Questions and Replies

Reply:

I have been provided with the requested information by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Department and following the tabling of the information, no statement appear to be necessary.

The information supplied by the CFO is as follows:

1. The service providers for the specified goods are as follows:

 

Service provider	Goods provided	Total amount (R)
Multisurge (Pty) Ltd	Masks	69 000
Evergreen	Gloves	2 493
Triple N Medical Supplies	Gloves, masks, hand sanitiser	117 301
		188 794

2. There were no deviations from standard supply chain management procedures. The procurement for PPE was done in line with the initial Instruction Note from NT in which NT identified and provided a list of suppliers on which the State could urgently procure PPE from identified suppliers.

3. Procurement was assessed and awarded in line with National Treasury prescripts for procurement as per the Health and Safety guidelines issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

-End-

Reply:

1. There are no South African Police Service (SAPS) athletes on an Operational Excellence Course Programme.

1. Not applicable.

Reply to question 1298 recommended/

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2020/07/02

Reply to question 1298 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL, BH CELE, MP

Date: 04/07/2020

Reply:

1. On 13 December 2019, a total of 4 971 new recruits successfully completed their training.

2(a)(b) Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and reservists were and are still deployed for routine operations, for policing services and the enforcement of the coronavirus (COVID-19) preventative measures. It is preferred/recommended that the figures are not provided, for security reasons.

3. The process of finalising the SAPS 2020 Trainee Intake was at an advanced stage. However, it was unfortunately suspended, until further notice, by the Minister of Police, due to the State of National Disaster and subsequent nationwide lockdown, which was announced by the President of the Republic of South Africa, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recruitment plan of the SAPS is currently being reviewed, in order to respond to the COVID-19 restrictions put in place, such as social distancing, restriction/suspension of large gatherings/meetings, etc..

4. The filling of other vacancies in the SAPS is continuing, however, it has not been po9sible to enlist new SAPS member6 to report for training at the various training academies in the country, due to the COVID-19 restrictions and protocols (social distancing, large gatherings/meetings, physical training, etc)

Reply:

1. (a) (c) The following goods were procured:

• 75 Laptops and 75 Laptop bags from Massmart Stores for a total of R682 350.00.
• 75 Data cards and 75 Wi-Fi routers through the RT 15/2016 (Vodacom) for R43 038.75.
• 1000 Masks from Hlathi Developments and Enterprises (Pty) Ltd for R35 750.00

2. No

Reply:

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) CEO advises me that the acquisition transaction has been successfully executed and the project is currently in development, including a Bankable Feasibility Study is in the process of being finalised and negotiations are underway with all key stakeholders including Eskom. The IDC has concluded it negotiations with the parties and is now a 22.5% shareholder in New Largo Coal (Pty) Ltd (NLC).

By way of background, at the end of 2015, Anglo American plc announced it would be disposing of its coal assets as part of its restructuring and drive to reduce debt. Amongst the South African coal assets was New Largo Mine, which was at an advanced feasibility study stage at the time of disposal.

The IDC, CoalZar and with the Seriti Consortium agreed to co-bid for the purchase, with the purchase price and pre-implementation costs are being funded by shareholder loans. The purchase price was funded in proportion to shareholding. The IDC funding also included funding on behalf of Employee and Community Trusts and the bankable feasibility study review and completion. Seriti and Coalzar continue to fund the New Largo’s operational costs.

The mine will be strategically developed to support Eskom’s Kusile Power Station. Given New Largo Coal’s proximity to Kusile, I am advised by the IDC that it is well positioned as a supplier, and it is expected that Kusile will purchase approximately 70% of the company’s coal production.

The IDC decided to participate in the transaction, since in its view it facilitates the creation of a significant black industrialist in the coal mining space and supports its strategy of increasing production of energy minerals that ensure security of energy supply. I am advised that the project is expected to create 1 100 direct jobs and 478 construction jobs.

The IDC’s participation in the New Largo Coal project, brings the total value of approvals to black industrialists in the mining sector to R8,4 billion since 1 April 2015, supporting 29 deals (net) in the sector over the period. Total approvals to black industrialists across all sectors totals R25,2 billion since 1 April 2015.

 

-END-

Reply:

To assist existing SMMEs to start conducting businesses again after the effects of Covid-19, the Department of Small Business Development has initiated various programmes to support both formal and informal businesses. The informal and micro-business support schemes include:

1. The Spaza Support – this scheme is not only meant to su
2. Small Scale Bakeries and Confectioneries Business Support Scheme;
3. Small Scale and Micro Clothing, Textile and Leather Business Support Scheme; and
4. Automotive Aftermarkets Support Scheme.

More dedicated interventions such as those for butcheries, informal restaurants, personal care support are being finalised to support the micro and informal businesses to ensure the most vulnerable sector, which employs the largest number of people is adequately supported. These schemes fit in well with the Cabinet approved Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme that the DSBD is expected to implement during this current financial year.

In addition, the Department of Small Business Development is finalising other interventions to support formal SMEs when they return back to business activities during and post-Covid-19 pandemic. These interventions include the Business Viability scheme, which is targeting businesses through the economic recovery phase as we will be ensuring that SMMEs are ready to adjust to the new ways of doing business and ensuring that their business processes are adjusted to suit the new ways of doing business. Another intervention is the small scale manufacturing scheme to support and bolster local manufacturing as part of the department’s localization programme.

Public announcements are made as and when a support programme is ready to be rolled out. The four interventions specified in the first paragraph above, were all in place by the 24 May 2020.

Reply:

(a)(b)(c)(d)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is responsible for the production of population estimates. The South African Police Service (SAPS) does not calculate the murder rate, per 100 000 persons, for (a), (b), (c) and (d), due to the complexity of the determination of the population estimates around those variables. Stats SA applies specific models and the SAPS does not have record of the models for population e6timates and computations. The crime statistics for 2019/2020 have not been published by the Minister of Police.

Reply to question 1297 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2020/07/02

Reply to question 1297 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL, BH CELE, MP

Date: 04/07/2020

Reply:

SASCOC indicated that;

1. SASCOC does not pay any retainer to any lawyers. Lawyers are paid as billed for each individual legal matter engaged.

2. Staff members are currently working remotely and will need to go to the office to extract the information required. Therefore we are unable to respond to this question at the moment.

Reply:

The control of Roodeplaat Dam is covered under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Environment, forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), and the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation (DHSW&S). DHSW&S appointed DEFF as the implementing agent to control all Invasive Alien Species (AIS) on the dam, including Water Hyacinth (Eichhomia cassipes] which is the major aquatic weed present on the Roodeplaat Dam.

a) The 2014 Strategic Plan for the Control of Aquatics Weeds in Roodeplaat Dam is currently under review due to the National Water Act amendment regarding the application of Section 21 (i) and Section 21 (c) permit applications. This requires that any activities that are implemented on the dam needs to be approved by the DHSW&S. The directive to stop all spraying on Roodeplaat dam was given by the DHSW&S at a stakeholder's meeting held on the 7th of February 2020.

b) DEFF has been working on the permit needed to commence activities on the dam for the manual

removal, biological and potential harvesting of biomass. The Department submitted a proposal for a Section 21 (c) permit for the algal control programme that occurred In March 2020, prior the SA Rowing championships event. This was approved, and assisted the swing event to go ahead due to the removal of the cyanobacterial blooms on the dam. The COVID-19 lockdown temporarily stopped all implementation activities such as the manual removal of the Water Hyacinth biomass from the dam and the release of biocontroI agents.

c) DEFF is currently in the process of directly appointing contractors to manually remove the Water Hyacinth biomass on the dam, but first needs to ensure that and safety compliance measures are in place. Furthermore, COVID-18 risk assessment training must be done with the contractors before allowing them to start work again. The stakeholders around the dam agreed to assist in the control of the Water Hyacinth, in the stakeholder's meeting held on 7 February 2020. DHSW&S informed stakeholders of their responsibilities on the dam, ‹elating b the National Water Act. It was indicated that the stakeholders' assistance in this regard is a responsibility under the National Water Act and, as such, they will not be compensated.

Regards

MS B D CREECY,

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: 3/07/2020

 

Reply:

1. The department did not award tenders for Covid-19

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

1. The is no procurement facilitated through deviations for Covid-19

Not applicable

Not applicable

1. There were no tenders awarded

Reply:

SASCOC indicated that no athlete that represents the Republic as part of Team SA that is delivered by SASCOC to any multi-coded sporting event has to pay anything. Team SA is funded by grants and sponsorships.

Reply:

Minister of Employment and Labour was neither asked nor replied to Question 1057 on 19 June 2020.

