Questions and Replies

Reply:

PPE procured by the Department of Social Development (DSD) since 1 Feb 2020

REGION	DESCRIPTION	DATE	NAME OF THE SUPPLIER	MONETORY VALUE	(d) BRANDING	(e) HOW AND WHERE WAS THE PURCHASED EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTED
NDSD	Hand sanitiser alcohol free for DSD officials	17 March 2020	EDS Projects	R 1 379.50	None	DSD offices
NDSD	Latex Powder Free disposable gloves for DSD officials	17 March 2020	Time2go Transport and Logistics	R 116 000.00	None	DSD officials
NDSD	Hand sanitiser 70% alcohol for DSD officials	17 March 2020	Time2go Transport and Logistics	R 196 100.00	None	DSD Offices
NDSD	Surgical face masks	30 March 2020	Bioclin	R4 140.00	None	DSD officials
NDSD	80 000 X 1 litre bottles- Alcohol free hand sanitiser for welfare service facilities in the 9 provinces	31 March 2020	Kevali Chemicals	R 6 716 000.00	None	Nine Provinces
NDSD	9 898 boxes of 50 -Surgical face masks for welfare service facilities in the 9 provinces	31 March 2020	Triple N Medical Distributors	R 7 410 137.70	None	Nine Provinces
NDSD	12 092 boxes of 50 -Examination gloves for welfare service facilities in the 9 provinces	31 March 2020	Triple N Medical Distributors	R 2 781 160.00	None	Nine Provinces
NDSD	3 250 x 5 litre bottles - Sanitiser for general surfaces 70% alcohol for welfare service facilities in the 9 provinces	31 March 2020	Triple N Medical Distributors	R 1 870170.25	None	Nine Provinces
NDSD	30 000 masks Surgical face masks for daily visitors to DSD	08 May 2020	Lesole Facilities Management	R 299700.00	None	DSD Officials & visitors
NDSD	5000 cloth masks for DSD officials	20 May 2020	302k Emporium	R 125 005.00	None	DSD Officials
NDSD	Various items -Equipment for the examination room	12 May 2020	Baltimore Media	R 38 822.85	None	DSD Offices
NDSD	4 x sanitary refuse container - Medical waste removal	13 May 2020	Democratic Cleaning Services	R 8 564.16	None	DSD Offices
NDSD	25 machines electronic hand sanitising machines for HSRC, Harlequins, Office Park and GVB Centre	22 May 2020	Cizivax (pty) Ltd	R 109 975.00	None	DSD Offices
NDSD	Sanitising of the HSRC Building, Harlequins Office Park and GVB Centre on a monthly basis for three months	14 May 2020	Amoka Solutions	R 478 818.60	None	DSD Offices

PPE procured by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) since 1 Feb 2020

