not, why not; if so, what (a) step-by-step measures are in place to replace them and (b) are the further relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a)(b) According to the PERSAL report as extracted on 31 October 2023, the table below is the data of health care workers in both health related and non-health related categories who are expected to retire due to attaining 65 years, which is the compulsory retirement Age in accordance with the Public Service Act 1994, as amended.
2. (a) Since the Department is unable to fill vacant posts due to budget cuts that have tremendously affected Cost of Employment (COE). Provinces have introduced systematic process of approving funding and advertisements of posts in consultation with Provincial Treasuries, to avoid exceeding available budgets.
- Developed and prioritised posts through Annual Recruitment Plan – where funding permits
- Prioritised filling of posts through conditional grant funding
- Filling of replacement posts considered and approved monthly
- Advertisements published National wide through print media
- A dedicated Registrar Programme to train and produce in-house Medical Specialists
(b) The Persal Age analysis information is used to influence our internal skills development program. When a retiring official is in a specialist posts, the Department grants study leavers who are interested in that particular speciality with the intention to appointment them when they qualify into that vacated post of the retire.
PERSAL Report as at 31 October 2023 - Staff retirements per year as at age 65 |
||||||||
Province |
Occupational Group Clasification |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
2029 |
Total |
Eastern Cape |
Health Related |
21 |
232 |
386 |
428 |
548 |
711 |
2326 |
Non Health Related |
1 |
25 |
62 |
73 |
86 |
110 |
357 |
|
Prov. total |
22 |
257 |
448 |
501 |
634 |
821 |
2683 |
|
Free State |
Health Related |
32 |
100 |
140 |
154 |
223 |
273 |
922 |
Non Health Related |
5 |
17 |
24 |
28 |
50 |
60 |
184 |
|
Prov. total |
37 |
117 |
164 |
182 |
273 |
333 |
1106 |
|
Gauteng |
Health Related |
69 |
309 |
393 |
531 |
696 |
880 |
2878 |
Non Health Related |
12 |
27 |
117 |
150 |
224 |
271 |
801 |
|
Prov. total |
81 |
336 |
510 |
681 |
920 |
1151 |
3679 |
|
Kwazulu-Natal |
Health Related |
58 |
243 |
378 |
414 |
578 |
726 |
2397 |
Non Health Related |
4 |
66 |
114 |
143 |
216 |
308 |
851 |
|
Prov. total |
62 |
309 |
492 |
557 |
794 |
1034 |
3248 |
|
Limpopo |
Health Related |
19 |
119 |
174 |
169 |
308 |
384 |
1173 |
Non Health Related |
4 |
43 |
70 |
56 |
103 |
174 |
450 |
|
Prov. total |
23 |
162 |
244 |
225 |
411 |
558 |
1623 |
|
Mpumalanga |
Health Related |
20 |
50 |
70 |
97 |
139 |
192 |
568 |
Non Health Related |
1 |
12 |
38 |
57 |
78 |
84 |
270 |
|
Prov. total |
21 |
62 |
108 |
154 |
217 |
276 |
838 |
|
Northern cape |
Health Related |
22 |
34 |
70 |
58 |
89 |
100 |
373 |
Non Health Related |
1 |
5 |
5 |
9 |
7 |
18 |
45 |
|
Prov. total |
23 |
39 |
75 |
67 |
96 |
118 |
418 |
|
Nort- West |
Health Related |
80 |
69 |
125 |
110 |
188 |
270 |
842 |
Non Health Related |
1 |
10 |
16 |
28 |
41 |
64 |
160 |
|
Prov. total |
81 |
79 |
141 |
138 |
229 |
334 |
1002 |
|
Western Cape |
Health Related |
64 |
163 |
166 |
197 |
272 |
355 |
1217 |
Non Health Related |
5 |
17 |
41 |
61 |
69 |
90 |
283 |
|
Prov. total |
69 |
180 |
207 |
258 |
341 |
445 |
1500 |
|
Total |
419 |
1541 |
2389 |
2763 |
3915 |
5070 |
16097 |
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3946
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?
Reply:
a) The Minister did not attend the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023.
b) The Deputy Minister did not attend the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023.
c) There were no other officials who attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023.
Remarks: Approved/Not Approved/Comment
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3799
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) whether his department has any records of cases of fraud and mismanagement of funds lodged against any of its (a) former and current senior management officials since April 1994, if not, why not, if so, what total number of (i) arrests have been made, (ii) such cases are before the courts and (iii) convictions have been secured. NW5017E
Reply:
There is 1 recorded case of mismanagement of funds by senior management official in the Department. The details are shown below:
Total of cases of fraud and mismanagement of funds lodged against current and previous senior management officials since 1994 |
Nature |
Arrests have been made |
Cases before the courts |
Convictions have been secured |
2020/2021 – 1 Case |
Mismanagement of funds |
No need for arrests. It is a civil recovery matter |
Matter not before court as yet. Matter is still at pleading stage. |
No need for conviction. This is a civil recovery matter. |
Remarks: Reply: Approved/Not Approved
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3891
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the status of CAS4/06/2023; (2) what is the status quo of the medical case with the medico Legal Mortuary file number 1508/23; (3) whether the family has been given the postmortem report of a certain person (name and details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. A CAS number is generated by the South African Police Service (SAPS);
2. The postmortem was conducted, and the histology analysis has also been concluded to confirm the cause of death;
3. The postmortem report is ready for collection by the Investigating officer for release to the family.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3774
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) Whether the Government regards and upholds the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights, also known as the Barcelona Declaration of 6 June 1996, as its lodestar document; if not, with which specified articles and/or aspects of the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights does the Government disagree; if so, (2) Whether his department is committed to ensuring that national departments, entities, and national public institutions uphold and implement the principles contained in the declaration through the Use of Official Languages Act, Act 12 of 2012; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1). PanSALB commemorates Linguistic Human Rights during Human Rights Month, March of each year with various empowerment workshops including the Linguistic Human Rights Public Lecture. This year, PanSALB hosted the public lecture at the Dr. Neville Alexander Building, University of Cape Town on 31 March 2023.The keynote speaker was the retired Judge of the Constitutional Court, Judge Albie Sachs.
PanSALB participates in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) in which it contributes to Articles 13 through 17 which put emphasis on the revitalization, use, development, and transmission to future generations of their languages, oral traditions, writing systems and literatures.
PanSALB further promotes the teaching and learning of Indigenous languages through corpus planning, status planning, and acquisition planning through its various initiatives that include dictionary compilation programmes, spelling and orthography rules, and terminology development. All these programmes are based on the principle that language development occurs when the language is used. Therefore, the concepts of language development and language use are inseparable, as for one to develop a language one must use it.
(2). Section 8(1)(b) of the PanSALB Act empowers the Board to request any organ of state to supply it with the information on any legislative, executive, or administrative measures adopted by it relating to language policy and language practice. In case the organs of the state (especially the language units of the national departments) do not submit the required reports as stipulated in section 8(d) of the Use of Official Languages Act, the Board may invoke section 8(6) of the PanSALB Act which provides that the Board may summon any person to give evidence before it, or to produce any official document or such other information or object as may be necessary for the performance of the Board’s functions.
14 December 2023 - NW3091
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) As the Government shareholder representative in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), what (a) are the relevant details of any private equity capital investments that have been invested in (i) Denel, (ii) SA Forestry Company Limited and (iii) Alexkor in the past five financial years and (b) are the names of the (aa) individuals and/or (bb) institutional private equity investors; (2) what is the breakdown of the dividends that have been paid out by each of the specified SOEs in the past five financial years to each specified private equity investor? NW4158E
Reply:
According to the information received from SOCs:
ALEXKOR:
(1) |
(a) There were no private equity capital investments invested in Alexkor for the past 5 years. |
(b) (aa) N/A there were no private investors. |
|
(bb) N/A there were no private investors. |
|
(2) |
No dividends were paid as there was no private equity investor. |
DENEL:
(1) (a) (i)None
(b) (aa) None
(bb) None
(2) None
SAFCOL:
1. (a) (ii) There are no Private Equity Investments in Safcol.
(b) (aa) N/A
(bb) N/A
2. N/A
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved/Comments
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3894
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)Where did a certain person (name furnished) work before being transferred to her department; (2) whether the specified person previously worked with the Director-General, Ms Y Makhasi, at (a) the Film and Publication Board, (b) the Department of Public Enterprises, (c) the Department of Community and Safety Liaison in the Gauteng Provincial Government and (d) her department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details. (3) whether the post was advertised before the person was transferred to her department; if not, why not; if so, (a) who was recommended for the advertised position and (b) what were the reasons that the recommended candidate was not appointed. (4) whether the position became a new position after restructuring; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how have the functions of the position changed and (b) what were the reasons that the new position was not advertised in terms of the Public Service Regulations?
Reply:
1. The person worked for the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and Liaison before being transferred to the Department of Public Service and Administration.
(2) According to the departmental records:
(a) Yes, the person was employed at the Film and Publication Board from August 2012 to January 2014. Ms Makhasi was employed at the Films and Publication Board from 2008 to 2013.
(b) Yes, the person was employed in the Department of Public Enterprises between 1 February 2014 and 31 March 2016. Ms Makhasi was employed at the Department of Public Enterprises between 1 August 2013 and 31 December 2015.
(c) Yes, the person was employed in the Gauteng Department of Community Safety from 1 April 2016 until 31 May 2020. Ms Makhasi was employed at the Gauteng Department of Community Safety between 11 January 2016 and 28 February 2020.
(d) Yes, the person is currently employed at the Department of Public Service and Administration from 1 June 2020. Ms Y Makhasi has been employed at the department from 1 March 2020.
3. The post of Director: Executive Support was not advertised before the person was transferred to the Department of Public Service and Administration in terms of section 14 of the Public Service Act, 1994.
4. The post of Director: Executive Support was newly created in the Office of the Director-General on 7 May 2020.
(a) The post was defined to support the Director-General directly in relation to diary management, logistical support, coordination of the work of the Cluster, Cabinet and Parliament.
(b) The post was filled in terms of section 14 of the Public Service Act, 1994 which does not require advertisement.
End
14 December 2023 - NW3868
Mohlala, Mr M to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
How does he and/or his department intend to address the urgent challenges highlighted in the 2022 Green Drop report, which indicates that over 60% of wastewater treatment works in the Republic are classified as poor to critical, due to issues such as (a) overcapacity, (b) ageing infrastructure and (c) limited technical capacity?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation is implementing various support programmes and initiatives to strengthen local government in terms closing the gaps identified on the 2022 Green drop report.
The Department funds infrastructure interventions aimed at supporting Water Services Authorities in addressing the gaps identified in the 2022 Green drop reports. Before a project is approved for Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) funding it has to go through a comprehensive project planning process, culminating in an Implementation Readiness Study (IRS). The Department is currently finalising the RBIG project planning priority list for the 2023/2024 financial year. This prioritisation will be guided by the 2022 Green Drop report, where the most critical systems are prioritised for project planning, which will then ultimately lead to the unlocking of funds and implementation of projects addressing the most critical systems, as identified by the report. This is the biggest value add of the 2022 Green Drop report as it provides guidance for the Department’s infrastructure investment programme, targeting the Departments Grants towards the most critical infrastructure needs. Before the 2022 Green Drop report, the project planning prioritisation was not informed by such quantitative data.
This will address the issues raised around over-capacited and ageing municipal infrastructure. The comprehensive planning process will also address the limited technical capacity concerns, as the IRS process includes an operation and maintenance plan, highlighting both human and financial resource requirements to properly operate and maintain the proposed infrastructure, which is associated to a cost-reflective tariff, which the WSA must sign off and commit to fulfilling, before the project is implemented.
The Department provides technical capacity support to Water Services Authorities to address the gaps identified in the 2022 Green Drop report. DWS has applied for Process Controllers funding proposals for the Water and Wastewater Treatment plants at the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA). Upon approval by EWSETA, an appropriate training will be implemented in order for Process controllers to comply with the required Water and Wastewater regulations.
Furthermore, DWS is collaborating with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is currently implementing year two of the Councillor training as guided by the 2021-2026 Five Year Councillor Development Strategy for Water and Sanitation Portfolios Councillors. Additionally, the Department has embarked on a programme of conducting training needs analysis that aims at identifying and closing the skills gap on the Wastewater Treatment Works Operation and Maintenance Teams. The programme was initiated to support the WSAs to establish and strengthen the inhouse Operation and Maintenance Teams to enable them to tackle maintenance problems as and when they occur without relying on outsourcing. The outcomes of the training needs analysis will inform the development of training programme.