Reply:

a) The members in Ghunu Diamonds CC are Martins Bernardo Paolo Sergio who is a 50% member’s interest holder and Cloete Ghusain who is also a 50% member’s interest holder. All members are South African residence.

b) The corporation holds a prospecting rights with bulk sampling to prospect for diamonds.

c) The right was issued on the 10th September 2015 under reference number NC 30/5/1/1/2/10090 PR to prospect for Diamond (Alluvial) in respect of a Portion of the farm Brazil No 329, in extent of 4043.9282 hectares, situated within the administrative district of Namaqualand. The right was issued for a period of two years ending on the 9th September 2019. The corporation applied for a renewal under reference number NC 30/5/1/1/2/12024, which is now granted pending execution.

d) The rehab amount requested is R210 000.00 and is deemed adequate.

 

DDG: MR

Date:

Recommended / Not Recommended

Advocate TS Mokoena

Director General: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

………………/………………/2020

Approved/Not Approved

Mr SG Mantashe

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2020

Reply:

1. The feel reserves at each of the refineries and depots are a function of the market share of each of the oil companies as well as company policy.
2. No domestic shortages are foreseen, Currently all the refineries are operational with the exception of the Milnerton Refinery which is on a planned maintenance shutdown. It is expected to be back online by the first week of July 2020.
3. Yes. Oil Companies have individual contracts with neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana, and they supply them accordingly

Reply:

a) The funds were shifted from Programmes, 1, 3 and 5 of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

b) Please refer to the table below.

Programmes	Relevant Details	Amount
Programme 5	Land Reform	R 147 600 000
	Agricultural Land Holdings Account (ALHA)	R 923 000 000
Programme 1	Administration	R 129 400 000
Programme 3	Rural Development	R 100 000 000

Reply:

1. (a) No. The CEO did not create two senior positions of Compliance Manager and Covid-19 Manager.

(b) (i) – (iii) and (2) Falls off as indicated above.

Reply:

1.  The Department has promulgated a Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Mitigation and Management of Covid-19 Outbreak. For instance, the Guideline requires the employers to ensure that employees returning from areas which are regarded as hotspots of COVID-19 are quarantined for 14 days before they return to work. Also, there must be vigorous screening and testing at the mines as well as to ensure that hygiene practices and the provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) are maintained.

Further, the Department conducts inspections to ensure that effective measures are implemented on the mitigation and management of COVID-19 and issue instructions where necessary to ensure compliance with the legal provisions.

2. The Guideline issued by the Department does not require for only screening to be done but for employees to also be tested. In fact, most of the cases reported by the sector were asymptomatic and were as a result of the DMRE requirement for testing to be done.

The mines are also required through the Guideline to work in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) when conducting contact tracing.

 

Chief Inspector Mines

Date:

Recommended / Not Recommended

Advocate T S Mokoena

Director General: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

………………/………………/2020

Approved/Not Approved

Mr SG Mantashe, MP

Minister of Mineral Resource and Energy

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2020

Reply:

1. The Department will make available all narrative and financial reports of the previous CCIFSA board within its disposal upon request.

2. (a) The Department has allocated the sum R2, 5 million to the current CCIFSA.

(b) The purpose for this allocation is ensure that CCIFSA hosts a policy conference as resolved in the last CCIFSA election conference.

(3) No. There is no lack of transparency.

Reply:

1. The Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RADP) no longer exists in the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform. The new Land Development Support Programme (LDS) was introduced to implement projects identified under the Stimulus Package. The implementation is done through commodity organisations and some financial institutions. Thus far, 146 farmers have been approved for the Stimulus Package an farms are at different levels of implementation of Business Plans that were compiled with the assistance of Commodity Organisations.

(a) The total cost approved for the LDS policy in March 2019 is R 1 272 686 995,87.

(b)(i) Seven (7).

(b)(ii),(c) Please refer to the table below.

Number	(b)(ii) Names of the Commodity Organisation	(c) Amount Paid To date
1	National Emerging Red Meat Producers Organisation (NERPO)	R 139 475 117.73
2	GFADA (Grain Farmers Development Association)	R 64 431 316.66
3	Grain SA	R 0.00
4	SAPA (South African Poultry Association)	R 0.00
5	Potato SA	R 0.00
6	Citrus Growers Association	R 0.00
7	Deciduous Fruits Development Chamber (DFDC)	R 0.00

(2)(a) The role of Entsika Foundation in the implementation of the LDS programme was to conduct farm assessment, monitoring and evaluation. Entsika Foundation has since completed its work and exited the programme.

(b) The amount of R 143 016 641.12 was paid to the Entsika Foundation.

Reply:

 

1. Beaches are open under Alert Level 3 to fisherfolk with permits for commercial, small-scale and recreational fishing.
2. The Disaster Management Regulations and the Fisheries Directive under Alert Level 3 set no curfew for the operations of commercial, recreational and/or small-scale fisherfolk.
3. During Lockdown Alert Level 3, Marine Protected Areas that are zoned for fishing are still open to fisherfolk with permit for recreational fishing
4. Commercial Fishing Harbour remain open to fisherfolk with permit for recreational fishing. Although it is important to note that due b security concerns, ports under the National Ports Authority (TNPA) remain heavily regulated, with some ports having a restriction on recreational fishing and others having designated and open areas for the public, with relevant permit, to fish.
5. Determination of safe staffing levels (or the number of individuals who are permitted on private fishing vessels) is the e9pon9Ïbility of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and this is done in terms of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951) section 68(1),72a(2) and 194(1).

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: 2/7/2020

Reply:

SASCOC indicated that no monies where ever paid to the Commonwealth Bid Committee. All expenses for the Commonwealth bid were paid directly to service providers by SASCOC.

Reply:

All the twelve (12) prohibited fish species that apply to the South African recreational fishing sector as listed in Table 4 of the Recreational Fishing Brochure have been listed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species under different categories.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP

MINISTER OF FORESTRY FISHERIE8 AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Date: 3/7/2020

Reply:

1. State-owned entities reporting to the Minister of Finance, namely, Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and South African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA), paid dividends to the state in the last 10 years:

2. Over the past 12 years, government has allocated about R162 billion to the financially distressed state-owned companies (SOCs). These allocations generally provide short-term support to the relevant distressed SOC as a result of various reasons. Of the total allocations, Eskom accounts for 82 per cent. In 2019/20, government allocated R49 billion to Eskom and committed R112 billion in the medium-term funding. For more details on the bail outs and government guarantees extended to each respective SOC, please refer to the attached annexure A and B.

Reply:

1 a) Progress in establishing the stakeholder forum has been severely impacted by the lockdown restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently a stakeholder mapping exercise i9 Underway aimed at ensuring that all affected stakeholders are part of the forum. This exercise is being undertaken in conjunction with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Province, which have provided a database of existing air quality stakeholders in the South Durban Basin (SDB).

(b) The stakeholders that have been identified for the mapping exercise and inclusion in the forum are Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO's) /Community Based 0ganÏ98tI0n8 (CBO's) that are active in air quality issues in the SDB, industry organisations in the SDB (specifically those who have an impact on air quality), departments responsible for air quality management across all three spheres of government, academia and any other interested and affected parties that may be identified in due course

(c) As already indicated, the Department is working closely with the municipal and provincial officials who have provided the Department with a database of existing air quality stakeholders. The database has been used to announce the establishment of the forum as well as the stakeholder mapping exercise currently under way. Prior to the lockdown restrictions, the plan was to hold community gatherings in the SDB as a means of introducing the forum. This plan will be implemented once the restrictions Ioosen up enough to allow community gatherings to take place

(d) The contact person in the Department is Vumile Senene (Director: Air Quality Management Service), Tel: (012) 399-9217, Email: [email protected]

e) Completion of the initial stakeholder mapping and •on-boarding sessions' for stakeholders happened at the end of June 2020. The on-boarding sessions will assist the stakeholder to contribute to the terms of reference for the forum and other related aspects. The first virtual meeting will take place on 22 July 2020 and the Department has already sent out a letter to identified stakeholders introducing the forum.

(2) (a) The process to conduct the South Durban health study has been initiated by the department. The department, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the Provincial government are in the process of concluding the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the study. The TORs will then be consulted with the various stakeholders, which include indU9tdes, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and academia. The Department is determined to use available channels to expedite inputs from all affected and interested parties. As such the first stakeholder consultation will be conducted on 22 July 2020 and it will be a virtual meeting given the Covid-19 restrictions on both travel and meeting/gatherings .

b) Once the TORs are finalised, the government Supply Chain Management process will be followed to appoint a qualified and suitable service provider. Any potential service provider is allowed to submit a proposal, which will be evaluated following the Supply Chain Management process and National Treasury Regulations. The plan is to conclude the appointment of the service provider during this financial year and start the actual work in the next financial year (2021/22). Given the financial constraints and the experience with the precious health studies conducted in the Highveld and Vaal Triangle Air shed priority areas, this study is planned for a maximum of 36 months.

c) The National Air Quality Officer, Dr Thuli Khumalo, is the person responsible for the health study. Her contact details are: [email protected] Tel (012) 3998187.