REGION	DESCRIPTION	DATE	NAME OF THE SUPPLIER	MONETORY VALUE	(d) BRANDING	(e) HOW AND WHERE
SASSA staff at HO	Hand Sanitizers	17/03/2020	STAZA Cleaning Services	18,302.25	None	Emergency Procurement
SASSA staff at HO	Cloth Masks	4/5/2020	Shabalala Thabe Health Services	30,000.00	None	Emergency Procurement
SASSA staff at HO	Handheld Infrared Thermometers	28/04/2020	Imperial Health Services	17,600.00	None	Emergency Procurement
SASSA staf at HO	Disinfection and Sanitation of SASSA Head	24/04/2020	Chegoetso Projects and Services	58,375.00	None	Quotation Process
Sassa Limpopo region	500ml Hand Sanitizers	26-Mar-20	MDP Sure Clean	R36,800.00	MDP Sure Clean
Sassa Limpopo region	Office Sanitisation	21-Apr-20	Limpopo Supplement Traders	R158,759.23	NONE	The appointed service provider is the cleaning services contractor for the Agency in the Region
Sassa Limpopo region	Face Cloth Masks	1-May-20	Seding sa Tsebo Development Primary Co-Operative	R25,000.00	NONE	The appointed service provider is the contracted school uniform supplier for the Agency in the Region Registered with the Dept. of Small Business Due to the delay and lack of response by IHS, the Region a new purchase order was issued as guided by Instruction Note No. 5 of 2020/21
Sassa Limpopo region	20 Litre Handsanitizer	1-May-20	ScrubMobi	R486,000.00	RCC Hand sanitizer
Sassa Limpopo region	500 ML Spray Bottles	1-May-20	ScrubMobi	R22,500.00	NONE	Due to the delay and lack of response by IHS, the Region a new purchase order was issued as guided by Instruction Note No. 5 of 2020/21
Sassa Limpopo region	Digital Thermometer (infrared non-contact)	1-May-20	Royal Base General Trading and Projects	R162,000.00	NONE	Due to the delay and lack of response by IHS, the Region a new purchase order was issued as guided by Instruction Note No. 5 of 2020/21
Sassa Limpopo region	Face Shields	8-May-20	Digital and Communication Solutions	R108,000.00	NONE	Purchase order issued as guided by Instruction Note No. 5 of 2020/22
Sassa EC region	Gloves	20-03-2020	Xhobani Security Services	133,400.00	NONE	Emergency Procurement
Sassa EC region	Hand Sanitzers	20-03-2020	Xhobani Security Services	69,230.00	NONE	Emergency Procurement
Sassa EC region	Surgical Masks	20-03-2020	Xhobani Security Services	316,250.00	NONE	Emergency Procurement
Sassa EC region	Gloves - 330 boxes	15/04/2020	My Peace Mali Investments	33,000.00	NONE	Normal Procurement process
Sassa EC region	Hand Sanitzers 25 litres x 55	15/04/2020	My Peace Mali Investments	231,000.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Surgical Masks - 1100	15/04/2020	My Peace Mali Investments	60,500.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Hand Sanitzers (20 x 5 litre)	15/04/2020	Kwasa Food Suppliers	13,000.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Disinfecting and Sanitizing of Regional and Amathole District Offices	15/04/2020	Lucob Cleaning Services	213,948.30	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Disinfecting and Sanitizing of Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi District Offices	15/04/2020	Colirose Catering and Cleaning Service	129,632.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Disinfecting and Sanitizing of OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo District	28-04-2020	ZEDEK Cleaning services	188,244.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Disinfecting and Sanitizing of Nelson Mandela Metro and Sarah Baartman	28-04-2020	Kaisers Cleaning services	90,897.14	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Surgical Masks (16000)	28-04-2020	Multi Surge	73,600.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	1000 Cloth Masks (Branding)	28-04-2020	Buzwe Bethu Trading	45,000.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa EC region	Body Thermometer infrared ( 150)	29-04-2020	A D Medical	307,500.23	NONE	Normal Procument process
Nelson Mandela Metro	Hand Sanitzers	19-03-2020	Emilux	1,995.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Facial Shield Masks (40)	14-04-2020	Regent Corporate Administrators 65 CC Golden Sttiches 1 Co Op	2,000.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Cloth Masks (274)	05-04-2020		9,590.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Body Thermometer infrared ( 7)	05-05-2020			NONE	Normal Procument process
Sarah Baartman District	Hand Sanitzers	24-03-2020	In Your Tank Petroleum (Pty)Ltd	43,400.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Joe Gqabi District Office	Hand Sanitzers	24-03-2020	Cyber Enginering & Projects	1,984.50	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Cloth Masks	18-03-2020	Thamtham Investments	1,999.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Cloth Masks	24-04-2020	Kaizen Primary Co-op	1,980.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Chris Hani District Office	Hand Sanitzers	30-04-2020	Kaizen Primary Co-op	5,000.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Surgical Masks	19-03-2020	Gold Apple	2,000.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Cloth Masks	17-04-2020	24/7 Services	25,990.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Alfred Nzo District Office	Hand Sanitzers	05-05-2020	Imvelo Sewing Co-op	11,900.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Cloth Masks	18-03-2020	K2012012150 South Africa	1,998.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Amathole District	Hand Sanitzers	02-05-2020	Sinozinto Multi Purpose Co-Op	8,400.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Facial Shield Masks (40)	23-03-2020	Iviama Trading	1,998.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
	Cloth Masks and Gloves	19-04-2020	Regent Corporate Administrators 65 CC	1,739.13	NONE	Normal Procument process
		04-05-2020	Afriwaste Group	135,780.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
OR Tambo District	Cloth Masks (100)	06/05/2020	Cador Multipurpose Co-op	2,000.00	NONE	Normal Procument process
Sassa NC region	Emergency procurement of Hand Sanitizers(600);Latex gloves (260) and Masks (200)	20-Mar-20	Ideal Lifestyle	320,567.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying to the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa NC region	5litre Disinfectants (100) and 13600 surgical Masks.	14-Apr-20	Supra Healthcare (KZN)	297,735.00		Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction No.8 of 2019/2020.
Sassa NC region	500ml -Bottle spray (100); Latex Gloves (55000); 25ltr Liquid Sanitizers (200) and 500ml Gel hand sanitizers (2100).	29-Apr-20	I H S	502,797.00		Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction no.3 of 2020/2021.
Sassa NC region	Disinfecting and Sanitizing of all SASSA Offices in the Northern Cape	28-Apr-20	Ideal Lifestyle	251,735.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying with the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa NC region	Body Thermometer infrared ( 64 )	28-Apr-20	New Age Medident	99,200.00		Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction No.8 of 2019/2020. Procurement request was received on 06 April 2020 before the issuing of Instruction Note 03 of 2020/21.
Sassa NC region	Face cloth Masks (3layers)	28-Apr-20				National Treasury Instruction Note 05 of 2020/21
Sassa MP region	Supply and delivery of Sanitizers & Disinfectant	31-Mar-20	Masana Hygiene Services	184,894.14		Single sourcing
Sassa MP region	Supply and delivery for Protective Items ( masks and hand gloves)	31-Mar-20	Be Sure Events Solutions	3,259,100.00		Single sourcing
Sassa MP region	Delivery of disinfectant services for 54 offices	20-Apr-20	Masana Hygiene Services	247,980.25		Single sourcing
Sassa MP region	Delivery of disinfectent services for 151 vehicles	20-Apr-20	Masana Hygiene Services	21,706.25		Single sourcing
Sassa FS region	Pump bottle Hand Sanitzers(806) and 3 Ply Surgical face Masks (15 000)	19/03/2020	Kamatshika Services	573,590.00		Variation of an Order
Sassa FS region	5 litre Disinfectants (1000)	19/03/2020	Kamatshika Services			Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction No.8 of 2019/2020.
Sassa FS region	500ml - SanitizersBottle spray (6 780)	19/03/2020	Kamatshika Services			Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction No.5 of 2020/2021.
Sassa FS region	Examination gloves (Medium 300 boxes) (Large 682 boxes) (X large 491 Boxes)	19/03/2020	Kamatshika Services			Supplier were selected from CSD
Sassa FS region	Body Thermometer infrared ( 55 )	20-May-07	Chubaba Trading	109 999.45		Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction No.8 of 2019/2020.
Sassa FS region	Face cloth Masks (3layers) 1300	20-May-07	Chubaba Trading			Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction No.5 of 2020/2021.
Sassa FS region	Surgical Masks 1400 boxes (50 masks per box)	20-May-07	Chubaba Trading			Supplier were selected from CSD
Sassa FS region	Plastic Face Shield	20-May-07	Chubaba Trading			Supplier were selected from CSD
Sassa KZN region	Emergency procurement of 5liters Sanitzers (32) and disposable hand gloves (30)	18-Mar-20	Uminathi EMS	R26,519.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying to the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa KZN region	Emergency procurement of 500ml Hand Sanitizers (400), 5l Hand Sanitizers (20) and 1l Hand Sanitizers (100)	18-Mar-20	Ukumhlophe Investment Trading	R69,000.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying to the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa KZN region	Emergency procurement of 500ml Hand Sanitizers (2100), 20L Hand Sanitizers (20), Disposable Gloves (2000) and Disposable Masks (5800)	18-Mar-20	Sbonisiwe Investment	R656,995.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying to the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa KZN region	Emergency procurement of 500ml Hand Sanitizers (280), 100ml Hand Sanitizers (924), Surgical Gloves (51 boxes) and Disposable Masks (1280)	20-Mar-20	Syahamba Trading Enterprise	R236,127.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying with the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa KZN region	Disinfecting and Sanitizing of all SASSA Offices in KZN Region	24-Apr-20	Mthanti Construction and Projects	R293,634.69		Scope expansion in terms of sub-paragraph 9.1 of the National Treasury Instruction Note 3 or 2016/2017 Procurement method was used and Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa KZN region	Emergency procurement of Cloth Masks (4000)	24-Apr-20	Mandingozeli Primary Co-operative	R180,000.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying to the Agency's SCM Delegations before National Treasury issued any Instruction notes,
Sassa KZN region	Surgical Gloves (3600) and N95 - Mask Respirator (500).	28-Apr-20	I H S	R526,665.00		Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction no.3 of 2020/2021.
	Digital Body thermometer Infrared non contact (120), 500ml -Bottle spray (1000) ;5ltr Liquid Sanitizers (900) and 500ml Gel hand sanitizers (3600).	28-Apr-20	I H S	R712,395.00		Procurement method used was the National Treasury Instruction no.3 of 2020/2021.
Sassa NW region	Emergency procurement of Hand Sanitzers(600);Latex gloves (260) and Masks (200)	20-Mar-20	OLWE2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY	R 538,500.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying to the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa NW region	1. Surgical Masks (5000) 2. Hand Sanitzers(70) 20L 3. Latex gloves (400) 4. 500ML empty bottles (1200)	24-Mar-20	MKHWEBENI NAYE TRADING	R 359,300.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying to the Agency's SCM Delegations.
Sassa NW region	1. Hand Sanitzers(520) 2.Latex gloves (1000)	28-Mar-20	UMZANSI IT	R 417,571.20		Quotations: The National Treasury approved list of suppliers were invited, they responded by saying they don’t have stock due to high volume demand, normal suppliers were invited
Sassa NW region	1. Mask N95 (95) 2.Latex gloves (40) 3. Setrile devices, UV-C indoor sterile air	16-Mar-20	4 MLK TRADING ENTERPRISES	R 249,861.65		Quotations: The procurement process was embarked on before the Treasury instruction note 3
Sassa NW region	Surgical Mask 3 PLY (541)	30-Apr-20	DOUBLE V GROUP	R 432,800.00		Quotations: The National Treasury approved list of suppliers were invited, they did not respond. Normal suppliers were invited in compliance with Treasury Practice note No. 5 of 2020/21.
Sassa NW region	Thermometer	5-May-20	DOUBLE V GROUP	R133,100.00		Emergency Procurement method was used, complying with the Agency's SCM Delegations. (A survey was conducted from different suppliers to assess the ability to deliver, the appointed supplier was awarded based on the stock availability and the capacity to deliver immediately). The prices charged were based on what the market was offering at that time, and the fact that the items were urgently needed for staff at local Offices, we had to use availability of stock and ability to deliver immediately.
Sassa NW region	Cloth mask	7-May-20	IKGODISENG SEWING PROJECT PRIMARY COOPERATIVE LIMITED			The cooperative were appointed for the delivery of cloth masks
Sassa NW region	Face shield mask	7-May-20	REFILWEJUNIOR (PTY) LTD	R 83,190.00		Quotations: The National Treasury approved list of suppliers were invited, they did not respond normal suppliers were invited normal suppliers were invited in compliance with Treasury Practice note No. 5 of 2020/21.
Sassa NW region	Social distancing floor marking tapes	6-May-20	KEFILWE MOD TRADING ENTERPRISE	24,000.00		Quotations: Normal suppliers were invited normal suppliers were invited in compliance with Treasury Practice note No. 5 of 2020/21.
Sassa GP region	Procurement of Hand Sanitizers (150), Latex gloves (1000) and Masks (200).	20-Mar-20	Mbeu Protection Services	R204,930.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 3 of 2019/2020.
Sassa GP region	Procurement of 5litre Hand Soaps (500), 5 litre bleach (500) and 500 litre myth elated spirit (500) and 5000 hygiene bar soaps and 100 20 Litre Containers.	20-Mar-20	CJJ Holdings	R354,670.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 3 of 2019/2020.
Sassa GP region	Procurement of 1200 Sanitizer.	20-Mar-20	Nobhula Events and Marketing	R333,600.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 3 of 2019/2020.
Sassa GP region	Procurement of 5000 3Ply surgical Mask	10-Apr-20	Majodina Group (Pty) Ltd	R103,500.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 3 of 2019/2020.
Sassa GP region	Procurement of 1000 Sanitizers (500ml)	8-Apr-20	Epic Securities	R80,000.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 3 of 2019/2020.
Sassa GP region	Disinfecting and Sanitizing of 50 SASSA Offices in the Gauteng Region	23-Apr-20	Xamhunto Trading Enterprise	R494,385.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 5 of 2020/2021.
Sassa GP region	Procurement of surgical masks, 70 infrared thermometers, desk disinfectants (500ml), and saniters (500ml spray).	23-Apr-20	Majodina Group (Pty) Ltd	R366,535.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 5 of 2020/2021.
Sassa GP region	Procurement of Face Shield (1000) and Examination Gloves.	23-Apr-20	Servimax55cc	R187,000.00		Request for Quotation (RFQ) in line with section 3.3 of National Treasury Practice Note 3 2007/2008 read together with National Treasury Instruction Note 5 of 2020/2021.
Sassa WC region	Hand Sanitizers 500ml	3/23/2020	Lechoba Medical	R309,825		RTCOVID19-008
Sassa WC region	Surgical Masks	3/23/2020	Triple N Medical	R221,340		RTCOVID19-007
Sassa WC region	Protective Gloves	3/25/2020	Evergreen Latex	R81,030		RT76-2020
Sassa WC region	Thermometer	3/25/2020	Multi Surge	R92,000		RTCOVID19-018
Sassa WC region	Protective Gloves	4/21/2020	National Treasury	R15,180		NT Instruction No3 of 2020/21
Sassa WC region	Plastic Shields	5/6/2020	Creative Graphics	R103,500		Normal Procurement
Sassa WC region	Cloth Masks	4/26/2020	Playtime Productions	R36,000		Normal Procurement
Sassa WC region	Desensitizing of WC SASSA 32 Sites and Vehicles	4/30/2020	The Specialists Franchise Holdings	R110,459		Emergency Procurement
Sassa WC region	Sanitizers, Cloves and Masks	TBC	Pronto Clean	R110,216		Emergency Procurement

PPE procured by the National Development Agency (NDA) since 1 Feb 2020

	Description	a) Date Purchased	b) Name of supplier	c) Value	d) Branding	e) How and where distributed
	Hand sanitizers	25 March 2020	Amanadaana Holdings	R70,000	None	NDA Head Office NDA Provincial and District offices (by courier)
	Surface Disinfectants	25 March 2020	Amanadaana Holdings	R65,000	None	NDA Head Office NDA Provincial and District offices (by courier)
	Protective cover bodysuits - 520 suits	8 April 2020	Motla Investments	R414,278.80	None	52 CSO’s in 52 Districts as part of NDA’s Volunteer Programme (by courier)
	Non-sterile Gloves - 20 boxes of 100 pairs each	8 April 2020	Motla Investments	R187,200	None	52 CSO’s in 52 Districts as part of NDA’s Volunteer Programme (by courier)
	Medicated hand sanitizers (70% alcohol) – 520 bottles	8 April 2020	Motla Investments	R75,530	None	52 CSO’s in 52 Districts as part of NDA’s Volunteer Programme (by courier)
	Surgical masks (RT 296-08-271) – 4160 masks	8 April 2020	Motla Investments	R116,480	None	52 CSO’s in 52 Districts as part of NDA’s Volunteer Programme (by courier)

 

Reply:

1. (a) List of SASSA approved service providers is attached as Annexure A

The Department did not select new service providers to partner with the Department to provide food relief to needy families during the national state of disaster as Provincial Implementing Agents (PIAs) that operate Provincial Food Distribution Centres (PFDCs) were already appointed to provide food to households in need through the Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs).

 

However, the Department partnered with the Solidarity Fund to fund food parcels which was allocated to provinces through the PIAs as reflected on section (b) below.

(b) The value of the contracts awarded to Implementing Agents (NPOs) was:

PROVINCE	IMPLEMENTING AGENT	VALUE OF CONTRACTS
Eastern Cape	ADRA-SA	R4 812 756.00
Free State	ADRA-SA	R8 514 876.00
Gauteng	Kagisano	R2 221 272.00
Kwa Zulu Natal	Action Development Agency	R9 625 512.00
Limpopo	Makotse Women’s Club	R3 517 014.00
Mpumalanga	Kago Ya Bana	R2 036 166.00
Northern Cape	Thabang	R4 072 422.00
North West	Motswedi wa sechaba	R4 997 862.00
Western Cape	Ilithalabantu	R3 702 120.00
Total	National	R43 500 000.00

(b) The contracts entered into with the service providers are not limited to a specific value or number of food parcels. They are contracted to provide social relief of distress in the form of food parcels as and when ordered by SASSA. Provision of food parcels is needs based, hence the inability to contract any service provider for a specific number of food parcels. The appointment of service providers is based on the unit price per food parcel. The budget for the service is included in the provincial allocation for social relief of distress and not per service provider.

