Questions and Replies
11 December 2023 - NW3338
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(1)(a) Which branches of the SA Post Office (SAPO) are closed on a temporary basis in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, (b) what are the reasons that the specified post offices are closed and (c) on what date will they re-open; (2)(a) Which branches of the SAPO are permanently closed in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality and (b) what number of employees (i) have had their jobs terminated in the specified municipality and (ii) are still employed, but not working? NW4458E
Reply:
1.
(a) Temporary Closed |
(b) Reasons for closure |
(c) Date it will be re-opened |
Graaf Reinet Post Office |
Non payment of rent from July 2023. The office was locked by the landlord. |
Submission for urgent payment in process for consideration by the Business Resue Practitioners (BRPs) |
Willmore Post Office |
Non payment of rent. The office was locked on 21 July 2023 by the landlord. |
Submission for urgent payment in process for consideration by the BRPs. |
Jansenville Post Office |
Non payment of rent. The office was locked on 23 October 2023 by the landlord. |
Submission for urgent payment in process for consideration by the BRPs. |
(2)(a) No branches are permanently closed in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality.
(2)(b)(i)(ii) No employees have been retrenched to date and where branches have been closed, these employees have been transferred to other branches.
Thank You.
11 December 2023 - NW3379
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether her department has details of the number of informal settlements that have been eradicated in the past financial year; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the figures in each municipality, (b) where were the occupants of informal settlements moved to and (c) what was the total expenditure incurred by her department to (i) eradicate the informal settlements and (ii) relocate the occupants?
Reply:
Background:
The Department has a policy for the upgrading of informal settlements. The policy underpins the programme on informal settlements upgrading, and its key objective is to facilitate a structured in-situ upgrading of informal settlements. Furthermore, the programme seeks to promote the development of a healthy and secure living environment by facilitating the provision of affordable and sustainable basic municipal engineering infrastructure to the residents.
A further consideration is that the upgrading of informal settlements should enable futuristic growth while recognising and formalising tenure rights of residents, allowing community empowerment, promoting social and economic integration as well as building social capital through a participative process that addresses the broader social needs of communities.
The Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG) is meant to provide both interim and permanent basic services such as water, sanitation, gravel roads and other basic services.
Table 1: Phases and Outputs of the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant.
Phase |
Description |
Outputs/Deliverables |
1 |
Conducting Social Facilitation & Pre-Feasibility Studies |
Social Compacts and Preliminary Design Reports. |
2 |
Land Acquisition, Formalisation & Detailed Engineering Designs |
Registered land parcels, Proclaimed Townships Register and Engineering Designs. |
3 |
Constructing Permanent Bulk Infrastructure & Municipal Engineering Services |
Permanent Water, Sanitation, Electricity, Roads Infrastructure and Serviced Sites. |
a) & b) According to the information received from the following Provinces:
No. |
Province |
Municipalities |
Projects |
Phases of upgrading |
Relocation / In-situ |
||
Projects upgraded to Phase 1 |
Projects upgraded to Phase 2 |
Projects upgraded to Phase 3 |
|||||
Eastern Cape |
Mbizana |
Mbizana Highlands, Mbizana Downtown |
Not applicable |
5 |
Not applicable |
Projects still under planning (land-scoping, township layout plan). |
|
Amahlathi |
Stutterheim Upper Izele, Cathcart Daliwe, Stutterheim Bongolethu |
||||||
Free State |
Matjhabeng |
Roma, DND, Virginia Moleding Unit 3 & 7 |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
4 |
In-situ |
|
Gauteng |
Midvaal |
Boitumelo, KwaBrown, Skansdam, Sicelo Shiceka Ext. 5 |
Not applicable |
11 |
Not applicable |
Projects still under planning (surveying and registration of households) |
|
Emfuleni |
Bophelong (Chris Hani), Tshepiso North Ext. 3, Boitumelo Informal Settlement |
||||||
Mogale City |
Vaalbanl, Oriental Hills, Smokedown, Weltevreden Festive |
||||||
KwaZulu Natal |
Newcastle |
Johnstown, Blaauboschlaagte and Cavan |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
4 |
In-situ |
|
Kwadukuza |
Madudumbe, Etete, Sihle Phakathi |
||||||
eThekwini |
Etafuleni |
||||||
Limpopo |
Feta Kgomo Tubatse |
Burgersfort Ext. 71 & 72 |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
6 |
In-situ |
|
Elias Motsoaledi |
Masakaneng and Rossenekraal |
||||||
Modimolle |
Alma and Vaalwater |
||||||
Mpumalanga |
Ehlanzeni |
Harmony Hill Ext. 2, Mashishing Ext. 9 and 10 and Komatipoort |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
10 |
In-situ |
|
Nkangala |
Hlalanikahle Ext. 3 section C & L, Siyabonga Phola and Plot 86-88, Nooitgedaght 300 JS |
||||||
Gert Sibande |
Kinross Ext. 33, Lebogang Ext. 27, Nyibe/ New Ermelo |
||||||
North-West |
Madibeng |
Buffelsfontein and Mooinooi Mamba Ext 13 |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
4 |
In-situ |
|
Rustenburg |
Boitekong Ext16 |
||||||
Naledi |
Naledi Ext 29 |
||||||
Northern Cape |
Sol Plaatjie Municipality |
Lerato Park 5, 6, 7, 8 and Ivory Park. |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
5 |
Relocation |
|
Western Cape |
Drakenstein |
Schoongezicht |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
4 |
In-situ |
|
Overstrand |
Gansbaai Masakhane |
||||||
Knysna |
Hlalani and Vision |
(c) The National Department of Human Settlements received a total of R4 419 331 billion including a rollover of R298 242 million from the 2021/2022 financial year. At the end of 2022/23 financial a total of R3 930 757 billion was spent.
