Questions and Replies

Reply:

With reference to her reply to question 61 for oral reply on 11 March 2020, of the total number of 88 685 learners who were allowed to participate in the Multiple Examination Opportunity (MEO) dispensation, what number of learners (a) in each specified district participated in the MEOs, (b) wrote Matric and (c) were allowed to write MEOs in each specified school across the City of Ekurhuleni?                               

Response

Multiple Examination Opportunity (MEO) candidates are learners that are progressed from Grade 11 to Grade 12; and therefore, are allowed to write three or more subjects in their first examination sitting, and the remaining subjects in the second examination sitting.  In the case of the 2019 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, as indicated by the Minister, there were 88 685 candidates that opted for the Multiple Examination Opportunity (MEO).  These 88 685 candidates wrote three or more subjects in the 2019 NSC examination and they would have written the remaining subjects in the 2020 May/June examination.  However, with the National Lockdown emanating from COVID-19, the 2020 May/June examination has been re-scheduled to be written in October/November 2020, as a combined examination with the October/November 2020 examination.

(a) The number of MEO candidates per district for the October/November 2019 examination is provided as Annexure A.

(b) The number of candidates that would have written the 2020 May/June examination, so as to attain the NSC (Matric) will only be known after the 2020 October/November examination is written.

(c) The number of MEO candidates in the 2019 NSC examination for both the Ekhurhuleni North and Ekhurhuleni South districts is also provided as part of Annexure A.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(1) The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) receives and enters offered facilities by private hotels into a national database. The list is submitted to the Department of Health to conduct an assessment of the facilities in line with its guidelines for quarantine and isolation in relation to COVID 19: Exposure and Infections.

(2) No, not only four- and five-start graded establishments are used. There are hotels lower than four and five-star graded establishments that are offered, assessed and declared suitable quarantine facilities.

(3) The Department concludes agreements with establishments.

(a) Standard service level agreement outlining the obligations of both parties.

(b) There is no notice period. The Department issues a letter of appointment to the establishment upon receipt of confirmation of the number of people that will be quarantined from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

(4) The establishment also accommodates staff that will be serving the quarantined people. This includes medical staff.

(5) The DPWI does not decide how long people are required to stay at quarantine and isolation facilities. This decision is the responsibility of the Department of Health.

(a) not applicable

(b) not applicable

Reply:

a) The matter was never reported to the SAPS. Instead, the Department of Labour’s file (19005/27 September 2016) was opened as per the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In terms of the Act, Labour inspectors have the power to investigate certain health and safety issues and after completion, submit their findings to the NPA for a decision to prosecute or not.

The NPA became aware of the case when the Principal of Chloorkop Primary School was summoned by the Department of Labour to appear in court in January 2020 on certain Health and Safety provisions. The prosecution was not satisfied with the readiness of the case for enrolment and declined to enroll it.

b) Consequently, there is no case number.

c) The matter is not finalized, the senior public prosecutor has requested submission of the investigation file for a determination on whether or not to prosecute.

 

Reply:

During the Portfolio Committee meeting held on 26 May 2020, I addressed the overall approach by the Department to transformation. In short, transformation of the economy is both a social and economic imperative. The bitter legacy of the past has not been reversed – the process of colonial dispossession took place over more than 300 years and inherited privilege (assets, skills and networks) reproduces itself beyond the removal of apartheid laws. The Constitutional values of human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms require active steps for their realisation.

The economy’s long-term growth rate will remain constrained if the level of involvement by tens of millions of citizens, black South Africans, women and young people remains low. The purpose of affirmative processes and laws is to enable this base to be broadened.

In terms of section 3 (c) of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Act, the IDC has an explicit statutory mandate to promote the economic empowerment of historically disadvantaged communities and persons. This has not meant that the IDC provides funding only to black South Africans, as the Honourable Member well knows. But it does mean that the IDC must give special emphasis on the promotion of broad-based empowerment.

The qualifying criteria for COVID-19 funding are set with the primary consideration to increase the availability of essential critical personal protective equipment products to supply the local market, in order to save lives. Therefore, the funding criteria cater for ALL South African registered businesses that have capacity to supply the critical products, including but not exclusively for B-BBEE companies.

I am advised that the IDC has now approved R535,5m in funding from this envelope, of which R444m are for companies at which black South Africans hold either a controlling stake or have at least 25% equity.

We should be proud of efforts to broaden the base of the economy, promote entrepreneurship and to foster efforts at greater equity in the economy. Financial incentives should of course be only one of a number of elements to support wider levels of entrepreneurship in society in order to achieve these objectives. Transformation is good social policy. It is good economics too. Government has a legislative mandate to promote these measures and during 2019, an overwhelming majority of citizens voted for political parties which supported broad-based empowerment.

 

-END-

Reply:

Effective, 1 June 2020 the entire country has moved to Alert Level 3, which permits a substantial amount of economic activity.

Each alert level reflects a careful balance between the risk of infection and the readiness of the healthcare system. President Ramaphosa outlined the five levels of the risk-adjusted framework when he addressed the nation on 23 April 2020. As indicated by the President, when he stated:

“Level 5 means that drastic measures are required to contain the spread of the virus to save lives.

Level 4 means that some activity can be allowed to resume subject to extreme precautions required to limit community transmission and outbreaks.

 

Level 3 involves the easing of some restrictions, including on work and social activities, to address a high risk of transmission.

Level 2 involves the further easing of restrictions, but the maintenance of physical distancing and restrictions on some leisure and social activities to prevent a resurgence of the virus.

Level 1 means that most normal activity can resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times.”

When determining which economic activity may be permitted under each of the alert level, Government has considered a number of elements, including, but not limited to:

• The level of social distancing which can be maintained between co-workers and/or customers during the ordinary course of business;
• How essential the functioning of the sector is to other businesses, including its export profile and contribution to GDP and jobs
• Whether the sector performs critical services in the value chain of other economic sectors in South Africa;
• Whether the sector has been able to develop appropriate health and safety protocols and whether the sector has evidenced preparedness with regards to personal protective equipment;
• Whether the opening of the sector will result in substantially greater demand for public transport, and whether the sector is able to manage this increased demand by staggering working hours, or providing private transportation options; and
• The economic impact of re-opening the sector on both the sector itself and the broader economy.

A careful balancing had to be achieved between the legitimate desire of the sectors and investors concerned to reopen as rapidly as possible with the critical consideration of saving lives.

As I indicated in an earlier reply to a Parliamentary Question:

the dtic has been working closely with industry from manufacturing, construction and retail to get updates on infections and to identify solutions which can be rolled out to the industry.

The success of each level proposed, and the allocation of economic sectors in particular levels, is measured by the contribution to containing the spread of the virus and flattening of the curve of infections. Where necessary, changes are made to the extent of economic activity to the wider objectives of saving lives and protecting livelihoods.

The industry classification system was explained at a joint meeting of Parliamentary Committees dealing with Trade, Industry and Competition portfolio, on 1 May 2020, setting out criteria and the application of the three systems in the country moving from Level 5 to Level 4.

Government has engaged with a number of organisations, from business associations, trade unions, political parties, premiers of provinces, individual businesses and religious institutions to receive feedback on the systems and to consider representations on proposed changes.

The incremental opening of certain sectors of the economy is intended to limit the spread of the virus, and to ensure that any spikes in infections can be identified and managed. In addition, it has enabled a greater level of preparedness in society and in the health system than was the case at the start of the pandemic in South Africa.

In the run-up to the decision to move to Level 3, we engaged a number of sectors on these and other relevant considerations and looked too at the aggregate effect of multiple sectors resuming work at the same time. In addition, Government consulted organised Business, Labour and Community representatives at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) which represents big and small business; established and informal enterprises; a wide range of primary, industrial and service sectors; and community organisations.

Where certain economic activities remain restricted during Alert Level 3, Government is actively engaging with some of the sectors to conduct an appropriate risk assessment and develop the necessary health and safety protocols to enable the safe re-opening of the sector.

- END -

Reply:

The Honourable Member is kindly referred to the Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) where a reply to this Parliamentary Question has been logdged.