2. DSD ensures that the most part of the R700 spent on a food contents = 94% and only 6% is on (b) transport, (c) security and (d) packing of each food parcel;

The value (R1200) of a relief parcel is inclusive of all costs, including the food items, storage, transport, packaging and delivery. The various items are not separately costed. Relief parcels are delivered to specific identified delivery points by the service provider, on each order issued by SASSA.

(3) The remainder of the 250 000 food parcels is being distributed by the Solidarity Fund, only 58,000 are being delivered jointly with DSD. The Remaining 170,000 food parcels are being independently delivered by the Solidarity Fund in partnership with NGOs. The Fund is reaching vulnerable households through three channels:

I. 25% through the Department of Social Development’s 235 Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs) –

• The Solidarity Fund has partnered with DSD to enable the delivery of once off food parcels to approximately 58,750 families who previously benefited from cooked meals prepared by 235 CNDCs (whose operations have been affected by the COVID-19 lock-down)
• The Solidarity Fund and DSD entered into agreement with the existing Provincial Implementing Agents in each province to make these deliveries.

II. 50% through large national food distribution Non-Profit Organisations that have expansive reach across the country through their own network of >400 community based organisations (CBOs)

• • Food Forward South Africa
  • Afrika Tikkun
  • Islamic Relief
  • Lunchbox Fund

III. 25% through a range of Community Based Organisations and Faith Based Organisations at provincial and local level. These include but are not limited to the South African Council of Churches, the Nedlac Community Constituency, C-19 People’s Coalition, Hope Africa, Community Chest, SA Youth Movement, Rural Democracy Trust, Inqaba Yokulinda, and Hlanganisa among others.  A full list of partners will be published shortly.

The Solidarity Fund’s food parcels have been distributed across all 9 provinces. They have been allocated across provinces according to the percentage of people below the poverty line that live within each province.

Food relief is being provided through food parcels and will run until mid-May. As of 10 May, 2020, the Fund had already distributed 218,413 parcels to households (87% of 250,000 target) and the full 250,000 parcels have been delivered to CBOs that are making their final household deliveries in the coming days. The map below shows the national coverage to date.

Total deliveries by 10 May

Total delivered by 10 May

NW905E

Reply:

Following an initial reply from the NLC setting out the reasons why they will not be able to provide the requested information within the available time before the Parliamentary Reply was due and requesting additional time, kindly find the supplementary reply submitted by Ms Thabang Mampane, Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission, which is reproduced below.

Response from the National Lotteries Commission:

A total of hundred and fifty (150) organisations were funded to the value of R 10 million or greater by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) in the past 10 financial years. The names of funded organisations and the amounts are highlighted on the attached list (See Annexure A). The NLC has a fully-fledged Monitoring and Evaluation Department that monitors implementation and outcomes of funded projects. All funded organisations signs a Grant Agreement with the NLC with terms and conditions relating to how the grants are to be used. The NLC follows up on these conditions and applies its internal policies in cases on non-compliance. The NLC has sourced the services of a panel of engineers responsible to assist in providing NLC with quality assurance reviews on funded infrastructure projects. The Office of the Auditor General South Africa (AGSA) also conducts in-depth audit into NLC’s funding process. In recent years, the NLC received a negative media coverage from an on-line media publication (GroudUp) alleging a wide range of corruption in relation to certain projects that were funded by the organisation. The NLC Board appointed an audit firm, Sekela Xabiso to investigate the alleged corruption and the investigation is on-going. In addition to that, the Honorable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has also appointed an audit firm, Nexia, SAB&T to investigate the same allegations and the investigation is on-going as well. All findings from the relevant assurance bodies (audit/investigation) are/will be analysed and reviewed in order to ensure that proper remedial actions are implemented.”

Reply:

(1) (a) Tag A provide the names of officials from National Departments who have been suspended for more than 60 days.

(b) Tag B provide the names of officials from Provincial Departments who have been suspended for more than 60 days.

(2) Tags A and B provide reasons for each disciplinary action instituted against each official.

(3) Tag A and B provide (a) the period and (b) the cost of each suspension.

(4) Tag A and B provide the reasons why the cases have not being concluded.

(5) These responses are those of the departments which have submitted their information to the Department

Reply:

1. The Department followed all three National Treasury’s Instruction notes numbers 8 of 2019/2020, 3 of 2020/2021 and 5 of 2020/2021 in respect to all procurement relating to the COVID 19 pandemic. The details of each transaction are disclosed in the attached spreadsheet.
2. The method of procurement is indicated in the spreadsheet.
3. The reason for which the specified business was awarded the specified bid is also indicated in the spreadsheet.

END

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

(1)(a) R1, 397,393.62

(1)(a)(ii) R212,236.93

(1)(b) R374, 413.28

(1)(b)(ii) R0.00

(2)(a)(i) Refer to the attached

(a)(ii)(aa) Refer to the attached

(a)(ii)(bb) Refer to the attached

(b) Total cost for flights – R3, 212,273.22

(c) Total cost for accommodation – R1, 435,681.07

(d) Refer to the attached

(e)Total subsistence and travel allowance – R506, 882.48

(f) Total cost for ground transport – R479, 949.64

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

Thank you

Reply:

1. The Compensation Fund has received and registered 168 claims related to COVID-19.

2. There haven’t been any glitches reported to date with regards to registration and adjudication of COVID-19 claims.

Reply:

(a) Yes.

(i) (aa) R101,3 million.

(bb) R4,9 million.

(ii) Fund was earmarked for payments for capital assets: Upgrade of laboratory infrastructure and equipment.

(b) No rollover was applied for since 1 April 2020.

(i),(aa),(bb),(ii) Falls away.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM (DRDLR):

(a) Yes, a request to roll over unspent funds for the construction of the new head office premises from the 2018/19 financial year to the 2019/20 financial year was submitted to National Treasury.

(i) (aa) 46.7 million.

(bb) None.

(ii0 Not granted.

(b) No.

(i),(aa),(bb),(ii) Falls away.

Reply:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Lesia confirmed that as at 31 May 2020, the vacancy rate of the Hospital stood at 11,77%, since the process to fill the vacant posts is ongoing.

The details are as follows:

1. Management

One post of Senior Manager: Nursing was filled; and the successful candidate assumed duty on 01 June 2020. The processes are underway to fill the following posts:

• 1 Quality Assurance Manager: 01 July 2020
• 1 Senior Clinical Manager: 01 January 2021

2. Administration

As at 31 May 2020, vacancies for Administration cadre stood at 171 reduced from the 202 number as mentioned above.

• 31 Administration Clerks were appointed and commenced work on 01 June 2020.
• 34 posts are in the process of being filled for 01 July 2020.
• 21 posts are in the process of being filled around August and September, respectively.

3. Allied Support

Only 1 Specialised Auxiliary Services post has been filled because the department is prioritising the critical l posts.

4. Support

41 support staff have been appointed; and 26 Cleaners have assumed duty on Monday 15 June 2020.

5. Medical

Medical posts are filled on a continuous basis.

• A replacement process is adopted for vacated posts in the Hospital for clinicians. It is for this reason that the 95 vacant posts were reduced to 68 as at 31 May 2020, with 27 appointments confirmed.
• The Department/Hospital has a generic open advertisement that allows recruitment of medical staff as and when it is required.

6. Nursing

Like with Medical posts, there is an open advertisement for nursing positions. 10 posts from the 253 vacant posts will be filled from 01 July 2020 as applicants received offers, and they have confirmed start date.

The National Department of Health will engage the Gauteng Department of Health to further assist Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to access the Disaster Management Funds in order to fill the outstanding critical vacant posts.

END.

Reply:

I have been advised by SITA as follows:

1. The position of CEO has been vacant since 31 March 2019, after the employment contract of the previous incumbent came to an end. Mr Ntutule Tshenye was then appointed as an acting Chief Executive Officer, whilst the process of sourcing a replacement candidate was underway.

2. Yes, the recruitment process was initiated on 28 April 2019. Inputs were received from key stakeholders, the candidates were sourced through the SITA Website, Sunday Times and Linkedin. The pool of potential candidates was not satisfactory. The then Board of Directors requested additional CVs to be sourced through recruitment agencies.

3. Two (2) shortlisting sessions were held. The first session of the considered CVs received via SITA’s Website, Sunday Times and Linkedin was held on 28 May 2019 and the second session was held on 14 June 2019 to consider CVs received via the recruitment agencies. Five (5) candidates were shortlisted and interviewed on 28 June 2019 and none of the candidates were found suitable for the position.

4. The second phase of the recruitment process was initiated by the previous Board of Directors where the approach was to utilize the services of headhunting firms specialising in executive search. This process required a deviation from the current recruitment panel, which was requested from National Treasury, however it was not granted. The term of office expired for the Board of Directors expired on 31 December 2019. The Minister appointed and Executive Caretaker and Accounting Authority, Mr Luvuyo Keyise from 28 January 2020 and the acting tenure of Mr Ntutule Tshenye ceased on 28 January 2020. As a result, the recruitment process did not proceed.

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

1. (a) The suppliers that the Department of Health have used to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are as follows:

No.	Supplier
1.	BARRS Pharmaceutical Industries
2.	Unicore Holdings (Pty) Ltd
3.	Mr First Aid (Pty) Ltd
4.	Biologica Pharmaceuticals
5.	X-Business Resources
6.	SciProfs
7.	Tammy Taylor Nails
8.	Lora Medical Supplies
9.	Libera Management Services

(b) The total number of PPE that has been supplied is depicted on the table below as follows:

Item / Commodity	Quantity
Masks Respirator N95/FFP2/KN95	40 715
Masks Surgical / Medical	54 900
Masks Cloth	3 400
Face Shields	15
Gloves Examination Sterile	12 000
Gloves Examination Non-Sterile	8 000
Gloves Surgical	12 000
Safety Goggles	2 000
Boot Covers	2 000
Aprons	3 000
Coveralls	2 000
Hand Sanitizers	78 522
Infrared Thermometers	350
TOTAL	218 902

 

(c) The total monetary value of PPE cost is R 6 853 123.44.

2. All PPE were sourced from local suppliers as depicted on the table under the response to question 1. (a).

 

END.