The National Department is currently verifying the information from Metros and once the verification process is finalised the information will also be shared with the Member.
11 December 2023 - NW3151
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What measures has her department put in place to address the concerns that have been raised regarding South Africans of Jewish origin who continue to receive training in the Israel Defence Forces, which poses a serious risk to the Republic?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 December 2023 - NW3065
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(1)What (a) number of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries were adversely affected by the payment glitch in the period 5 to 8 September 2023 in each (i) province and (ii) grant category, (b) what were the root causes of the payment glitch and (c) what measures has the Postbank put in place to ensure that payment glitches do not occur again; (2) whether the payment glitch was due to a lack of funds within the SASSA account; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any fraudulent activity was detected during the specified period; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what training is provided to retailer staff to better equip them to respond to SASSA beneficiaries; (5) whether the Postbank has access to bulk SMS to communicate with beneficiaries when payment glitches arise; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) Only 10% of 5.3 million beneficiaries that are paid by Postbank were impacted.
(i) The glitch impacted beneficiaries across all provinces nationally (10% of 5.3 million beneficiaries that are paid via Postbank).
(ii) The glitch impacted elderly beneficiaries that were supposed to receive their grant payments during that period.
(1)(b) The IT challenges were due to post migration issues relating to different factors. These include time cuts due to communication capacity between different systems. The issue was resolved on the same day (5 September 2023) at 4 pm and since then the system has been stable.
(1)(c) The Postbank has implemented the following measures in relation to the October 2023 social grants payments preparations:-
- Enhanced monitoring mechanisms to track the payment process in real-time.
- Strengthened its technical infrastructure to handle higher transaction volumes, ensuring swift and uninterrupted disbursements.
- Engaged specialists for a comprehensive review of the system and to continuously rectify any vulnerabilities.
The new payments system was tested in accordance with acceptable industry system testing protocols including Component Integration Testing (CIT), System Integration Testing (SIT) and Industry Testing prior to the system going live.
2. No. The IT challenges did not affect the depositing of funds to any beneficiaries’ accounts but rather impacted the withdrawal ability of funds for some beneficiaries.
3. No fraudulent activity has been identified and/or reported to date.
4. As part of the retailer onboarding process, retailers received training and training manuals regarding the withdrawal process. Additionally, they provide ongoing training to their employees through their training centres countrywide on customer care, query escalation and withdrawals using merchant points of sale.
5. The Postbank has the capability to provide bulk SMS which will be utilised to provide beneficiaries with information in the event the Postbank has payment challenges. However, the Postbank was unable to utilise it at the time as it did not have updated cell phone details of most social grant recipients.
Thank you.
11 December 2023 - NW3367
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
How will the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Bill of 2023 resolve the Public Broadcaster’s financial shortfalls, considering that the (a) Bill retains the SABC’s 1999 funding model, (b) Bill’s Commercial Board is not tasked with a new funding model and (c) Bill tasks the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Minister of Finance with a new funding model, but not the Board of Directors?
Reply:
a) The SABC Bill aims to address the challenges faced by the SABC and ensure its sustainability in an evolving media landscape. One key aspect of the Bill is to provide the SABC with greater flexibility in TV content procurement that will enable it to compete more effectively and offer a wider range of entertainment options. Through the Commercial subsidiary with exclusive commercial license conditions, the SABC will be unencumbered from the rigid provisions of the PFMA. The Bill allows the organisation to explore new avenues for content acquisition and delivery. The establishment of the Commercial subsidiary will also provide an opportunity for the SABC to keep and attract talented Executives and employees who possess the best skillsets and business acumen required to run the commercial operations of the SABC.
The SABC Bill will enable the corporation to negotiate and secure high-quality content from local and international sources thereby accessing a broader range of programmes, including popular shows, documentaries, films, and sporting events. In offering a more diverse and appealing content lineup, the SABC can attract a wider viewership and cater to the varied interests of its audience.
Additionally, the Bill provides the SABC with an option to create new channels and digital platforms, thereby expanding its offerings and attracting even more viewers. By offering a wider selection of channels, the SABC can better compete with other broadcasters and streaming platforms, ultimately enhancing its competitiveness in the industry. This will drive long-term profitability which is a key component of financial sustainability of the public broadcaster.
b) The SABC Bill intends to resolve the public broadcaster’s financial shortfalls by introducing a new Commercial Board that will oversee the SABC’s commercial activities and operations. It will play a major role in the corporation’s overall commercial success at a time when the SABC requires significant and sustained commercial growth and income. An opportunity will also allow for the SABC Board to provide input and make recommendations in regard to the new funding model.
c) The funding for public media services - including first world and developing countries - remains the responsibility of Governments and, in South Africa’s case, is the responsibility Cabinet and Parliament when integrated into any legislative framework as it involves public funds. However, the SABC Board has the right to make recommendations on the kind of funding model adopted by the Executive or legislature.