---00O00---
14 December 2023 - NW3869
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Given that the residents of Warrenton in the Northern Cape have endured eight months without running water and that the apparent lack of response from the Magareng Local Municipality raises concerns, furthermore noting that the community is grappling with ongoing challenges related to water scarcity, what has he found to be the current state of water supply in Warrenton?
Reply:
The Magareng Local Municipality reported that it is implementing three short- and medium term initiatives to address water supply challenges in Warrenton and surrounding areas, summarized as follows:
- Water tankering was implemented as a temporary measure to ensure continuous water supply to the communities until water supply was restored in November 2023. However, the municipality still has two trucks operating across the town of Warrenton on an ad hoc basis.
- The municipality appointed a service provider to inspect and repair the damaged bulk pipeline that transfers water from the Water Treatment Works through the Vaal River to the town of Warrenton. Inconsistencies in the river levels resulted in delays to the completion of the repairs to the pipeline. Repairs resumed on 08 August 2023 and the project was completed and water provision restored for the whole of Warrenton in November 2023. The project was funded by the municipality for R1 169 594,71.
However, it should be noted that the Magareng Municipality is operating old infrastructure such as asbestos pipelines (major component of distribution network), thus over and above the damage to the pipeline there have been challenges impeding adequate supply of water to residents. For example, as indicated the distribution network was not operational for 8 months, this automatically resulted that the asbestos cement pipes had dried up (become brittle), once water was restored, the pressure build-up in pipes resulted in major leakage problems due to asbestos pipes are bursting. The leakages affect pressure variation in the network in this way water supply becomes problematic during peak hours.
- The construction of the bulk water pipeline on the old N18 Margrieta Prinsloo bridge is a long term and most sustainable solution to resolve the water supply challenges in the municipality. The cost to completion for the remaining works is estimated at R5 145 435. Construction of the remaining portion of the project commenced in April 2023. The project is 90% complete. The planned completion was initially August 2023, however during the restoration there were various challenges that occurred such as increased leakages of the asbestos pipes and major valves components having rusted and breaking off. The team revised the strategy to include reconstruction of valve chambers and leakage repairs as part of the bulk water pipeline as this restricted the functionality of the whole bulk water pipeline. As a result, the completion date has been moved to December 2023. The expenditure to date is R2 380 622,38 against the R5 145 435.
---00O00---
14 December 2023 - NW3972
Loate, Mr T to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the position of his department regarding the finding of the International Diabetes Federation that (a) the prevalence of sugar diabetes had more than doubled between 2011 and 2021 in the Republic, (b) approximately 4,2 million persons were living with diabetes and (c) by 2045 more than 7,4 million South Africans could be diabetic; (2) whether his department intends to take any steps in this regard; if not, why not; if so, (a) how aggressively and (b) via which programmes is his department actively containing the spread of diabetes and/or succeeding with the given programmes; (3) whether he will make a statement on the prevalence of diabetes and the implication it has for the South Africn society and its economy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a), (b) and (c) The Department is concerned about the growing number of people diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases and is associated with obesity, unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or better managed when people make healthy lifestyle choices. It is for this reason that the Department is acceleration implementation of preventive programmes.
2. (a) The Department has taken and will continue to take serious steps to prevent and control diabetes. The intensity of the Department’s intervention in this regard, is amongst others demonstrated by the fact that the Department has for the past two years, used part of the Health Promotion Levy to provide tools to provinces to facilitate increased screening and focussed health education in the community and in primary health care facilities for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, and promoting physical activity and healthy eating.
(b) The Department has a directorate for NCDs, and national managers work with managers in provinces and districts to pursue the objectives of the programme. The programme is currently achieving its screening targets. Outcome targets will be measured though the WHO STEP survey which is scheduled to commence during the 2024-2025 financial year.
(3) No, it is not necessary to make a statement.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3940
De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Health
Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?
Reply:
(a)-(c) No, neither the Minister, the Deputy Minister nor any official of the National Department of Health attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023.
(i), (ii), (iii) (aa), (bb), (cc) Not applicable.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3959
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the update on the current plans for the revitalisation and reopening of the Kempton Park Hospital, which has remained closed for 25 years; (2) (a) what specific health services and facilities are envisaged for the revitalised Kempton Park Hospital and (b) how will such services and facilities address the healthcare needs of the surrounding communities; (3) whether there were consultations with the local community regarding the plans for the specified hospital; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how was the community feedback incorporated into the redevelopment strategy; (4) what measures have been put in place to ensure that the hospital aligns with the healthcare priorities and expectations of the communities it serves?
Reply:
1. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) requested the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) to plan the renovation and refurbishment of the existing hospital infrastructure. The department was informed that the cost of renovations was comparatively too high as compared to the cost of building a new hospital. It was then decided that the existing hospital buildings should be demolished, site cleared, and a new hospital be built on the same site.
Further GDOH requested Gauteng Infrastructure Funding Agency (GIFA) to assist with the funding proposals for the demolishing and rebuilding of the new hospital. Currently GIFA is in the process of preparing Business Cases for submission to National Treasury to request alternative funding of the project under the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) Framework.
2. GDOH plans to reopen the hospital as a new district hospital to provide additional level 1 district beds needed within the Tembisa and Kempton Park area. Provision of additional district hospital beds at Kempton Park hospital will alleviate the pressure on the Tembisa Regional hospital and free bed space for level 2 and level 3 patients.
(3) The planning of the project was put on hold in 2019 to ensure funding is secured before the project can proceed. Consultations with local community were planned to take place once the funding of the project is secured and the project is ready to proceed.
4. The construction of a new level 1 Kempton Park district hospital will ensure that hospital aligns with the Departmental Long-Term Plan (LTP) to provide much needed level 1 district beds within the Tembisa and Kempton Park and the surrounding areas.
Tembisa hospital is a regional hospital with the proposed plan to increase the level of care to Tertiary and Regional levels. Currently Tembisa hospital is under severe pressure due to being the only government hospital catering for the uninsured population of Tembisa, Kempton Park and other surrounding areas.
Due to shortage of district beds in the area, Tembisa hospital is using level 2 beds for level 1 patients that are affecting the level 2 bed availability.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3905
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 771 on 27 March 2023 and noting that farming areas of Dordrecht, Jamestown and Aliwal North which are serviced by the Aliwal North Eskom Office still experience weekly outages due to the slightest winds and poor weather conditions suggesting unresolved previously reported defects on these lines, he will furnish Ms A M van Zyl with a detailed (a) plan and (b) timeframe aimed at resolving the defects to ensure that these farming areas enjoy stable electricity supply?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom
Before February 2023, the Melkspruit area had been experiencing poor electricity supply. During February and March 2023, Eskom arranged planned outages to conduct maintenance on the equipment and power lines in the area. As a result, 80% of the defects on the lines were resolved by Eskom’s construction maintenance teams. The reliability and electricity supply situation has been improving since the planned maintenance took place. There has been a significant reduction in the number of faults per month from 19 faults in February and March 2023 to an average of about four faults per month in the last few months. Eskom continues to closely monitor and clear any faults on the power lines in the area.
Remarks: Approved/Not Approved/Comment
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3798
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What are the relevant details of the (a) budget allocated for and (b) actual expenditure on flights of senior management in his department in the (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2020-21 and (iii) 2021 22 financial years?
Reply:
The budget for flights within the Department is not split between senior managers and other officials. However, 95% on average of the travel is undertaken by senior managers. The total flights of officials over the last three years are shown below:
(i) 2019/20 Financial Year:
Expenditure Items |
(a) |
(b) |
Total budget allocated |
Actual expenditure |
|
Flights |
19 557 000 |
15 728 000 |
(ii) 2020/21 Financial Year:
Expenditure Items |
(a) |
(b) |
Total budget allocated |
Actual expenditure |
|
Flights |
3 924 000 |
2 384 000 |
(iii) 2021/22 Financial Year:
Expenditure Items |
(a) |
(b) |
Total budget allocated |
Actual expenditure |
|
Flights |
9 607 000 |
5 130 416 |
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/Comment
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW4030
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has any records of the number of workdays that have been lost to his department due to (a) sick leave and (b) strike action from 1 January 2019 up to 31 December 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a) Public Services employees are entitled to 36 sick leave days over a 3-year cycle as part of their basic conditions of services. In addition, the Annual Report of the National Department of Health publishes leave usage statistics on a year-to-year basis. These leave days are captured on the Transversal system that is administrated by National Treasury (PERSAL). The statistics are as follows:
Year |
Total Sick Leave Days |
Number of Employees using Sick Leave |
Average Days per Employee |
2019 |
7578 |
984 |
8 |
2020 |
1036 |
339 |
3 |
2021 |
2374 |
425 |
6 |
2022 |
5924 |
796 |
7 |
b) The Labour Relations Act (LRA) defines a strike as “the partial or complete concreted refusal to work, or the retardation or obstruction of work, by persons who are or have been employed by the same Employer or by a different Employer, to remedy a grievance or resolve a dispute in respect of any matter of mutual interest between the Employer and Employees.
Furthermore, the section 64 of the LRA stipulates two procedural requirements that should be met for a strike action by employees to be protected and they are as follows: -
- Firstly, it requires that the issue in dispute should be referred for conciliation to a bargaining council or the CCMA.
- Secondly, If conciliation has failed or (thirty) 30 days period has lapsed from date in which the dispute was referred to the council or the CCMA. the employees in the private sector are required give the employer at least a 48 hours’ notice to embark on a strike, while the employees of the state required to give the state seven (7) days’ notice.
In the Department there was no strike action, rather there was a work stoppage due to non-compliance of the infrastructure/ building to Occupational Health Safety legislative framework.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW3222
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO.:PQ 3222 QUESTION: 3222. Mr F Essack (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:In light of the fact that the National Treasury has cautioned that the Government will have to cut back on spending in order to balance the budget and save the Republic from going over a fiscal cliff, what steps have Denel, the South African Forestry Company SOC Limited and Alexkor taken to ensure that they will rely entirely on their own balance sheets instead of bailouts from the fiscus to fund their own operations? NW4296E REPLY: According to the information received from SOCs: ALEXKOR: Alexkor had good returns from the sale of diamonds in the 2022/2023 reporting period and there are sufficient reserves to continue operating in the next 12 months without reliance from the fiscus. DENEL: Denel has tabled a comprehensive turnaround plan dealing with all aspects of the business with the following objectives: Reduced costs and increased revenue Engaged staff who are performance orientated Increased customer base Ensuring effective supply chain procedures Optimized planning and production Partnerships and joint ventures This plan and actions were underpinned by a recapitalisation programme from Government and Denel is currently executing this plan and will not require any additional bailouts from the Government. SAFCOL: SAFCOL has implemented cost curtailment measures since the start of the second quarter. Through this, revenue-generating and compliance expenditure is prioritised. The impact of these cash preservation measures is closely monitored on a monthly basis. Due to this intervention, SAFCOL’s total expenditure at the end of September 2023, was 16% below budget and continues to show positive variances in the forecast for the remainder of the year. SAFCOL has no government guarantees in place and relies on the robustness of its own balance sheet. Currently, there are no indications that any bailouts would be necessary in the foreseeable future. Remarks: Approved / Not Approved/Comments Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP Acting Director-General Minister Date: Date:
Reply:
According to the information received from SOCs:
ALEXKOR:
Alexkor had good returns from the sale of diamonds in the 2022/2023 reporting period and there are sufficient reserves to continue operating in the next 12 months without reliance from the fiscus.
DENEL:
- Denel has tabled a comprehensive turnaround plan dealing with all aspects of the business with the following objectives:
- Reduced costs and increased revenue
- Engaged staff who are performance orientated
- Increased customer base
- Ensuring effective supply chain procedures
- Optimized planning and production
- Partnerships and joint ventures
This plan and actions were underpinned by a recapitalisation programme from Government and Denel is currently executing this plan and will not require any additional bailouts from the Government.
SAFCOL:
SAFCOL has implemented cost curtailment measures since the start of the second quarter. Through this, revenue-generating and compliance expenditure is prioritised. The impact of these cash preservation measures is closely monitored on a monthly basis. Due to this intervention, SAFCOL’s total expenditure at the end of September 2023, was 16% below budget and continues to show positive variances in the forecast for the remainder of the year.
SAFCOL has no government guarantees in place and relies on the robustness of its own balance sheet. Currently, there are no indications that any bailouts would be necessary in the foreseeable future.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved/Comments
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3697
Semenya, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Considering that every government department is required to contribute to social and economic transformation through job creation and allocating a share of its budget to historically disadvantaged individuals, including the most vulnerable members of our society such as women, young persons, military veterans and people with disabilities, what (a) actions has her department taken to help create jobs and spend resources on procurement for black persons and vulnerable groups and (b) are the details of the achievements of the specified categories of disadvantaged populations since 2019?