Reply:

1. The Department of Employment and Labour did not award any tenders connected to Covid-19 pandemic. Only Personal Protective Equipment was procured during this period and that was done through the prescribed emergency procedures.

(a) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.

(b) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.

(c) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.

(2). (a) and (b) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during this period

(3) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.

(4) Emergency procurement procedure had to be applied to procure Personal Protective Equipment for all the Department of Employment and Labour officials declared as essential services, especially the Labour Inspector who had to ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations during all levels of the lockdown.

Reply:

1. (a) At level 3, starting from 1st June 2020, religious marriage officers can solemnise marriages under the existing marriages Act (1961).

(b) All requirements for solemnisation must be complied with. Such marriages solemnised by religious marriage officers must be submitted within three (3) days from solemnisation at an office where such marriage officers resort. Once all the paper work shall have been submitted at the nearest office, Department of Home Affairs (DHA) officials would then register such marriages.

2. DHA’s mandate is limited to registering the marriages; matters relating to wedding officiation falls outside the scope of DHA’s mandates.

END

Reply:

1. The Department of Public Service and Administration will not be offering any Covid-19 financial or other relief to small businesses as this is not within the mandate of the department to provide relief to any private organisation.

2. Not applicable as no financial or other relief will be provided by the department.

Reply:

a) A total of 421 210 Unemployment Insurance Fund Covid-19 TERS Foreign National workers’ applications were submitted by employers for the month of April.

b) Out of the 421 210 Foreign Nationals workers UIF Covid-19 applications submitted by employers a total of 114 059 applications were approved and processed by the Unemployment Insurance Fund by 15 May 2020.

Reply:

The Departments and Entities has advised me as follows:

1(a) None

(b) None

(c) At FPB, ICASA, ZADNA, Nemisa, USAASA and Sentech, there are no employees with criminal records

BBI has embarked on a vetting process for all employees in October 2019. It is still awaiting one (1) employee’s result, which is expected before end of the financial year 2019/20.

SAPO has 147 employees with criminal records.

SITA has confirmed 130 employees have criminal records.

SABC has one employee with a criminal record.

2 All new employees, on assumption of duty, are under an obligation to apply for security clearance from State Security, as their appointment is subject to security clearance being obtained. Should they fail to obtain such clearance the Department, will terminate after having adhered to due process, the employment relationship. In addition, the Department, now request an SAP69 from SAPS before appointment to ensure the person to be appointed has no criminal record before appointment.

Further, prior to appointment, the department submits the fingerprints of potential employees to the South African Police Services [SAPS] Criminal Record Center for criminal checks due to long delays from the State Security Agency [SSA] to provide the outcomes of security checks/vetting of potential employees.

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

a) Yes, He is currently employed in the Public Service

b) He is not in a Ministerial office, but in the Presidency, employed as a Special Advisor to the Deputy President

 

Reply:

1. What (a) measures are in place to ensure that those who were drawing on the Unemployment Insurance Fund are removed from the system upon securing a permanent job

(a) There are statutory measures that are in place to ensure that those who were drawing on the Unemployment Insurance Fund are removed from the system upon securing a permanent job. These measures are outlined in the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act, 4 of 2002 (“the Act”). The provisions of section 10 (1) and (2) of the Act respectively place a duty on every employer; which the Act applies to, to register with the Unemployment Insurance Fund and before the seventh day of each month, submit to the Unemployment Insurance Commissioner information relating to:

(i) The termination of the employment of any employee; and

(ii) The appointment of any employee by the employer

(b) The Department of Employment and Labour is in a process of drafting a Labour Migration Policy (LMP). The LMP is one of the Sub-themes of the National Employment Policy (NEP) that we are currently working on. The LMP covers a range of topics that include amongst others, work visas for scarce and critical skills, quotas of foreign nationals in the labour market etc. once we have completed we will publish this policy for public comment.

2. Yes, it will reflect the shortage of scarce and critical skills. Our policies provide for the importation of skills in an event that they do not exist in the country.

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department did procurement for goods and services below the amount of R 500 000.00 in connection to the Covid- 19 pandemic.

The table below provides replies to questions 1 a, b and c, 2 and 3.

	1(a). Name of the Business	(b)Amount	1.(c)Goods Purchased	2. Deviation (Yes/No)
1.1	Lechoba Medical Technologies	R121 502.10	Hand Sanitizers	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.2	NJU Projects & General Trading	R 63 000.00	Body Temperature Thermal Cameras	No	To screen the employees when entering the building
1.3	Flamingo Moon trading	R 23 460.00	Face Masks	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.4	Esizwe Group	R 5 088.00	Comfort Face Shields	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.5	Fortistle	R 48 875.00	Face Masks	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.6	Promed Technologies	R 13 570.00	Gloves	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.7	Ayanda Multiserve	R 22 500.00	Comfort Face Shields	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.7	Yellotec	R 2 591.88	Body Temperature Thermal Cameras	No	To screen the employees when entering the building
1.9	Motlokwa & Farm Holdings	R 1 100.00	Spray Bottles (empty)	No	To fill Disinfection Chemical
1.10	Multisurge	R 13 800.00	Disinfection Chemical	No	To protect the employees against virus infection

(4) No

Reply:

The most relevant department to respond to the question on labour related enquiries is the Department of Employment and Labour.

Thank you

Reply:

The Unemployment Insurance Fund did not commission Actuarial Research into its financial sustainability in the event of mass-scale job losses.

a) Not applicable since no actuarial Research conducted on sustainability of the Fund in the event of mass-scale job losses.

b) Not applicable since no actuarial Research conducted on sustainability of the Fund in the event of mass-scale job losses.

Our Actuaries have presented the following scenarios:

Scenario	Implications for finances of the UIF
Unemployment rate peaks at 41.4% and COVID19TERS benefits cost R48Billion	UIF becomes financially unsound as no Insurance Capital left and required to “borrow from future” by using 5% of accumulated credits. Sufficient funds should be available to pay benefits on a PAYG basis.   It is possible that the fund could return to financial soundness in 10 years.
Unemployment rate peaks at 41.4% and COVID19TERS benefits cost R68Billion	UIF becomes financially unsound as no Insurance Capital left and required to “borrow from future” by using 60% of accumulated credits. Sufficient funds available. It is unlikely that the fund could return to financial soundness in 10 years without a contribution increase and will essentially operate on a PAYG basis
Unemployment rate peaks at 53.7% and COVID19TERS benefits cost R48b	All accumulated credits will be depleted and the UIF would also need to borrow against beneficiaries and service providers to pay claims. Taking liquidity of assets into account, the fund will not be able to pay all claims when due and may need to put RAF-style measures in place to prioritise / structure payments
Unemployment rate peaks at 53.7% and COVID19TERS benefits cost R68b	Possible remedies for the dire financial position of the fund under this scenario could include: • Additional funding from Treasury • Temporary increase in contribution rate • Reduction in benefit

Reply:

1. A total number of 1,376 illegal foreigners were deported since lockdown; comprising:

1. 488 Mozambicans,
2. 705 Zimbabweans,
3. 178 Basotho and,
4. 5 Swazi.

2. Refugees and asylum seekers have status in the country and cannot be repatriated, including those with appeals at the Standing Committee on Refugee Affairs (SCRA) and the Refugee Appeal Board (RAB).

END

Reply:

According to Disaster Management Act , 2002: (Act No 57 of 2002) Determination of Alert Levels and Hotspots, “movement of persons 33 (1) a person may leave his / her place of residence to – (a) perform any service as permitted under Alert Level 3, (b) travel to and from work.

Thank you

Reply:

(1) The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) proposed for Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo is an integrated industrial development at Musina on a 60 square kilometre development polygon. Twenty three (23) core plants to be constructed at the site include a coal wash plant, a coke plant, a heat recovery power generation plant of 390 Mega Watt capacity, thermal power, ferrochrome, ferromanganese, silicon manganese, vanadium-titanium magnetite, high manganese steel, high vanadium steel, stainless steel factory, lime, cement, and refractory plants at a designated site. The plants form a connected sequence of energy and metallurgy production, from coal mining, coal wash, coking plant, power plant ferroalloy plant, iron making to steel manufacturing.

Several core plant and enabling local infrastructure comprising roads, rail sidings, air transport terminals, electricity grid, sewer and potable water facilities will be required at the SEZ polygon. Other feeder linear infrastructure like roads, rail, and electricity grids, will need to be developed or upgraded for supply of raw materials and transport of manufactured products to markets.

Current and potential source mines for input raw materials like coal, ferrochrome, manganese, vanadium, iron ore, silicon ore, nickel ore and limestone have been identified in various Provinces of South Africa, and neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and Botswana. The minerals from neighbouring countries will require the upgrade of import and export terminals, and the upgrade of infrastructure like the road and rail bridges over the Limpopo River.

The potential raw ore source mines are widely geographically distributed beyond Limpopo in South Africa as far as Northern Cape for instance for manganese, Rustenburg and Thabazimbi for ferrochrome and iron ore. Other countries like Zimbabwe are also potential supply areas for coal and ferrochrome at which the stricter environmental standards across the two countries shall be applied as per standard adopted international practice. Hence, the potential impacts of the SEZ activities spread beyond Limpopo, but the assessment of impacts and benefits will of necessity transact at the local, linear and the regional level.

Whilst of necessity the assessment focuses on the potential negative impacts on agriculture, potential benefits also warrant exploration. These benefits include increased market access due to increased population in the area, and potential expansion of agricultural production in both Zimbabwe and South Africa due to increased water availability arising from the water resources developments for the SEZ.

With respect to assessments of impacts of the contemplated development on agriculture in Limpopo, it is important to note that the core, feeder and enabling facilities are in the planning phase. The planning of the relevant infrastructure is progressing and shaping over time. To that end, the assessments of impacts of the contemplated activities continue to evolve as more information becomes available. The activities’ impact on the different areas is regulated by various competences and authorisations will be issued by various spheres of government.

For the geographically distributed source mines, the Special Economic Zone polygon with its multiple plants, and enabling local and feeder linear infrastructure, relevant and strict protocols of assessment before authorization shall be followed on a case by case basis for each facility, to comply with the relevant environmental legislation, including for the protection of water resources to minimize negative impacts.

My department has a precautionary approach which is followed, and shall be followed to guide the management of water at the mine and SEZ site, and the issuance of any authorisations. The assessment hierarchy prioritises zero discharge of contaminated effluent, the re-circulation and reuse of water to minimise the taking from resources and discharge, and containment and treatment before discharge of any contaminated water. This precautionary approach applies to all water streams that are identified at the sites, including storm water and any other wastewater streams from raw and product stockpiles. It will be the condition of the authorisations, if any, that the facilities shall be subject to long term monitoring during the life of the facilities. The post closure rehabilitation with associated financial provisioning is also a standard practice as per the legislation.