Thank You.
11 December 2023 - NW3416
Mafanya, Mr WTI to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether, with reference to the numerous SA National Defence Force properties, land and defence facilities which lie unoccupied across the Republic, she will furnish Mr WT I Mafanya with the latest property inventory status report for each province; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 December 2023 - NW3175
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
In light of the media statement issued by her department on 7 October 2023 calling for the immediate cessation of violence, for restraint and for peace between Israel and Palestine, and extending the offer for the Republic to share its experience in mediation and conflict resolution, (a) where and (b) how will the proposed mediation and conflict resolution take place as the Republic does not have an ambassador in Israel and there has been no Israeli Embassy in the Republic since 2018?
Reply:
South Africa is open to exploring different avenues about (a) where and (b) how the proposed mediation and conflict resolution will take place. The mediation process could be held in South Africa, Israel, Palestine or in any country in the Middle East region.
There is political will and interest in South Africa in hosting a similar event that took place in 2002 where South Africa had endeavoured to broker peace talks between Israel and Palestine under the “Spier Presidential Peace Retreat.” South Africa hosted two rounds of Spier talks in 2002, aimed at strengthening the peace camps on both sides and looked to share South Africa’s negotiated transitional experiences. This initiative demonstrated the spirit of commitment to dialogue and partnership for peace between the parties.
South Africa is also open to collaborate or play a supportive role to regional states such as Qatar and Egypt regarding mediation and conflict resolution as well as the mediation and conflict resolution work led by the Quartet (US, European Union (EU), Russia. South Africa has declared itself in favour of the deployment of an international monitoring force in the occupied Palestinian territories.
11 December 2023 - NW3423
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) How does Higher Health ensure that adequate mental health support is provided to students who need it beyond the incidental and event-based hotline that caters for emergency situations, (b) how does his department ensure the provision of sustainable solutions and ongoing intervention through Higher Health to students who require it and (c) which institutions are currently catered for regarding direct access to Higher Health?
Reply:
(a) How does Higher Health ensure that adequate mental health support is provided to students who need it beyond the incidental and event-based hotline that caters for emergency situations, (b) how does his department ensure the provision of sustainable solutions and ongoing intervention through Higher Health to students who require it and
HIGHER HEALTH Mental Health Program is structured on three levels of interventions:
Level 1: focuses on combating stigma associated with mental health disorders, creating awareness of mental health, providing psycho-education, building resilience and self-help capacity, and modifying aspects of the campus environment that might affect mental health and wellbeing. We achieve these objectives through peer-peer dialogues, Our Co-Curriculum on mental health, use of mental health self-assessment tool by students, and guidelines and protocols to address risk factors on campus. This all forms part of the student toolkit.
Level 2: provides access to short term crisis counselling and support. The vehicle for this is the toll-free 24-hour helpline which HIGHER HEALTH offers in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADG).
Level 3: is concerned with offering professional care and making referrals where necessary for further care and specialised facilities. HIGHER HEALTH has clinical and counselling psychologists attached to our provincial offices and recently added the Registered Counsellors that are based in some Campuses. Universities and some TVET Colleges have psychologists and counsellors on their staff. Referrals are made to private practitioners (where students have medical aid and referral to department of health as well).
The need for mental health support far exceeds the prevention and treatment of mental health, and the number of psychologists currently available. We have introduced task shifting and employed Registered Counsellors who are able to undertake some of the work of the psychologist. HIGHER HEALTH offers a time limit of six sessions per student. Those requiring prolonged support are referred to external service providers, and Department of Health (in districts where they are available).
(c) which institutions are currently catered for regarding direct access to Higher Health?
HIGHER HEALTH has clinical and counselling psychologists attached to our Provincial Offices and recently added the Registered Counsellors that are based in some Campuses. Universities and some TVET Colleges have psychologists and counsellors on their staff. For those that do not, Higher Health covers those students with their staff based at the provincial offices, or refers students to private practitioners (where students have medical aid) or to the Department of Health for assistance.