Reply:
(a) Actions taken by the National Department of Human Settlements to help create jobs and spend resources on procurement for black persons and vulnerable groups.
On 27 January 2022, Cabinet recommended that, all sector departments and State entities should prioritise mass employment. In response to this call, in February 2022, the Department issued a Circular to the Heads of Provincial Departments of Human Settlements and Chief Executive Officers of Human Settlements entities, advising them on the requirement to prioritise the Mass Employment Programme in their respective Annual Performance Plans.
At National Department Level:
- In terms of procurement spending allocation, the national Department of Human Settlements is targeting the procurement of goods and services from Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Level 1 to 4 firms. The B-BBEE Level 1-4 firms are mainly small-medium- and micro-enterprises (SMMEs). It must however be noted that due to the nature of competition and services required, it is not always practical to purchase goods and services from the targeted B-BBEE levels.
- The Department’s procurement is done in terms of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act in terms of which for procurement less than R50 million, bids are scored a maximum of 20 points for Historically Disadvantaged Individuals while for procurement of more than R50 million the maximum score is 10 points.
(b) The department’s contribution to social and economic transformation through job creation and allocating a share of its budget to historically disadvantaged individuals was done through the procurement process as follows:
- For 2019/20 financial year, the National Department of Human Settlements procured forty five percent (45%) of goods and services from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE Level 1-4. The procurement allocation is shown below:
2019/20 |
||
TOTAL SPENT |
R 130 728 311,00 |
% |
Women-Owned Enterprises |
R 30 263 319,21 |
23,15% |
Young Persons Owned Enterprises |
R 10 998 341,15 |
8,41% |
Military Veterans |
R 455 156,07 |
0,35% |
People with Disabilities Owned Enterprises |
R 1 146 564,90 |
0,88% |
|
R 42 863 381,33 |
|
Level 1 |
R 51 841 046,61 |
39,66% |
Level 2 |
R 3 644 208,69 |
2,79% |
Level 3 |
R 2 600 000,00 |
1,99% |
Level 4 |
R 836 187,50 |
0,64% |
|
R58 921 442,80 |
45,07% |
- For 2020/21 financial year, the National Department of Human Settlements procured forty two percent (42%) of goods and services from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE Level 1-4. The procurement allocation is shown below:
2020/21 |
||
TOTAL SPENT |
R118.901.737,52 |
% |
Women-Owned Enterprises |
R15.218.642,06 |
12,80% |
Young Persons Owned Enterprises |
R6.676.519,21 |
5,60% |
Military Veterans |
R22.570,00 |
0,02% |
People with Disabilities Owned Enterprises |
R252.611,25 |
0,21% |
R22 170342.52 |
18,6% |
|
Level 1 |
R36.816.605,46 |
30,96% |
Level 2 |
R3.828.546,14 |
3,22% |
Level 3 |
R2.569.319,93 |
2,16% |
Level 4 |
R6.569.319,93 |
5,52% |
R49 783 791,46 |
41,9% |
- For 2021/22 financial year, the National Department of Human Settlements procured over fifty five percent (55%) of goods and services from suppliers and service providers that were on B-BBEE Level 1-4. The procurement allocation is shown below:
2021/22 |
||
TOTAL SPENT |
R111.024.641,19 |
% |
Women Owned Enterprises |
R26.683.931,58 |
24,03% |
Young Persons Owned Enterprises |
R18.926.372,73 |
17,04% |
Military Veterans |
R0 |
0,00% |
People with Disabilities Owned Enterprises |
R1.555.614,17 |
1,40% |
R47 165 918,48 |
42,5% |
|
Level 1 |
39.381.810,68 |
35,47% |
Level 2 |
14.753.893,24 |
13,29% |
Level 3 |
3.914.289,44 |
3,53% |
Level 4 |
2.938.823,60 |
2,65% |
R60 988 816,96 |
54,9% |
- For 2022/23 financial year, the National Department of Human Settlements procured ninety seven percent (97,68%) of goods and services from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4. The procurement allocation is shown below:
2022/23 |
||
TOTAL SPENT |
R134.338.215,89 |
% |
Women Owned Enterprises |
R50.739.311,49 |
38% |
Young Persons Owned Enterprises |
R75.168.797,70 |
55,95% |
Military Veterans |
R0 |
0,00% |
People with Disabilities Owned Enterprises |
R535.252,00 |
1,05% |
R126 443 961,19 |
94,1% |
|
Level 1 |
50.147.760,18 |
37,33% |
Level 2 |
69.859.296,11 |
52,00% |
Level 3 |
6.170.453,66 |
4,59% |
Level 4 |
5.055.854,34 |
3,76% |
R131 233 364,29 |
97,68% |
- For 2023/24 financial year April to August 2023, the National Department of Human Settlements procured ninety nine percent (99.45%) of goods and services from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4.
The procurement allocation is shown below:
2023/24 April - August |
||
TOTAL SPENT |
R35.653.241,02 |
% |
Women Owned Enterprises |
R23.787.507,04 |
66,72% |
Young Persons Owned Enterprises |
R18.066.659,29 |
50,67% |
Military Veterans |
R0 |
0,00% |
People with Disabilities Owned Enterprises |
R71.317,46 |
0,20% |
Level 1 |
R31.657.270,38 |
88,79% |
Level 2 |
R3.674.984,78 |
10,31% |
Level 3 |
R0 |
0,00% |
Level 4 |
R123.675,86 |
0,35% |
R35 455 931,02 |
99,45% |
(b) Details of sector achievements of the specified categories of disadvantaged populations since 2019
- The National Department further coordinates sector-wide information on employment and training, which is subsequently on a quarterly basis consolidated and reported on mass employment and training issues.
- The Human Settlements subsidy programme is broad, as it caters for both rural and urban communities which township communities. As such, value chain opportunities particularly for business owned entities such as Contractors, Material Suppliers, Professional Resource Teams are spread across the various Subsidy Programmes.
- Since 1 April 2022 of the lapsed 2022/23 financial year up to the end of Q1 of the current 2023/24 financial year, a total of 259 275 job opportunities have been created within the sector. These figures are however not audited.
(b)(i) Military Veterans: During 2021/22:
- KwaZulu-Natal: The Province was supported to train thirty (30) Military Veterans companies, jointly with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), on construction and related fields. After completion of training, successful companies were assisted with the NHBRC registrations. Prior to this, KZN had appointed a Military Veteran’s company in 2016 to build houses for Military Veterans. The same company was also provided with technical and administrative training to ensure that they deliver, however the Province had to appoint three additional contractors in 2022/23 Financial Year to scale up performance.
- Eastern Cape: The Province was supported in the establishment of a Military Veterans Cooperative called Matrosov, which works closely with the contractor to build Military Veterans houses in the Chatty 491 Project in Port Elizabeth. A Military Veteran was also appointed as the CLO and some of the Military Veterans were responsible to provide security to the project.
b)(ii) Provinces and Metros on Human Settlements Conditional Grants
- The National Department continuously encourages Provinces and Metros to annually set aside and allocate at least 40% of their annual conditional grants allocations to business entities/ companies owned by designated groups, with specific reference to three grants, the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG), Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG), and the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) 2021-2022.
- Provinces and Metros are continuously supported to ensure transformation in this regard, including on prioritizing allocation of human settlements projects to business entities of designated groups. The National Department monitors Provinces’ and Metros’ compliance in this regard, with the performance information consolidated, analyzed and reported on, on a quarterly basis.
- The sector performance in job creation through awarding of contracts for human settlements projects to designated and vulnerable groups since 2019 to 2023, as submitted by Provinces, Meros and Human Settlements Entities, is as outlined below. These figures are however not audited.
Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG)
- For 2021-22 financial year, R2 billion was allocated to businesses of designated groups, yielding 46% achievement of the 40% set aside.
- For 2022-23 financial year, R3.4 billion was allocated.
- For 2023-24 financial year, since April-June 2023, R1 136 861 has been allocated.
Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG)
- For 2021-22 financial year, R1.4 billion was allocated for companies of designated groups, yielding 36% achievement of the 40% set aside.
- For 2022-23 financial year, R1 164 345 million was allocated, which included April-June 2023, which is the last quarter of the Metros financial year, with R30 494 spent.
Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG)
- For 2021-22 financial year, R1 million was allocated to companies of designated groups, yielding 36% achievement of the 40% set aside.
- For 2022-23 financial year, R2 million was allocated.
- For the current 2023-24 financial year, since April-June 2023, R98 346 has been allocated.
On an annual basis, Provinces and Metros have collectively allocated o:
- In 2021/22, R3.5 billion was allocated to companies owned by designated groups.
- In 2022/23, R3.7 billion was allocated.
- In 2023/24, R1 235 207 has been allocated.
b)(iii) Human Settlements Entities
National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) 2021-2022
- The National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) plays a major role in creating an enabling environment through provision of housing construction finance and enterprise development.
- For 2021/22 FY: The entity’s value of disbursements for business entities of designated groups was R284 million. 123 SMME’s were supported through the Enterprise Development Programme. R90.3m worth work packages for SMMEs were issued. Out of SMME’s that participated, 42 are women owned entities and 15 include youth owned entities through the NHFC interventions. In total, R374 million was set aside by NHFC.
- For 2022/23 FY: NHFC allocated R274 million through the value of disbursements for Designated Groups. The value of disbursements targeted towards B-BBEE compliant companies - Level 4, 3, 2, 1 Contributor (R'm) was R669 million. The value of disbursements targeted towards black owned entities (R'm). Moreover, women were the most beneficiaries of the First Home Finance (erstwhile FLISP) subsidies that were approved and disbursed. In total, NHFC allocated R1.186 billion.
Social Housing Regulatory Authority 2021-2022
- For 2021/22 FY: The 2021/22 training programme covering a wide range of topics in relation to the programme, saw over 1 201 participants enlisted, of which 572 of attendees were female, 395 youth and 11 were persons living with disabilities. Various awareness sessions were also held focusing on designated groups to ensure their participation in the future social housing development. The existing body of knowledge and information has been formally constituted into materials and toolkits and such unpacked for broader audiences. SHRA spent 81% of its budget on majority owned black business. 93% of the capital grant award were made to majority black owned and controlled businesses.
- For 2022/23 FY: Procurement spent for designated groups women (40%), youth (20%) PWDs (5%). On procurement spent for women was 48.49% and youth 3.42%, with nil expenditure on PWDs. Construction Procurement Spent for designated groups through the Capital Consolidated Grant (CCG) women (40%) yielding (48.9%) and youth (20%) yielding 6.39%, again with nil expenditure on PWDs. Construction Spent for designated groups through Institutional Investment Grant (IIG) target of (40%) yielding 41%. Construction Spent for Black Owned through CCG target of (70%) yielding 70%.
Housing Development Agency (HDA)
- For 2021/22 FY: Procurement spend for designated groups women (40%), yielding 8.12% youth (20%) yielding 2.92% PWDs (5%) yielding 0.53%. Procurement spend targeted at businesses owned by BBBEE level 1-4 (60%) yielding 70.7%.
- For 2022/23 FY: Procurement spend for designated groups women (40%), yielding 52% youth (20%) yielding 23% and PWDs (5%) yielding 5.56%.
National Homebuilders’ Registration Council (NHBRC)
- For 2021/22 NHBRC through the Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme (STEP) trained 9154 individuals on various technical skills. 61% of the total number of individuals trained are women. BEE spend target of 65% yielding 73.72%.
- For 2022/23 FY: NHBRC through the Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme (STEP) trained 8517 cohort of women, youth, people with disabilities and Military Veterans through the contractor training and development as well as the technical skills programme. Procurement spent for designated groups women (40%), yielding 43.24% youth (20%) yielding 34.08% and PWDs (5%) yielding 0.23%.
Community Schemes Ombuds Services (CSOS)
- For 2021/22 FY: CSOS conducted 73 training and awareness raising sessions against a target of 18. CSOS spend 77.05% of its overall budget on BBBEE level 1-2 (R42. 374 million) and BBBEE level 3-8 (R9.340 million) black owned or controlled companies and non-compliant R5.707 million). Collectively, the procurement spent is R 58,851 Rm.
- For 2022/23 FY: CSOS procurement spent for women owned entities for the target of (40%) yielding 41.5%, youth (20%) 9.1%.
Property Practitioner Regulatory Authority (PPRA) 2021-2022
- For 2021/22 FY: The PPRA was able to reach over 5000 through workshops and awareness raising physically and through virtual platforms. PPRA mobilized 2000 interns, predominantly youth through the Services Seta funding
- For 2022/23 FY: The PPRA introduced and reviewed number of transformation and empowerment programmes which includes amongst others, the Principalisation (Incubation) Programme; Regularisation Programme, Consumer Awareness Programme, Work Readiness Programme, Internship Programme – ‘one learner, one property practitioner”.