For the supply of water to the SEZ, my Department is investigating a number of potential local and international water sources to augment the limited resources in the area. The aim is to minimize and mitigate any impact on existing lawful water users as guided by section 27 of the National Water Act.

2. My Department conducted an in-depth study of the analysis of the water resource availability in the area. We issued a report called Limpopo Water Management Area North Reconciliation Strategy. This study identified that there are limited water resources in the Musina area, where the SEZ is located. A further update for the local Musina area is ongoing, and will be part of the outcomes of the water resource planning study for the area. The reconciliation study is available on my Department’s website at http://www.dws.gov.za/projects.aspx. I have also attached a copy to this response as Annexure A for your ease of reference.

My Department conducted a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment of Water Resources in the Limpopo WMA during 2016/17. This assessment identified and proposed possible measures to deal with current and future Risk and Vulnerability of Water Resources due to Climate Change in the Limpopo Water Management Area. The assessment proposed solutions to deal with the climate change risk and vulnerability on water resources, namely: (i) improvement of water governance, (ii) further infrastructure development, operation and maintenance, as well as (iii) strengthening water management. The Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment report is attached to this response as Annexure B for your ease of reference.

Furthermore, a climate change vulnerability assessment is also implicit when a water reconciliation study is conducted. The water availability assessment study analyses past hydrological data and stochastically simulates flows. This takes into account the recent trends in climate.

My Department shall be initiating further studies to confirm water sources for the SEZ. These sources include both local and international potential sources. In this regard, the studies will among other things assess the climate change assessments in the source and water use region at a wider spatial scale.

The Zimbabwe-South Africa Joint Water Commission is about to initiate planning studies to investigate water resource development options in Zimbabwe for the benefit of both countries. Since the signing of the agreement, the technical teams of both countries have been continuously meeting to initiate the joint studies and to make updates on water related issues of mutual interest to both parties.

My Department has set up institutional structures with all co-basin states to co- manage common river basins. As part of these Commissions function is to assess the water availability and come to decisions on how to best use common rivers.

3. The Reconciliation Strategy covers the Musina-Makhado SEZ and surrounding areas. It had a planning horizon of 25 years to 2040. It is updated at 3-5 year intervals. The study is all encompassing, and is not only limited to water stressed areas, but also identifies the water demands, water surplus areas and explores the means to balance the water needs over time.

4. My Department did compile a regional water availability assessment, indicating the water situation in each area, and the potential sources. Areas that face imminent water insecurity within the vicinity of the proposed SEZ are contained in the Reconciliation Strategy which is available under Integrated Water Resource Planning on the Department’s Website (http://www.dws.gov.za/projects.aspx ).

5. The Assessment of Water Resources is a dynamic exercise through the Reconciliation Strategies and the updating thereof. My Department undertakes planning investigations for the progressive and prioritised water supply, which mainly entails Bulk Raw Water Supply Infrastructure.

The Water Services Infrastructure refers to Water Treatment Works, Potable Water Pipelines, Reservoirs and Reticulation, which is the responsibility of the Municipality. It is financed through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), which is a Conditional Grant for developing new bulk water and sanitation infrastructure as well as refurbish, upgrade and replace aging bulk water and sanitation infrastructure. Furthermore, the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) facilitates the Implementation of various water and sanitation projects to accelerate backlog reduction and enhance sustainability of services.

The Special Economic Zone development planned will effectively supplement the water in the overall area of Musina. The anticipated population growth from the industrial hub is included in the estimates of water that will be required in the area.

 

Reply:

1. (a) South Africa appreciates the help from the Cuban Government. The Cuban health care workers will stay as long as needed and the current arrangement is for a period of 12 months, and reviewed quarterly;

(b) It is expected that if all goes as planned the Cuban brigade will travel back to Cuba on the month of May 2021;

(c) The salaries for the Cuban health care workers will be paid to the health care workers individual bank accounts, like any other employee employed in the South African Public Health Sector;

(d) In accordance with the signed Government-to-Government Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Cuba, the air transport at the end of the contract will be at the expense of the receiving Country.

2. As the statement was made when the Cuban brigade arrived in South Africa, it will be necessary for the government of the Republic of South Africa to make a statement when they leave, to thank them for their selfless service in assisting the Republic in its fight against COVID-19.

END.

Reply:

A detailed information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

Thank you

Reply:

The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

Thank you

Reply:

The Regulations published in Government Gazette Notice No. 608 of 28 May 2020 made under section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) has made provision for the easing of the lockdown to permit the return to play in the Sporting Sector at Level 3.

The Minister has consulted the sector and has received their proposed plans on the resumption of play.

As required by the regulations, the Minister has finalised directions and has submitted them to the relevant structures. Once approved, the directions will be signed by the Minister and gazetted for implementation by the sporting sector.

Reply:

I have been advised by FPB as follows:

a) (i) None

(ii) None

b) None

c) None

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Reply:

1. I have not been informed about allegations that expert scientific advise is ignored. Decisions regarding the COVID – 19 pandemic are made by the Cabinet, where all members including the Minister of Health are present.

2. All decisions  of the Cabinet are informed by the  epidemiology of the pandemic.

3. Internationally, new case, accumulated cases, recoveries and deaths are recorded, likewise in South Africa.

4. Decisions regarding COVID-19 are made by Cabinet.

 

Thank you

Reply:

1. It is important to indicate that there is no regulation that has been imposed by National Coronavirus Command Council as a measure to curb the spread of the Covid-19.

2. The National Executive of SA Government considers reports from the Minister of Health and NATJOINTS. These measures incorporate best practices obtained from international stakeholders such as World Health Organization. Government introduced a broad package to provide for those persons who have lost their income, this includes the provision of food.

3. a. The issues related to projections and models are located within the Department of Health. Accordingly this aspect of the question should be referred to the Department of Health.

b. The government adopted the Risk Adjusted Strategy to align with the prevailing reality in dealing with COVID-19 nationally.

c. The measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 are applied in all nine provinces throughout the country. In addition these measures aim to prevent inter-provincial spread by restricting travel between provinces and for those provinces that are currently having lower levels of infection to prepare their health care facilities.

 

Thank you

 

Reply:

The View of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer

a) The Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer (MACC) sees no reason to withdraw the Johnson and Johnson talc-based baby powder from the South African market as long as it is asbestos free.

b) The relevant details are as follows:

1. Talcum powder is made from a substance called talc whose components are magnesium, silicon and oxygen.
2. Talcum powder is used in cosmetic products such as baby powder, adult body and facial powders, as well as in a number of other consumer products
3. In its natural form some talc contains asbestos which is known to cause cancer and it was linked to ovarian cancer in 1958.
4. Globally, guidelines inform that all cosmetic products which contained talc in them had to be free from detectable amounts of asbestos.
5. Johnson and Johnson’s talc powder is no longer being used in the USA following a class action court case where Johnson and Johnson were ordered to pay billions of dollars’ compensation to women with ovarian and other genitourinary cancers allegedly caused by the use of talc powder on their genitalia. Although this judgement went against Johnson and Johnson, the evidence that talc powder is carcinogenic is very limited as confirmed by the National Cancer Institute.
6. Talcum powder used to contain asbestos which is a known carcinogen but is no longer the case

END.

Reply:

1. Section 23 (4) – (6) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2020), provides for the classification of either a local, provincial or national disaster. Section 23 (6) states that “ a disaster is a national disaster if it affects

(a) More than one province, or

(b) A single province which is unable to deal with effectively.

 By the time it was classified as a national disaster there were already cases in three provinces.

The WHO provided information regarding the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the world.

Our National Department of Health provided information on the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout South Africa.  The first SA case was identified on the 5th of March 2020 infection numbers were doubling two to three days had spread across SA including KZN, Gauteng and Western  Cape. On the 15 March 2020 when the National Disaster was classified and declared there already 61 cases.

 

Thank you

Reply:

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

(1) The Department did not receive official communication from National Treasury on the budget reductions. The Department is waiting for the announcement to be made by Parliament.

(2) Not applicable

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

(1) R1 759 479 000. This amount is made up of R1 435 304 000 budget cuts and R324 175 000 for COVID-19 initiatives.

(2) The reduction will not be spread evenly throughout the department.

2 (a) Programmes have different budgets for implementing different initiatives.

2b (i)

Budget cuts per programme

Programme	Compensation of employees R’000	Goods and services R’000	Transfers and subsidies R’000	Total R’000
Administration	18 995	22 987	-	41 982
Technology Innovation	5 769	9 978	50 000	65 747
International Cooperation and Resources	5 946	14 422	14 925	35 293
Research Development and Support	4 339	6 055	926 144	936 538
Socio-economic Innovation Partnerships	4 951	-	55 375	60 326
Total	40 000	53 442	1 046 444	1 139 886

Budget cuts per entity (Parliamentary Grants)

	R’000
Technology Innovation Agency	45 586
South African National Space Agency	18 209
National Research Foundation	96 610
Council for Science and Industrial Research	99 765
Academy of Science of South Africa	2 790
Human Science Research Council	32 459
Total	295 418

(ii) Principles

Programmes

• There is an anticipated savings on compensation of employees’ budget as the filling of vacancies will delay due to the pandemic.
• Savings to be realized from goods and services budget due to the lockdown, for example: Travel, events, etc.
• Various factors were considered under transfers and subsidies budget:
  • Projects that would not be feasible to implement due to the pandemic, for example: infrastructure, science awareness, etc.
  • Projects that were allocated funds during the last quarter of the financial year and the prospect of spending the new money (2020/21) were slim.
• There are however other areas where the cuts will have a negative impact, these include; the Human Capital Development. The department proposed these cuts in order to reach the 20% stipulated by National Treasury. These challenges were presented by the department to the National Treasury.

Entities

• 10% cut was proposed on the entities’ parliamentary grants across the board.
• A lesser percentage (as opposed to 20% requested by National Treasury) was proposed in order to minimize the impact of the cuts to entities.
• Entities are also expected to make some savings on areas where there will be no or minimal activities during the lockdown.
• Based on the above, the department is satisfied that the proposal is fair, however it was noted that entities which rely on external revenue might be negatively impacted as the revenue has declined substantially due to the prevailing conditions.
• The department has discussed the entities that are affected by decline of external revenue with the National Treasury for possible amnesty.