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department has awarded tenders connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(a) The names of the businesses to whom these tenders were awarded are:

• Pixely Entropy: Live Streaming Management Services
• Roadshow Marketing – Logistics and Event Management Services; and
• VWV Group (PTY) LTD – TV Production Management Services

(b) The amounts of each tender awarded are:

• Pixely Entropy - R 488 750.00
• Roadshow Marketing - R 824 300.00
• VWV Group (PTY) LTD - R 1 483 113.88

(c) Services to be rendered by each business are:

Service provider 1: Live streaming service provider

Live streaming

• A web-based TV portal platform for showcasing current and past events of DSAC;
• A live stream platform which will become the go to link to drive regular audiences to the same “live venue” for all DSAC events;
• A management of the loading of the live events before and after they happen; and
• A management of the transmission of the live event ensuring the public has seamless reach and access to the platform.

Website Development and Management

• To develop a web-based TV portal platform where live stream content will be housed and maintained;
• To ensure the up keeping of content and advertising up-coming events on the website to the public;
• To drive awareness of the platform’s content even when there are no live events scheduled; and
• To ensure alignment between TV production and event management team regarding the sharing of footage needing to be live streamed.

Revenue Streams Generation Platforms

• A network deal where data bundles promotion is offered to the public so that they access the content cheaper during the time that events are hosted;
• Platform for packaging digital albums of live streamed events;
• Ensuring provision of agnostic platforms (platforms which are not restricting access based on which network you are in) re. selling of artists’ content via digital platforms;
• Selling of digital albums of live performances allowing artists to make money for every download or live streaming of their content post the event;
• Promotion of content live streamed after the event so as to increase interest in the buying of digital albums produced after the event; and
• Drive commercialization opportunities of getting more brands on board as sponsors thus enticing more audiences to visit the platform.

Service provider 2: Logistics and event management service provider

Green Room & Stage Technical Rider:

• To identify and secure Green Room for hosting the live stream event;
• To equip green room with the sound and visual technical rider and stage requirements for live performances (DJ set or singer’s requirements);
• To provide audio set up requirements for hosting MC in the green room;
• To provide audio and visual requirements for conducting live interviews through video/ Skype/ Instagram (or preferable mode) interviews in the green room; and
• To provide the operational system for ensuring that social media content as event happens is streamed live to the green walls of the venue.

Booking Management of Artists and Catering

• To directly liaise with and source and book artists to be featured for that event;
• To engage with the artists/practitioners who want to live stream an event and arrange the event on DSAC’s behalf engaging with Live stream service provider as well as the TV production crew; and
• To provide MC and up to 10 people catering requirements when needed.

Service provider 3: TV production management service provider

Recording of Live Events:

• To provide camera crew for recording live performances in the green room;
• To provide post production services of editing the content live streamed final cut of digital album; and
• To ensure alignment between live stream service provider and camera crew providing footage of content during live stream.

Post Production of Digital Albums

• To edit live stream material and produce digital album post event;
• To supply material to live stream web-based portal; and
• To supply material to network service provider for digital albums to be sold.

(2) There were no deviations from the standard supply chain management procedures in the awarding of the tender

(3) The businesses were awarded tenders for the following reasons:

• Service provider 1: Live streaming service provider
• Service provider 2: Logistics and event management service provider
• service provider 3: TV production management service provider

(4) No, the I will not make a statement on the matter.

Reply:

(1) (a) (i) The District Health Information System (DHIS) only collects nutrition-related data on severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children under 5 years of age. The DHIS data is available for March and April 2020 and reflects that nationally 991 children were admitted in public hospitals for SAM in March 2020. In comparison 1220 children under 5 were admitted with SAM in March 2019. In April 2020 596 children under 5 were admitted to public hospitals with SAM compared to 1118 in April 2019. These data show that the number of children admitted with SAM were lower in March and April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Refer to Annexure 1.

(ii) According to the DHIS in March 2020 there were 83 SAM related deaths in public hospitals while in April 2020 there were 50. In comparison in March 2019 and April 2019 there were 91 SAM related deaths each month. As for SAM admissions, SAM deaths were lower in March and April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Refer to Annexure 1.

(iii) The DHIS does record the number of children or adults currently being treated for hunger-related diseases.

(b) The National Department of Health has no data from the private hospitals on number of people treated for hunger-related diseases, died from hunger related diseases or still being treated for hunger-related diseases.

(2) The statement has already been made on this matter.

END.

Reply:

(1) The perception about the so-called “one-size-fits-all” approach to education that is alleged to be used by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) may have to have its merit put under scrutiny and be engaged on further. The DBE remains committed to engaging with whosoever displays a potential to contribute meaningfully in the quest for quality basic education provisioning in the country.

(2) The Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training is an autonomous entity and any intentions of engaging with it may have to be addressed directly to it.

Reply:

1. Yes, the department will offer some form of relief/ assistance.

2. (a) The Covid 19 assistance will be allocated to qualifying businesses in line with the Small-Scale Mining Implementation Framework.

(b) All qualifying small scale mining companies will be assisted.

DDG: MPPP

Date:

Recommended / Not Recommended

Advocate T Mokoena

Director General: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

………………/………………/2020

Approved/Not Approved

Mr SG Mantashe

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2020

Reply:

The Federations have indicated that they are unable to provide information required. They cannot access the records at their offices owing to the lockdown. Most organisations are still closed due to National Lock Down due to Covid19

Reply:

1. No, the Department will not offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small businesses. It is not within the mandate of the Department to offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small business.

2. No, there will be no financial or other relief to be allocated. It is not within the mandate of the Department to offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small business.

Reply:

1.  Payments were made to (a) (b)  Central Lake 149 Trading / Empire Technology (Pty) Ltd, no payment were made to (c) Edson power group

• (i) R 22 800 000 (ii) 01/07/2016
• (i) R 23 940 000 (ii) 28/09/2017
• (i) R 51 642 000 (ii)  03/02/2017
• (i) R 12 500 000  (ii) 19/092019
• (i) R 51 568 000 (ii) 12/02/2019
• (i) R 4 275 000  (ii) 26/03/2020
• (i) R 4 275 000  (ii) 31/03/2020

 (iii)              Programme 5: Nuclear Energy

Responsibility    CD: Nuclear Safety & Technology

                   Objective:          Nuclear Safety & Technology

                  Item:                 CNS: BUS & ADV SER RESE & ADVISORY

2.         The Department does not know the role the certain individual played because the Department participated in terms of Treasury Regulations Section 16A6.6. on the contract which was secured by another organ of State, i.e. Provincial Treasury in Free State

3.         Please refer to response in under 2 above.

 4.         what are the relevant details of the process that was followed in the awarding of the contract;

• The Department participated in terms of Treasury Regulations Section 16A6.6. on the contract which was secured by another organ of State, i.e. Provincial Treasury in Free State

5.         whether the Auditor-General has made any findings with regard to the specified process that was followed in awarding the contract; if so, what were the findings? NW936E

• Yes -  The Auditor General raised an audit finding in the 2016/17 financial year

Reply:

Despite numerous reminders, SASCOC has not been able to furnish the Department with information required to respond to this question. Most organisations are still closed due to National Lock Down due to Covid19

Reply:

Despite numerous reminders, SASCOC has not been able to furnish the Department with information required to respond to this question. . Most organisations are still closed due to National Lock Down due to Covid19

Reply:

1. 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.

2. The health care professional cannot refuse to clinically evaluate and test the person based on the national Department of Health guideline of prioritized testing for patients in hospitals with respiratory conditions as well as health care workers.

END.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

a) Yes, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) informed me that an assessment was done for the +700km borderline fencing and patrol roads as part of town planning/ site clearance process for the integrated reconstruction of borderline fencing and patrol roads along the South Africa-Zimbabwe borderline.

b) Historically, the function to repair, maintain and construct border fences has been undertaken by various Government stakeholders which resulted in a fragmented planning for borderline fencing based on border incursion at the time A comprehensive approach to the entire border fencing scenario for South Africa is currently being informed as a priority by conducting a Site Assessment and Clearance, which will support feasibilities and the overall strategic plan to deal with the repair, maintenance and construction of borderline fences in totality.