14 December 2023 - NW3092
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) total amount in debt does (i) Denel, (ii) the SA Forestry Company Limited and (iii) Alexkor owe to date, (b) is the breakdown of (i) the entities that are owed and (ii) the interest accrued to date and (c) amount does each of the three entities pay in interest on the debt owed in each case?
Reply:
According to the information received from SOCs:
ALEXKOR:
a) R4 620 135.75
(b)(i)
(ii) No interest has been accrued on the items listed.
(c) None
DENEL:
- (i) R100m
- (i) Aluwani
(ii) R 5,456,986.30
- 3 months Jibar + 280 basis points
SAFCOL:
(a) (ii) |
R58 537 150 |
|
(b) |
(i) Nedbank Bank: Capital R4 600 167 Standard Bank: Capital R52 483 995 |
(ii) Nedbank Bank: Interest R387 066 Standard Bank: Interest R1 065 922 |
(c) |
Nedbank Bank: Interest R387 066
Standard Bank: Interest R1 065 922 |
Remarks: Approved/Not Approved/Comments
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3516
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether his department has any short-term step-by-step solutions to address the mismanagement of state-owned entities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have directed the boards of several SOCs in my portfolio to formulate and implement turnaround plans. These plans aim to enhance operational efficiency and significantly improve the overall performance of the respective companies.
Eskom
Eskom is making strides towards ensuring energy stability and sustainability. The Generation Recovery plan has already recovered 1,535 MW between April and September 2023 contributing to Eskom’s goal of achieving an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 65% by March 2024. This progress is poised to reduce the intensity and frequency of load shedding while increasing grid capacity. Furthermore, Eskom has significantly improved generation at its coal-fired stations through accelerated maintenance. In addition, the bringing online of three units at Kusile Power Station earlier than scheduled has reduced the amount of load shedding. Eskom’s partnership with independent power producers (IPPs) will add 9,421 MW of renewable energy to the grid. This underscores Eskom’s and the countries commitment to cleaner energy solutions. Eskom is also undergoing restructuring process that will result in the company having ion and Distribution. This is to promote efficiency, accountability, and the adoption of new technologies. The recent debt relief package from the government, along with efforts to strengthen the transmission grid and combat corruption, further solidifies Eskom's position on the path to a sustainable and reliable energy future for South Africa.
In addition to these advances, Eskom has made significant progress in addressing financial challenges and enhancing its corporate structure. The debt relief package of R254 billion from the government and measures to write off municipal arrear debt demonstrate Eskom's commitment to financial sustainability. Their focus on strengthening the transmission grid, with a special emphasis on the first 1,000 km of power lines, underscores their readiness to accommodate power from independent producers. Importantly, Eskom's anti-corruption efforts have led to a number of arrests, the recovery of assets, and the pursuit of criminal cases, affirming their resolve to protect the integrity of the company and public funds. These combined efforts paint a promising picture of Eskom's commitment to a more stable, sustainable, and accountable energy future, ultimately benefiting the people of South Africa.
Transnet
On 1 September 2023, I directed the Transnet Board to urgently address and report to the shareholder on its decisions and recommendations within the next few weeks in respect of, inter alia the following:
- Operational transformation: Develop or enhance a turnaround plan to radically transform the operational performance of each of the business areas, including the restructuring of the entity to deliver on its mandate more effectively and efficiently.
- Root causes: Identify the root causes of the inability of management and staff to meet the performance targets and a plan to deal with the deficiencies.
- Stringent / rigorous accountability Oversight: Transnet to develop, with the DPE and National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), a new framework for transparency and accountability through detailed reporting on the successful execution of the turnaround strategy.
- Digitisation of systems: Mechanisms to speed up the automation and digitisation of performance reporting systems to prevent deliberate and wrongful manipulation of data.
- Rigorous system of controls: Implement urgently the controls identified by the Auditor General reports.
- Private sector participation: Transnet is in the process of getting private sector involved in various capital projects. For example, a reputable international private sector partner has already been identified for the development and operation of the Pier 2 container terminal at the port of Durban.
As a result, the Board and Interim leadership have formulated an impressive “Recovery Plan” that is being rigorously implemented. In particular, the operational inadequacies are being systematically overcome – the assistance of the private sector through the establishment of “Centre of Excellence” will result in better operational outcomes in due course. Similarly, extraordinary efforts are being made to acquire additional equipment to improve port performance. Already a difficult operational approach at the ports introduced by management, is reducing the time spent by ships at anchorage.
Alexkor
Alexkor is solvent and does not have any interest-bearing debt. Alexkor’s financial position has limited financial risk as the largest liability will be settled by ring-fenced funds.
In January 2022, I appointed an interim board to restore governance amid years of instability. The appointment process for a permanent CEO and CFO is underway.
In 2019, we initiated a forensic investigation into allegations of maladministration and corruption. This led to significant findings, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to authorize the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to delve into corruption and maladministration in Alexkor and joint venture diamond operations on December 10, 2021. We remain resolute in our commitment to transparency, justice, and ethical governance as we pave the way for a brighter future.
South African Airways
There have been notable strides in the SAA Strategic Equity Partner (SEP) transaction. The approval of the transaction in July 2023 by the Competition Tribunal offers the potential for a significant turnaround. It provides the opportunity for SAA to comprehensively address and overcome its longstanding financial difficulties, with the added benefit of mitigating the compounding effects of the COVID-19 crisis. By securing a strategic equity partner and fostering collaboration, SAA may embark on a path towards financial stability and long-term viability, marking a pivotal moment in its recovery journey. Currently, it has expanded its route network to 11 destinations and increased a number of aircraft by 9 with further expansion expected over the short and medium term. It also plans to commence international routes with the first flight to Brazil expected shortly.
SAFCOL
SAFCOL's unqualified audit and INFLOMA's clean audit underscore SAFCOL’s financial responsibility and transparency. With a notable R285 million profit, SAFCOL is not only stable but also positioned for growth, especially as it pursues projects like Combined Heat and Power (CHP – generating heat and power from wood chips) to mitigate load shedding risks. SAFCOL’s initiatives further highlight its commitment to social responsibility. SAFCOL is a thriving, responsible organization, ready to embrace future opportunities and challenges.
Denel
In the past three years, Denel was faced with significant viability challenges. The malfeasance linked to State Capture and poor management decisions resulted in a steep decline in revenues and profitability since 2017/18, reversing a 7-year trend of good governance, growth, and profitability. This culminated into in a weak balance sheet, declining order book, poor operational performance, unpaid salaries, and suppliers which resulted in an erosion of key defence industrial capabilities and loss of critical skills.
Government has made significant interventions to stabilize the SOC. In the past five financial years, the State has injected into Denel approximately R9 billion, including settling guaranteed debt which was keeping Denel in a debt trap due to high interest payments. The intervention has resulted in an appreciable improvement in the market sentiments (employees, clients, partners, financial institutions, and suppliers) regarding the clarity of Government’s strategic intent with respect to Denel.
The focus in the near term, the Department is encouraging Denel to optimise on short term revenue opportunities to ensure that the SOC can fund its operational requirements and deliver on existing contracts.
Despite the challenges of the prior years, the interest by both local and international entities as well as government to collaborate with Denel on various defence technologies remains high.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3890
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
Regarding the struggle for foreign qualified doctors to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for every year since 2013, what (a) total number of foreign qualified doctors (i) applied to be registered with the HPCSA and (ii) were successfully registered and (b) were the reasons that the other doctors were not registered?
Reply:
According to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), the HPCSA underwent major organisational changes with substantive configurations that took effect in 2019/20. Regrettably, a lot of information from financial years prior to 2019 is still to be collated through the Knowledge Management Process. Currently, information as it relates to the question asked is available from 2017 as follows:
a) (i) The total number of foreign qualified graduates that applied to the HPCSA between 2017 and 2023 was 3836, and
(ii) of these 2056 applicants did not write the exams for various reasons outlined below. A total of 1780 foreign graduates wrote the exams, 1066 passed and thus qualified for registration.
b) Applicants would not proceed to registration for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to the following –
(i) Failure to provide compliant documentation, including information on curricula, notarized documentation, hours of training, domains covered, etc.;
(ii) Non-recognition of qualification by the designated entity, in this case, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG); and
(iii) Failing, either the theory and/or board examinations.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW4053
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With regard to the Distribution Demand Management Programme (DDMP), (a) how many proposals have been received for (i) Load Management Programme, (ii) Residential Load Management Programme, (iii) Energy Efficiency Programme and (b) what are the relevant details of each proposal in relation to the specified programme; (2) What is the (a) status of each proposal and (b) estimated demand reduction of each project; (3) What are the potential barriers to entry into these programmes that might have affected the intake for each programme; (4) What marketing measures Eskom intends undertaking to improve the intake of the programmes?
Reply:
1. Twenty-three project proposals have been received to date.
- Load Management (LM): 16 proposals received.
- Residential Load Management (RLM): zero proposals received.
- Energy Efficiency (EE): seven proposals received. (See tables in (2) for details).
Of the 23 projects received, 16 projects (11 LM and five EE) have met the programme criteria to proceed to the governance approval stages. (See the tables in (2) for details).
(2)
Eskom Distribution Demand Management Programme – Load Management Projects |
||||||
Project number |
Project name |
Project type |
Demand reduction (MW) |
Project costs |
Status |
Project description |
2023001 |
Cooke 4 Water Pumping System |
Load Management |
10.000 |
R30 000 000 |
Procurement phase |
Optimisation of underground mining water pumping network to enable electrical load shift in the evening peak hours |
2023003 |
Driefontein 4 and 5 Fridge Plant |
Load Management |
5.000 |
R15 000 000 |
Procurement phase |
Optimisation of underground mining refrigeration system to enable electrical load shift in the evening peak hours |
2023008 |
LM Karee 4 – Water Pumping System |
Load Management |
1.000 |
R3 000 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of underground mining water pumping network to enable electrical load shift in the evening peak hours |
2023009 |
LM Karee 4 – Compressed Air (CA) |
Load Management |
1.300 |
R3 900 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of underground mining compressed air network to enable peak clipping of electrical load in the evening peak hours |
2023010 |
LM Samancor WCM Mooinooi CA |
Load Management |
1.000 |
R3 000 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of underground mining compressed air network to enable peak clipping of electrical load in the evening peak hours |
2023011 |
LM Samancor MFC Mills Load Shifting |
Load Management |
1.440 |
R4 320 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of smelter-milling plant to enable electrical load shift in the evening peak hours |
2023012 |
LM Samancor TAS Mills |
Load Management |
1.058 |
R3 174 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of smelter-milling plant to enable electrical load shift in the evening peak hours |
2023014 |
LM Samancor ECM Doornbosch PC |
Load Management |
0.700 |
R2 100 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of air pressure control for the underground mine to enable peak clipping of electrical load in the evening peak hours |
2023015 |
LM Samancor ECM Tweefontein PC |
Load Management |
1.000 |
R3 000 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of air pressure control for the underground mine to enable peak clipping of electrical load in the evening peak hours |
2023016 |
LM Great Noligwa KOSH Pumping |
Load Management |
1.600 |
R4 800 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of underground mining water pumping network to enable electrical load shift in the evening peak hours |
2023017 |
LM Moab Khotsong Compressors |
Load Management |
0.800 |
R2 400 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Optimisation of underground compressor network to enable peak clipping of electrical load in the evening peak hours |
|
|
|
24.90 |
R74 694 000 |
|
|
Eskom Distribution Demand Management Programme – Energy Efficiency Projects |
||||||
Project number |
Project name |
Project type |
Demand reduction (MW) |
Project costs |
Status |
Project description |
2023004 |
Driefontein 5 Service Water Optimisation |
Energy Efficiency |
1.000 |
R3 000 000 |
Procurement phase |
Optimisation of underground mining water pumping network to enable electrical energy savings between 06:00 and 20:00 |
2023005 |
Driefontein 5 Energy Recovery |
Energy Efficiency |
1.800 |
R5 400 000 |
Procurement phase |
Commissioning of an underground turbine to break the water pressure feeding down the mine shaft to generate electricity, reducing the amount of electricity needed from Eskom |
2023007 |
EE Limpopo Schools Lighting Project |
Energy Efficiency |
0.443 |
R1 329 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Replacing old fluorescent lights with energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lighting at 34 Limpopo public schools |
2023018 |
EE Kusasalethu Turbines |
Energy Efficiency |
3.200 |
R9 600 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Commissioning of an underground turbine to break the water pressure feeding down the mine shaft to generate electricity, reducing the amount of electricity needed from Eskom |
2023019 |
EE Shoprite T5 LED Retrofit |
Energy Efficiency |
0.640 |
R1 920 000 |
Investment phase submission for 8 December 2023 |
Replacing old fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting at 31 Shoprite Checkers supermarkets |
|
|
|
7.083 |
R21 249 000 |
|
|
(3)
No. |
Possible barriers to uptake |
Mitigation |
1 |
The DDMP performance contracting programme participating criteria limit mid-segment consumers to participate, as the minimum criteria requirement targets larger projects. |
Review programme participation requirements to attract medium to small customers to participate. Revise the engagement plan to address the missing middle segment. |
2 |
Developers have challenges in securing upfront project funding from commercial funding institutions. The incentive is paid after project implementation and during the sustainability period. |
Project developers have been encouraged to engage the public (Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), etc.) and private financial institutions for support in financing Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management (EEDSM) projects. |
3 |
Project developers, customers, and funders require certainty in the markets when it comes to Demand-Side Management (DSM) incentives. How long will they be available so that they can plan on capital? |
This is important to developers and customers, as it will assist them in the decision to invest. Eskom Integrated Demand Management (IDM) intends to run the DDMP after the Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD) 6 (the 2029 financial year) and to motivate the inclusion of DSM in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which will assist in enhancing certainty. |
4 |
The skills shortage is a critical factor. Most customers do not have the necessary skills and resources to undertake DSM measures. This also has an impact on the assessment of benefits when it comes to DSM initiatives. |
Eskom IDM and the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) have collaborated to assist customers who have the potential to participate. The NCPC has the resources to offer customer training on DSM and to conduct energy assessment audits. |
5 |
DDMP's current engagements are held at executive customer level, and the information is not adequately passed on to on-site engineers to develop projects. |
Engage engineers/energy managers at site level within the cluster. |
(4) The following interventions are ongoing to improve the visibility of the DDMPs:
- Ongoing presentations to industry associations, such as the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and the Energy Services Company (ESCO) Association.