Reply:

1. The Department of Health has been implementing the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme. The CCMDD programme is a National Department of Health (NDoH) initiative to improve access to chronic medicines to stable patients by enabling them to collect their repeat medicines from a convenient collection point near their home or place of employment thereby decreasing the patient volumes in health care facilities.

• (a) Eligible patients collect their diabetes, hypertension, ARVs and other chronic medication for free from a convenient pick-up point like Dis-Chem, Clicks, Pick n Pay or even a local spaza shop. Majority of these service providers have been open during the National lockdown, allowing clients to collect their treatment without interruption.
• (b) The majority of these service providers have been open during the National lockdown, allowing clients to collect their treatment without interruption. However, lockdown restrictions created a confusion around availability of public transport services to access these service outlets.
• (c) In health facilities, before and during the lockdown patients were given 2-3 month Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir (TLD) supply and 2 months Tenofovir +Emtricitibine + Efavirenz (TEE) supply;

2. The Department of Health has also strengthened in-facility processes and support to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART in order to maintain adherence. Tracking and tracing (telephonically and then in-person) of clients lost to follow-up is ongoing in majority of our facilities during lockdown;

• (i) The Department of Health has developed messaging for PLHIV and people living with TB regarding the importance of treatment. These various messages have been sent to clients through SMS and social media;
• (ii) The Department of Health in partnership with the SABC and other partners, have initiated COVID-19 radio programme. This communication is cutting across all health programmes in relation to the pandemic through daily pre-recorded interviews in all SABC radio stations, to address what needs to happen during the lockdown period regarding treatment adherence and access to services.

(2) The registered deaths from the civil registration system are maintained by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Department of Health is not in a position to provide the requested information.

(3) The Department of Health is not able to provide the requested analysis because of access restrictions to the civil registration system data, which is hosted by the Department of Home Affairs.

END.

Reply:

We are not aware of the oversight visit conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Health from Parliament. However the response is as follows:

a) The number of children under five years of age admitted to public sector hospitals during 2018/19, 2019/20 and the first quarter of 2020/2021 is shown in the table below. It should be noted that in line with World Health Organisation recommendations, children with kwashiorkor are classified as having Severe Acute Malnutrition and are not counted separately.

	No of children under-five years of age admitted with Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM)	No. of children under five years admitted with Severe acute malnutrition (SAM)
2018/19	6,057	11,280
2019/20	6,159	11,089
Feb 2020	534	1,129
March 2020	479	991
April 2020	272	596

The reduction in cases during April may be a reflection of level 5 lockdown regulations. The shift in focus to COVID-19 activities did not allow for active case finding of children at risk of severe acute malnutrition, and caregivers of children may have lacked access to transport to the facilities. Data may also be incomplete if data capturers were not on duty.

b) All children with severe acute malnutrition admitted in health facilities are managed according to standardised guidelines and protocols. The Department has also prioritised nutritional assessment and classification of all children who are admitted to ensure that cases of malnutrition are not missed.

All provinces have been requested to draft response plans focusing on addressing the prevention and management of children with acute malnutrition in the context of COVID-19 during and after the lockdown.

A draft national guidance framework has been developed and shared with provinces to ensure that key issues such as ensuring the availability of key commodities and supplies is ensured.

c) The national guidance framework on nutrition response in the context of COVID-19 shared with provinces to guide development of province/ district response plan has outlined key priorities including:

• Ensuring that Community Health Workers screen, identify and refer children with severe acute malnutrition – this is part of their routine activities, but was not done during lockdown as Community Health Workers were focussed on community screening and testing for COVID-19;
• Prevention strategies e.g. breastfeeding promotion and support, promotion of appropriate complementary feeding;
• Forecasting the need for essential nutrition supplies (e.g. F-75, F-100, Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), micronutrient supplements, MUAC tapes, etc.) for 2-3 months, and ensure adequate storage conditions;
• Increasing the amount of nutritional supplements provided to outpatients to reduce the frequency of follow-up visits;
• Consider task shifting for community health workers to provide nutrition supplements during home visits for follow-up patients with missed appointments or hard to reach areas;
• Ensure linkages and referral systems to the Department of Social Development of SAM cases through social workers to benefit from social protection measures such as social relief for distress and food parcels.

END.

Reply:

1. No, the Department has not undertaken any investigations on the effects of wearing masks for long periods as there is substantial published research on this important topic. The wearing of cloth masks by the general public for long-periods is commonplace in several countries prior to Covid-19. Similarly, the wearing of surgical masks by healthcare personnel for long periods is standard practice and has been found to be safe. Cloth masks are better tolerated than surgical masks or N95 respirators used by healthcare workers. Fainting may occur when the mask is worn incorrectly such that the nose and mouth are occluded, but as far as we have been able to ascertain, there are no peer-reviewed scientific reports of this. There are anecdotal accounts of people passing out from long-term use of N95 respirators;

2. Wearing of cloth masks has been shown in many reports to reduce community transmission of the virus and therefore is a necessary intervention like hand hygiene and social distancing. The National Department of Health will ensure that whether the person wears a mask or not, anyone in respiratory distress will be provided the best possible care in our healthcare facilities. 

END.

Reply:

The National Department of Health collaborated with the National Treasury and Department of Trade and Industry to identify local manufacturers and distributors to enable departments to procure locally manufactured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) products. To this effect, the following initiatives have been concluded:

• Visibility of local manufacturers and distributors: A market intelligence tool was developed listing all local manufacturers and their distributors of the key seventeen (17) PPE items used in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. The tool enables public sector buyers to inter alia identify manufacturers and their distributors as follows:

• • According to their provinces, cities, towns and districts;
  • It also provides information such as GPS coordinates of manufacturers and distributors;
  • Contact details of manufactures and distributors for ease of use
  • Information of where the PPE comes from such as country of origin and quality assurance;
  • It allows public sector buyers to identify exactly where the stock they are procuring coming from.
  • Local manufacturers’ information regarding BBBEE Level;
  • % Black Ownership;
  • Manufacturer information
  • Product Name
  • Product Price;
  • Shipper Pack Quantities; and
  • Product Category (Distinguishing between 17 Essential PPE Categories and Non-Essential PPE Product Categories).

(2) The National Department of Health and all provincial departments have allowed access to this tool for use in the sourcing of PPE items/products. The tool is available online and data / information is continuously updated with the information of new entry of service providers to PPE market.

• On Central Supplier Database (CSD) there are approximately 20 000 suppliers registered who have indicated that they are able to for deliver PPE items. On the basis of that information the National Department of Health collaborated with National Treasury to ask Treasury to do modification on CSD that will allow all service providers who are registered on CSD for the supply of PPE to be able to provide additional information such as stock-on-hand information;

• As at 7 June 2020, approximately 2600 suppliers have uploaded stock-on-hand information. This initiative will enable public sector buyers to be able to source PPE products with service providers who actually have stock;

• They can select service providers according to their province, districts and towns etc;

• They can further select service providers according to their BEE status, % black ownership, military veterans, black youth, black women, owned by black persons with disabilities, rural or township based business and SME status.

END.

Reply:

1. When private sites are procured to function as quarantine facilities, the rate negotiated includes all meals and forms part of the Service Level Agreement signed between the National Department of Public Works & Infrastructure and the facility. Where National or Provincial parks are being used, the park itself or tourism board provide catering. If such a site decides to outsource the service it is done based on their Supply Chain Management processes. For state-owned sites however, the processes for providing food is managed by the Provincial Department of Health and procured based on government Supply Chain Management processes;

2. There is an approved protocol agreement between the National Department of Public Works & Infrastructure and National Department of Health related to procurement of private facilities that include catering. Where the tenders or procurements are advertised for public facilities it would depend on the size of the contract and the normal Supply Chain Management processes the provincial departments follow;

3. (a) The service providers are procured as per standard Supply Chain Management principles;

(b) The budget for the provision of food is not fixed. It is need based and would vary based on the size of the site, the number of people that it needs to cater for, the duration that the food is to be supplied for and the basis for provisioning.

END.

Reply:

a) Yes, several studies have been done internationally on the effects of 5G radiation and published in accredited scientific journals. Some of these studies are:

(i) Towards 5G communication systems: Are there health implications? International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health (2018);

(ii) 5G Radiation and COVID-19: The Non-Existent Connection. International Journal of Research in Electronics and Computer Engineering (2020);

(iii) 5G Wireless Communication and Health Effects—A Pragmatic Review Based on Available Studies Regarding 6 to 100 GHz. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2019);

(iv) 5G wireless telecommunications expansion: Public health and environmental implications. Environmental Research (2018);

(v) Adverse health effects of 5G mobile networking technology under real-life conditions. Toxicology Letters (2020);

The World Health Organisation (WHO): 5G mobile networks and health (February 2020) acknowledges two international bodies that have produced electromagnetic fields exposure guidelines that countries need adhere to: a) The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (2020) guidelines for limiting exposure to Electromagnetic Fields; and b) The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, through the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety has produced guidelines for radiofrequencies up to 300 GHz, including the frequencies under discussion for 5G.

b) According to the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection 2020 Guidelines, 5G is safe. These Guidelines are the revision of the 1998 Guidelines and provide protection for humans from exposure to Electro-Magnetic fields from 100 Kilo Hertz to 300 Giga Hertz. The only substantiated adverse health effects caused by exposure to radiofrequency Electro-magnetic Fields are nerve stimulation, changes in the permeability of cell membranes, and effects due to temperature elevation. Kostoff et al (2020), and Russell (2018) have argued that radiofrequency radiation (RF) used in 5G is increasingly being recognized as a new form of environmental pollution, and adverse systemic health effects beyond skin and eyes.

The WHO (2020) conclusion on 5G mobile networks and health was that no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies. Health-related conclusions were drawn from studies performed across the entire radio spectrum but, so far, only a few studies have been carried out at the frequencies to be used by 5G. Tissue heating was identified as the main mechanism of interaction between radiofrequency fields and the human body. Radiofrequency exposure levels from current technologies resulted in negligible temperature rise in the human body. As the frequency increases, there is less penetration into the body tissues and absorption of the energy becomes more confined to the surface of the body (skin and eye). Provided that the overall exposure remains below international guidelines, no consequences for public health are anticipated.

END.