(i) Based on the condition assessments undertaken during the site clearance processes, the overall condition of the borderline fences is considered poor and porous.

(ii) Yes, according to the assessment mentioned above done there are hotspot areas that require maintenance and replacement of fencing where there are illegal crossings. From historical reports, the other areas of concern have been agricultural fences around portions of Lesotho (to stem livestock theft) as well as a portion of the northern border with Zimbabwe, a part of the border between South Africa and Mozambique adjacent to the Kruger National Park as well as portions of border between SA and Swaziland (for illegal entry to South Africa).

(iii) The total budget allocation for the repair to border fences in the 2020-21 financial year is R 21 million.

Reply:

(a)(i) On what date and (ii) how was the National Registrar of Tour Guides appointed?

Ms Morongoe Ramphele, the National Registrar of Tourist Guides was appointed on 01 July 2017 by the Minister of Tourism and gazetted accordingly as per notice 768 of 2017.

(b) What are the details of other candidates who were available to be appointed as Registrar?

Not applicable. This is a designation and not an appointment that requires applications

(c) What criteria were used to appoint the Registrar?

Minister is empowered to designate an official of the department to serve as a Registrar of Tourist Guides in terms of Section 48 (1) of the Tourism Act., no 3 of 2014

(d) Why was the incumbent chosen as Registrar?

Section 48 (1) of the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014 states that the Minister must appoint a suitably qualified officer in the Department as the National Registrar and publish his or her name in the Government Gazette. There is a greater alignment between the Branch Tourism Sector Support Services, and the advancement of Tourist Guides’ development, promotion and governance of their work, hence the designation of the DDG thereof.

(e) On what date (i) did the term of the current Registrar commence and (ii) will the term end?

(i) 01 July 2017 (ii) Not applicable

(f) What remuneration, infrastructure and facilities are provided for the Registrar?

 

No additional remuneration infrastructure and facilities for the Registrar as it is a designation of an official

However, the Directorate: Tourist Guiding Management is responsible for the implementation of the guiding mandate with access to all the necessary infrastructure and facilities provided to all staff in the Department.

Reply:

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) supported efforts by Government to provide relief to small businesses, in a number of ways. These include

• Exemptions from certain provisions of the competition legislation to enable small retailers to meet together to discuss engagements with landlords on rental payments and evictions during the period
• Exemptions from the same competition provisions to enable banks and financial institutions to meet to discuss ways of supporting customers, including small businesses, through among others payment holidays and other measures
• Partnerships with development finance institutions to provide funding to among others small businesses
• The issuing of Directions on a number of matters to support clarity and certainty to small businesses, and
• Facilitating the local production of cloth face-masks by inter alia smaller businesses in the clothing industry.

The dtic mobilised resources for COVID-19 relief funding to support companies that are affected by the pandemic. The funding is implemented in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and Small Enterprise Financing Agency (sefa) as an industrial loan facility, to assist manufacturers of identified critical goods to combat the spread of corona virus. Furthermore, the department has granted an extension period for submission of applications and claims to companies affected by the pandemic across various incentive programmes administered by the Industrial Financing Branch.

During the Portfolio Committee meeting held on 26 May 2020, I addressed the overall approach by the Department to transformation. In short, transformation of the economy is both a social and economic imperative. The bitter legacy of the past has not been reversed – the process of colonial dispossession took place over more than 300 years and inherited privilege (assets, skills and networks) reproduces itself beyond the removal of apartheid laws. The Constitutional values of human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms require active steps for their realisation.

The goal of economic inclusion remain critical during the pandemic, as a number of smaller, more recently-established businesses owned by black South Africans, may be particularly vulnerable.

The economy’s long-term growth rate will remain constrained if the level of involvement by tens of millions of citizens, black South Africans, women and young people remains low. The purpose of affirmative processes and laws is to enable this base to be broadened and to foster wider levels of enterprise in society.

The funds deployed are available to all South African businesses, subject to the specific mandate of an entity. For example, the NEF provides funding to companies that meet its criteria, as set out in its legislation and policies. The IDC provides funding to black industrialists, in terms of section 3(c) of the Industrial Development Act. Both the IDC and NEF have also provided funding to companies with a mix of shareholding between black and white South Africans.

In addition to these efforts, the Department has also supported efforts to promote greater levels of local procurement, which can boost the participation of small businesses in the economy.

-END-

Reply:

In accordance with procurement regulations, requests for quotations were sourced in relation to Covid-19 pandemic and the information is indicated in the table below.

(a) Name of the budiness	(b) Amount	(c) Service/ Product
Biologica Pharmaceuticals	R26 650.00	Mask surgical
Tripple N Medical	R2 044.00	Mask surgical
Ekhaya Investments	R11 500.00	Mask cloth
Evergreen Latex	R2 517.20	Gloves surgical and examination natural rubber
Lechoba Medicals	R15 187.50	Hand Sanitizers
Promed Technologies	R2 700.00	Disinfectant surface
Promed Technologies	R3 600.00	Temperature scanners
Multisurge	R4 600.00	Temperature scanners
Recreative Creativity	R27 950.00	Dispenser wipes
Oks iInvestment 2009	R89 700.00	Fumigation/ Building sanitization
Bizmak Trading	R17 000.00	Hand sanitizer dispensers
	R39 000.00	Hand spray sanitizer
	R6 000.00	Face shield

(2) Whether there was any deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the awarding of the tenders; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details in each case;

Answer:

There was no deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures.

(3)        What was the reason for which each specified business was awarded the specified tender;

Answer:

No tender was awarded in connection with Covid-19 pandemic. However, businesses awarded through request for quotations met the specifications and their prices were the cheapest from other competitors.

Reply:

(1) The Department awarded a tender for the the provision of water tanks and water to 3 500 schools to alleviate the COVID 19 pandemic; 

        (a)    Rand Water Board

        (b)    R600m

        (c)    Water tanks and water to 3 500 schools across the country

(2) There was deviation from normal tender processes 

         (a)    Because of the emergency nature situation as the provision of water was a prerequisite to the reopening of schools. 

         (b)    The procurement was done in terms of National Treasury Instruction No. 5 of 2020/2021, read with treasury Instruction 16A6.4 and National Treasury Practice Note 8 of 2007/2008.

(3)    The tender was awarded to Rand Water due to their proven track record of delivering huge projects within a short space and also because they are an entity of government through the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).  To regulate the business relationship, a trilateral agreement (Implementation Protocol) was signed between the DWS, Rand Water, and the Department of Basic Education.

(4)   Yes, I will make a statement on this matter.

Reply:

(1) The department has not awarded any open tender related to Covid-19 pandemic, however, awarded 3 Purchase Orders to date for Covid-19 related personal protective equipment (PPE) and 1 Purchase Order for antivirus software for the Secure Video Conferencing Solution through quotation processes to the following companies (i) Bidvest Steiner, (ii) Inhlanhla Ga Tshwarelo, (iii) Lechoba Medical Supplies and Ubuntu Technologies.

(2) Deviation process was followed to provide Secure Video Conferencing Solution for Government on an urgent basis to allow work to continue while minimising the health risks posed by infectious Covid-19 pandemic.

(3) The reason for choosing the said Information Technology supplier is that the department already had contracts with the two companies (i) Nanoteq and (ii) TrueConf that provided infrastructure to the department on secure communications and video conferencing solutions respectively. Consequently, the department approached the two companies to increase the number of licences they were already providing to the department with a view to minimize the risk of the Covid -19 pandemic.

(4) Not at this stage

Reply:

1. (a) (i) and (ii) The Health Sector has placed advertisements on National and Provincial platforms to recruit volunteers and retired health professions (i.e. nurses and doctors) for the fight against Covid-19.