- Eskom has also presented the DDMP at the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) DSM Indabas (national, Western Cape (WC), and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Furthermore, Eskom participates in NECOM Work Stream 5 - DSM as a task team member.
- In addition, Eskom has held EEDSM symposiums and continues to engage with customers and stakeholders to promote and provide clarification on the DDMP performance contracting programmes.
- Eskom IDM management recently held meetings with large municipalities/metros (KZN and the WC) and is planning to engage other distributors.
- Eskom IDM management has decided to conduct roadshows in all provinces that address the missing middle (small- to medium-sized customers) to improve participation.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3830
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What was the total number of (a) rejected, (b) successful and (c) overall applications for water licences in the (i) 2017-18, (ii) 2018-19, (iii) 2019-20, (iv) 2020-21 and (v) 2021-22 financial years?
Reply:
The table below provides details on number of applications for water authorization licenses handled by the Department of Water and Sanitation during the period 2017-2022:
Applications for water licences |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
Total |
a) Rejected |
38 |
112 |
54 |
48 |
37 |
289 |
b) Successful |
700 |
779 |
625 |
626 |
728 |
3548 |
c) Received |
888 |
937 |
1023 |
998 |
940 |
4786 |
The Department did not manage to finalise all applications within the financial years in questions due to capacity challenges. The applications were carried over to the following financial years as indicated in the table below:
2017-2018 |
2018-2019 |
2019-2020 |
2020-2021 |
2021-2022 |
150 |
46 |
344 |
324 |
175 |
The Department of Water and Sanitation, with the assistance of Operation Vulindlela has implemented measures to improve the turnaround times for processing of licences as follows:
- The Organizational Structure of the Department was revised in September 2022 to cater for the establishment of sub-directorates solely focusing on the function of water use authorisation at provincial offices.
- The Department has filled 100 out of the 120 new technical vacant positions within the sub-directorates that were established in 2022.
- An in-house mandatory water use authorisation training programme has been developed and implemented from August 2022 to improve the skills of the officials involved in processing water use authorisation.
- The Water Use Licence On-line platform (E-WULAAS) was enhanced to include a performance monitoring and escalation system that provides for an early warning system and escalation when the allocated days for officials within the authorisation value chain are exceeded.
- New and revised documents aimed at minimising amendments (revised water use licence condition templates and WULA summary reports) were implemented.
---00O00---
14 December 2023 - NW3525
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
a) What steps does he intend to take to (i) curb the exodus of high-ranking officials at state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and (ii) deal with the allegations that this was due to his undue interference in the entities and (b) to what does he attribute the resignation of high-ranking officials in SOEs? NW4691E
Reply:
(a)(i) The Board of Directors, entrusted with the ultimate responsibility and guided by their fiduciary duties, is empowered to manage all facets of the SOE's business. In instances of significant operational challenges affecting both the Company and the broader economy, as exemplified by Transnet, I have tasked certain Boards, including Transnet's, with developing and implementing a recovery plan. This strategic initiative aims to reassess and enhance operational effectiveness, ultimately leading to a substantial improvement in SOE’s performance.
The Boards are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring operational continuity and the successful implementation of the turnaround plans.
(ii) The Shareholder has a responsibility to hold the Boards of SOEs accountable in line with relevant laws including the Companies Act and Public Finance Management Act. Furthermore, the shareholder exercises shareholder rights in line with the Memorandum of Incorporation. There has not been any political interference in the SOEs that resulted in any leadership vacuum.
While the Departments ensures that there is stable leadership in SOEs, we have appointed interim leaders who possess the necessary experience and expertise to effectively manage and guide Eskom and Transnet. We have recently directed the Transnet Board to promptly formulate solutions for a variety of operational challenges, which encompass matters such as accountability, cost structure, and employee engagement.
(b) During extremely challenging times, it is found that more often than not, changes in leadership at both Board and Executive level are necessitated in order to drive urgent change and performance of an organisation, based on its operational requirements and the need for a review and refocus of operational effectiveness. This has been the case in the instance of Transnet and Eskom in recent months.
Leadership change is but one of the levers utilised to drive strategic enhancement of the organizations. It is on this basis that a review of Executive Management to determine whether they were fit for purpose and capable of executing the Board’s revised strategies and plans was undertaken by the SOE Boards. Coupled with leveraging of existing resources to pursue long-term success, the Boards of some entities in the DPE portfolio, namely Transnet, Eskom, and Denel, are undertaking rigorous and comprehensive recruitment processes to fill key positions of Group Executives and Prescribed Officers.
While the recruitment processes are underway the Boards have appointed interim executives and prescribed officers from within their existing management structures, with immediate effect. This ensures leadership continuity and stability, and operational sustainability.
Any assertion of the so called “interference” is rejected emphatically.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
14 December 2023 - NW3652
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) With reference to the remining of rock dumps and tailings storage facilities (TSFs) on abandoned and/or derelict mines, who becomes the owner of a rock dump or TSF on an abandoned and/or derelict mine; (2) whether the specified rock dump and/or TSF falls under the administration of his department; if not, which department does it fall under; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the registered owner has a specified time frame to utilise the waste rock dumps and the TSFs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether the process to be followed for the remining of a rock dump or TSF is the same as the process for a prospecting licence, which would include an environmental impact assessment and a water use licence?
Reply:
1. With reference to the remining of rock dumps and tailings storage facilities (TSFs) on abandoned and/or derelict mines, the person who was legally authorised to mine on the land in question, becomes owner of the movable dumps or (TSFs). Refer to the judgment of De Beers Consolidated Mines versus Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd and Others (3215/06) [2007] ZAFSHC 74 (13 December 2007).
2. Whether the specified rock dump and/or TSF falls under the administration of my department or otherwise, depends on when the dump was created. Dumps created before the commencement of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (“MPRDA”) are regarded as historic dumps. As confirmed in the De Beers judgment mentioned above, these dumps fall outside the jurisdiction of application of the MPRDA and are therefore not subject to its licencing regime. Dumps created post the commencement of the MPRDA is regarded as residue stockpiles and/or residue deposits which walls within the administration of my Department.
3. Whether the registered owner has a specified time frame to utilise the waste rock dumps and the TSFs will depend on the facts of each individual case and the nature of the right(s) and obligations of the owner in each case.
4. Whether the process to be followed for the remining of a rock dump or TSF is the same as the process for a prospecting licence, will firstly depend on whether the dump is historic, or whether the material therein constitutes residue stockpiles or deposits. Secondly, the nature of the activity will determine the extent and nature of the statutory authorisation to be obtained to carry out the activity. In most cases, environmental authorisations and water ule licences are required to carry out activities of this nature.
14 December 2023 - NW4049
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, with regard to the 11th SA AIDS Conference, 2023, that was held in Durban, his department ordered an expo stand; if so, (a) for how many days, (b) what was the cost of the stand (i) in total and (ii) for each day, (c) how (i) was the stand utilised and (ii) is return on investment measured in relation to the stand?
Reply:
The National Department of Health organized an exhibition stand in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) during the 11th SA AIDS Conference.
a) The exhibition stand was on display for three (3) days in line with the exhibition hall operational period.
b) The total cost for the stand was -
- Total cost for three (3) days amounted to R1,055,951. The cost of the stand included booking of exhibition space at the Durban ICC exhibition Hall, Conceptualization, design, production and dismantling of an exhibition stand frame, panels, related items and Recording, production and editing of videography and photography of HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB interventions/programmes that were showcased during the exhibition.
- Costs were not broken-down per day. According to the terms and conditions of the Conference Organisers, the Exhibition space is booked for the duration of the Conference, there are no daily rates applicable.
c) (i) The stand was utilised as a platform to popularise the current National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB and STIs: 2023-2028, and showcasing the achievements of the country’s HIV response.
(ii) Return on investment is that the Department in collaboration with SANAC was able to provide a platform for engagement (dialogues) with various stakeholders on innovative interventions implemented to prevent new HIV infections. Furthermore, delegates had the opportunity to share lessons learnt, best practices and new scientific and behavioural developments in HIV response.
END.
14 December 2023 - NW4050
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, he has undertaken any consequence management measures against certain persons (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) when will the consequence management measures be implemented?
Reply:
a) The correspondence from NEHAWU refers to a forensic investigation that was instituted by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to investigate the allegations levelled against the President of the HPCSA, Prof. M.S. Nemutandani.
It is important to appreciate the following:
- HESA appointed Prof Nemutandani to the Medical and Dental Professions Board (MDB) as per the Regulations relating to the Constitution of the MDB.
- As a Member of the MDB, Prof Nemutandani was one of those designated in terms of section 5(1)(a) of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974 (“the Act”), to be a member of the HPCSA Council.
- Prof. Nemutandani was thereafter elected as President of the Council by the members of the Council per section 7(1) of the Act, and that is how Prof Nemutandani became the President of the HPCSA.
You would appreciate that the President of the Council is appointed by the Minister after being recommended by members of the Council. You would consequently appreciate why the forensic investigation report makes findings and recommendations for consideration by the HPCSA and not the Minister. It is the Council that should consider the report and make recommendations to the Minister on any action against the President of the HPCSA.
b) According to the Registrar of the HPCSA, the matter is currently serving before the Professional Conduct Committee of the Medical and Dental Professions Board. The Committee is tasked with adjudicating whether the acts that Prof Nemutandani is accused of constitute unprofessional conduct as defined in the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974. This matter was first set down for 22 September 2023 but subsequently postponed to 15 November 2023 to allow the respondent to secure a legal presentation as he needed to brief counsel. The matter could not proceed on 15 November 2023 on account of a request for further postponement by the respondent as he had a bereavement in his family. The postponement was granted by the Committee to February 27,28, and 29, 2024. The Minister will be provided with a report upon the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing.
Notwithstanding the abovementioned disciplinary process, which is ongoing, the Department is also taking legal advice in terms of any further steps with respect to the individuals mentioned and the findings of the investigation report because of the nature of the matter and the level of Prof. Nemutandani at the HPCSA.
END.
13 December 2023 - NW4097
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, in light of the statistical information on the outstanding settlement of land claims as at 30 November 2022, which indicates a high number of outstanding claims in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, she can furnish Mr K Ceza with the (a) full details of the 1Â 565 outstanding claims, including (b) locations of the land that is being claimed and (c) names of the claimants?
Reply:
(a)(b) Please refer to Annexure A for KwaZulu-Natal and to Annexure B for Mpumalanga.
(c) In line with the provisions of Section 23 (4)(a) of the Protection Of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No.4 of 2013) (POPIA), the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights is restricted from releasing personal information of third parties.
---END---
13 December 2023 - NW4123
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department monitors the loss of water through leakages; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what specific initiatives and/or strategies are being implemented by his department to address the specified challenges to ensure a more sustainable and efficient water provision system given the alarming daily loss of 1,7 billion litres of water due to leakages and/or inefficiencies in the absence of preventative measures?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation does monitor the loss of water through leakages as reflected in the current No Drop 2023 report, released 5 December 2023.