11 December 2023 - NW3069
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1) What is the comprehensive information regarding documented cases of army brutality committed by members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Republic during the lockdown period from 27 March to 30 April 2020? (2) what (a) progress has been made in the specified cases of army brutality, including the (i) number of and (ii) status of investigations, especially concerning the fatalities involving the soldiers and (b) actions have been taken to investigate the incidents of brutality committed by the SANDF; (3) Whether any disciplinary actions and/or legal proceedings have been initiated against individuals allegedly responsible for the acts of brutality; if not, why not; if so, what is the latest update on the progress towards holding the perpetrators involved accountable?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 December 2023 - NW2702
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military VeteransWhether with reference to the 2018 Court Order in case number
Whether with reference to the 2018 Court Order in case number: 53050/2012, wherein Judge Norman Davies awarded R200 000 000 (Two Hundred Million Rands) damages to the claim of Adonai Aviation against the Minister of Defence, the Order (a) was executed and (b) paid to the plaintiff: if not, why not, if so, (i) what total amount was finally paid, (ii) when was it paid and, (iii) was it declared to the Auditor General South Africa as a possible irregular and wasteful expenditure?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4093
Loate, Mr T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
1) Whether she has found that the Republic's latest Nationally Determined Contributions submission will ensure that the Republic's carbon reduction commitment will accord with the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree Celsius limit; if not, why not; if so, on what facts is that assertion made, 2) how will the adaptation component in the Republic's updated Nationally Determined Contributions be funded, considering that the Government, and municipalities in particular, are substantially unable to meet the present costs of maintaining and renewing infrastructure?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3728
Mhlongo, Ms N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Since the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (Bid Window 1 to 6) was initiated, (a)(i) what total number of projects were awarded contracts and (ii) to which companies were such contracts awarded and (b) what total number of (i) the projects that contracts were awarded to, have gone online and (ii) megawatts have they added to the grid; (2) whether he has found that any of the companies to whom contracts were awarded, had neglected to honour the contracts; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps have been taken to mitigate against non-performance by the companies to whom contracts were awarded?
Reply:
In response to (1)(a)(i) a total of 110 Preferred Bidders have signed project agreements under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), and (1)(a)(ii) the details of these projects can be found at Annexure A attached, and on the IPP Projects Database which can be accessed as https://www.ipp-projects.co.za/ProjectDatabase.
In response to (1)(b)(i) and (ii), 90 renewable energy IPP projects have completed construction and reached Commercial Close and are operational, delivering 6 180 MW to the national grid, and 9 projects (1 009 MW) are currently in construction.
In response to (2) The REIPPPP has a number of legal agreements/contracts of which all bidders are obligated to honour in line with the terms and conditions of the agreements. Projects that have successfully reached commercial operation date (COD) have managed to honour their contractual obligations satisfactory to date, and no contract have been terminated as a result of non-performance or any material breach. As part of the on-going Contract Management and Monitoring of the Department’s IPP Office, IPPs are penalised in terms of their Implementation Agreement terms and conditions if obligations and targets are not met.
Annexure A: PROJECTS IN OPERATION AND CONSTRUCTION UNDER THE RENEWABLE ENERGY
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME
Bid Window |
PROJECT NAME: |
PROJECT COMPANY NAME: |
MW |
CONTRACTUAL EFFECTIVE DATE |
PROJECT STATUS |
COMMERCIAL OPERATION DATE |
PROVINCE |
TECHNOLOGY |
BW1 |
Letsatsi Power Company |
Firefly Investments 253 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
64,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
21 May 2014 |
FS |
PV |
BW1 |
Lesedi Power Company |
Oakleaf Investments Holdings 79 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
64,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
21 May 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Witkop Solar Park |
Core Energy (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
30,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
20 September 2014 |
L |
PV |
BW1 |
Noblesfontein Phase 1 |
Coria (PKF) Investments 28 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
72,75 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
12 July 2014 |
NC |
OW |
BW1 |
Touwsrivier Project |
CPV Power Plant No. 1 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
36,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
05 December 2014 |
WC |
PV |
BW1 |
Dorper Wind Farm |
Dorper Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
97,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
09 August 2014 |
EC |
OW |
BW1 |
Soutpan |
Soutpan Solar Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
28,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
04 July 2014 |
L |
PV |
BW1 |
Mulilo Renewable Energy Solar PV De Aar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
Mulilo Renewable Energy Solar PV De Aar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
9,65 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
19 July 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Mulilo Renewable Energy Solar PV Prieska (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
Mulilo Renewable Energy Solar PV Prieska (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
19,93 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
01 October 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Kaxu Solar One |
KaXu Solar One (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
100,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
06 February 2015 |
NC |
CSP |
BW1 |
Dassiesklip Wind Energy Facility |
Klipheuwel Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
26,19 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
07 May 2014 |
WC |
OW |
BW1 |
Konkoonsies Solar Energy Facility |
Konkoonsies Solar Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
9,65 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
20 March 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
MetroWind Van Stadens Wind Farm |
Rubicept (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
26,19 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
07 February 2014 |
EC |
OW |
BW1 |
Kouga Wind Farm |
Kouga Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