2. The table below informs of number of volunteers (i) nurses and (ii) doctors recruited in each Province:

Province	Status of responding to Covid-19 to date
Eastern Cape	The Province has not employed any volunteers to date. However, in response to Covid-19 a total of 669 Nurses and 3 Medical Doctors have been employed.
Free State	The Province has not employed any volunteers to date. However, in response to Covid-19 a total of 533 Nurses and 1 Medical Doctor have been employed.
Gauteng	Gauteng has appointed 9 volunteers (5 MO; 2 nurses and 2 Admin clerks as data capturers). 1200 volunteers are enlisted but not deployed as yet due to them not covered by COIDA. Appointments for COVID-19 has been done in two phases: have 1- 404 appointments have been made up of 360 nurses and 44 Medical Officers Phase 2 is in the process of ensuring that 169 Doctors; 915 nurses and Allied health professionals are appointed to a tune of R500 m
KwaZulu-Natal	The Province has not employed any volunteers to date. However, the Province has advertised posts with a closing date of 5 June 2020 and can only commence with a selection process after the said date.
Limpopo	A number of health care professionals have submitted their documents as an indication of their willingness to join the department. A database is being developed, and costed in line with the expected increases. The necessary approvals to recruit and appoint will be concluded, so that as and when it is necessary, the health professionals will be activated for appointment. To date no one has been recruited as the level infections are still low.
Mpumalanga	Mpumalanga Department of Health has not appointed either Nurses or Doctors as volunteers for the fight against COVID - 19. However, up to the 30 April 2020, a total number of 492 Nurses have been appointed on a six-month contract.
Northern Cape	The Province has not employed any volunteers to date. However, the Province have since appointed additional personnel on a sessional basis or on fixed term contracts.
North West	The Province has only managed to recruit nurses and doctors on contract and no volunteers have been recruited. Province have since appointed additional personnel on a sessional basis or on fixed term contracts: 18 Professional nurses 6 Sessional doctors 34 Environmental Health Practitioners
Western Cape	The Province has established an online Volunteer Information Management System (VIMS). A total number of volunteers appointed to date are: (i) Nurses 460 (ii) Doctors 256 Others i. Student Nurses 20 ii. Student Doctors 6 iii. Pharmacy 90 iv. Pharmacy Assistants 180 v. Emergency Care Practitioners 317

END

Reply:

1 (a) Prompted by what was perceived to be poor performance of the South African Team at the 2000 Olympic Games, the then Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Ngconde Balfour convened a session of Stakeholders on 27th of November 2000. The result of this session was the appointment of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) which was charged with the responsibility of investigating High Performance Sport in South Africa, identifying shortcomings in the system and formulate possible interventions. The outcome of this process saw the dissolution of the South African Sports Commission, Disability Sport South Africa, United School Sport Association of South Africa and the National Olympic Committee of South Africa to create the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee. This with the fundamental rationale of streamlining the sport structures in South Africa.

(b) In November 2011 the entire sport and recreation fraternity converged in Midrand to review the sport landscape and its pillars. This process resulted in the affirmation of the existing sport structures. The sector emerged with the National Sport and Recreation Plan which has guided sport and recreation development in the country thus far.

(c) It therefore follows that empirical evidence and a well thought out process would guide future review of the institutional and structural arrangement in sport with the sole purpose of optimizing administrative effectiveness and efficiency in order to promote performance of athletes and teams.

2) The Ministry has not been presented with any information and or tangible evidence relating to the use of R70,000,000 that NOCSA had in the bank account when changed to SASCOC that warrants an investigation including forensic audit.

Reply:

1. (a) To date the Republic of Cuba has availed 187 Medical Specialists who will be assisting South Africa in the response to Covid-19.

Epidemiology (Technologist)

Health Technology

Family Physician

Biostatistics Dr

Biotechnologist

Public Health Specialist

(b) The 187 Medical Specialists in the areas that the Country is unable to produce enough. These are qualified in Biostatistics, Epidemiologists, Family Physicians and Health Technologists

(c) Epidemiology (Technologist); Health Technology; Family Physician; Biostatistics, Biotechnologist and Public Health Specialist

2. All of them

3. The following table reflects the details in this regard

 

Activity	Number	Estimated Cost	Notes on the activities
Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)	187	R734 100.00	It is a norm that the registration cost is paid by an individual health professional to the Council. However, as per the Government-to-Government Agreement, the South African pays the fee to the HPCSA and thereafter, deduct the full amount of registration from the individual health professionals’ first salary. This means there is no actual cost to be incurred by the South African Government, however it is a convenient process arranged to ensure that all of the professionals are registered accordingly.
Accommodation	187		Most Provinces have entered into agreements with providers for a 12 months period. Other provinces are only accommodating the brigade for May and June and then move them to hotspots Districts / communities. Therefore, the accommodation in these areas are still not confirmed, as negotiations are still underway. A table below shows the cost on accommodation where available. The Provinces will first consider Doctors quarters where the brigade will be stationed.
Salaries	187	R239 181 933	The estimated budget cost is informed by actual appointment levels of the Cuban Health Brigade as determined by their Registration category, which took into consideration years of experience. All the Family Physicians and Biostatisticians are appointed at Grade 2 of Medical Officer level and Epidemiology Technologists/ Health Technology and Public Health Specialists are at Deputy Director level while Biomedical Engineers are at ASD level. Table below give overall illustration of salary levels and numbers in each level.

 

ACCOMMODATION OF CUBAN BRIGADE IN PROVINCES

Province	Accomodation	Period	Costs
Eastern Cape	The brigade has been distributed in various Facilities across the Province. They are residing in B&Bs and should be accommodated for the full period of their contract	12 Months	R384 000.00
Free State	The brigade is currently accommodated at Premier Hotel in Bloemfontein, while going through orientation processes. They will be accommodated until end of June at Premier hotel. After which from 1 July 2020, they will be distributed to facilities across the Province and they will be staying in Facility accommodation	May-June July 2020-April 2021	R162 464.00 (R3500X17X10) R595 000
Gauteng	The Brigade are accommodated at Burgers Park till 30 June 2020 It is expected that they will be distributed across the Province from I July 2020 to April 2021. Accommodation will then to be Provided by Hospitals	15 May-30 June 2020 July 2020-April 2021	Negotiated rate at Burgers Park Hotel is R1000 per room include breakfast, lunch and dinner, laundry services and hand sanitation
KwaZulu-Natal	Information from the Province will be submitted in due course.
Limpopo	The brigade is currently accommodated at Zanami Lodge (Polokwane), while being orientated. It is expected that they will be distributed across the Province from I July 2020 to April 2021. Accommodation will then to be Provided by Hospitals	19 May 2020 to June 2020 July 2020-April 2021	R252 000.00 Not yet finalised
Mpumalanga	Information outstanding Want a formal letter to HOD	19 May-19 August
Northern Cape	The brigade is currently accommodated at B&B till June 2020 It is expected that they will be distributed across the Province from I July 2020 to April 2021. Accommodation will then to be Provided by Hospitals	May –June 2020 July 2020-April 2021	R320 000.00 (9X12000X11) R1 188 000.00 2 Doctors are at an Official Accommodation
North West	The brigades have been distributed across the Provincial districts staying in B&Bs and others in Hospital Accommodation	June 2020 – April 2021	R 2 016 000
Western Cape	The brigade is currently accommodated at B&B called Icon Luxury Apartments for 12 months.	12 months	R1 200 000 p/a

 

OVERALL - CUBAN BRIGADE HEALTH WORKFORCE
Qualification	Agreed Post Classification (DPSA)	No	Total cost
Family Physician	MO Gr 2	116	172,767,798
Health Technology (IM)	Deputy Director: Information Management	32	25,941,166
Epidemiology Technologists (IM)	Deputy Director: Information Management	18	14,715,735
Biostatistics (Medical Doctors)	MO Gr 2	13	19,566,449
Public Health Specialist	DPSA salary level 11 (NON OSD)	2	2,231,276
Biomedical Engineer	ASD Salary level 9	5	2,773,887
Nurse	Gr3	1	528,852
		187	239,181,933

END.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) will not be offering any form of Covid-19 or any other relief to small businesses, as no funding is allocated for such purpose.

2. The Department will not allocate Covid-19 financial or other relief to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended, as such funding will not be per the purpose of the vote for the Department.

Reply:

The question is not relevant to the Department of Correctional Services as it falls under the scope of the Department of Small Business and Development

END

Reply:

The question has been referred to Provincial Departments of Education and a consolidated response will be provided as soon as it is received.