Regards

MS B D CREECY,

MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE EWIRONMENT

DATE: 2/07/2020

Reply:

(1) Yes, reporting through the section 71 reports have been inconsistent in the last months. There have been cases of overstatement and sometimes understatements but the former more prevalent. The newly regulated (1 July 2017) Municipal Standard Chart of Account (mSCOA) requires that municipalities upload their budget and financial information in a data string format to the Local Government portal across the six mSCOA regulated segments. This is the first municipal financial year that the section 71 report is compiled by using the figures from the mSCOA data strings. Previously (prior to 01 July 2019) the National Treasury allowed parallel reporting and used data from return forms that was submitted to the Local Government Database to prepare the section 71 reports. The introduction of the mSCOA is intended to improve reporting to a substantially accurate level in the future, however, most municipalities are still getting used to the mSCOA requirement, therefore, inconsistencies in the current reporting are observed. Municipalities are making an effort to submit credible section 71 reports.

(2)(a) In as far as the submission of credible data is concerned, the defaulting municipalities differ from month-to-month.

(2)(b)(i) At the core (nature) of the problem is:

• The incorrect use of the mSCOA chart and municipal accounting practices by municipal officials;
• Municipalities are not locking their adopted budgets or their financial systems at month-end to ensure prudent financial management;
• Poor or no ICT upgrades (servers, hardware and software) and maintenance, resulting in the ICT environment not being able to cope with the modern technology required to implement mSCOA; and
• Some municipalities are still not budgeting, transacting and reporting directly in or from their core financial systems. Instead they prepare their budgets and reports on excel spreadsheets and then import the excel spreadsheets into the system. Often this manipulation of data lead to unauthorised, irregular, fruitful and wasteful (UIFW) expenditure as well as fraud and corruption as the controls that are built into the core financial systems are not triggered and transactions go through that should not.

(2)(b)(ii) Before each quarterly Section 71 publication, the municipalities receive their submitted financial figures in the publication report format and are asked to verify the accuracy of the financial data. They are given 5 days to make any corrections. Publication reports are re-issued until the municipality is satisfied. The accuracy of section 71 information is then signed off by the respective Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer.

As the National Treasury has no access to municipal financial systems, inaccuracy of submissions compared to the figures carried within the financial systems cannot be determined. The signatures of the Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer indicate to the National Treasury that the municipality agrees with the representation of their figures in the Section 71 publication.

(3) The improvement of the credibility of the data strings is a priority for National and Provincial Treasuries and is analysed monthly upon successful submission of the data strings. The findings of the analysis are shared by the National and provincial treasuries with the respective municipalities. Municipalities are required to correct any errors in the data strings in the next month and non-compliance letters are send to those municipalities that are persistently not complying with the mSCOA Regulations. Technical assistance to correct errors and training are also provided to ensure that municipalities submit credible information.

Reply:

(a) The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) as amended, allows any person (legal/natural) to apply for either mining rights, prospecting rights or mining permits. The department has a Small Scale Mining Section which is responsible to assisting those who are struggling financially to apply for permits or rights. Applications can be accepted and processed only where there is no existing applications or rights issued for the same mineral and land. Illegal activities that are taking place in Namaqualand are in respect of areas that are part of rights already issued to other entities. It is unfortunate that others resort to conducting illegal mining instead of approaching the Department for assistance.

(b) There was a process initiated by the department to engage the legal right holders before national lockdown to work on a plan to accommodate the illegal miners in the area. The department also advised the illegal miners to form Cooperatives so that they can be collectively assisted (where possible), and only on areas where no entity holds a right or permit. NW1493E

DDG: MR

Date:

Recommended / Not Recommended

Advocate TS Mokoena

Director General: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

………………/………………/2020

Approved/Not Approved

Mr SG Mantashe

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2020

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department purchased goods below the amount of R500 000.00.

Name of company (a)	Amount of each transaction (b)	Service and/or product rendered (c)
Bidvest	R14 173.45	500 surgical masks
Bidvest	R41 021.88	Sanitizers
Bidvest	R20 100.00	1 200 surgical masks
Biologica Pharmaceuticals	R53 300.00	2 000 surgical masks
Multisurge	R23 000.00	10 infrared thermometers
Womens Edition	R135 000.00	5 litre x 500 sanitisers
Maxitrade 48 General Trading	R126 500.00	5000 cloth masks
Maanda-nes investments	R429 000.00	Decontamination for 12 months
Lechoba Medical Technologies	R13 179.00	200 safety goggles to protect eyes
Training and Consulting	R27 500.00	500 face shield
Kgosigadi Health Solution	R84 604.26	First Aid room goods
Blax Interactive Trading	R96 887.50	Pedal operated sanitisers
Mutanzhela Bidvest Services	R285 000.00	Auto Dispenser, sanitisers x12 months for monthly delivery and refill

(2) Yes, there was a deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures for the procurement of sanitisers.

a) Quotations were sourced immediately after the President announced the Covid-19 National State of Disaster and there was no stock available from other prospective suppliers.

b) Sanitisers for an amount of R41 021.88 were procured from Bidvest.

(3) Most of the purchases were done via the National Treasury Convid-19 contract list.

(4) No statement will be made on the matter.

Reply:

(a) (i) South Africa has a constitutional dispensation that recognises and protects the rights of those who lawfully occupy land that belong to others whilst simultaneously protecting the rights of those who own land. There’s currently no moratorium on eviction from farms since there’s no law authorising a moratorium and further, because any law seeking to provide for a moratorium is unlikely to survive constitutional scrutiny.

(ii) It is not correct that the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) does not address the issue of evictions from farms. It needs to be appreciated that whilst the Legislature has passed laws to provide statutory recognition of occupation rights to persons that lawfully occupy land, such laws do provide for situations where occupation rights may be lawfully terminated and therefore evictions may then follow. There are however balancing safeguards in that evictions are subjected to a judicial process and self-help measures by landowners are criminalised. The Department therefore addresses eviction matters within the provisions of existing land tenure laws.

In addition to the above during this time of national disaster, Regulation 36(1) issued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 enables any competent court to grant an order for the eviction of any person from land in terms of the provisions of Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62 0f 1997,provided that any order of eviction shall be stayed and suspended until the last day Alert Level 3, unless a court decides that it is not just and equitable to stay and suspend the order until the last day of the Alert Level 3 period. All legal representatives appointed for farm dwellers have been made aware of these Regulations and courts are enforcing them.

(b) The following measures will be put in place:

• Promote awareness regarding the existence of statutory tenure rights and mechanisms that are designed to support the observance or protection of such rights through local media, art and direct interaction with farm dwellers;
• improve access to justice for those with insecure land tenure through collaboration with Legal Aid South Africa and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development; and targeted acquisition of land in areas that are prone to evictions as well as in areas that are in close proximity to, or are habited by farm dwellers.

Reply:

1. Yes, the NLSA appointed the Director: Graduate Development Programme.

(a) The NLSA’s Recruitment and Selection Policy was followed as it relates to head hunting as the appointment was on a short-term fixed contract.

(b) The person has project management training and experience working in LIS projects continentally and internationally.

Due policy processes governing appointment of personnel in the National Library of South Africa were not observed fully in the appointment of this director, subsequent to this I have written to the Chairperson of the Board directing that an Investigation be instituted on the matter and a report be sent to me in fourteen working days.

Reply:

a) The quantum of the Financial Management Grant to Madibeng Local Municipality amounted to R2 235 000 for the 2019/20 financial year, as published in the Division of Revenue Act.

b) This is a conditional grant and in terms of the framework covers a next three-year period.

c) The grant is administered through transfers to the municipality, reports received from the municipality, and is in terms of their municipal support plan.

d) Section 12 of the Division of Revenue Act provides the checks and balances as wll as the framework within which the grant is implemented. It also stipulates the roles and responsibility of the receiving officer. Municipalities must submit to NT regular reports on spending, which are aligned to their support plans. Moreover, the grant and its utilization is submit to the external audit process undertaken by the Office of the Auditor-General.

Reply:

(a) The NLSA does not have any employees sitting at home pending disciplinary hearings.

(b) N/A

(c) 

Year	Number of Acting Positions
2017	4
2018	1
2019	7
2020 (to date)	5

Reply:

a)  The R 1.3 billion Covid-19 grant came from different programmes of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

b) Please refer to the table below.