77,60 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
17 March 2015 |
EC |
OW |
BW1 |
RustMo1 Solar Farm |
RustMo1 Solar Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
6,76 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
15 November 2013 |
NW |
PV |
BW1 |
Kalkbult |
Scatec Solar Kalkbult (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
72,50 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
19 March 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Aries Solar Energy Facility |
Aries Solar Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
9,65 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
20 March 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
SlimSun Swartland Solar Park |
SlimSun (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
5,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
05 August 2015 |
WC |
PV |
BW1 |
De Aar Solar Power (RF) (PTY) LTD |
De Aar Solar Power (RF) (PTY) LTD |
48,25 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
05 April 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm (RF) (PTY) LTD |
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm (RF) (PTY) LTD |
133,86 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
15 May 2014 |
EC |
OW |
BW1 |
Umoya Energy Wind Farm |
Umoya Energy (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
65,40 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
01 February 2014 |
WC |
OW |
BW1 |
Cookhouse Wind Farm |
Renewables Cookhouse Wind Farm 1 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
135,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
19 November 2014 |
EC |
OW |
BW1 |
Greefspan PV Power Plant |
AE-AMD Independent Power Producer 1 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
10,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
11 April 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Renewable Energy Investment South Africa (REISA) |
Renewable Energy Investments SA (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
15 August 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Solar Capital De Aar |
Solar Capital De Aar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
15 August 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Droogfontein Solar Power (RF) (PTY) LTD |
Droogfontein Solar Power (RF) (PTY) LTD |
48,25 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
06 April 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Herbert PV Power Plant |
AE-AMD Independent Power Producer 3 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
19,90 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
11 April 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW1 |
Khi Solar One |
Khi Solar One (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
50,00 |
05 November 2012 |
Operational |
05 February 2016 |
NC |
CSP |
BW2 |
Bokpoort CSP Project |
ACWA Power Solafrica Bokpoort CSP Power Plant (Pty) Ltd (RF) |
50,00 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
19 March 2016 |
NC |
CSP |
BW2 |
Gouda Wind Project |
Blue Falcon 140 Trading (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
135,24 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
25 August 2015 |
WC |
OW |
BW2 |
Solar De Aar 3 (Pty) Ltd |
Solar Capital De Aar 3 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
02 April 2016 |
NC |
PV |
BW2 |
Sishen Solar Facility |
Windfall 59 Properties (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
74,00 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
29 November 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW2 |
Amakhala Emoyeni |
Amakhala Emoyeni RE Project 1 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
137,90 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
28 July 2016 |
EC |
OW |
BW2 |
Tsitsikamma Community Wind Farm Project |
Tsitsikamma Community Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
94,80 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
17 August 2016 |
EC |
OW |
BW2 |
Wind Farm West Coast 1 |
Aurora Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
90,82 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
09 June 2015 |
WC |
OW |
BW2 |
Waainek |
Waainek Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
23,28 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
10 January 2016 |
EC |
OW |
BW2 |
Grassridge |
Grassridge Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
59,82 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
06 June 2015 |
EC |
OW |
BW2 |
Chaba |
Chaba Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
20,58 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
12 September 2015 |
EC |
OW |
BW2 |
Aurora-Rietvlei Solar Park |
Aurora-Rietvlei Solar Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
9,00 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
23 December 2014 |
WC |
PV |
BW2 |
Vredendal Solar Park |
Vredendal Solar Power Park (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
8,82 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
31 July 2014 |
WC |
PV |
BW2 |
Stortemelk Hydro |
Stortemelk Hydro (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
4,31 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
29 July 2016 |
FS |
SH |
BW2 |
Linde |
Simacel 155 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
36,80 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
30 June 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW2 |
Dreunberg |
Simacel 160 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
69,60 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
31 December 2014 |
EC |
PV |
BW2 |
Jasper Power Company |
Japer Power Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
17 December 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW2 |
Boshoff Solar Park |
Boshof Solar Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
60,00 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
25 October 2014 |
FS |
PV |
BW2 |
Upington Airport |
Sublunary Trading (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
8,90 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
31 July 2014 |
NC |
PV |
BW2 |
Neusberg Hydro Electrical Project |
Kakamas Hydro Electric Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
9,99 |
09 May 2013 |
Operational |
31 January 2015 |
NC |
SH |
BW3 |
Ilanga CSP |
Karoshoek Solar One (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
100,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
30 November 2018 |
NC |
CSP |
BW3 |
!Xina Solar One |
Xina Solar One (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
100,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
01 August 2017 |
NC |
CSP |
BW3 |
ENERGY Joburg Landfill Gas to Electircity Project |
ENERGY Joburg (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
18,00 |
27 August 2015 |
Operational |
Goudkoppies - 2017-04-25 |
G |
LG |
BW3 |
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar 2 North Wind Energy Facility |
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar 2 North (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
138,96 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
31 October 2017 |
NC |
OW |
BW3 |
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Maanhaarberg Wind Energy Facility |
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