Reply:

(1)(a) No, responsible professional bodies such as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) are responsible for the development of curriculum/policy (National Education Policy Act, 27 of 1996)

(1)(b)(i) UMALUSI is not responsible for the development of new qualifications, but it is the responsibility of the DBE, and UMALUSI quality assures qualifications after which it submits them to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for registration on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

(1)(b)(ii) DBE is responsible for introducing a new qualification that it has developed.

(1)(c) As indicated above, the DBE is responsible for the development of curricula for new qualifications and not UMALUSI. The latter is responsible for the quality assurance of both the curricula and qualifications.

(2) There is no uncertainty regarding the statutory mandate of UMALUSI and the Department of Basic Education regarding independent schools. The Regulations regarding the criteria for the Quality Assurance, Accreditation, Monitoring of Independent Schools and Private Assessment Bodies, published in Government Gazette no.41206 of 27 October 2017, clearly stipulates the role of UMALUSI and the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs). The PEDs are responsible for the registration of independent schools which gives them the approval to operate as a school and thereafter they must be subjected to the accreditation process of UMALUSI which determines whether the independent school has the capacity to offer and manage the relevant qualification and the related curriculum. The Department has also developed Guidelines for the Registration and Accreditation of Independent Schools, which has been endorsed by Heads of Education Committee (HEDCOM) and needs to be approved by Council of Education Ministers (CEM) and this will further assist independent schools in understanding the relationship between registration and accreditation. The independent schools are supported by both the PEDs and UMALUSI to meet the criteria for registration as an independent school and to be accredited to offer the qualification. The DBE has also established a HEDCOM sub-committee for Independent Schools which addresses all concerns of the independent schooling sector at a national level.                     

Reply:

There have been claims of false positive results, however, it is difficult to confirm the claims because the same sample needs to be tested to determine if there are inconsistent results. The results are determined by the amount of virus in the sample and this can differ if samples are taken at different times. The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) will conduct external quality assurance and proficiency testing schemes to determine the quality of results. Proficiency testing schemes are performed by providing participants with test samples for analysis and determine how closely their results agree with the accepted values. Regular participation in a proficiency testing scheme provides staff with an insight into their laboratory’s performance, benchmark performance with that of the other participant laboratories and demonstrate to end user of analytical data, regulatory bodies and accreditation bodies that there is a commitment to measuring quality.

END.

Reply:

The pandemic together with the impact that it has on the economy is placing consumers, workers, firms and vulnerable members of society under enormous pressure.

In order to combat the rapid spread of COVID-19 as effective as possible and limit the damage to the economy, Government has taken a number of measures that have been publicised. Further measures continue to be under consideration.

During the course of addressing both the pandemic and the destructive and other effects of the disaster, the Ministry and Department has been reviewing provisions of legislation within its mandate, including the Competition Act and the National Credit Act, to identify measures that can be taken responsibly to support families and businesses in distress.

On 20 March 2020, I gazetted an exemption from sections 4 and 5 of the Competition Act, to enable banks to meet and agree on terms to support consumers and small businesses in distress. This includes payment holidays and debt relief for businesses and individuals in financial distress; limitations set on asset repossessions of businesses and individuals in financial distress; and the extension of credit lines to individuals and businesses in financial distress.

In respect of the National Credit Act, while the Act imposes prudent measures to mitigate against reckless lending by credit providers, it also contains provisions that are aimed at assisting distressed consumers in cases of disaster or other unforeseen emergencies. These include both the emergency loan provisions; and the public interest loan provisions in the Act. I am advised that, in terms of the Act, the provisions relating to reckless credit equally do not apply to either emergency loans or public interest credit agreements.

In the initial discussion with the Department and the Credit Regulator, there was a recognition of the need for additional finance and facilities that would be required over the period of the COVID-19 national disaster; at the same time, both entities were concerned about the risk of over-indebtedness to vulnerable consumers which may result from reckless lending.

Officials from the Department thus engaged with a range of industry stakeholders on the most appropriate measures to provide additional access to finance to consumers in need, while mitigating any risks which may exist. These engagements included the following:

• Ms Nomsa Motsegare, CEO of the National Credit Regulator;
• Mr Kuben Naidoo, Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and CEO of the Prudential Authority;
• Mr Lungisa Fuzile, CEO of Standard Bank South Africa;
• Mr. Cas Coovadia, Managing Director of the Banking Association of South Africa at the time;
• Ms. Marguerite Jacobs, General Manager responsible for Legislation & Regulatory Oversight for the Banking Association of South Africa;
• Mr Abdul Waheed Patel of Ethicore, in their capacity as advisors to Microfinance South Africa; and
• Mr Michael Lawrence, Executive Director of the National Clothing Retail Federation.

The National Credit Regulator also engaged with the South African Reserve Bank and relevant Government entities on the matter.

In the course of the discussion with stakeholders, it was clear that the provisions of the National Credit Act were not the only, nor the most important challenge for financial institutions to provide additional credit. Banks in such circumstances are concerned about the repayment of loans advanced. This was a key rationale for the launch of the R200 billion Loan Guarantee Scheme, as a joint effort by the Government, the SARB and commercial banks.

During the consultations, industry stakeholders advised that the emergency loan provisions of the Act would achieve similar objectives to the public interest credit agreement provisions; however further guidelines on the use of the emergency loan provisions would aid the industry.

In terms of the Act, an emergency loan is defined as a credit agreement entered into by a consumer to finance costs arising from or associated with—

• a death, illness or medical condition;
• unexpected loss or interruption of income; or
• catastrophic loss of or damage to home or property due to fire, theft, or natural disaster,

affecting the consumer, a person who is dependent upon the consumer or a person for whom the consumer is financially responsible.

In terms of the Act, no further regulation is required to enable use of the emergency loan provisions, however “reasonable proof of the existence of the emergency” must be obtained and retained by the credit provider. While such “reasonable proof” is not defined in the Act, the National Credit Regulator published a circular on 21 May 2020, to provide guidelines to credit providers on the issuance of emergency loans, and the documentation which constitute “reasonable proof”. These guidelines can be found on the website of the NCR at https://ncr.org.za/documents/Circulars/Circular-05-of-2020-%20Emergency%20Loan%20Guideline.pdf.

The emergency loan definition provides for relief for many of the challenges which consumers will be experiencing during this Covid-19 national disaster, and which may have been specified in any regulation or declaration regarding section 11. Following consultation, I have accepted advice that the emergency loan provisions should be utilised as it requires no additional legislation.

Subsequent to the publication of the emergency loans guidelines, officials from the Department have further engaged with credit providers. I am advised that credit providers have welcomed the guidelines published by the NCR and that BASA have reported that banks have begun to use the emergency loan provisions.

The Department will continue to engage with the sector on the efficacy on these measures. Should the emergency loan provisions in the Act fail to address the challenges which consumers are facing, I may consider which other measures would contribute, and this may include relooking the value of invoking section 11 of the Act to define certain credit agreements as public interest credit agreements.

-- END --

Reply:

Despite numerous reminders, SASCOC has not been able to furnish the Department with information required to respond to this question. . Most organisations are still closed due to National Lock Down due to Covid19

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(a) I have instituted investigations into this matter, and the Director-General for Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Adv. Sam Vukela, has appointed an investigator. The investigation is currently underway.

(b) The DPWI procured the following hotels for the repatriates on the day,

• Capital Menlyn Maine Hotel

• Radisson Blu-Gautrain Hotel

(c) The Department of Health reportedly allocated the passengers to the available rooms at the following facilities;

• Eskom (70 rooms),

• Transnet Esselen park (80 rooms) and

• Telkom (30 rooms).

(d) (i) Negotiated cost per room for the Capital Menlyn Maine Hotel is R1138.50, and for the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is R1000.00

(ii) DPWI did not contract with public facilities.

(e) (i) The Department informed me that DPWI did not incur any losses as no monies were paid in advance to the two hotels.