Annexure: Reply to Question No. 1101 References

Reference	Abstract	Findings
1. Di Ciaula, A. (2018). Towards 5G communication systems: Are there health implications? International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 221(3), 367-375.	Preliminary observations showed that MMW increase skin temperature, alter gene expression, promote cellular proliferation and synthesis of proteins linked with oxidative stress, inflammatory and metabolic processes, could generate ocular damages, affect neuro-muscular dynamics. Further studies are needed to better and independently explore the health effects of RF-EMF in general and of MMW in particular. However, available findings seem sufficient to demonstrate the existence of biomedical effects, to invoke the precautionary principle, to define exposed subjects as potentially vulnerable and to revise existing limits.	RF-EMF exposure is rising and health effects of are still under investigation. Both oncologic and non-cancerous chronic effects have been suggested. 5G networks could have health effects and will use MMW, still scarcely explored. Adequate knowledge of RF-EMF biological effects is also needed in clinical practice. Underrating the problem could lead to a further rise in non-communicable diseases.
2. Uthman, M., Shaibu, F. E., Bara’u Gafai Najashi, I. F., Labran, A. S., & Umar, U. S. A. (2020) 5G Radiation and COVID-19: The Non-Existent Connection. International Journal of Research in Electronics and Computer Engineering, Vol. 8 Issue 2 Apr.-June 2020	This paper presents an overview of the 5G mobile technology alongside an overview of coronavirus diseases and demonstrate that there is no connection between them by providing the scientific evidence of research carried out by international organizations in charge of 5G technology.	From all the discussions it has been established that coronaviruses are not new disease pathogens but there have been various outbreaks of the disease over the years with various strains. The latest of which is COVID-19. 5G technology is still in development and has not been fully deployed around the world yet. As such, there is no correlation between COVID-19 and 5G technology. COVID-19 originate from animals (bats) and are transmitted to humans and subsequently spread from human to human, certainly not through 5G radiation.
3. Simkó, M., & Mattsson, M. O. (2019). 5G Wireless Communication and Health Effects—A Pragmatic Review Based on Available Studies Regarding 6 to 100 GHz. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(18), 3406.	This review analyzed 94 relevant publications performing in vivo or in vitro investigations. Each study was characterized for: study type (in vivo, in vitro), biological material (species, cell type, etc.), biological endpoint, exposure (frequency, exposure duration, power density), results, and certain quality criteria.	In order to evaluate and summarize the 6–100 GHz data in this review, it draws the following conclusions: Regarding the health effects of MMW in the 6–100 GHz frequency range at power densities not exceeding the exposure guidelines the studies provide no clear evidence, due to contradictory information from the in vivo and in vitro investigations. Regarding the possibility of “non-thermal” effects, the available studies provide no clear explanation of any mode of action of observed effects. Regarding the quality of the presented studies, too few studies fulfil the minimal quality criteria to allow any further conclusions.
4. The International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines (2020)	The Germany-based scientific body that assesses the health risks of radio broadcasts, called for new guidelines for millimetre-wave 5G, the most high-frequency version of the telecommunications standard.	5G is safe, according to the international body in charge of setting limits on exposure to radiation.
5. Russell, C. L. (2018). 5G wireless telecommunications expansion: Public health and environmental implications. Environmental research, 165, 484-495.	This article will reviews relevant electromagnetic frequencies, exposure standards and current scientific literature on the health implications of 2G, 3G, 4G exposure, including some of the available literature on 5G frequencies.	5G technologies are far less studied for human or environmental effects. It is argued that the addition of this added high frequency 5G radiation to an already complex mix of lower frequencies, will contribute to a negative public health outcome both from both physical and mental health perspectives. Radiofrequency radiation (RF) is increasingly being recognized as a new form of environmental pollution. Like other common toxic exposures, the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF EMR) will be problematic if not impossible to sort out epidemiologically as there no longer remains an unexposed control group.
6. International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. (2020). Guidelines for limiting exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz). Health Physics, 118(5), 483-524.	This document presents the revised guidelines, which provide protection for humans from exposure to EMFs from 100 kHz to 300 GHz.	The only substantiated adverse health effects caused by exposure to radiofrequency EMFs are nerve stimulation, changes in the permeability of cell membranes, and effects due to temperature elevation. There is no evidence of adverse health effects at exposure levels below the restriction levels in the ICNIRP (1998) guidelines and no evidence of an interaction mechanism that would predict that adverse health effects could occur due to radiofrequency EMF exposure below those restriction levels.
7. Kostoff, R. N., Heroux, P., Aschner, M., & Tsatsakis, A. (2020). Adverse health effects of 5G mobile networking technology under real-life conditions. Toxicology Letters, 323, 35-40.	This article identifies adverse effects of non-ionizing non-visible radiation (hereafter called wireless radiation) reported in the premier biomedical literature.	Identifies wide-spectrum of adverse health effects of non-ionizing non-visible radiation. Most laboratory experiments were not designed to identify the more severe adverse effects reflective of real-life conditions. Many experiments do not include the real-life pulsing and modulation of the carrier signal. Vast majority of experiments do not account for synergistic adverse effects of other toxic stimuli with wireless radiation. 5G mobile networking technology will affect not only the skin and eyes, but will have adverse systemic effects as well.
8. World Health Organisation (5G mobile networks and health 27 February 2020 | Q&A)	Two international bodies produce exposure guidelines on electromagnetic fields. Many countries currently adhere to the guidelines recommended by: The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, through the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety These guidelines are not technology-specific. They cover radiofrequencies up to 300 GHz, including the frequencies under discussion for 5G.	To date, and after much research performed, no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies. Health-related conclusions are drawn from studies performed across the entire radio spectrum but, so far, only a few studies have been carried out at the frequencies to be used by 5G. Tissue heating is the main mechanism of interaction between radiofrequency fields and the human body. Radiofrequency exposure levels from current technologies result in negligible temperature rise in the human body. As the frequency increases, there is less penetration into the body tissues and absorption of the energy becomes more confined to the surface of the body (skin and eye). Provided that the overall exposure remains below international guidelines, no consequences for public health are anticipated.

Reply:

(a) Assistance is provided to TVET colleges through Higher Health, which conducts daily screening and provides health care volunteers on every campus. Capacity development webinars on the COVID-19 Post-School Education and Training (PSET) guidelines and protocols have been conducted for TVET management in all the regions. Higher Health facilitated these sessions and over 1 000 management staff at TVET colleges have been trained. Colleges have reprioritised their budgets to take the necessary measures in line with the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. Amongst others, college budgets have been redirected towards the procurement of personal protective equipment, sanitisers, facial masks, fumigation and the deep cleansing of campuses.

(b) The Department has been administering the TVET readiness assessment questionnaire on a weekly basis for the past four weeks. This was intended to assess the state of readiness of TVET colleges and report progress to the Department and Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19. Continuous monitoring, which includes on-site visits and the through the regional offices, the Department verifies the information provided by colleges. In addition, the Minister and Deputy Minister have recently visited several PSET institutions to assess and monitor the state of readiness for the phased return of students and staff to campuses under level 3.

Reply:

a) We cannot respond specifically on this question as it is a matter that was relating to The Presidency. It is best that this question is addressed to The Presidency;

b) As indicated above it is not clear what information The Presidency was referring to therefore we cannot provide more details in this regard;

c) The details are as follows:

(i) The Modelling consortium Incident Management Team has developed detailed projections and recommendations of the hospital requirements in all provinces including isolation beds, general beds and critical care beds;

(ii) A National Hospital Readiness Task Team has been established comprising of clinicians, disaster management experts and experienced hospital managers. The role of this team is to provide guidance and support to the provinces on all aspects of hospital readiness;

(iii) The Department has developed a surge strategy, which guides the provinces in various areas of health system support. The strategy also includes guidance on the management of the various categories of the covid-19 patients. Alongside this strategy, a detailed guidance has already been provided to all hospitals on all aspects of hospital readiness including in the form of Action Plans. Ten of these plans have already been provided to the hospitals covering: Preparation, Area allocation, Command and Control, Bed Statistics, Safety, Communication, Assessment, Decontamination, Surge capacity and Triage;

(iv) All hospitals have been provided with an on-line assessment of readiness including: equipment requirements, oxygen requirements, operational management, case management, infection prevention and control, human resources, infrastructure, medicines, linen, supply chain and support services;

(v) Hospitals have been provided with detailed clinical guidelines for the clinical management of patients;

(vi) Ventilators that were donated by the US Government have been distributed to hospitals in Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces;

(vii) All provinces have developed and have started implementing detailed hospital readiness strategies;

(viii) The bed allocation for the covid-19 response is as follows:

• General beds = 12 029;
• High Critical Beds = 2 309;
• High care beds = 13 129.

END.

Reply:

(1) There is variability in the average medicine collection rates overtime, taking into consideration public holidays and the number of months supplied to patients on chronic medication at various facilities. Based on the information available to the National Department of Health, the average rate of collection for the first four months of 2020 is depicted in the table below:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	April*
National	89.9%	92.6%	86.7%	84.8%
Eastern Cape	94.5%	94.4%	87.8%	87.0%
Free State	94.6%	96.9%	87.0%	75.9%
Gauteng	91.0%	96.2%	86.1%	81.6%
KwaZulu Natal	92.3%	94.4%	88.0%	85.5%
Limpopo	95.3%	96.2%	88.4%	81.5%
Mpumalanga	93.1%	97.2%	91.8%	87.5%
North West	95.6%	96.1%	83.1%	85.6%
Northern Cape	94.5%	93.4%	77.1%	78.9%

2. (a) Tracing of patients who defaulted on their medication

• Tracking and tracing (telephonically and in-person) of clients lost to follow-up is ongoing in the majority of our facilities. District supporting partners and Community Health Workers (CHWs) assist with community tracking and tracing of patients; a list of missed appointments is drawn weekly from Tier.Net and those who missed appointments are contacted via SMS (by District support partners) and in some cases are delivered to patients directly;
• The Department of Health has developed messaging for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and people living with TB regarding the importance of treatment. These various messages have been circulated to clients through SMS and social media;
• The Adherence Guidelines SOP also provide the procedure to track and trace patients who defaulted.

(b) Distribution of medicines in each province

• The Department of Health has been implementing the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme, a National Department of Health (NDoH) initiative to improve access to chronic medicines to stable patients by enabling them to collect their repeat medicines prescriptions from a convenient collection point near their home or place of employment.
• Eligible patients (i.e. stable on treatment) on ARVs and other chronic medication collect their medicines for free from a convenient contracted pick-up point such as Dis-Chem, Clicks, Pick-n-Pay, Pharmacy, or even a local Spaza shop. The majority of these service providers have been open during the National lockdown, allowing clients to collect their treatment without interruption.
• In health facilities, before and during the lockdown, all stable patients are given two months TEE supply and three months TLD supply of ARVs.
• The Department of Health has also strengthened in-facility processes and support to PLHIV on ART in order to maintain adherence.
• For TB patients, the Department of Health has made arrangements for home delivery of TB medicines by Community Health Workers. The Community Health Workers also collect sputum from patients who require follow up testing.