96,48 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
31 October 2017 |
NC |
OW |
BW3 |
Nojoli Wind Farm |
Nojoli Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
86,60 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
31 October 2016 |
EC |
OW |
BW3 |
Loeriesfontein 2 Wind Farm |
Loeriesfontein 2 Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
138,23 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
08 December 2017 |
NC |
OW |
BW3 |
Noupoort Wind Farm |
Noupoort Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
79,05 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
11 July 2016 |
NC |
OW |
BW3 |
Khobab Wind Farm |
Khobab Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
137,74 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
08 December 2017 |
NC |
OW |
BW3 |
Red Cap-Gibson Bay |
Gibson Bay Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
110,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
28 April 2017 |
EC |
OW |
BW3 |
Adams Solar PV 2 |
Adams Solar PV Project Two (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
01 December 2016 |
NC |
PV |
BW3 |
Paleisheuwel |
Electra Capital (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
12 October 2016 |
WC |
PV |
BW3 |
Mulilo Sonnedix Prieska PV |
Mulilo Sonnedix Prieska PV (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
22 July 2016 |
NC |
PV |
BW3 |
Mulilo Prieska PV 4 |
Mulilo Prieska PV (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
05 August 2016 |
NC |
PV |
BW3 |
Tom Burke |
Tobivox (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
60,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
27 August 2016 |
L |
PV |
BW3 |
Pulida Solar Park |
Pulida Energy (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
23 January 2015 |
Operational |
23 January 2017 |
NC |
PV |
BW3.5 |
Kathu Solar Park |
Kathu Solar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
100,00 |
09 May 2016 |
Operational |
31 January 2019 |
NC |
CSP |
BW3.5 |
Redstone Solar Thermal Power Plant |
Redstone Solar Thermal Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
100,00 |
04 April 2018 |
In Construction |
Pending |
NC |
CSP |
BW4 |
Ngodwana Energy (Alternate) |
Ngodwana Energy (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
25,00 |
18 April 2018 |
Operational |
12 March 2022 |
M |
BM |
BW4 |
Roggeveld |
Roggeveld Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
140,00 |
04 April 2018 |
Operational |
26 February 2022 |
NC |
OW |
BW4 |
Karusa Wind Farm |
ACED Renewables Hidden Valley (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
139,80 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
28 June 2022 |
NC |
OW |
BW4 |
The Soetwater Wind Farm |
Soetwater Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
139,40 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
19 July 2022 |
NC |
OW |
BW4 |
Nxuba Wind Farm |
Nxuba Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
138,90 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
24 November 2020 |
EC |
OW |
BW4 |
Kangnas |
Kangnas Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
136,70 |
07 June 2018 |
Operational |
15 November 2020 |
NC |
OW |
BW4 |
Perdekraal East |
Perdekraal Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
107,76 |
07 June 2018 |
Operational |
08 October 2020 |
WC |
OW |
BW4 |
Golden Valley Wind |
Amstilite (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
117,72 |
23 July 2018 |
Operational |
01 May 2021 |
EC |
OW |
BW4 |
Excelsior Wind Energy Facility |
Amstilinx (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
31,90 |
23 July 2018 |
Operational |
23 December 2020 |
WC |
OW |
BW4 |
Wesley-Ciskei |
Riverbank Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
32,70 |
04 April 2018 |
Operational |
20 August 2021 |
EC |
OW |
BW4 |
Oyster Bay Wind Farm |
Oyster Bay Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
140,00 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
21 July 2021 |
EC |
OW |
BW4 |
Copperton Windfarm |
Copperton Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
102,00 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
23 December 2021 |
NC |
OW |
BW4 |
Garob Wind Farm |
Garob Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
135,93 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
04 December 2021 |
NC |
OW |
BW4 |
Sirius Solar PV Project One |
Sirius Solar PV Project One (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
04 April 2018 |
Operational |
18 February 2020 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
Matla A Bokone Solar |
Matla A Bokone Solar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
24 July 2018 |
Operational |
07 March 2020 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
Dyason's Klip 1 |
Dyason’s Klip 1 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
04 April 2018 |
Operational |
16 March 2020 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
Dyason's Klip 2 |
Dyason’s Klip 2 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
04 April 2018 |
Operational |
10 April 2020 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
Konkoonsies II Solar |
Ramizone (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
23 July 2018 |
Operational |
30 September 2020 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
Solar Capital Orange |
Solar Capital Orange (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
1 April 2023 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
De Wildt |
De Wildt Solar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
50,00 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
23 January 2021 |
NW |
PV |
BW4 |
Bokamoso |
Bokamoso Solar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
67,90 |
09 July 2018 |
Operational |
12 September 2020 |
NW |
PV |
BW4 |
Zeerust |
Zeerust Solar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
30 July 2018 |
Operational |
01 January 2021 |
NW |
PV |
BW4 |
Greefspan PV Power Plant No. 2 Solar Park |
Boikanyo Solar (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
55,00 |
30 July 2018 |
Operational |
09 April 2021 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
Waterloo Solar Park |
Waterloo Solar Park (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
13 July 2018 |
Operational |
22 November 2020 |
NW |
PV |
BW4 |
Aggeneys Solar |
Main Street 957 (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
40,00 |
23 July 2018 |
Operational |
25 July 2020 |
NC |
PV |
BW4 |
Kruisvallei Hydro |
Zevobuzz (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
4,70 |
31 July 2018 |
Operational |
25 February 2021 |
FS |
SH |
BW5 |
Coleskop WEF |
Coleskop Wind Power (Pty) Ltd |
140,00 |
18 January 2023 |
In Construction |
Pending |
EC |
OW |
BW5 |
San Kraal WEF |
San Kraal Wind Power (Pty) Ltd |
140,00 |
09 November 2022 |
In Construction |
Pending |
EC |
OW |
BW5 |
Phezukomoya WEF |
Phezukomoya Wind Power (Pty) Ltd |
140,00 |
09 November 2022 |
In Construction |
Pending |
EC |
OW |
BW5 |
Brandvalley Wind Farm |
Brandvalley Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
140,00 |
23 February 2023 |
In Construction |
Pending |
WC |
OW |
BW5 |
Rietkloof Wind Farm |
Rietkloof Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
140,00 |
23 February 2023 |
In Construction |
Pending |
WC |
OW |
BW5 |
Wolf Wind Farm |