Reply:

(a) Post Level 1

PROVINCE	2017	2018	2019	TOTAL
EASTERN CAPE	60	215	150	425
FREE STATE	3	12	8	23
GAUTENG	3	2	12	17
KWAZULU/NATAL	80	105	127	312
LIMPOPO PROVINCE	76	116	3	195
MPUMALANGA	12	12	13	37
NORTH WEST	27	23	25	75
NORTHERN CAPE	14	20	14	48
WESTERN CAPE	5	5	24	34
TOTAL	280	510	376	1166

Source: PERSAL

 

(b) Post Level 2 

PROVINCE	2017	2018	2019	TOTAL
EASTERN CAPE	81	172	144	397
FREE STATE	13	28	19	60
GAUTENG	13	20	19	52
KWAZULU/NATAL	149	210	168	527
LIMPOPO PROVINCE	168	319	7	494
MPUMALANGA	28	55	47	130
NORTH WEST	49	51	64	164
NORTHERN CAPE	4	10	9	23
WESTERN CAPE	18	29	37	84
TOTAL	523	894	514	1931

Source: PERSAL

Reply:

(1)(a) Should the released detainees require quarantine after release, they will be managed by the Department of Health facilities in their respective districts within which they are staying.

(1)(b) Those who are released will not be re-tested in the Department unless they meet testing criteria as indicated in the Clinical Management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases:

• a suspected COVID-19 case includes any person presenting with an acute (≤14 days) respiratory tract infection or
• other clinical illness compatible with COVID-19, or
• an asymptomatic person who is a close contact to a confirmed case or
• presenting with COVID-19 key respiratory syndrome symptoms which consist of ANY of the following:
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• The loss of sense or smell or an altered sense of taste.

• Other symptoms which may include fever, weakness, myalgia, or diarrhoea.

(2) Monitoring of parolees and probationers under lockdown regulation between level three (03) and five (05), will be conducted through telephonic monitoring system. The Department is in discussion with the JCPS Cluster to involve Community Policing Forum (CPFs) as part of monitoring mechanism.

All released parolees and probationers come with classification from the Parole Board. The Department will be guided by this classification of the released parolees and probationers.

If released parolees and probationers are categorised as low and medium risk during the current level four and three of the lock down, the Department will monitor them through telecommunication

If released parolees and probationers are classified by the Parole Board as maximum, the Department will physically monitor the released offenders throughout the lockdown period.

The current arrangement of monitoring only applies from level 3 to level 5 of the lockdown. When the lockdown goes to level 2 and level 1 the monitoring arrangements will change and all categories will be monitored physically.

END

Reply:

(a)-(b) We are unsure which statement from the Presidency this question refers to. However there have been media requests for the modeling done by various groups to be made public. The National Department of Health convened a public symposium of all modelers on Thursday the 21st of May 2020 during which the models, together with the assumptions used for the modeling outputs were presented.

(c) Hospitals in the public sector are currently being prepared to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. General beds are being repurposed into critical care beds and field hospitals are being built jin many provinces. In addition, a national ventilator project has been established by DTI and donations have been received (for example 1,000 ventilators donated by the US government - of which 50 have already been received).

END.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(1) Subsequent to the Directive of 26 March 2020 and the Clarification Note of 29 March 2020 issued by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, on 13 May 2020 the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a further Clarification Notes aligning the payment of EPWP workers with the Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme (C19 TERS) benefit. This benefit is applicable for the duration of the lock down, subject to a valid EPWP contract in place and the conditions of C 19 TERS. The Clarification Note of 13 May 2020 was issued to all Accounting Officers coordinating and implementing the EPWP across all the three spheres of government advising the Accounting Officers of the applicability of the C19 TERS benefit. The circular clarified that participants who had valid contracts during the lockdown period whether paid or not in at work during the lockdown may claim through C19 TERS. This was to ensure that public bodies, who were financially under pressure, and could not pay the participants would now be in a position to pay the said participants.

(2) Yes. EPWP participants are entitled to Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits, subject to the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act, No. 63 of 2001. UIF can be claimed by participants in the event the EPWP contract had or will come to an ended and such participants are eligible for UIF benefits. In the event a valid contract exists, C 19 TERS applies.

(a) C 19 TERS, provides for the employer to claim on behalf of its employees. C19 TERS is not compulsory. It is a benefit to assist employers to pay employees during the lock down, protecting the employees from the adverse impact such as the loss of income or are required to take annual leave in terms of section 20 (10) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997.

(b) In the event an EPWP participant is not eligible for C 19 TERS and UIF benefits, then the participant may apply for the Social Relief of Distress Grant through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

(3) The payment of EPWP participants is addressed in point 1 and point 2 of this response.

(a) The monitoring of compliance by public bodies paying EPWP participants during the lockdown period has been developed and onc it would be institutionalised and public bodies informed through, a circular, on how to report this information in the EPWP Reporting System.

(b) (i) and (ii) The EPWP Ministerial Determination, section 13, places the responsibility of payments to EPWP participants on the employers. Section 12 and 13 of the EPWP Ministerial Determination further stipulates that all employers must keep a record of all payments made to workers. Thus, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), as the coordinator of the EPWP, is not mandated nor empowered to take any measures against companies or public body (employer) that have not paid their EPWP employees during the lockdown.

(c) The EPWP Ministerial Determination is sub-regulation to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997. The enforcement of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 and its sub-regulation is the mandate of the Department of Employment and Labour.

Reply:

The Minister in the Presidency is not responsible for Small Business Development. The member is kindly advised to refer her question to the Minister of Small Business Development.

Approved / Not agreed

hon. Jackson Mthembu, MP

Minister in the Presidency
Date:

Reply:

The Parliamentary Question was received prior to the move of the country from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3. As the Honourable Member will know, effective, 1 June 2020 the entire country has moved to Alert Level 3, which permits a substantial reopening of economic activity.

As I noted in a recent Parliamentary Question, each alert level reflects a careful balance between the risk of infection and the readiness of the healthcare system. President Ramaphosa outlined the five levels of the risk-adjusted framework when he addressed the nation on 23 April 2020. As indicated by the President, when he stated:

“Level 5 means that drastic measures are required to contain the spread of the virus to save lives.

Level 4 means that some activity can be allowed to resume subject to extreme precautions required to limit community transmission and outbreaks.

 

Level 3 involves the easing of some restrictions, including on work and social activities, to address a high risk of transmission.

Level 2 involves the further easing of restrictions, but the maintenance of physical distancing and restrictions on some leisure and social activities to prevent a resurgence of the virus.

Level 1 means that most normal activity can resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times.”

When determining which economic activity may be permitted under each of the alert level, Government has considered a number of elements, including, but not limited to:

• The level of social distancing which can be maintained between co-workers and/or customers during the ordinary course of business;
• How essential the functioning of the sector is to other businesses, including its export profile and contribution to GDP and jobs
• Whether the sector performs critical services in the value chain of other economic sectors in South Africa;
• Whether the sector has been able to develop appropriate health and safety protocols and whether the sector has evidenced preparedness with regards to personal protective equipment;
• Whether the opening of the sector will result in substantially greater demand for public transport, and whether the sector is able to manage this increased demand by staggering working hours, or providing private transportation options; and
• The economic impact of re-opening the sector on both the sector itself and the broader economy.

A careful balancing had to be achieved between the legitimate desire of the sectors and investors concerned to reopen as rapidly as possible with the critical consideration of saving lives. In addition, the cumulative effect on health risks of reopening a number of different sectors and economic activities at the same time, had to be considered.

As I also indicated in an earlier reply to a Parliamentary Question:

the dtic has been working closely with industry from manufacturing, construction and retail to get updates on infections and to identify solutions which can be rolled out to the industry.

The success of each level proposed, and the allocation of economic sectors in particular levels, is measured by the contribution to containing the spread of the virus and flattening of the curve of infections. Where necessary, changes are made to the extent of economic activity to the wider objectives of saving lives and protecting livelihoods.

The industry classification system was explained at a joint meeting of Parliamentary Committees dealing with Trade, Industry and Competition portfolio, on 1 May 2020, setting out criteria and the application of the three systems in the country moving from Level 5 to Level 4.

Government has engaged with a number of organisations, from business associations, trade unions, political parties, premiers of provinces, individual businesses and religious institutions to receive feedback on the systems and to consider representations on proposed changes.

The incremental opening of certain sectors of the economy is intended to limit the spread of the virus, and to ensure that any spikes in infections can be identified and managed. In addition, it has enabled a greater level of preparedness in society and in the health system than was the case at the start of the pandemic in South Africa.