Programmes	Relevant Details	Amount
Programme 5	Land Reform	R 147 600 000
	Agricultural Land Holdings Account (ALHA)	R 923 000 000
Programme 1	Administration	R 129 400 000
Programme 3	Rural Development	R 100 000 000

Reply:

1. (a) The Department has allocated R1.1 million and reprioritised R1.5 million for the management of COVID-19 within its offices, i.e. four buildings at head office and six regional offices. The budget is meant to cover the supply of masks to 3 800 employees, procurement of sanitisers, scanners, personal protective equipment for the cleaning staff, decontamination and deep cleaning of offices. In view of the capacity constraints in cleaning services, a service provider had to be procured for deep cleaning and augment the existing capacity for a three months period. In addition to the above, the Department is in the processes of procuring emergency and pyscho-social support services, stands for sanitisers with foot pedals, thermal cameras and digital scanners as the small hand-held scanners are proving to be unreliable. The additional needs will amount to R2.3 million. In total, the Department will incur expenses to the total value of R5.0 million

(b) Letters were sent to universities on 13 May 2020 requesting them to submit costed Teaching, Learning and Assessment Plans, as well as Campus Readiness Plans to the Department by 19 May 2020. Universities submitted costed Campus Readiness Plans, which varied considerably with respect to what institutions wanted to implement and with regards to the funding required and the equipment requested. Funding required varied from as little as R2.1 million to R 402.8 million. Some suggested items were large infrastructure changes that would not be possible. The total cost of the submitted plans was R1.85 billion. This was assessed as unrealistic as many items indicated were unnecessary.

The Department, in consultation with Higher Health who assessed these plans, decided that there are certain legitimate expenses that institutions will incur that they could not have been budgeted for prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Department should consider providing a second COVID-19 Responsiveness Grant (CRG-2) to assist institutions with these costs. The Minister has been requested to approve the re-prioritisation of R526.3 million from the 2020/21 earmarked grants not yet transferred to assist universities to pay for unbudgeted items for campus readiness and health and safety measures over the next period.   

TVET Colleges have been able to reprioritize approximately R780 million from their current 2020 operational budgets to assist with COVID 19 related expenditure.

Total cost to be incurred by Community Education and Training (CET) colleges is
R27 million to prepare for the reopening of their facilities after the easing of the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.

(2)  (a) The Department had planned to acquire additional capacity in the form of nurses within the Employee Health and Welfare unit but has since entered into a partnership with the Health and Welfare SETA for the provision of nursing services to do screening and contact tracing. The Department will be increasing its cleaning capacity by employing more cleaners at head office and in colleges, and in particular Community Learning Centres colleges that do not have dedicated cleaners as they are using the Department of Basic Education’s facilities.

(b) (i) Universities’ plans make provision for the employment of additional staff where required. All universities have made provision for physical distancing in their plans.

Social distancing has been prioritised in TVET colleges firstly through the staggered return of different student cohorts over a 7-week period, as well as through the splitting of classes and revision of timetables. These arrangements will not require additional lecturers.

The CET colleges are not employing additional staff; however, the following conditions have been applied in determining the resumption of classes. Only colleges that have satisfied the social distancing requirements have allowed staff and students to return effective from 23 June 2020. The return of different categories of CET college staff to their workstations and students to their learning sites is subject to readiness of the colleges and learning sites as well as appropriate social distancing measures put in place by colleges.

(ii) All universities have made provision for essential health and safety items. The Department has recommended to the Minister that funding through the proposed CRG -2 be approved for the following categories as advised by Higher Health: 

• Requirements for environmental and regular cleaning in line with the health and safety protocols, including cleaning equipment and material and the appointment of additional cleaning staff.
• Personal protective equipment appropriate for front-line staff, staff in university clinics and the general student and staff population.  
• Internal isolation and quarantine facilities (levels 4 - 2 of the risk-adjusted strategy) and external facilities (only if this is necessary after level 1 has been announced and 100% of students have returned to the campus).
• Clinical support in the form of locums at the university clinic, mental health support, etc.
• Screening stations and equipment. This may include additional staff.

TVET colleges have been monitored over the last 6 weeks in terms of their readiness to receive staff and students. By mid-June 2020, all the protocols for COVID-19 compliance, as set out by the Department of Health and the Guidelines for PSET institutions for Management of COVID-19, were above 90% readiness. As at 26 June 2020, the state of readiness was at 98%. Higher Health trained staff across all colleges on implementing the protocols.

All CET colleges have assured the Department that personal protective equipment for staff and students were procured from the budget set aside to deal with COVID-19.

Reply:

(1)(a),(b)(i),(ii),(c),(i),(ii) Please refer to the table below.

Province	(a) Applications Received	​(b) (i) Applications Approved	b. (ii) Applications Rejected	(c)(i),(ii) Rand Value Approved Applications
Eastern Cape	10 608	1 627	8 981	R 65 694 654.50
Free State	5 384	389	4 995	R 17 197 596,77
Gauteng	1 299	991	308	R 38 471 000,00
KwaZulu Natal	4 695	2 786	1 909	R 99 741 480,61
Limpopo	7 776	2 030	5 746	R 86 465 940,34
Mpumalanga	5 439	825	4 614	R 38 953 637,76
North West	8 645	2 988	5 657	R 69 114 248,00
Northern Cape	8 861	1 428	7 433	R 46 050 944,00
Western Cape	2 440	1 555	885	R 58 128 746,00

2. No.

(a),(b),(c) Falls away.

Reply:

SASCOC indicated that no loans are provided to staff as per policy and standard operating procedures.

Reply:

1. The Department purchased goods and services below the amount of R500 000 connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

a) Name of Company	b)Amount	c)Goods/Service Acquired
Lathi Warehouse and Distribution	R8 750,00	Thermal Scanners
ECM Technologies (PTY)Ltd	R49 162,50	Hand Sanitisers
Tara Health Care (PTY) Ltd	R217 940,00	Hand Sanitisers& Face Masks
Seloro Media (PTY)Ltd	R24 500,00	Face Masks
Total Resource Corporation Africa	R1 480,00	Thermal Scanner
Queenswood Pharmacy	R1 950,00	Thermal Scanner
Clicks	R920,00	Hand Sanitisers and Masks
Builders Warehouse	R550,00	Sanitiser Dispensers
Servest Hygiene & Servest Interior Solutions	R1 782,50	Hand Sanitisers
Clicks	R474,60	Hygiene Wipes
Builders Warehouse	R427,90	Sanitiser Dispensers
Servest Hygiene & Servest Interior Solutions	R1 782,50	Hand Sanitisers
Waverley Pharmacy	R1 299,90	Thermal Scanner
Lynwood Road Pharmacy	R1 985,40	Hand Sanitisers and Masks
The Laser House	R1 875,00	Desk Shields
The Laser House	R1 875,00	Desk Shields
Lynwood Road Pharmacy	R1 990,60	Hand Sanitisers and Masks
Pest Control Experts (PTY)Ltd	R54 500,00	Disinfecting and Sanitising of Building
Lathi Warehouse and Distribution	R32 200,00	Masks
Masana Hygiene Services (PTY)Ltd	R11 316,00	Rental of Hygiene Equipment
Talking Heads Advertising(PTY)Ltd	R1 800,00	Marketing material for the Tourism Relief Fund
Lynwood Road Pharmacy	R1 997,50	Hand Sanitisers
Ackermans Pharmacy	R374,00	Face Masks
Mopani Pharmacy	R307,00	Hand Sanitisers and Masks
Brooklyn Pharmacy	R245,00	Hand Sanitisers and Masks
Pick and Pay	R1 997,50	Hand Sanitisers

2.There was no deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the specified transactions.

3. Most of the purchases were below R 2000 and were paid from petty cash. The goods and/or services were purchased from the specified companies who had stock available and was lowest in price.

4. No statement will be made on the matter.

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department of Public Service and Administration purchased goods and services below the amount of R500 000.00 connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

1(a) SAFARMEX Medical Logistics, Ment Medical and Waste (Pty) Ltd, Tripharma (Pty) Ltd, BAJU Cleaning Chemicals, Breakthrough Co-operative Limited, Vitee General Dealer, Monabo Hygiene Service, Supra Latex (Pty) Ltd, Cognitive Medicals (Pty) Ltd, Sikelela Medical and Dental Supplies, Mramazing The Stylist and Tebelelo Solutions.

1(b)

• SAFARMEX Medical Logistics - R69 893.55
• Ment Medical and Waste (Pty) Ltd. - R122 700.00
• Tripharma (Pty) Ltd. - R5 999.30
• BAJU Cleaning Chemicals. - R34 500.00
• Breakthrough Co-operative Limited. - R21 395.00
• Vitee General Dealer. - R72 500.00
• Monabo Hygiene Service. - R117 886.50
• Supra Latex (Pty) Ltd - R5 520.00
• Cognitive Medicals (Pty) Ltd. - R407 855.00
• Sikelela Medical and Dental Supplies - R19 752.40
• Mramazing The Stylist - R3 600.00
• Tebelelo Solutions - R46 904.89

1(c)

• SAFARMEX Medical Logistics - 50x Automated hand sanitizer dispensers and 200x 1 litre hand sanitizer.