Wolf Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd |
84,00 |
23 February 2023 |
In Construction |
Pending |
EC |
OW |
BW5 |
Grootfontein PV 1 |
Grootfontein PV 1 (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
28 June 2023 |
In Construction |
Pending |
WC |
PV |
BW5 |
Grootfontein PV 2 |
Grootfontein PV 2 (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
28 June 2023 |
In Construction |
Pending |
WC |
PV |
BW5 |
Grootfontein PV 3 |
Grootfontein PV 3 (Pty) Ltd |
75,00 |
28 June 2023 |
In Construction |
Pending |
WC |
PV |
08 December 2023 - NW4086
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What are the details of (a) minimum data reporting standards that air quality monitoring stations need to comply with and (b) pollutants that all air quality monitoring stations need to monitor?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4011
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) With reference to the Abalone Scientific Working Group and The West Coast Rock Lobster Scientific Working Group, (a) which areas have their own scientific working groups and (b)(i) who is the representative of each (aa) scientific working group and (bb) community represented and (ii) what qualifies them for the specified positions; (2) what process is followed in electing the specified representatives; (3) whether the positions are advertised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether the scientific working group meetings are publicly advertised to ensure that all parties involved in the fishing community have access; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details for the meetings and its advertisement for the past 24 months?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4042
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) What are the full relevant details of the progress of the iSimangaliso Task Team regarding the dredging of the uMsunduzi blockages; (2) whether the specified dredging is still on course as it was intended; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3831
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether there are any specific challenges and/or constraints within his department that have contributed to the delays in visa processing; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what strategies are being implemented to overcome the challenges; (2) (a) how is his department communicating with applicants who are experiencing delays in their visa applications and (b) what support mechanisms are in place to provide (i) information and (ii) assistance to those affected by the delays; (3) what steps has he taken to (a) address the backlog of visa applications and (b) improve the efficiency of the visa application and processing system, with the aim of reducing delays and ensuring a smoother application process for future applicants; (4) on what date is it envisaged that issues of certain applicants (details furnished) will be attended to?
Reply:
1) In responding to your question, I think it is very important to mention that South Africa has 17 (seventeen) different types of visas. Not all of them have any challenges and not all of them have backlogs. It would have helped for the question to be specific on the type of visas backlog being referred to. Be that as it may, challenges with visas are mostly dependent’s visas, like spousal visas and relative’s visas as well as Permanent Residence visas which developed a huge backlog during Covid Lockdown as international travel was forbidden.
(2)(a) The Department issued a notice in March 2023, where the applicants with long term visa, permit and waiver applications were extended to end December 2023, which was published on its website, social media and through the Visa Facilitation Centre.
(2)(b) The information is shared on the website and other social platforms. The department is in the process of reviewing its current extension to accommodate those awaiting long term applications of December 2023 and will announce its decision through the various media platforms.
(3)(a) The department has developed a plan to address the backlogs. The plan aims to move the older Temporary Residency Visas and Permanent Residency Permits applications concurrently with the current work.
(3)(b) The department is currently engaging stakeholders such as Banks and SAQA to assist in reducing turnaround times for the verifications. Since the e-Visa system is working so well in timeously issuing the tourist / visitor’s visa, the department is presently working on piloting it for three additional visa categories.
4) It is envisaged that with the approval of delegations and the implementation of the backlog plan, the Visa and Permits will be reduced or finished by end November 2024.
END
08 December 2023 - NW3429
Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(a) What is the total number of housing projects that her department abandoned in the North West, (b) for how long have the projects been abandoned, (c) what are the details of the responsible contractors and (d)(i) what plans and timeframes have been put in place to complete all incomplete housing projects of her department in the North West and (ii) at what costs per project?
Reply:
According to information received from the North-West Provincial Department of Human Settlements;
a) They have a total of 41 blocked and incomplete projects. A blocked or incomplete project is defined as: A project where no delivery progress has been made for a period of 12 months following the first payment to the contractor. The blocked or incomplete projects include serviced sites and houses at different levels of construction namely, slab level, wall-plate level, roof level, etc. Projects are usually blocked and incomplete due to illegal land occupations, extortion by the construction mafia, community unrest, the lack of bulk infrastructure, poor performance by contractors (some of whom would have abandoned sites) etc.
b) The majority of the reported projects became blocked and incomplete in the 2005/2006 financial year.
c) Please refer to the column marked “Developer” on the enclosed presentation from the North-West Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
(d)(i) It is anticipated that the 41 blocked and incomplete projects will be implemented in the 2023 / 2024 and 2024/25 financial years as some are planned over multiple years.
(d)(ii) The projected costs for each project are in the attached the presentation.
08 December 2023 - NW3794
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Since 2005, what (a)(i) Government bailouts, guarantees and/or other financial assistance has been provided to The Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA) and (ii) was the quantum thereof in each case and (b) conditions were imposed on PetroSA in order to secure such assistance from Government; (2) whether PetroSA complied with the conditions imposed in each specified case; if not, what consequences arose from the noncompliance; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- PetroSA has not received any government bailouts or financial assistance since the aforementioned period, i.e. 2005. PetroSA has in past requested funding assistance, either in the form of capital injection or loan guarantees, which has not been provided or advanced.