In the run-up to the decision to move to Level 3, we engaged a number of sectors on these and other relevant considerations. In addition, Government consulted organised Business, Labour and Community representatives at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) which represents big and small business; established and informal enterprises; a wide range of primary, industrial and service sectors; and community organisations.

- END -

Reply:

(1) There is a global need for test kits with countries in the north taking up the majority of the kits that are available given the large number of positive patients in these countries. This has resulted in a global shortage of test kits. The Department has worked with the National Health Laboratory Service to increase the number of test kits that are available to South Africa. The Minister has engaged with some of the manufacturers of test kits to encourage them to increase the number of test kits that they supply to South Africa. A challenge is that the limited number of flights from countries that manufacture the test kits adds to the challenges being experienced.

(2) Yes, steps have been taken to reduce the turnaround time. In-hospital admission, patients under investigation are prioritised, and the turnaround time for these patients will be reduced to 48 hours. The turnaround time for the other samples are being addressed through utilisation of academic platform testing sites and private laboratories, as well as increased output at NHLS laboratories. Over the last week the number of tests have increased from 51,000/week to about 60,000/week.

As a result of the global shortage of COVID-19 test kits, including extraction kits, the criteria for testing has been amended. The Department has prioritised testing of patients in hospitals with respiratory conditions, as well as people who have had contact with a known positive patient as well as health care workers. As soon as serological (antibody) tests are registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) these will be used for population level surveillance to get prevalence rates.

(3) As noted above, the criteria for testing have been changed. We have halted mass testing as the target that was set of 14 million people screened through community screening has been achieved and we have moved to targeted screening and testing. In addition, as mentioned the number of laboratories that test for COVID-19 has increased. With respect to antibody testing, the NHLS and SAPHRA are fast tracking the validation and registration of these tests. However, it should be noted that these tests will largely be used for surveillance with the PCR test used to test individual patients for acute infections.

END.

Reply:

All the laboratories in public hospitals that test for COVID-19 are part of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). These laboratories are accredited with the Standard ISO 15189. Furthermore, all laboratories participate in the external quality assurance and proficiency testing schemes to ensure quality results.

END.

Reply:

No,

The State President announced a state of disaster in March 2020, putting the country in a state of lockdown. Subsequently, the Department suspended all visits to Correctional Centres.

Based on the above, Correctional Centres will not be able to receive any gift packs for offenders as there are no visits permitted during Level 05 and 04 of lockdown.

END

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1. Yes, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has informed me that it awarded tenders connected to the Covid-19 pandemic. For purposes of the response a tender means a written offer or bid above a R500 000 threshold in a prescribed or stipulated form in response to an invitation by an organ of state for the provision of works, services or goods.

a) The names of the businesses to whom awards were made are indicated in Column C of attached Annexure A.

b) The amounts of each tender awarded are indicated in column D of Annexure A.

c) The service and/or product provided by each business is indicated in column B of Annexure A.

2. Yes, I was informed by the Department that there was a deviation from standard supply chain processes in awarding the tenders listed in Annexure A.

a) Recognising the declaration of the National State of Disaster by the State President due to the COVID 19 pandemic and a very high risk for loss of life (i.e. Death), negative health impact, negative economic impact and social impact in South Africa, it was deemed prudent to invoke the Departmental Emergency Procurement processes that deviate from standard supply chain procedures. This was done in line with Section 27(2)(L) of the Disaster Management Act, Act No. 57 of 2002, National Treasury Regulation 16A6.4 and National Treasury Instruction Note No. 08 of 2019/2020 Emergency Procurement COVID-19 in paragraph 3.5.1(i) that provide for the invocation of emergency procedures. In terms of the aforementioned NT Instruction Note, Accounting Officers are allowed to deviate from competitive bidding processes in cases that have been declared an emergency, without obtaining NT approval.

b) The relevant details for awarding in each case is indicated in column E of Annexure A.

3. The reasons for which each specified business was awarded the specified tender is indicated in column F of Annexure A.

4. No.

NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DPWI)

ANNEXURE A: LIST OF TENDER (>R500 000.00) AWARDS CONNECTED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

	Column A	Column B	Column C	Column D	Column E	Column F
Serial No	Office	Commodity	Service Provider	Amount	Procurement Process	Reason for award to each business
1	CPT Regional Office	Procurement of 1000 hand sanitisers and servicing for 12 Months	Hornes Projects	R3 864 000.00	Emergency (Negotiated Procedure)	The service provider installed all automatic hand sanitiser units and is also responsible for the servicing of the units for a 12 month period.
2	DBN Regional Office	Decontamination of facilities to prevent & combat spread of Covid-19 - Justice. Magistrate Courts in Midlands District Municipality	Zulu Royal Civil Construction	R1 800 000.00	Emergency Procedure as per National Treasury Instruction No 08 of 2019/2020.	Service provider is the highest point scorer and lowest in price. Minimum of at least 3 comparative quotes obtained
3	DBN Regional Office	Decontamination of facilities to prevent & combat spread of Covid-19 - Justice. Magistrate Courts in UMgungundlovu District Municipality	Themihlase	R1 877 246.00	Emergency Procedure as per National Treasury Instruction No 08 of 2019/2020.	Service provider is the highest point scorer and lowest in price. Minimum of at least 3 comparative quotes obtained
4	DBN Regional Office	Decontamination of facilities to prevent & combat spread of Covid-19 - Justice. Magistrate Courts in EThekwini District Municipality	Avellanche Projects	R1 885 987.00	Emergency Procedure as per National Treasury Instruction No 08 of 2019/2020.	Service provider is the highest point scorer and lowest in price. Minimum of at least 3 comparative quotes obtained
5	DBN Regional Office	Decontamination of facilities to prevent & combat spread of Covid-19 - Justice. Magistrate Courts in Ugu District Municipality	Kamanga Trading	R1 050 448.00	Emergency Procedure as per National Treasury Instruction No 08 of 2019/2020.	Service provider is the highest point scorer and lowest in price. Minimum of at least 3 comparative quotes obtained
6	DBN Regional Office	Decontamination of facilities to prevent & combat spread of Covid-19 - Justice. Magistrate Courts in EThekwini District Municipality	Makumalou	R1 878 831.00	Emergency Procedure as per National Treasury Instruction No 08 of 2019/2020.	Service provider is the highest point scorer and lowest in price. Minimum of at least 3 comparative quotes obtained
7	DBN Regional Office	Decontamination of facilities to prevent & combat spread of Covid-19 - Justice. Magistrate Courts in Zululand District Municipality	Manceda Projects and Trading	R1 742 983.00	Emergency Procedure as per National Treasury Instruction No 08 of 2019/2020.	Service provider is the highest point scorer and lowest in price. Minimum of at least 3 comparative quotes obtained
8	Head Office	Sanitiser - hand liquid	Crystal Pier Trading 148	R9 085 000.00	Emergency Procedure as per National Treasury Instruction No 08 of 2019/2020.	Service provider is the highest point scorer with ready stock available. Procured for 25 000 EPWP participants across the country. 7 service providers invited and 6 Quotations received.
9	Head Office	IT Server infrastructure	Odirile IT Holdings	R4 989 868.00	Emergency Procurement. Negotiated single source quotation	Supplier selected based on similar service they provided to the Department for past 6 months. Supplier compliance status was confirmed on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database. DPWI engaged with the service provider to provide pricing as per the solutions required and in ensuring value for money the solutions will also be used beyond lockdown and COVID-19
10	Head Office	Video conference and virtual meeting rooms	YottaZetta	R2 932 500.00	Emergency Procurement Negotiated single source quotation	Supplier selected based on the similar service they provided to the Department for past 6 months and their status was also confirmed on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database. DPWI engaged with the service provider to provide pricing as per the solutions required and in ensuring value for money the solutions will also be used beyond lockdown and COVID-19
11	Head Office	Remote management tools	Ikando t/a IT Master	R2 196 530.00	Emergency procurement Negotiated single source quotation	Supplier selected based on the similar service they provided to the Department for past 6 months and their status was also confirmed on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database. DPWI engaged with the service provider to provide pricing as per the solutions required and in ensuring value for money the solutions will also be used beyond lockdown and COVID-19
12	Head Office	Network / Security specialist	Tipp Focus Holdings	R2 382 800.00	Emergency procurement Negotiated single source quotation	Supplier selected based on the similar service they provided to the Department for past 6 months and their status was also confirmed on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database. DPWI engaged with the service provider to provide pricing as per the solutions required and in ensuring value for money the solutions will also be used beyond lockdown and COVID-19
13	Head Office	Beitbridge phase 1 borderline infrastructure and installation: Infrastructure Contractor	Caledon River Properties t/a Magwa Construction	R37 176 844.00 (projected)	Emergency Procurement (Negotiated Procedure)	The service provider was already on site and the requirements were already in their previous BoQ – the old prices in the BOQ would be used thus reducing the procurement cost.
14	Head Office	Beitbridge phase 1 borderline infrastructure and installation: Principal Agent	Profteam cc	R3 259 071.00 (projected)	Emergency Procurement (Negotiated Procedure)	The service provider was already on site and the requirements were already in their previous BoQ – the old prices in the BOQ would be used thus reducing the procurement cost.
15	Kimberley Regional Office	Installation and maintenance of 65 no touch hand sanitisers (automated dispensers plus monthly refills) for a period of 36 months.	Bidvest Steiner	R657 162.00	Emergency Procurement (Negotiated Procedure)	Initially awarded to (Rentokil-Initial) but could not fulfil the delivery of order, citing global shortage of the requested items. Shopping procedure was done with other service providers within Kimberley and only Steiner could secure the required units urgently for the Region.
16	Mmabatho Regional Office	Provision of sanitary services on a monthly basis for 12 months	Perfect Girlz	R994 529.00	Emergency Procurement (Negotiated Procedure)	The service provider offered the total solution at the most negotiable price
17	Pretoria Regional Office	Masks	Biological Pharmaceuticals	R2 132 000.00	National Treasury Contract: RT32-2019	Existing contract in place with the relevant service provider.
18	Pretoria Regional Office	Cleaning services @ Momentum Building (DOJ)	Onkgopotse Enterprise	R553 631.00	Urgent Procurement (1 quote)	Existing contract in place with the relevant service provider.
19	Pretoria Regional Office	Building Infrastructure Services, Salvokop Quarantine site	Labstyres (pty)ltd	R1 333 348.00	Emergency Delegation Procurement	Emergency work in response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 21 Lockdown at the Salvokop Isolation and Quarantine Centre. Service providers were appointed from Central Supplier Database and Construction Industrial Development Board respectively.
20	Pretoria Regional Office	Decontamination at CGO Building	MLA Consortia	R914 147.00	Emergency Delegation Procurement	Awarded on the basis of obtaining highest score