• Ment Medical and Waste (Pty) Ltd. - 1000x Masks, 1000x Aprons and 1000x Gloves.

• Tripharma (Pty) Ltd. - Two Infrared Thermometers.

• BAJU Cleaning Chemicals. - Hand Sanitizer, 600x 200ml bottles.

• Breakthrough Co-operative Limited. – 1100x Cloth Face Masks.

• Vitee General Dealer. - 2500x Packets of Disinfectant wipes.

• Monabo Hygiene Service. - Disinfecting Batho Pele Building.

• Supra Latex (Pty) Ltd - Four Infrared Thermometers.

• Cognitive Medicals (Pty) Ltd. - PPE's and consumables.

• Sikelela Medical and Dental Supplies - 15x Wall mounted automatic hand sanitizer dispensers and 100x litres of sanitizer for the dispensers.

• Mramazing The Stylist – 240x Cloth Face Masks.
• Tebelelo Solutions - 120x 200ml hand sanitizer, 120x Face shields, 300x Aprons, 48x 1 Litre Handheld spray sanitiser, 100x 1 litre Hand Sanitiser to refill spray bottles and 120x Sanitising wipes.

(2)

• SAFARMEX Medical Logistics – Deviation approved.
• Ment Medical and Waste (Pty) Ltd. - No Deviation.
• Tripharma (Pty) Ltd. – Deviation approved.
• BAJU Cleaning Chemicals. – No Deviation.
• Breakthrough Co-operative Limited. – No Deviation.
• Vitee General Dealer. – No Deviation.
• Monabo Hygiene Service. – Deviation approved.
• Supra Latex (Pty) Ltd – No Deviation.
• Cognitive Medicals (Pty) Ltd. – Deviation approved.
• Sikelela Medical and Dental Supplies – No Deviation.
• Mramazing The Stylist - R3 600.00 – No Deviation.
• Tebelelo Solutions - R46 904.89 – No Deviation.

2(a)(b)

• • SAFARMEX Medical Logistics – Deviation on the basis that it was the only supplier on National Treasury’s Transversal Contracts RT32-2019 and RT76-2019 who had stock from the excess of thirty suppliers engaged.
  • Tripharma (Pty) Ltd. – Deviation on the basis that from eleven (11) suppliers approached, only two responded with quotations instead of at least three quotation as prescribed by the SCM processes. Tripharma was the cheapest.
  • Monabo Hygiene Service. – Deviation on the basis that from the three (3) quotations received, two of the service providers did not quote according to specification.
  • Cognitive Medicals (Pty) Ltd. – Deviation approval on the basis that Cognitive quoted an amount of R407 855.00 which was cheaper than the other three quotations received which exceeded R500 000.00. The second quote amounted to R662 707.50, the third R944 625.00 and lastly

R1 305 083.50. The quotations which exceeded R500 000.00 were not considered as they were above the “Request for Quotation” threshold.

(3)

• SAFARMEX Medical Logistics - 50x Automated hand sanitizer dispensers and 200x 1 litre hand sanitizer for Batho Pele Building for the use by staff and visitors.
• Ment Medical and Waste (Pty) Ltd. - 1000x Masks, 1000x Aprons and 1000x Gloves for in-house Cleaners to use during cleaning operations.
• Tripharma (Pty) Ltd. - Two Infrared Thermometers to check body temperature of DPSA officials and visitors entering the Department.
• BAJU Cleaning Chemicals. - Hand Sanitizer, 600x 200ml bottles for DPSA officials who make use of public transport.
• Breakthrough Co-operative Limited. – 1100x Cloth Face Masks for the issuing and use by DPSA officials.
• Vitee General Dealer. – 2500x Packets of Disinfectant wipes for the issuing thereof to DPSA officials for the disinfection of workstations and submissions.
• Monabo Hygiene Service. - Disinfecting Batho Pele Building. Disinfection of the building prior to officials returning to work in a staggered approach.
• Supra Latex (Pty) Ltd - Four Infrared Thermometers. Additional two thermometers for the use at Batho Pele Building and two for the use at the Thusong Service Centre located at Maponya Mall in Soweto.
• Cognitive Medicals (Pty) Ltd. - PPE's and consumables. Replenishment of PPE’s and consumables to be used by DPSA officials at Batho Pele Building.
• Sikelela Medical and Dental Supplies - 15x Wall mounted automatic hand sanitizer dispensers and 100x litres of sanitizer for the dispensers to be used at the Thusong Service Centre at Maponya Mall.
• Mramazing The Stylist – 240x Cloth Face Masks for officials at the Thusong Service Centre at Maponya Mall.
• Tebelelo Solutions - 120x 200ml hand sanitizer, 120x Face shields, 300x Aprons, 48x 1 Litre Handheld spray sanitiser, 100x 1 litre Hand Sanitiser to refill spray bottles and 120x Sanitising wipes for officials at the Thusong Service Centre at Maponya Mall.

(4) The Minister will make a statement on the matter should the need arise.

Reply:

The Minister of Tourism, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, did not participate in meetings during the German Chancellor’s State Visit to the Republic of South Africa that took place on 6 February 2020.

a) what discussions took place pertaining to tourism,

• N/A

(b) what resolutions and/or agreements were reached in this regard and

• N/A

(c) how will her department monitor the implementation of the resolutions and/or agreements?

• N/A

Reply:

It is important to note that the Department of Tourism is not responsible for this site. The property (Nelson Mandela Capture Site) is owned by the Umgeni Municipality. The operations are managed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The Department has provided funding for the construction of the entrance gate, driveway, partial fencing and landscaping in 2018/19. The lighting infrastructure was not part of this scope of work and relates to separate work that was done by the Umngeni Municipality.

(a) - (d) Not applicable

The Honourable Member is advised to approach the owning entity, namely the Umgeni Municipality for the information that he requested.

Reply:

Honourable Member, the 2019/20 annual reports of both the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Water and Sanitation are only due by 30 September 2020.

Reply:

a) What amount of research and analysis was conducted by the National Registrar of Tourist Guides in each month:

The initiatives that the department has implemented in terms of research and analysis are individual projects that run over a financial year rather than on a monthly basis."

(i) In the past three financial years:

2017/2018

Research was conducted on the following topic: “A Policy Review of the Tourist Guiding Sector in South Africa.’’

2018/2019

Research was conducted on the following topics: ‘’ The Indigenous Story-Teller (IST)’’ and “Cross-Border Themed Tourism Routes in the Southern African Region: practice and potential.”

2019/2020

None

(ii) Since 1 April 2020

None

b) What were the:

(i)

Topic (s)	(aa) Objectives	(bb) Nature of the specified research and analysis
A Policy Review of the Tourist Guiding Sector in South Africa	To conduct a policy review of the practicalities of the tourist guiding sector in South Africa - one that would identify challenges and suggest improvements.	South Africa has a legislative system in place with regards to tourist guides, however, there was to be a need for renewal and refinement so as to further optimise the sector. The research focussed on global practices, policy gaps, challenges, training needs etc. with recommendations for improvements.
The Indigenous Story-Teller (IST)	To develop a strategy for the inclusion of the IST within the tourist guiding domain.	To look at ways of using IST to: extend the tourism domain so as to be more inclusive of local communities, enhance the authenticity of the tourist experience and contribute to the transformation of the sector.
Cross-Border Themed Tourism Routes in the Southern African Region: practice and potential	To develop and test a model for the development and implementation of guided cross-border themed tourism routes according to existing and potential tourism niche markets.	This was a continuation of the research done on Cross-Border Guiding in Southern Africa but focused on understanding the tourism products in cross-border themed tourism routes in the SADC region and the possibility of integrating routes to enhance a cross-border niche tourism experience.

(ii) Outcomes and findings of each research and analysis project respectively.

 

Topic (s)	Outcomes
A Policy Review of the Tourist Guiding Sector in South Africa	Recommendation to simplify and streamline the guiding sector and for the Department to have more control of the various functions associated with guiding e.g. training and compliance.
The Indigenous Story-Teller (IST)	It recommends the creation of a new tourist guiding classification to add to the established three levels of tourist guiding already regulated and monitored within the country. It suggests the possible addition of a unit standard which will enable the culture guide to facilitate and provide a platform for the inclusion of the IST in the tourism sector. Culture guides will therefore be elevated to a position where they are enabled to facilitate the inclusion of the IST in the tourism offering and mediate between the IST and the tourist group as an intercultural communicator.
Cross-Border Themed Tourism Routes in the Southern African Region: practice and potential	A toolkit which the sector could utilize to creatively diversify the experience dimension of the tourist offering is an outcome of this research. The report also maps out a range of potential avenues of collaborative themed route experiences within the SADC region with examples of 8 themed cross-border tourism routes unpacked for further consideration.

c) How was this data used in each respective case?