END.

Reply:

Measures have been put in place to allow all South Africans to be able to come back home, the below-mentioned is applicable to all countries including those listed (a) to (d):

Medical Evacuation processes have been developed to accomodate every person who requires to travel into South Africa for medical attention including foreign nationals. South Afrcians who are in need of medical attention may travel back into the country to obtain all necessary medical attention. This is managed through the embassies who then communicate through to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco). Depending on the condition or nature of illness of the person, they are allowed to enter the country by means of an ambulance or general transportation in cases that do not warrant ambulance services. The application process for medical evacuation is facilitated by the referring health facility or directly from the embassy in the case of outpatients.

END.

Reply:

a) The World Health Organisation (WHO) Solidarity Trial is a global study that is evaluating therapeutic interventions to support the treatment of patients admitted with COVID-19. This protocol describes a randomised trial among adults (age ≥18 years) hospitalised for COVID-19 that randomly allocates them between four treatment arms, each to be given in addition to the usual standard of care in the participating hospital. Randomisation is proposed into the following 4 arms: a) Standard of care; b) Remdesivir; c) Lopinavir-Ritonavir with Interferon β1b; and hydrochloroquine. This trial will be subjected to South African research standards to protect human rights through regulatory approval for clinical trials and ethics, besides similar processes being undertaken at a global level. The ethical review is rigorous and robust in ensuring that a relevant Research Ethics Committee protects potential participants by taking into account potential risks and benefits for the community in which the research will be carried out. In line with ethical principles, the Ethics Committee ensures protection of individual autonomy through informed consent; protecting participants against grievous bodily harm, and justice in assessing risks and benefits of the study

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is statutorily obliged to ensure that medicines, drugs and other health care products available in the country comply with the requirements for safety, quality and efficacy. It is also authorised to terminate a trial when serious breaches of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) occur, and where participants in clinical trials have had, their safety or well-being compromised. To date, a number of clinical trials have been approved in South Africa to determine the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions to treat and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. SAHPRA has reviewed and approved one COVID-19 vaccine trial application submitted by Professor Shabir Madhi who is one of South Africa’s leading vaccinology experts and is the director of Wits University and the Medical Research Council Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit (RMPRU). The proposed vaccine study will be undertaken by RMPRU, in partnership with the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute and the Setshaba Research Unit, organised under the auspices of Wits University’s flagship vaccinology programme, the African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise (ALIVE).

b) The South African Solidarity Trial Team is led by Prof Helen Rees and senior academics and clinicians from eight medical schools who have made major contributions to the study design. These researchers have been conducting community advocacy, as well as engaging communities and healthcare workers on the ground.

The leading hospitals in South Africa are:

• Livingston Tertiary Hospital and Dora Nginza Hospital (Nelson Mandela University)

• Dr George Mukhari Hospital (Sefako Makgatho Health Science University)

• Tygerberg Hospital (Stellenbosch University)

• Groote Schuur Hospital (University of Cape Town)

• Military Hospital, NHLS Universitas Hospital, Pelonomi Hospital and a private hospital with Mediclinic (University of Free State)

• King Edward Addington and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

• Steve Biko Academic Hospital (University of Pretoria)

• Baragwanath and Charlotte Maxeke (Wits University)

The candidate COVID-19 vaccine that has been approved for study was developed by Oxford University in the UK and is called ChAdOx1. The Oxford University vaccine developers have completed the early Phase 1 trials in the UK and have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic. There is now a second phase clinical trial being undertaken in the UK to determine the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. There are over 1200 participants already enrolled, and a further 9,000 participants to be enrolled over the next few months. Brazil and Kenya will also be involved in clinical trials of the same vaccine. In South Africa, it is proposed that 2000 volunteers will be recruited to join the study, with similar numbers to be enrolled in the study planned in Brazil. The ability of RMPRU to lead the proposed study has been assessed and approved by the governing regulatory authorities in South Africa.

COVID-19 vaccine development is proceeding at an unprecedented speed, with many of the world’s leading scientific institutions contributing to this effort. There are currently over 100 vaccines in development and clinical trials have been undertaken in the UK, USA and France. For products such as vaccines, it is critically important that studies are performed in Southern Hemisphere countries including in the African region, concurrently with studies in Northern Hemisphere countries. This allows evaluation of the efficacy and safety of candidate vaccines to be assessed in a global context, failing which the introduction of many life-saving vaccines into public immunization programmes for Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs) frequently lags behind that in High Income Countries (HIC). Furthermore, if South Africa participates in the development of a vaccine it places an ethical obligation on the vaccine developers to allow early access to that vaccine in the countries where the research was undertaken.

END.

Reply:

The strategy for curbing infections in communities is in keeping with the World Health Organisation’s recommendations, which is to undertake contact tracing, community screening and testing - which has now evolved into targetted community screening, especially in the hotspots (where there is greater than 5 cases per 100 000 population). The National Department of Health is also working closely with its provincial counterparts to also ensure hospital readiness for COVID-19. Moreover, community messaging on social distancing and hygiene practices are being stepped up in provinces, especially where the hotspots have been identified. A revised testing strategy will prioritise those persons who are at very high risk and are symptomatic.

The lockdown has been effective in managing new infections. The mathematical models have shown us that we would have had a five times higher mortality if the lockdown was not implemented.

Additionally the lockdown provides the health system an opportunity to plan for the surge of infections. The lockdown has achieved both these objectives reducing new infections and providing the healthcare system with more time to prepare for the surge.

The new strategy is a risk adjusted model of alert levels based on the level of infection and the health system capacity in an area. The health system must focus its energy and resources on these areas where there are high levels of infection. These areas are different from other areas where there is little or no infection. The areas with low risk do not require the stringent restriction that areas of high risk require. There is little value in a generalised lockdown when the reality is that there are specific areas of the country that are of high risk (Hotspot). These areas require intervention to curb the spread of infection. The risk adjusted approach is intended to focus our attention on areas that are at high risk. This is a much more efficient approach to responding to COVID-19.

END.

Reply:

(1) The campus offers Engineering and Related Design (E&RD) NCV programmes where students are doing practical activities as part of the Internal Continuous Assessments (ICASS). For the students to qualify for entry into the examinations the ISAT (practical exam component) needs to be administered. The Campus yearly is conducting relevant practical tasks. We are not aware of any programme offered at Springfield Campus where practicals are supposed to be offered and they are not offered.

(2) ERD NCV programmes are paid for by NSFAS to all financial needy and qualifying students.

(3) Parts of the precast walls are missing due to thuggery from the neighboring informal settlements. Last year, in November 2019, missing precast walls were replaced, but the thuggery continued. Additional security is deployed to ensure the safety and security of the college property and its stakeholders. The dumpsite is a challenge as it is on an access road to the Campus. The municipality cleaning of the road is unsatisfactory and there is continuous engagement with the municipality to devise a permanent solution.

Reply:

1. (a) In order to standardize stock control of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) nationally, the Department of Health has taken measures as follows:

• Seventeen (17) PPE items were identified as minimum requirements for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19;
• Specifications for the identified 17 PPE items have been developed for use and adopted by Provincial Departments of Health and they are currently being used in procuring PPE equipment of acceptable quality;
• Prices were set for each PPE item in by National Department of Health in collaboration with National Treasury and issued under National Instruction Note 3 of 2020/21 and subsequently repealed and replaced by National Instruction Note 5 of 2020/21 in an attempt to prevent price exploitation or unnecessary price hike by manufacturers and distributors;
• The Department issued Infection Prevention Control (IPC) guidance to cover PPE use and change regimes. The correct use of PPE is key to forecasting PPE demand and ensure correct stock holding is secured at facilities;
• A Demand Forecasting Model was developed to ensure that the correct PPE items that are compliant with the set specifications are procured at the right price, right quantity and correct quality;
• Stock Visibility Systems (SVS) was expanded for it to cater for both PPE and Pharmaceutical products which is funded and procured by NDOH and distributed devices were rolled out to provinces. Currently facilities in the provinces can capture their stock levels using SVS;
• Another tool called PPE Reporting Tool (PPERT) was developed at National and was rolled out to provincial level to capture stock levels and order information of PPE at depot level;
• In cases of shortages, donations were used to augment stock levels at the facilities in the provinces;
• Training in the use of SVS were provided to provincial users and access to National Surveillance Centre (NSC) provided to empower provincial decision makers to access, interpret and take action regarding stock levels, distribution and logistics of PPE and sourcing and procurement of PPE items;
• A Supplier Mapping Portal was developed to provide Provincial Health departments access to information of PPE manufacturers and distributors available in their prospective provinces.

(b) In order to standardize stock control of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provincially, the Department of Health has taken measures as follows:

Ensure that each province appoints a dedicated Provincial PPE coordinator who monitors stock level continuously from depot to facilities so that they can be able to track the following:

• Provincial visibility of stock on hand;
• Stock use, quality and specification of PPE;
• Storage and distribution;
• Demand forecasting;
• Allocation of PPE stocks.

(c) In order to standardize stock control of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in local clinics, the Department of Health has taken measures as follows:

• Stock Visibility System (SVS) has been expanded and rolled out thereof to local clinics.

2. The stock management systems differ per province and per facility depending on the IT infrastructure in so far as monitoring the following activities:

• storage capacity;
• distribution method of PPE;
• stock ordering system, and
• replenishment methods;
• stock count procedures; and
• controls of PPE.

END.

Reply:

1. Policies are constantly reviewed to meet the demands of an evolving epidemic. Due to the global shortage of testing extraction kits, earlier policies that advocated repeat testing had to be revised. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has aligned its recommendation to WHO Guidelines and national resources imperatives. Second tests are not conducted on persons who are negative and asymptomatic due to the shortage of testing kits.

2. (a) Those persons that test negative and are asymptomatic are not tested again, however those that are symptomatic- tests are repeated for these individuals, especially those that are at high risk.

(b) The health professional staff are not tested routinely except if they have symptoms of Covid-19 or fulfil the criteria of a high-risk exposure with a person who tested positive with Covid-19. They may after seven days of self-isolation be clinically evaluated and tested on day 8 with the possibility of early return to work if they have a negative test and are clinically well. They will continue to be monitored for symptoms till day 14 and are counselled on personal hygiene measures. Health professional staff are monitored daily through symptom screening. The rationale is that there are not enough test kits and targeted testing is needed. Risk assessments in health care settings, use of public health measures, personal hygiene, training on Covid-19 and personal protective equipment all contribute to a lowered risk of transmission exposure.

END.