The latest national water balance indicates a total System Input Volume (SIV) of 4 282.5 million m³/a. The National Non-Revenue Water is estimated at 1 988.5 million m³/a (46.4%) and the water losses is 1 744.7 million m³/a (40.7%). KwaZulu Natal has the highest NRW at 60.5% with Western Cape having the lowest at 27.6%. The national water use per capita is currently 218 â„“/c/d, which is significantly above the international benchmark of 180 l/c/d. Gauteng has the highest per capita usage at 279 â„“/c/d followed by Limpopo (197 l/c/d), then Free State (196 l/c/d), with the rest of the provinces at around 180 â„“/c/d. Western Cape has the lowest water use at 164 l/c/d. The 2023 No Drop Report reflects that NRW has increased from 37% in 2014 to 47%, and water losses have increased from 28% in 2014 to 38%.
Initiatives and strategies being implemented by the DWS to address the specified challenges to ensure a more sustainable and efficient water provision system include the following:
- The Department is continuously monitoring and analysing the progress made with the implementation of Water Conservation and Water Demand Management and targets set during the updating of Reconciliation Strategies at Water Services Authority level, within the eight large water supply systems. All the relevant stakeholders meet twice a year to report progress on the implementation of various strategies which will ensure the sustainability of water resources.
- DWS Minister and Deputy Ministers spend most of their time crisscrossing the country visiting those municipalities with severe challenges with water and sanitation services, including water losses and non-revenue water. DWS and Water Boards are supporting many of the municipalities to implement improvement plans agreed to by Ministry and municipal leadership. DWS works with COGTA, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency, the Department of Human Settlements, and National Treasury to provide support to the worst performing municipalities, including:
- Allocating infrastructure grants worth more than R20 billion per annum to municipalities
- Technical and engineering support and assistance
- Capacity building and training
- Financial management advice and support
- Despite all the support being provided to municipalities, water losses and non-revenue water continue to increase. Fundamental reform is required to arrest and turn around the decline in municipal water and sanitation services. In this regard, DWS has recently gazetted the Water Services Amendment Bill for public comment. The Bill introduces a compulsory operating license system for WSPs, to be managed by DWS as the national regulator, which will enable water services authorities to ensure that water services providers have minimum competency, capability, and performance levels.
---00O00---
13 December 2023 - NW4035
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she intends to establish a functional task team to specifically investigate corruption and maladministration (a) in her department, (b) in licensing offices and (c) by traffic officers; if not, why not; if so, (i) by what date will the specified task team be established, (ii) what intergovernmental relations and agreements are in place with the Anti-Corruption Task Team and (iii) what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
a) No, such a functional task team will be appointed within my Department
We already have the Chief Directorate Internal Audit and Fraud Investigations responsible for internal investigations within my Department.
Within my Department, we have the Sub-Directorate Vehicle and Driving Licence Compliance within the Roads Branch under the Chief Directorate: Road Transport Regulation: (Directorate: Compliance), responsible for investigations.
b) No, such a functional task team will be appointed in licensing offices
We have the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) under the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to eliminate fraud and corruption within the road traffic fraternity.
The primary mandate of NTACU is to combat, prevent, unearth, and investigate cases of alleged fraud and corruption, within the road traffic, in licensing offices (learner testing centers DLTC), vehicle testing centers (VTS), vehicle registration centers, and traffic officer corruption, among others.
c) falls away - response to this question is addressed above.
(i) falls away
(ii) NTACU collaborates with other anti-corruption investigative agencies and with the South African Police Service to ensure the effective coordination of its activities.
These partnerships are crucial in the fight against corruption and maladministration within the transport sector.
(iii) There no formal intergovernmental agreements in place with the Anti-Corruption Task Team
13 December 2023 - NW4130
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Given the increasing demand for accessible and quality higher education, (a) what plans have been put in place to address the expected avalanche of matriculants with bachelor passes, coupled with those who repeat courses at universities, given the limited space at universities and (b) how does his department intend to ensure financial sustainability and/or support for students in the coming 2024 academic year?
Reply:
- The limited spaces at universities arise because each institution must align with its enrolment plans. Students are therefore encouraged to diversify their options and consider TVET Colleges. In this regard, TVET colleges have planned to enrol a total of 482 244 students in all programmes for the academic year of 2024.
- Financial sustainability will be addressed through the provision of loans for the missing middle students, that is students whose household income is between R350 000 and R600 000, thus ensuring that as students repay the loans, they enable more students to access the PSET sector.
13 December 2023 - NW3995
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is delaying the finalisation of the Kramer Family restitution claim that was submitted 27 years ago, considering that the Kramer Family responded to the Mayecon Report within the legal timeframe with evidence to support their dispute, and that all the necessary documentation have been submitted to the Land Claims Commission?
Reply:
The family initially disputed the outcome of the investigation that was conducted by MayeCon and raised dissatisfaction on the extent of the land. A mapping exercise was then conducted by the National Geo-Spatial and Information (NGI) to determine the extent of the land in support of the investigation report. Thereafter the family consented to the outcome of the mapping exercise and this resulted in the gazetting of the claim.
The claim has since been published in Government Gazette No. 4044 on10 November 2023 and in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994, a 90-day period is provided for submission of objections to the claim by any interested parties. Thereafter, the claim will be processed further towards finalisation.
The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights through the Office of the Regional Land Claims Commissioner in Eastern Cape is currently serving the affected landowners with the Gazette Notice.
It is important to note that the delay in the finalisation of the claim was caused by the Community’s disagreement on the extent of the rights lost.
--END--
13 December 2023 - NW4125
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Considering the prediction that the demand for water will surpass available supply in the Republic within seven years, with seven major water systems expected to run out by 2040, what strategic plans and/or interventions are in place to (a) mitigate the impending crisis and (b) ensure sustainable water management for the future?
Reply:
a) The Department is unaware where the prediction that “the demand for water will surpass available supply in the Republic within seven years, with seven major water systems expected to run out by 2040” comes from. It does not come from the Department.
The Department undertakes various water resource and water services planning over 25-year horizons to ensure water security for the whole country including the eight (8) large water supply systems.
The planning includes projections of future water needs across all water sectors including for energy generation, domestic, agriculture, industry, afforestation, and mining, as all these sectors’ water demands are aligned with sector-specific growth projections, climate and others. The planning culminates in several targeted strategies that address water needs for specific areas, as well as the country at large. These are continuously monitored and progressively updated every three to five years to ensure that they remain current and representative of prevailing conditions.
b) To address emerging challenges of climate change, the Department is implementing a National Climate Change Response Strategy for the Water Sector, since 2013, in terms of which climate change has been mainstreamed in the water sector through awareness, training, revision of other sector strategies and plans to consider climate change guided by the developed climate change risk and vulnerability assessment (RVAs) in each quaternary catchment throughout the country.
Furthermore, the Department is updating the National Climate Change Status Quo Report and reviewing the National Climate Change Response Strategy for the water and sanitation sector to reflect new science and knowledge and emerging approaches to address climate change adaptation and mitigation pathways for the sector.
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13 December 2023 - NW4000
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she has found that all the adversities faced by her department lately, such as wheat yield shortages and the avian influenza, could have been avoided by retaining the large number of Assistant Agricultural Practitioners who were axed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No. Additional Assistant Agricultural Practitioners (AAPS) would not have played any significant role in preventing the outbreak of diseases as their role would have been to provide agricultural extension services and not necessarily biosecurity; which is performed by the Animal Health Technicians. They were also not involved in the advisory services to produce wheat which is a highly mechanized operation. Most wheat producers are commercial farmers and the target clientele for the Assistant Agricultural Practitioners were households, subsistence and small holder farmers /producers.
Possible follow up question.
Is the department going to re-hire the AAPs?
Response:
If the National Treasury allocates the department with its provincial departments of agriculture an MTEF funding for their recruitment, the department will assist the Provincial Departments of Agriculture in resuscitating their recruitment process at the provincial level.
13 December 2023 - NW4012
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department has conducted any investigation into the (a) alleged abuse and (b) dire living conditions of farmworkers in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) how often were the specified investigations conducted, (ii) what were the findings of each investigation and (iii) what are the further, relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
(a),(b) No. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has no mandate towards farmworkers’ living conditions. DALRRD is responsible for the provision of long-term security of tenure in terms of Extension of Security of Tenure Act, 1997 (Act No. 62 of 1997) (ESTA) and Land Reform Labour Tenants Act, 1996 (Act No.3 of 1996).
(i), (ii), (iii) Falls away.
13 December 2023 - NW4147
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department has offered any (a) training and (b) support to (i) small-scale farmers and (ii) farmworkers to combat fires; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a) Yes. Both the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Provincial Department of Agriculture offer continuous training and awareness to small scale farmers on the following:
- Basic Fire Management NQF 1;
- Veldfire awareness and prevention;
- National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998;
- Structure of veldfires;
- Basic veldfire behaviour;
- Veldfire suppression tools and equipment;
- Fine fuel suppression techniques and tactics; and
- Fire line safety and special hazards.
DALRRD conducts public awareness and training as one of the preventative measures to prevent uncontrollable veldfires.
(b)(i) The Provincial Department of Agriculture has provided support to small scale farmers affected by veldfires with fodder from their fodder banks. In areas that have been identified as prone to veld fires, resource-poor farmers are assisted with the construction of fire breaks.
DALRRD encourages small scale farmers to adhere to the National Forest Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998) which is currently being reviewed through the formation, and being part of the Fire Protection Associations, creating and maintaining firebreaks as landowners, adhering to the fire danger index and being ready to fight fires in case they occur.
DALRRD disseminates early warning information in the form of advisories and daily extreme weather warnings as a preparedness measure to ensure effective response towards impending hazards including veldfires. Continuous early warnings on fire and strategies are issued to farming communities.
(ii) DALRRD is working with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment to capacitate and train farmworkers on how to create firebreaks and fight fires with the assistance of Working on Fire as well as established Fire Protection Associations in the provinces.
13 December 2023 - NW4196
Seitlholo, Mr IS to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What (a) total number of public infrastructure projects across the country have been (i) suspended and (ii) stopped due to interference by the construction mafia since 2019, (b) is the (i) name and (ii) location of each of the projects and (c) is the total cumulative costs of the disruptions to the economy?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
a) There has been a total of five projects public infrastructure projects that has been halted due to interference by the construction mafia since 2019, one (1) in Gauteng (Pretoria) and four (4) in KwaZulu Natal.
b) Name, location and total cumulative costs of disruptions to the economy:
Name of project |
Location |
Cost implications due to disruption |
Repairs and Maintenance of Roof and Stabilizing of Foundation for Salvokop Radio Tech Unit Official Quarters |
|
|
Durban High Court: Refurbishment and Renovations Including Upgrading Of Toilets and Additional Accommodation |
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|
Umlazi Complex Heritage: Repairs and Renovations to Office Building |
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Port Shepstone Magistrates Office: Construction of a New Building |
|
|
Durban Department of Labour: Durban Service Product: Repair and Renovations |
|
|
13 December 2023 - NW4148
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department has put any measures in place to curb the effects of food insecurity in the rural areas of the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing the Agriculture Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (NFNSP) to ensure that there are sector-wide comprehensive strategies to revitalize and bolster rural economies, improve food security as well as create sustainable jobs and economic opportunities. The plans seek to provide a sector blueprint to spearhead transformation and development under the following pillars:
- Comprehensive support for farmers, extension services and agro-processors;
- Ensuring food security, expanded production and employment creation;
- Enabling market expansion, improving market access and trade facilitation;
- Developing localised food, import replacement and expanded agro-processing exports;
- Establish inclusive local food value chains to support access to nutritious and affordable food; and
- Creating enabling infrastructure.
In support of the AAMP and the NFNSP, DALRRD continues to introduce and coordinate the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of other support and developmental instruments towards ensuring food security especially in rural areas. The NFNSP coordinates support initiatives of various government and non-government departments towards ensuring food security. DALRRD coordinates the NFNSP with other departments such as the Departments of Health, of Social Development, of Basic Education and of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Furthermore, DALRRD is collaborating and coordinating its efforts with other stakeholders (government departments, private sector, non-governmental organisations, producers, producer organisations, and civil society) towards building a resilient, just, inclusive and sustainable food system. The envisaged improved food system will ensure the inclusive involvement of different role players, sub-systems and activities in the production, storage, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products.
The Department is also implementing the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). The project is designed to support a spectrum of opportunities, focusing on job creation through public employment; job retention and direct support to sustain livelihood strategies for vulnerable communities. PES is a pioneer project implemented to support household and subsistence producers with agricultural production inputs. The support provided to PES beneficiaries enabled some to initiate food production projects like backyard gardens, small-scale poultry projects and livestock farming, while assisting other subsistence producers to sustain and increase their food production by supporting them with agricultural equipment, water tanks, and production inputs specific to the commodities they produce. The bulk of the supported producers reside in rural areas.