In all the research that was conducted, the data was analysed to identify trends, best practices, gaps and challenges and to make recommendations for improvement and enhancements.

 

Topic (s)	How data was used
A Policy Review of the Tourist Guiding Sector in South Africa	Data was used to identify gaps in the legislation pertaining to tourist guides and make recommendations for amendments to the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014.
The Indigenous Story-Teller (IST)	The proposal to incorporate IST into the guiding domain was one of the areas recommended for inclusion in the Amendment Act. This will further be looked at when the qualification review process for guiding commences.
Cross-Border Themed Tourism Routes in the Southern African Region: practice and potential	Cross-border guiding is another area that the qualification review process will look at. The tourism routes and experiences that were identified through this research will create opportunities for tourist guides that wish to engage in this type of niche guiding.

Reply:

a)  What information was published to promote and develop the tourist guiding sector in each month

(i) In the past three financial years:

Years	Information published to promote and develop the guiding sector
2017/2018	Bi-annual tourist guiding newsletters, information on awareness initiatives such as International Tourist Guide Day, Lilizela Tourism Awards, Tourist Guide Awareness Inspections and information pertaining to training initiatives to develop the guiding sector.
2018/2019	Bi-annual tourist guiding newsletters, tourist guide information booklets, information on awareness initiatives such as International Tourist Guide Day, Lilizela Tourism Awards, Tourist Guide Awareness Inspections and information pertaining to training initiatives to develop the guiding sector.
2019/2020	Information on awareness initiatives such as International Tourist Guide Day, Lilizela Tourism Awards, Tourist Guide Awareness Inspections and information pertaining to training initiatives to develop the guiding sector.

(ii) Since 1 April 2020

Year	Information that was published to promote and develop the tourist guiding sector
2020/2021	Information pertaining to training initiatives to develop the guiding sector.

(c) How was the information

Information	(i) Published	(ii) Distributed
Tourist Guide Newsletter	In a digital format targeting registered tourist guides and key guiding stakeholders	Electronically to all registered tourist guides on the database and via social media platforms.
Information Booklets	Printed booklets targeting consumers and unregistered tourist guides	Handed out during awareness inspections.
Awareness Initiatives	In digital format targeting registered tourist guides and key guiding stakeholders.	Electronically to all registered tourist guides on the database and via social media platforms including the departmental website.
Training Initiatives	In digital format targeting registered tourist guides and key guiding stakeholders.	Electronically to all registered tourist guides on the database and via social media platforms including the departmental website.

(c) What information was contained in each instance respectively?

Information	(i) Information contained in published format	(ii) Information contained in distributed format
Tourist Guide Newsletter	Information about departmental programmes on guiding and information pertinent to tourist guides.	Same as published format.
Information Booklets	Booklet for consumers - information about the use of registered tourist guides and the consequences of non-compliance and where to access information on guides. Booklet for unregistered tourist guides – information on how to register and the consequences of non-compliance.	Same as published format.
Awareness Initiatives	Information and outcome of awareness initiatives.	Same as published format.
Training Initiatives	Adverts on training initiatives targeting new entrants. Adverts for registered tourist guides on up-skilling initiatives.	Same as published format.

Reply:

(a) What opportunities have been provided for SMMEs (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2020,

In an effort to extend international market access support offered under the Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) to smaller and emerging enterprises on a domestic level, the department collaborated with SA Tourism to introduce the Hidden Gems initiative that provides a dedicated exhibition platform at the Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) show as an important global business-to-business platform to afford enterprises business linkage opportunities and to exhibit their offerings to both local and global buyers.

Participants on the Hidden Gems platform were selected by SA Tourism and the department with additional funding support from the department’s Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) programme. It sees the department and SA Tourism partnering with industry and Provinces, to stimulate improved market access on a domestic level for small and emerging businesses in the tourism sector.

(i) Past three Financial Years	Opportunities
2017/18	Department of Tourism in collaboration with SA Tourism, facilitated the market access platform for 90 SMMEs, representing nine provinces at Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2017. Pre-selection process and training Prior to participation at ATI, a total of 311 SMMEs registered for the pre-selection training sessions arranged in each of the nine provinces. A total of 284 of the 311 registered SMMEs from across all provinces participated in a 5-day training session on various aspects of product development, packaging, pricing, marketing, tradeshow participation, contract negotiation, etc. Due to space and budget limitations only 90 SMME could attend the ATI. The training was conducted as part of the process to select the 90 SMMEs that represent the provinces roughly equal to participate at the ATI 2017 National and provincial stakeholders were invited to serve on the selection committee to assist in the selection of SMMEs for training and marketing platforms. Each training session was attended by them as part of the adjudication process. The top 90 SMMEs were selected following pitch presentations by each participant. Peer to Peer Pre-Exhibition Mentorship Workshop The selected 90 SMMEs participated in a six-week Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Programme to help prepare them further for participation at the ATI exhibition. Exhibition A specially designed pavilion with dedicated exhibition and meeting space was created to cater for the 90 SMMEs to showcase their offerings. Speed Marketing Networking event A speed networking event was hosted a day before the start of ATI. The benefit of hosting the event just before the exhibition was to ensure that relations established could be further reinforced throughout the duration of the exhibition. All 90 SMMEs were directly introduced to the 45 key trade members whereby they presented their offerings.
2018/19	In an effort to ensure a greater impact of the Hidden Gems support provided during 2017/18, the Minister requested that the 90 enterprises continue to be supported for an additional two years and that the group be expanded with additional small and emerging enterprises drawn from the department’s Enterprise Development initiatives (e.g. incubators and business support). An additional 45 enterprises were selected from the department’s database of enterprises already enrolled in the enterprise development initiatives to bring the number of enterprises to benefit from market access support at the ATI 2018 to 135. Pre-exhibition training session Since all selected enterprises already benefitted from a structured training programme in the previous year or were already enrolled in the department’s enterprise development initiatives, training prior to ATI2018 involved a one-day pre-exhibition session which focused on the effective ways of working in a trade show platform. The training provided key insights on the following: The importance of establishing business linkages with global buyers The importance of forging partnerships with local DMCs Opportunities on joint marketing initiatives with the industry value chain Exhibition SA Tourism again provided a dedicated exhibition pavilion for the 135 SMMEs, representing all nine provinces at ATI 2018. Based on lessons learnt from the previous year, enterprises were positioned and grouped by province. Networking event A collaboration between SA Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal saw the facilitation of special SMMEs networking event where a number of enterprises shared their success stories. The event further provided an opportunity for SMMEs to forge relations. In addition to the above supported enterprises benefitted from extensive media coverage by SA Tourism and ATI media partners
2019/20	The same 135 SMMEs that were supported in 2018/19 were invited to participate at ATI in 2019 – This included the initial 90 that were benefitting for a third year as requested by the Minister, and the group of 45 that was added in 2018/19 that were benefitting for the second time in 2019. However, due to a change in the date of the ATI as a result of the 2019 national election, not all 135 were able to attend anymore. As a result, the 2019 ATI saw participation of 121 of the 135 selected enterprises. SA Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, provided a market access platform for 121 SMMEs, representing nine provinces at Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI)2019. The platform included the following interventions: Pre-exhibition Social Media Training Similar to the situation in 2018, all supported enterprises already benefitted from structured training programmes and additional training was limited to a focussed one-day session prior to ATI 2019. In this regard, SA Tourism in partnership with Facebook, conducted a one-day digital marketing and social media session for the SMMEs. The main objective of the session was to equip the SMMEs with current tools to enhance their business profiles through digital platforms and further enhance their presence in social media platforms. Exhibition Similar to 2018, SA Tourism provided a dedicated and specially designed exhibition pavilion for the 121 enterprises from all nine provinces to showcase their offerings. SMMEs Trade Directory A trade directory was designed showcasing all the SMMEs that participated at Africa’s Travel Indaba. The directory was distributed to media, local and international buyers. Welcome Networking event Durban Tourism in collaboration with SA Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal organised an official welcome event for hosted buyers and media. The platform provided an opportunity for SMMEs to establish relations with buyers and other participating stakeholders. Like in previous years the supported enterprises were awarded extensive media coverage by SA Tourism and ATI media partners
Since 1 April 2020	Preparations for Hidden Gems support at the ATI 2020 (scheduled to take place between 12 and 14 May 2020) were well underway at this time. However, the event was cancelled due to the risks posed by the COVID 19 pandemic and the impacts of the resultant lockdown conditions on the tourism sector. Following a third year of support, the initial group of 90 effectively exited the Hidden Gems support after ATI 2019, but the department and SAT was still committed to supporting the remaining 45 for a third time in 2020. To ensure a sizable group of around 100 enterprises on the Hidden Gems pavilion at the 2020 ATI, a decision was made to select at least another 55 small and emerging enterprises on a once-off basis (i.e. one year of support) from both the Enterprise Development database and the initial group of Hidden Gems trainees (284 in 2017/18). This approach would have allowed SAT and the department to honour its commitment to those enterprises that it undertook to support for three years and allow for a review of the Hidden Gems initiative based on lessons learnt and an opportunity to start with a new cycle of support with improved processes, training support, market exposure, etc.