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

a) The Minister of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) did not declare any quarantine facility including Eskom Training Facility in Midrand unsuitable for purposes of quarantine. Such responsibility lies with the Department of Health.

b) Yes, only reports for facilities identified and availed from DPWI’s immovable asset register were verified by my Department’s officials. Eskom Training College is not one of them.

c) No, I was not informed.

d) This information may be sourced from the Department of Health

e) This information may be sourced from the Department of Health.

f) The determination of the suitability of the facility for use as a quarantine facility is the domain of Department of Health and not DPWI.

Reply:

The problems encountered by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee have been well documented with the solutions clearly articulated in the Zulman Committee of Enquiry Report.

It is evident that the effectiveness and efficiency of the SASCOC has consequently been adversely affected by the administrative lapses articulated in the report. A view which has been held by the Ministry upon acceptance of the Zulman Committee of Enquiry Report.

It is on this basis that the Department has invested its efforts in working with SASCOC with a view of turning around the fortunes of the organisation in order to set it on a sound administrative position geared towards effective delivery of its mandate and betterment of South African high performance sport and sport in general.

Whilst progress has been made in terms of the implementation of critical reforms within SASCOC due cognisance is given to the fact that the most critical milestone of the Quadrennial General Meeting is still outstanding. It is the Department’s conviction that this would usher in an era of stability for the organisation.

Reply:

As per the approved GUIDELINES FOR QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION IN RELATION TO COVID-19 EXPOSURE AND INFECTION it states that: “Because some quarantined people might be COVID-19 positive (or might become positive during the quarantine period), individuals in quarantine facilities must be kept under individual quarantine (self-quarantine) within the facility. Those who develop symptoms {meet the person-under-investigation (PUI) criteria} should be tested and managed appropriately.” It also indicates the following: “The recommended duration of quarantine for COVID-19 exposure is 14 days from the time of exposure (close contact or entering the country). If the patient remains well during the period of quarantine, they do not need to test/retest at the end of the 14-day period.”

There are certain circumstances that necessitate testing and others that do not. Testing is dependent on the risk assessment of the individual at any specific point in time.

END.

Reply:

The government has put in place a support package for small businesses.

The Department of Small Business Development will provide the details of the support available. The support, is available from various departments, for example: Agriculture and Tourism

Reply:

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is implemented through the Life Skills and Life Orientation subjects. In light of the disruptions of the school calendar due to COVID-19, CSE implementation in the pilot schools will be revised according to the amended Annual Teaching Plan (ATP) after re-opening. .

Reply:

1. Awareness session on COVID-19 are held by unit managers and health care professionals whereby the psychological/psychosocial protocol and guidelines is shared with the inmates:

• Explanation on what COVID-19 is and the mode of spread;
• The signs and symptoms of COVID-19;
• Measures to be taken to prevent spreading and/or acquiring COVID-19;
• Compliance with basic Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures;
• The responsibilities of reporting to the staff when experiencing signs and symptoms.

(2)(a) The total number of inmates that have been placed in quarantine since COVID-19 was declared a national disaster is three thousand six hundred and forty four
(3 644) from 01 April to 16 May 2020, and

(2)(b) None of the inmates were quarantined outside the confines of the correctional service sites.

3. The Department has a plan in place whereby non-centre based officials appointed in terms of the Correctional Service Act and the Public Service Act that have undergone basic training, will be transferred to centres where services are needed as a result of staff shortages as a result of Covid-19.

The Department has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the South African National Defence Force whereby reserves will be used to augment the services rendered by Correctional Officials.

In addition, the ex-Correctional Services officials will be appointed to augment the imminent shortage. This Contingency plan will ensure that the staff to inmate ratio remains stable and that the available Correctional officers are not overwhelmed.

4. There is no specific budgetary allocation for creating awareness amongst the inmates due to the fact that these sessions are rendered by departmental unit managers and health care professionals.

Budgetary allocation for education programmes designed to create awareness about the coronavirus in correctional facilities amongst officials:

REGION	Budgetary allocation	Amount Spent	% Spent
Eastern Cape	R 4 240 000.00	R 121 800.00	2.87%
Free State and Northern Cape (FS/NC)	R 2 962 700.00	R 146 690.00	4.95%
Gauteng	R 1 180 000.00	R 6 000.00	0.05%
KwaZulu-Natal	R 1 882 000.00	R 241 267.	13%
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN)	R 1 904 000.00	R 172 268.	9.05%
Western Cape	R 1 402 000.00	R 92 263.	6.58%
Total	R 13 570 700.00	R 780 288	5.75%

The human resources development budget is currently exclusively being utilised for COVID-19 related training. Since most of the training is localised and the Department has also taken advantage of training also offered by the Department of Health for health care professionals.

END

Reply:

(a) The State’s position has always been to first utilise state-owned facilities before utilising private facilities, the cost would differ based on facility availability, type of facility and ownership thereof.

For private-owned facilities the operational costs are included in the rate negotiated with the facilities and excludes all clinical services. The rate is negotiated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) for each site and as such the National Department of Health does not get involved in this other than to provide the clinical and support services.

The costs therefore would be a combination of costs associated with the clinical services, support services and operationalisation of these sites as carried by the Department of Health and the procurement of private facilities as currently carried by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

(b) The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will be responsible for the infrastructure costs relating to quarantine facilities and the Department of Health will be responsible for the operationalization costs of the quarantine facilities.

END.