13 December 2023 - NW4098
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the relevant details of the land claim case (a) by the Motha family in Sycamore and/or Elandshoek 339JT and (b) in Sycamore Farm 340JT in Schoonspruit in Emakhazeni Local Municipality wherein only six people are recorded as claimants?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development through the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights does not have a record of land claim lodged by Motha family. A claim form or any confirmatory documents from the family would assist in confirming the status.
END
13 December 2023 - NW4132
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Recognising the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for national development, what (a) strategies are being implemented by his department to address disparities in access to STEM education, particularly among underrepresented groups and (b) steps has his department taken to promote inclusivity and/or diversity in STEM fields to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce for the future?
Reply:
Question (a): Strategies being implemented to address disparities in access to STEM education, particularly among underrepresented groups.
The Minister recognises and supports the transformation in education, which includes addressing historical inequities to allow underrepresented groups in society to have access to STEM education. In this regard, though, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is the leader, and the Departments of Science and Innovation and Higher Education and Training are limited to providing support to the DBE for this effort.
Based on a collaboration agreement with the DBE, the Department of Science and Innovation facilitates learners' access to extracurricular activities that pique their interest in STEM and help them understand why studying STEM subjects is important. These activities include participating in STEM Olympiads and fairs, as well as having access to supplemental learning and teaching resources that offer real-world examples of the STEM concepts covered in the curriculum. Learners in public ordinary schools, especially those in quintiles 1-3 three, are given priority when these activities are implemented.
Question (b): Steps taken to promote inclusivity and/or diversity in STEM fields to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.
The Department commissioned and completed several studies as the evidentiary basis for policies and interventions aimed at promoting inclusivity and/or diversity in STEM. These studies with a focus on promoting inclusivity and/or diversity include the:
- Retention, Conversion and Progression of Postgraduate students (2015) – a study that looked at the rate of progression from lower postgraduates (Hons) to upper postgraduate (PhDs);
- Postgraduate Research Training in Engineering (2018) – which investigated low PhD graduation rates in Engineering, particularly women PhD engineers and PhD engineering graduates who are South African nationals vs. those from outside the country. This study also found that most PhDs in Engineering get employed in the financial, insurance and fintech sectors in the private sector;
- Building the Cadre of Emerging Researchers in South Africa (2018) – also called the “Silent Majority” study. This study looked at who holds PhDs, who actively publishes and who actively seeks research funding among different emerging researcher groups (by gender and race) in our university system; and
- Recruitment, Retention and Progression of Black South African academics in SA universities (2019) looked at just that, namely blacks and particularly black women recruitment, retention, and progression in the university rungs.
Based on these studies, the Department formulated, implemented, and even recapitalised targeted interventions at the National Research Foundation such as the Thuthuka Programme, and the Black Academics Advancement Programmme. The policy prescripts in the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Funding Policy were also informed by the findings of these studies.
A different set of studies aimed at ensuring the support of a pipeline of a diverse and future-proof, skilled workforce was conducted and completed, including:
- The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) study on Pathways into the Labour Market and Self Employment for Natural Science Graduates (2021);
- The Water Research Commission (WRC:2020) – Tracer study of water PhDs in South Africa. The study focused on the employability of PhD graduates in the water sector; and
- The National PhD Tracer Study (2022) which looked at the relevance and demand for PhDs by different sectors (government, universities, science councils, private sector etc), among others.
The DSI is working with the DHET to finalise a robust one skills plan for the country, that is, a Master Skills Plan for the country.
13 December 2023 - NW4131
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) What has he found has been the three cutting-edge scientific advances and innovations that underscores the prowess of the Republic in light of global advancements in science and technology and (b) how does his department intend to encourage collaboration between (i) academic institutions, (ii) industries and (iii) international partners to promote cutting-edge research and technological innovation in key sectors?
Reply:
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) supports several cutting-edge scientific advances and innovations which enhance the country’s global competitiveness. Some of these scientific advances and innovations are in the areas of Precision Agriculture, Precision medicine, Nanotechnology, Hydrogen and fuel cell, as well as carbon capture and use, and are central to the modernisation approach of the key economic sectors (such as health agriculture, manufacturing and energy) outlined in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan.
PRECISION AGRICULTURE
The Decadal Plan prioritises modernising agriculture and the development of precision and digital agriculture tools that are key to increasing efficiencies in the sector as well as unlocking the bottlenecks with access to science-based decision information and thus inclusion for all farmers. The National Biosecurity Hub launched by the Minister together with his counterpart in agriculture, is a strategic platform prioritising cutting-edge research development and innovation as well as access to molecular and digital tools for diagnosis, detection, surveillance and management of major pests and diseases as well as food safety. The goal of the National Biosecurity Hub is to strengthen national biosecurity, using international standards in the development of national sanitary and phytosanitary systems (SPS), build technical and information management services and meet the SPS requirements of international trade. The hub will serve as a platform to:
- prevent, respond to and manage pests and diseases that threaten plant health, animal health, and food safety;
- conduct research on reported and emerging threats (e.g., biology/detection/diagnosis);
- develop a Biosecurity Information Hub to store and manage SPS and related information (monitoring and surveillance);
- promote engagements on SPS matters by establishing appropriate communication structures; and
- leverage human resources, financial resources, and infrastructure from public and private sectors to support the national biosecurity system.
- The National Biosecurity Hub, coordinated by Innovation African@UP and co-funded by DSI and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is unlike any other globally as it is designed for a resource-constrained environment, and its hub and spokes model is designed to aggregate the benefits from individual commodity/government-industry co-funded multistakeholder and multi-institutional research programmes with a national biosecurity Information Hub that houses the consolidated digital surveillance information. The heat maps and long-term data monitoring is then accessible to DALRRD, which has the mandate for biosecurity and the system would also enable the prioritising of new research needed and building early warning systems.
- The Hub includes linkages with major partners; for example in plant health with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and all relevant universities in South Africa as well as industry partners such as GrainSA and Cropwatch Africa and allows for Integration of data that makes digital systems useful, for example the Biosecurity Africa app used to capture, store & visualise data and partnerships enable the flow of information (i.e. from Biosecurity Africa app to Information Hub.
b) The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
The DSI has played a pivotal role in supporting the collaborative development of a Precision Agriculture Information System by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the ARC. This system is instrumental in de-risking the agricultural sector by furnishing farmers of all scales with data-driven insights that improve decision-making, optimise resource (water, fertilisers) utilisation, and address risks and threats associated with climate change, pests, and diseases.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Precision Agriculture Information System provides weekly information on soil and crop health conditions by integrating ground data collected nationwide and satellite data from the European Space Agency.
(ii) Industries
Based on the development of the Precision Agriculture Information System the DSI provides training for farmers and extension services affiliated with both DALRRD and the private sector to proficiently use the system for optimising crop production.
(iii) International partners
In terms of international partnerships, to foster the digitalisation of the agricultural sector in the SADC region, especially through the utilisation of the Precision Agriculture System, the CSIR has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAD), promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
2(a) PRECISION MEDICINE
This is an emerging field that utilises advanced technologies and data analysis to tailor medical treatment and prevention strategies to individual patients based on their unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The DSI, together with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has been driving the precision medicine initiative in South Africa since 2016. The Programme is aimed at addressing the significant healthcare challenges faced by South Africa, with a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer as well as host genomic influences on susceptibility to infectious diseases (HIV/ TB).
b) The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
Precision medicine-funded projects are spread across universities and universities of technology in all the major provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
(ii) Industries
Since 2016, the SAMRC/DSI has invested €14 million (Euro) in Precision Medicine projects. This small investment has resulted in spin-out companies and the development of products:
- Breast cancer screening, and other cancer-personalised approaches using organoid and omics technology.
- Infrastructure investments have led to fully capacitated labs that are now able to develop scaled genomics studies.
- Pharmacogenomics projects allow understanding of treatment failure with known drugs from the country’s essential drug list.
(iii) International partners
In terms of partnerships, the Precision Medicine Programme is actively seeking programme partners to drive this agenda to develop population-specific genomic studies to move Africa forward and offer an opportunity for the healthcare sector on the continent to incorporate the latest technologies to provide quality care and precision medicine options to African patients. The DSI/SAMRC has established and leveraged international partnerships to support emerging priority areas, namely precision medicine, and antimicrobial resistance.
The DSI/SAMRC play a significant role within the European Union- Africa Personalised Medicine (EU-Africa PerMed) Consortium, which has the final objective of integrating African countries into the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine (ICPerMed) programmes to contribute to the implementation of Personalised Medicine (PM) in the global context. This includes fostering joint precision medicine projects and programmes between Europe and Africa and strengthening bilateral EU-AU science, technology and innovation (STI) in health. In the long run, incorporating African countries in the global precision medicine research agenda can contribute to reducing existing health disparities between developed and developing countries, as well as facilitating access of African countries to new tools and technologies that have the potential to make healthcare more efficient and equitable.
3. NANOTECHNOLOGY
The ability to manipulate matter at the nanometre length scale has given birth to nanostructured materials with exceptional properties that were never observed for similar micro-structured and bulk counter-part materials. Such properties include high chemical and biological reactivities, high surface area-to-volume ratio, high mechanical strength, high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity as well as unique light scattering and absorption properties.
This cutting-edge technology offers several opportunities for development of the manufacturing sector with applications in water treatment, health and consumers materials such as cosmetics. Domination of markets is largely determined by speed to commercialisation of the nanotechnologies. South Africa and most African countries are lagging compared to other countries in Asia, Europe and America. The Nanotechnology market in the U.S. is estimated at US$16 Billion in the year 2020, and clearly this cannot be ignored. In response to this development the Department has initiated to drive the development of Nanotechnology in the country including the establishment of the Nanotechnology Innovation Centres, one at Mintek and the other at CSIR these focus on research that drives the development of commercial products. Some of the Industrial products developed at Mintek include the water filter systems for mine-water treatment, development of point of care diagnostic kits for detection of HIV, TB and lately Covid-19. The CSIR has developed commercial products which include plastics used in food packaging, cosmetics, and paint additives.
3(b) The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
Nanotechnology research and education is spread across the country. The DSI supports postgraduate training through a master’s programme which is offered across four universities, the University of the Western Cape, University of the Free State, Nelson Mandela University and the University of Johannesburg. Research is funded across different institutions nationally, including the North-West University for research into health and safety assessment of nanomaterials, the Nanomedicine Platform at Nelson Mandela University and the Green Nanotechnology at the University of the Western Cape.
(ii) Industry
The Nanotechnology Innovation Centres collaborate extensively with industry with Mintek focusing on the mining sector and the CSIR broadly on the manufacturing sector. Several agreements are in place for the joint development of technology and provision of services to industry. The Nanomaterials Industry Development Facility (NIDF) was set up at the CSIR to assist the industry and SMME sector with scale-up and pilot facilities as well as characterisation for product development.
(iii) International partners
On international collaboration, the DSI has several active programmes in place such as the participation in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the development of standards, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for safety aspects. There are also several agreements to stimulate collaboration between scientists in joint projects with several countries including the BRICS countries, as well as Egypt and Ethiopia in the current year.
4(a) HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL, CARBON CAPTURE AND USE TECHNOLOGIES
The Decadal Plan identifies energy innovation as a priority area to support a diversified and sustainable energy mix that is secure, accessible and affordable. A stable and reliable energy mix is key to supporting economic recovery. The DSI has invested in the development of emerging energy technologies focused on local value addition and reducing the carbon intensity and greenhouse gas emissions of the country's energy mix, to mitigate the negative impact of climate change.
Investments have been made in the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies that leverage the country’s resource endowment in platinum group metals (PGMs), wind, solar and land availability to drive the transition to a low carbon and sustainable energy system. However, the transition to a low carbon economy needs to be just and equitable and have minimal negative impact on existing sectors.
In this regard, the DSI has invested in the demonstration of carbon capture and use technology to support the continued use of coal in power generation while reducing the emissions from the coal fired power plants. The carbon capture and use (CoalCO2-X) technology captures the flue gas pollutants (carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx)) and converts them into value added products such as fertiliser, sulphuric acid and nitric acid, using low emissions hydrogen and ammonia produced from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The conversion of the flue gas pollutants into the value-added products used in agriculture and industry provides an opportunity to create new industries and jobs adjacent to the coal fired power stations, while preserving existing jobs in the coal sector.
The reduction of the carbon intensity in the energy mix will support the global competitiveness of South African made products, given the move by some trading partners such as the European Union to impose punitive taxes on imported goods based on their carbon content.