(b)(i) which SMMEs have benefited and (ii) how, in each case,

i) which SMMEs have benefited

(ii) how, in each case

From 2017-2019, 135 SMMEs benefited from participation in the ATI programme. Representation was almost equal from each province.

Participation at ATI as outlined under section (a) per financial year, above With respect to the nature of benefits received, it is difficult to accurately quantify the flow through and ongoing benefits from the relationships developed with buyers through participation in one or two trade shows (e.g. the conversion of business takes a period of between 1-3 years form the start of the relationship). The main benefit was that, these enterprises were afforded an opportunity to meet with both international and domestic buyers in a business to business trade environment, which they would probably not have been able to do, if there was no support. Not only did the Hidden Gems provide a conducive platform for such engagements between small and emerging enterprises and prospective buyers, but it also covered most of the costs associated with this including return airfare, 4 - 5 nights of accommodation, networking sessions, media exposure, etc.

(c) how have the specified SMMEs been subsequently monitored and measured,

The participation of supported enterprises was monitored by officials from both SA Tourism and the department throughout the duration of each ATI event. This includes amongst others confirmation of participation at different times of each show day, providing assistance when and where required, directing walk-in traffic to enterprises, etc.

Supported enterprises are also generally required to provide feedback on the volume and value of meetings with buyers at the end of each day. This was supported by a post-event questionnaire which each supported enterprise is required to complete to allow for the measurement of deals signed and leads generated, estimations on the volume and value of business that is likely to be generated, the potential impact on future expansion and job creation as well as feedback on challenges experienced and elements of the hidden gems programme that could be improved.

(d) what are the annual statistics of the specified time period on SMME product participation in the Tourism Indaba,

2017/18: 90 Participants

2018/19 135 Participants

2019/20 121 Participants out of the 135 invited attended due to the change of the initial ATI dates because of the National Elections 2019.

1 April 2020 Approximately 100 participants were supposed to attend (including the 45 that were on their second year of support as well as around 55, which were still in a process of being selected by time the event was cancelled due to COVID- 19)

(e) what businesses of any description and size have participated in the Tourism Indaba

(i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2020 and

(i) Past three Financial Years	Description of Businesses	Size of Business
2017/18	The participating SMMEs included the following: Accommodation: – B&Bs, Guest Houses, Game Lodges, Boutique Hotels Tour Operators Professional Conference Organisers Attractions	As part of the initial selection criteria, the qualifying business were SMMEs that were in operation for at least 6 months with an annual turnover of not exceeding R5 million.
2018/19	The participating SMMEs included the following: Accommodation – B&Bs, Guest Houses, Game Lodges, Boutique Hotels Tour Operators Professional Conference Organisers Attractions	Similar criteria as 2017 as these are the same SMMEs with the additional new 45 enterprises.
2019/20	The participating SMMEs included the following: Accommodation – B&Bs, Guest Houses, Game Lodges, Boutique Hotels Tour Operators Professional Conference Organisers Attractions	These are the same SMMEs from 2017 and 2018 thus the criteria and size were the same.
Since 1 April 2020	Preparations were underway for the ATI 2020 however the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. Approximately 100 SMMEs were due to participate at the exhibition.	45 of these would have been the same as in 2018 and 2019, while the additional 55-odd would have been newly selected.

(f) which of the specified businesses were (i) local and (ii) foreign businesses?

(i) All business that were selected were local and (ii) none were foreign.

Reply:

(a) What efforts have been undertaken to facilitate the growth and development of the tourist guiding sector:

The initiatives that the department has implemented in terms of promoting and developing the guiding sector are individual projects that run over a financial year rather than on a monthly basis.

i) In the past three financial years:

Year	Facilitation of growth and development of the tourist guiding sector
2017/2018	Implemented training and up-skilling initiatives as follows: Adventure Guiding (NQF2) in Northern Cape Culture Guiding (NQF2) in Northern Cape Culture Guiding (NQF2) in North West Adventure Guiding (NQF4) in KwaZulu-Natal Culture Guiding (NQF2) & Customer Service Training in Limpopo
2018/2019	Implemented training and up-skilling initiatives as follows: Adventure Guiding (NQF4) in Eastern Cape Nature and Culture Guiding (NQF2) in Limpopo Nature Guiding (NQF4) in KwaZulu-Natal
2019/2020	Implemented up-skilling initiatives as follows: Mandarin Language Training (HSK1) – Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng

ii) Since 1 April 2020

Year	Facilitation of growth and development of the tourist guiding sector
2020/2021	In the process of implementing up-skilling initiatives as follows: Mandarin Language Training (HSK1) – Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

(b) How were these efforts rolled out and actioned in each case respectively?

2017/18

Training Initiative	Details	Roll-out
Adventure Guiding (NQF2) in Northern Cape	12 learners were selected to undergo training. All 12 were deemed competent as adventure guides (hiking).	The Department recruited and selected suitable candidates in collaboration with the Northern Cape Provincial Registrar. The Department procured the services of a suitable training provider to implement the training. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.
Culture Guiding (NQF2) in Northern Cape	15 learners were selected to undergo training. Only 10 completed and were deemed competent as culture guides.	The Department recruited and selected suitable candidates in collaboration with the Northern Cape Provincial Registrar. The Department procured the services of a suitable training provider to implement the training. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.
Culture Guiding (NQF2) in North West	10 learners were selected to undergo training. All 10 were deemed competent as culture guides.	The Department recruited and selected suitable candidates in collaboration with the North West Provincial Registrar. The Department procured the services of a suitable training provider to implement the training. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.
Adventure Guiding (NQF4) in KwaZulu-Natal	16 guides were selected to undergo training. All 16 were deemed competent as adventure guides (hiking).	Guides were Identified by Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Beneficiaries were community guides operating on a freelance basis without the requisite qualifications. The Department partnered with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the KZN Provincial Registrar to implement the training. The Department procured the services of a suitable training provider to implement the training. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme..
Culture Guiding (NQF2) & Customer Service Training in Limpopo	8 learners were selected to undergo training. All 8 were deemed competent as culture guides and in customer service.	Guides were identified by Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, SANParks. Beneficiaries were employed by SANParks and required up-skilling. The Department partnered with SANParks and the LP Provincial Registrar to implement the training. The Department appointed SANParks as the implementing agency for the project. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.

2018/19

Training Initiative	Details	Roll-out
Adventure Guiding (NQF2) in Eastern Cape	20 learners were selected to undergo training. All 20 were deemed competent as adventure guides (hiking).	Candidates were identified by the Eastern Cape Provincial Registrar. The Department procured the services of a suitable training provider to implement the training. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.
Nature and Culture Guiding (NQF2) in Limpopo	15 learners were selected to undergo training. All 15 completed and were deemed competent as nature and culture guides.	The Department recruited and selected suitable candidates in collaboration with the Limpopo Provincial Registrar. The Department procured the services of a suitable training provider to implement the training. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.
Nature Guiding (NQF4) in KwaZulu-Natal	10 learners were selected to undergo training. All 10 were deemed competent as culture guides.	The guides were identified by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority to complete their NQF4 training. The Department appointed iSimangaliso as the implementing agency for the project. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.

2019/20

Training Initiative	Details	Roll-out
Mandarin Language Training (HSK1)	20 learners were selected from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. All 20 completed the training and were deemed competent.	Candidates were identified by the Department in collaboration with the respective Provincial Registrars. The Department procured the services of a suitable training provider to implement the training. Learners completed their theory, practicals and final assessments before receiving certificates of competencies. The Department monitored the training programmes and finalized all reporting on conclusion of the training programme.

2020/21

Training Initiative	Details	Roll-out
Mandarin Language Training (HSK1)	20 learners were selected from Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.	Recruitment and selection was conducted in collaboration with the respective Provincial Registrars. The Department will procure the services of a suitable training provider to implement online training given the Covid-19 risks. The Department is currently working on the logistics and envisages training to commence in the third quarter.

Reply:

The Auditor-General of South Africa plays an important role in assisting government to safeguard its ability to account to its citizens in this time of need and crisis. We will continue to work with the Auditor-General to ensure that all funds allocated for the support package are spent in a responsible and accountable way.

The National Treasury, through Instruction 7 of 2020/21, has put in place a wide range of measures relating to COVID-19 expenditure to ensure that accounting officers and authorities strengthen their financial management, internal control, risk management and internal audit systems and ensure that these are transparent, effective and efficient.

The aforementioned National Treasury Instruction can be found online at:

http://www.treasury.gov.za/legislation/pfma/TreasuryInstruction/Natioal%20Treasury%20Instruction%20No.%207%20of%20202021%20Preventative%20Measures.pdf

Reply:

(a)     Based on the Services SETA records, the stipend for the month of November 2019 was paid to all learners whose attendance could be confirmed through attendance registers. Ten out of the forty learners were not paid due to non-attendance.

(b)    The names of ten learners who were not paid stipends for November 2019 and December 2019 due to non-attendance are:

- Jonathan Mahosi

- Winstar Mdlalose

- Zanele Kubheka

- Millecent Tsotetsi

- Veronica Maseko

- Nokuthula Muriel Ndaba

- Prisca Kunene

- Nomthandazo Mazibuko

- Germina Letsoalo

- Kwanda Ndebele

(c)     The enforcement mechanism that is utilised to ensure that payments are effected where owing is through a Training Agreement signed between the SETA and the training provider stipulating the conditions for the payment, which include amongst others, a confirmation report that training has occurred and proof of attendance of learners.

On receipt of the report from the training provider, the SETA verifies the information in accordance with the Training Agreement and allows the training provider to confirm the correctness of information and if some gaps are identified, the training provider is allowed to correct information in order to effect the payment.

(d)     The timeframes stipulated between:

(i)     Completion of a level by a learner is in accordance with the learnership agreement signed with the learner. A learner is expected to complete the level within twelve months.

(ii)   Moderation of the work by the provider is determined by the size of the moderation sample involved. Two summative assessment moderations take place, i.e. an internal moderation conducted by the training provider and an external moderation conducted by the SETA. The external moderation by the SETA is triggered by the submission of the summative assessment and internal moderation reports from the training provider. On average, it takes the Services SETA two weeks to conduct an external moderation, depending on the availability of resources.

(iii) Commencement of the next level is dependent on the outcome of the external moderation report. In the event that the external moderation upholds the assessment decision and there is no remediation required, the next level can commence. It usually takes a week for the external moderation to be quality assured and issued. Customarily, the next level can commence within one month.

(e)     According to the SETA records, the training provider did not submit attendance registers for all learners before the lockdown period. An attendance register was received for only 8 out of the 40 learners, and payment was effected for the 8 learners who are deemed compliant with the Training Agreement.

(f)     Where the programme has been stalled by the training provider:

 (i)    The duration of the programme will be extended by the same period subject to the training provider submitting an implementation plan to complete the project.

(ii)    According to the SETA, learners will not be paid additional stipends for the additional period where the training provider stalled the programme. Procedurally, stipends are paid to learners once the programme has resumed and on receipt of attendance registers confirming the training.

Reply:

(a)    In the 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President announced that “to improve the quality of general and specialised SAPS investigations, we are establishing a Crime Detection University in Hammanskraal”. This was understood as a directive to work towards the establishment of a specialised public higher education institution that would offer qualifications on the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework in fields linked to crime detection. 

(b)    In terms of the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997, as amended), the proposed institution for crime detection in Hammanskraal cannot be established immediately as a university. The Act allows for new institutions to be established as either Higher Education Colleges or University Colleges.  The decision on whether this institution will be established as a university college or a higher education college will be dependent on the outcome of a feasibility study that must be undertaken. 

A higher education college is an institution that is established by the Minister, as an independent institution, to offer a scope and range of qualifications that is defined as relatively narrow, possibly in a specific field, e.g. Crime Detection, or a small range of fields, e.g. Crime Detection, Safety and Security, and Military Studies. It is likely to have a relatively small student population, e.g. less than 5 000 students when it is fully operational. It will offer a range of qualifications and skills programmes. The qualifications would include higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate diplomas accredited through the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The institution could also offer short skills programmes or occupational programmes accredited through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Once the college is fully established and it shows potential to grow further and expand, it could then be declared as a university college, under the governance structure of an established university.

A university college is an institution established by the Minister, under the governance of an existing university, with the intention to grow its student numbers and programmes to cover a scope and range of activities that would enable it over time to be recognised as a fully-fledged university. While the institution would initially start with a small number of programmes in a limited number of fields, e.g. Crime Detection and Safety and Security, it would be planned to grow over time to cover a wider range of related fields and programmes in higher education including undergraduate, honours, Masters and Doctoral degree programmes. It may also offer a limited number of programmes accredited by the QCTO. A university college may be declared to be established as a fully-fledged university when it meets the requirements to be established as such, i.e. when it has grown and developed to such an extent that it has the scope and range of operations that allows it to be defined as a university.

(c)    The disciplines taught at such an institution will be determined by a feasibility study and could include a range of disciplines within policing and security studies that will develop professional and occupational knowledge and skills required to bolster capacity in policing, crime detection and prevention capabilities, and will involve an investigative capacity, including the use of forensic methodical approaches and technology, data analytics, criminal and evidentiary law, and investigative practice. The feasibility study should provide guidance on how this public higher education institution would be differentiated based its mandate and mission. 

(d)    Through the feasibility study a determination will be made on the institutional type, i.e. whether it will be a higher education college or a university college to start with and what the Programme Qualification Mix of the public higher education institution should be.

(e)   (i) A project plan has been developed for Ministerial approval to set out the process and deliverables towards the production of a feasibility study for the two new higher education institution mentioned in the 2020 SONA. The feasibility study must aim to address a number of critical issues including, the size and shape of the new institution; its site(s) of establishment, land assembly and spatial framework; supply and sustainability of required engineering services; environmental sustainability; socio-economic impact analysis; and the digital technology requirements for a contemporary higher education institution.  A project management team will be set up to manage the process. The feasibility study will be undertaken in the current financial year and will determine the time lines for the establishment and development of the institution in line with a costed plan.

 (ii) Funding for the new public higher education institution, in line with the findings of the feasibility study and plan, must be secured from the Vote. In terms of the Higher Education Act, a new institution can only be established once funding is appropriated for that purpose, as this is required before the institution can be legally established.

Reply:

The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) in or about 2015 assessed its ability to deliver housing and infrastructure related to housing and human settlements. Subsequently, the Council took a resolution in terms of which the national Department of Human Settlements (DHS) was requested to intervene and provide additional capacity and a management process, which would enable the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality to achieve its human settlements delivery objectives.

The national Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Provincial Department of Human Settlements then established the required intergovernmental structure, including a technical steering committee, as provided for in the Inter-Governmental Relations Framework Act 13 of 2005.

The Steering Committees established derived authority from the following;

• Cabinet approval granted on 29 April 2015.
• Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by political principals on 30 June 2015.
• Implementation Protocol (IP) signed by Accounting Officers on 2 July 2015.
• Council resolution in support of Programme on 17 September 2015.
• The HDA to serve as an implementing agent.

The term of the MOA and IP has since lapsed, and is currently being renegotiated between the parties.

However, there is no interruption in the planning, funding and development of housing and human settlements in the NMBMM, as the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS), is the legislated developer and implementing agent of housing. The ECDHS has appointed the HDA to continue being the implementing agent for housing and human settlements in the NMBMM.

Reply:

(1)(a)(b); (2)(a)(b)(c);(3). The  information requested is not kept by the Department of Basic Education. The request for information will be sent to Provincial Education Departments and the response will be provided as soon as the information is received.

Reply:

a) A list of the 3 475 schools is attached.  It is important to note that there are constant refinements of the list.  The emergency water supply programme is currently implemented at 3 335 schools.

b) The Department of Basic Education appointed Rand Water as the implementing agent for the emergency water supply programme.  Rand Water will ensure that these schools have at least 1 on-site storage tank and then arrange for water delivery to such tank.

c) Rand Water will ensure that these schools have at least 1 on-site storage tank and then arrange for water delivery to such tank.

d) The status on 25 June 2020 is as follows:

• In EC, out of the 746 tanks required, 710 have already been installed
• In FS, all of the 69 tanks required have been installed
• In KZN, out of the 1 125 tanks required, 331 have been installed
• In LP, out of the 522 tanks required, 419 have been installed
• In MP, all of the 127 tanks required have been installed
• In NW, all of the 56 tanks required have been installed
• The majority of the schools will be ready for accepting additional grades on 6 July 2020.  The balance will be ready by 8 August 2020 for the opening of all grades.