4(b( The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
The DSI has supported the development of technologies along the hydrogen and fuel cell value chain under the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Programme through the Centres of Competence (CoCs) located at Universities and Science Councils. The leading Universities include North-West, University of Cape Town and University of the Western Cape, while the Science Councils include Mintek and the CSIR.
To date, the HySA Programme has been able to train MSc and PhD graduates in engineering and related fields, publish in ISI journals, generate a healthy portfolio of Intellectual Property Rights, as well as develop prototypes and demonstrate them in real world environment. Furthermore, commercial products have been sold and trade secrets declared through Spin-off companies. PGM based catalysts and other components for fuel cells and electrolysers, as well as metal hydride-based hydrogen storage technologies have been locally developed that will position South Africa to be a significant player in the global hydrogen economy. A summary of the outputs from the HySA Programme include:
- 192 (MSc and PhD) graduates in engineering and related fields.
- 352 publications in ISI journals.
- 30 intellectual property rights filed.
- 15 intellectual property rights granted.
- 27 technology demonstrations in real world environment.
- 18 commercial products.
- 7 trade secrets declared.
- 3 spin-off companies.
On the carbon capture and use technology, the North-West University and University of Cape Town are working on the production of low emissions (green) hydrogen and ammonia, as well as the development of catalysts for the conversion of the captured carbon dioxide to low emissions diesel respectively.
(ii) Industries
The HySA CoCs have worked with industry partners such as Anglo-American Platinum, Sasol, Impala Platinum and Bambili Energy (small medium and micro enterprise (SMME)) in the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The carbon capture and use technology has been successfully demonstrated at a Cement plant in partnership with PPC Cement and EPCM global (SMME).
(iii)International partners
In the Hydrogen Economy, South Africa is an active member of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) and is the current Chair of the IPHE. The IPHE is a governmental platform with 23 member countries, including the European Commission, and is dedicated to the development and sharing of information on the Hydrogen Economy, as well as to assist in the development of safety, codes and standards to promote the global trade in low emissions hydrogen. In addition, South Africa collaborates at bilateral level with several countries like Japan, Germany, United Kingdom and Germany.
13 December 2023 - NW4190
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, with reference to (a) his reply to question 1643 on 26 May 2023 and (b) the meeting on Tuesday, 14 November 2023 with the interested and affected parties discussing a scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment process, how is it possible that the Hillside Siding coal wash plant on Elandspruit, Farm 291 JS, in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality has been established and operational despite the farm not having records of (i) a water use registration, (ii) an approved EIA, (iii) an approved Basic Assessment Report, (iv) an approved Environmental Management Programme; (2) whether Hill Siding has been authorised to make use of the specified property(ies); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with a copy of the said authorisation; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date and (b) what are the further, relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
1. It is not within the mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to grant Environmental Authorisations nor approval of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The DWS has or will investigate the issue of possible unlawful water use activities on the said property and take necessary corrective actions where necessary. DWS conducted an investigation at Beethoven Investment Portion 62 of the Farm Elandspruit 291 JS on 24 October 2023. The findings of the investigation were as indicated below:
- Stockpiles of coal were observed on site at Beethoven Investment Pty Ltd: Hillside Siding Facility.
- There was a borehole on site that was being used for domestic purposes.
- There were no coal washing activities taking place on site.
- Coal crushing, blending and washing equipment were observed on site, however during inspections it was found that they are not being used.
- 4 water storage tanks were observed on site and they were found to be empty.
- A water bouser of 15000L storage capacity was observed suppressing the dust on site and along the road. The facility representative indicated that the water used for dust suppression is taken from the Pollution Control Dam (PCD) that is situated at Beethoven organics Site.
- No unauthorised water use activities taking place at Beethoven Investment site during the site visit.
2. The DWS only requires the owners of activities to provide proof of lawful access to the properties where water use activities take place during the water use authorisation process. As indicated in DWS reply to NA question 1643, there is no record of water use registration nor authorisation for the activities at Portion 62 of the Farm Elandspruit 291.
3. It is not the within the mandate of the DWS to grant Environmental Impact Assessment approvals/ authorisations.
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13 December 2023 - NW4175
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What is the total number of persons employed under the Expanded Public Works Programme in each province?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
During the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Phase IV which covers the period from 01 April 2019 – 30 September 2023, the following persons have been employed on the EPWP per province in each financial year as per the records sourced from the EPWP Reporting System.
Table 1: Number of persons employed in EPWP in each province per sphere of government in 2019/2020 |
Table 2: Number of persons employed in EPWP in each province per sphere of government in 2020/2021 |
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Table 3: Number of persons employed in EPWP in each province per sphere of government in 2021/2022 |
Table 4: Number of persons employed in EPWP in each province per sphere of government in 2022/2023 |
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Table 5: Number of persons employed in EPWP in each province per sphere of government in 2023/2024 (up to end of quarter 2)
Province |
Municipal |
National |
Provincial |
Total |
EC |
16 686 |
41 530 |
71 395 |
128 728 |
FS |
4 043 |
18 873 |
8 825 |
31 665 |
GP |
26 603 |
19 387 |
21 131 |
66 625 |
KN |
33 474 |
45 187 |
77 758 |
155 493 |
LP |
14 291 |
29 859 |
23 555 |
67 468 |
MP |
8 479 |
24 220 |
13 839 |
46 282 |
NC |
1 614 |
14 987 |
6 554 |
23 061 |
NW |
3 863 |
19 210 |
22 471 |
45 402 |
WC |
36 029 |
13 328 |
14 685 |
63 449 |
Total |
145 068 |
229 247 |
260 200 |
630 619 |
13 December 2023 - NW4145
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether his department has recently adopted any step-by-step measures and/or policies to combat high incidences of sexually transmitted infections in institutions of higher learning; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Background and Context
- HIGHER HEALTH Delivery against the HIGHER HEALTH Model
HIGHER HEALTH has a three-tier model that has emerged from our hands-on experience over many years. We continue to conceptualise and deliver our programme in terms of three broad processes:
- Level 1: Knowledge transfer –designed to reach the entire student population.
- Level 2: Practical learning – a more focused intervention that requires active student participation.
- Level 3: Linkage to services – to cater to individual students based on their needs.
The implementation of the HIGHER HEALTH Model has reinforced the significance of a holistic approach to health education. By employing different tiers, the model ensured comprehensive coverage of health topics while catering to individual student needs. The diverse programs within the model enabled knowledge transfer, practical learning experiences, and linkage to essential health services, fostering a conducive environment for students' overall well-being.
First Things First Health Days are the vehicle for much of the Health Promotion, testing, and screening that has become a hallmark of the HIGHER HEALTH approach. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of health promotion for health service providers to ensure sustainable working life for individuals involved in providing health services. Such sustainability begins when students preparing to manage their own future health and welfare in working life. HIGHER HEALTH model has been instrumental in supporting students to manage their health and determining their level of risk. The increased demand for education as prevention increased health-seeking behaviours amongst students in the reporting period.
Step-by-step measures and/or policies to combat high incidences of sexually transmitted infections in institutions of higher learning; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
1. Background Context and Policy
- (WHO) Global Health Sector 2022-2030 details the vision, goals, and actions to ending the STI epidemic. Strengthening STIs case management is one of the key priorities of the strategy Effective people-centred
- HIV, TB, and STIs: National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2023 – 2028 for HIV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) has been developed, and aims to reduce barriers to accessing health and social services. It builds on lessons from the previous NSP and promotes a new and urgent focus to reducing inequalities for all people living with HIV, TB and STIs who are not benefiting from treatment and care services.
- The inclusion of mental health services and social support is based on the strong association between HIV, TB and STIs, sexual and gender – based violenece (SGBV), human rights violations, inequalities and mental health and Viral hepatatis has also been included and the prevalce linked to linked to HIV and STIs. HIGHER HEALTH is scaling up interventions that includes health awareness campaigns, distribution of IEC materials, dialogues on HIV/STI/TB, risk screening for ADAP/LGBTQI/Disability, HIV testing, TB screening, cancer screenings, referrals, contraceptives distribution, and female condoms provision. Each intervention aimed to improve the health and well-being of students.
2. Training and Capacity Building for HIGHER HEALTH Clinicians
- Training on the latest National Department of Health (NdoH), Adult Primary Care (APC) guideline 2019/2020 which is a comprehensive approach to the Primary Care of Adults 18 years and above.
- APC 2019/2020 aligns with all NDOH policies and Clinical protocols for Primary Health Care and includes the latest reviewed version for STI treatment which is the Comprehensive STI Clinical Management Guideline 2017.
3. Service Delivery
- Provision of Information
- Counselling and education, including HIV testing
- Circumcision promotion (counselling to continue condom use)
- Cervical cancer screening
- STI Campaigns Condom promotion, provision and demonstration to reduce the risk of STIs.
- Risk Screening – Screen all Beneficiaries accessing HH Mobile Clinic.
- Linkage to Care for all Beneficiaries screened positive, and their Contacts are referred for treatment and further management to the Clinic.
- Review the compliance/ adherence with treatment and Follow-up care for all Referrals and Contacts to ensure successive referrals.
- Monitoring and evaluation
13 December 2023 - NW4124
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the concerning findings in the 2023 Blue Drop Watch Report, indicating that 15% of the water supply systems in the Republic are in poor and/or critical condition, what specific measures and/or immediate steps has his department undertaken to (a) address the identified shortcomings and (b) improve water quality compliance across these systems?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is prioritising grant applications aimed at addressing water supply systems which are in poor or critical condition. The Department allocated infrastructure grants worth more than R14 billion for the 2023/24 financial year to municipalities.
The DWS, together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and Nation Treasury have developed an action plan aimed at municipalities which have wastewater and/or drinking water systems that scored less than 10% in the Green Drop and/or Blue Drop assessments (i.e. municipalities which are performing the worst in terms of their water quality and sanitation services).
This plan has been approved by Cabinet and presented to COGTA MINMEC. The Departments are working together to ensure that the plan is implemented to improve the status of water services. This includes:
- Technical and engineering support and assistance
- Capacity building and training
- Financial management advice and support
The Department has issued non-compliance letters to water supply systems with poor drinking water quality compliance and in some cases these municipalities issued water advisory notices where the quality did not improve. Some of water services authorities have responded by indicating the actions taken, which includes procurement of laboratories services by the municipality in order to improve the situation. Despite all the support being provided to municipalities, the drop reports indicate that water services continue to decline. There are limitations to which national support programmes can turn around the decline at municipal level.
Fundamental reforms are required to arrest and turn around the decline in municipal water and sanitation services. The Department will soon issue updated and more comprehensive national norms and standards for water and sanitation services for public comment. The DWS will also publish a National Regulatory Dashboard showing compliance with national norms and standards as monitored and reported amongst others by Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop Results.
Furthermore, the DWS has gazetted the Water Services Amendment Bill for public comment. The current Act distinguishes between roles of Water Services Authority (WSA) and Water Services Provider (WSP) in municipalities. WSA is the part of the municipality that is responsible for ensuring that water services are provided according to national norms and standards (the local regulator) whilst WSP is the part of the municipality which is responsible for providing the service. The Bill clarifies functions of WSAs and WSPs, including that billing and revenue collection for water is a WSP function.
The Bill introduces a compulsory operating license system for WSPs, to be managed by DWS as the national regulator. This will enable WSAs to ensure that WSPs have minimum competency, capability, and performance levels. The Bill will empower the Minister of Water and Sanitation to instruct a WSA to appoint a Water Services Provider that is licensed. The Bill will further provide for Minister to implement regulatory enforcement protocols (non-compliance notices, directives) for water services, and to make gross non-compliance an offence, similarly to the National Water Act.
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13 December 2023 - NW4146
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What was the (a) projected and (b) actual revenue received from state-owned properties in the (i) 2020-21, (ii) 2021-22 and (iii) 2022-23 financial years?
Reply:
a) The projected and actual revenue from state-owned properties occupied by the user departments are indicated below;
State Owned Accommodation |
||
Financial Year |
(a) Invoiced/Projected |
(b) Received |
2020/2021 |
R 5 382 221 884,11 |
R 5 048 285 505,60 |
2021/2022 |
R 5 719 345 190,78 |
R 4 921 330 617,60 |
2022/2023 |
R 5 257 798 063,65 |
R 5 124 918 666,37 |
The projected and actual revenue from state-owned properties occupied by private individuals are indicated below;
Rental Debtors |
||
Financial Year |
|
|
2020/2021 |
R 61 164 329,20 |
R 53 454 604,02 |
2021/2022 |
R 67 426 045,17 |
R 58 131 159,65 |
2022/2023 |
R 84 865 150,26 |
R 61 976 390,53 |