- In the absence of the government bailouts, guarantees and/or financial assistance, there are no conditions imposed to PetroSA for fulfilment as a result no consequence management applicable to PetroSA on this item.
08 December 2023 - NW4010
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) What are the reasons that abalone quotas have been moved from the Overberg area to the West Coast; (2) since 30 May 2019, what was the timeline on which the movement of quotas towards the West Coast took place, with regard to the (a) total number of permit holders that were moved, (b) location they were moved to and (c) reasons that they were moved in each financial year since 2019-20?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3987
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What are the relevant details pertaining to the permitted use of the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area for (a) shore-based recreational, subsistence line-fishers and residents and (b) management and staff training together with additional and ongoing stakeholder engagements?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3925
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a)(i) is the progress on developing documented policies and procedures to guide the collection of money due to his department for fines and penalties issued in terms of sections 50(3) and 50(4) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002, and (ii) is the timeline for the completion of the process and (b) is the quantum in rands of uncollected monies due to his department for fines and/or penalties issued to transport operators in terms of the specified sections of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002?
Reply:
(a)(i) The Policy relating to the management of administrative fines was approved and signed-off by both the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority on 31 May 2023. The Policy prescribes the process to guide the collection of revenue due to the Department for fines and penalties issued in terms of sections 50(3) and 50(4) of the Immigration Act, Act No. 13 of 2002.
(a)(ii) The Policy was approved and signed-off on 31 May 2023.
(b) The amount for fines and penalties issued in terms of sections 50(3) and 50(4) of the Immigration Act, Act No. 13 of 2002, is reflected under note 23 of the 2022/23 Annual Financial Statements of the Department. As at 31 March 2023, this amounted to R273 167 000. As at the end of October 2023, fines and penalties issued by the Border Management Authority during the current financial year (2023/24) amount to R14 915 000 (unaudited).
END
08 December 2023 - NW3974
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether, considering that the Constitutional Court has ruled in Fuel Retailers Association of Southern Africa v Director General Environmental Management of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Mpumalanga Province and Others, that conservation of cultural heritage could also be subsumed under section 24(b)(ii) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, her department takes into account the cultural and heritage life of coastal communities when it grants environmental authorisation in areas off the wild coast; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3993
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether, with reference to the revised National Determined Contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions that she has submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in October 2021 to ensure that the Republic pursues the goals of the Paris Agreement, and noting that load shedding has led to the acceptance of noncompliance to minimum emissions of the Eskom power stations (details furnished), her department monitors Eskom's emission data; if not, why not; if so, (a) how far are the Eskom power stations in reaching their set target of 1000mg/Nm3 and (b) what is the current average that the Eskom power stations are on with regard to minimum emission for S02?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4085
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
1. With reference to her reply to question 3473 on 10 November 2023, what are the full details of the (a)(i) basis on which the decision to cull 87 buffalo in the Kruger National Park in 2022 was made and (ii) scientific evaluations in this regard, (b) income and expenditure for the Skukuza Game Meat Processing Plant for the 2022-23 financial year, (c)(i) reasons for the off take of 16 elephants as damage-causing animals, (ii) nature of the damage caused and (iii) number of repeated incidents and (d) steps taken to mitigate and prevent reoccurrence of the damage, and thus avoid the necessity to euthanise the elephants; 2. (a) how were the communities in need identified for the donations of elephant meat to communities on the western and southern boundaries of the Kruger National Park, as there are presumably many more communities in need than could be satisfied by the donation of meat from 16 elephants and (b) what are the details of oversight by senior management and specific measures taken to avoid nepotism and corruption?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3992
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) In view of the fact that lions infected with Bovine Tuberculosis have a lower survival and breeding success, what is the total number of lion prides in the Kruger National Park (KNP) that do not have Bovine Tuberculosis; (2) Whether there is a decline in the growth of the number and/or births of lions in KNP; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4084
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
With regard to access to replies to parliamentary questions on her department's website, (a) what are the reasons that only replies to the seven most recent parliamentary questions are available on her department's website under media, with no replies available for prior dates and (b) when will the replies to all parliamentary questions related to her department be made available on the department's website as was previously the case?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4001
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(a) Why the 30% procurement target for rural and township enterprises was removed from the plans of her department and (b) what are the potential impacts of removing the target on rural and township enterprises?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4009
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) Whether her department has been informed of the large number of poachers allegedly using the Hawston Harbour to poach abalone as far as Robben Island and beyond; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified harbour is (a) still a registered harbour and/or slipway and (b) policed by her department; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) whether, considering that Hermanus' New Harbour is only five kilometres away, her department has considered closing and requesting the demolishing of Hawston Harbour to curb the extensive poaching network that operates from there; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW4002
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What are the details why the target of 75% of budget expenditure on (a) Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment and (b) Black-owned enterprises was removed?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3763
Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)Following the total pre-payment of R23 million by the Housing Development Agency in December 2021 to Thoba Mkangisa & Associates, KSMD Engineering Consultants, MIB Infrastructure and Development and Siyeza Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd, for providing professional engineering consultation services on upgrading informal settlements of over 30 000 households in seven district municipalities in the Eastern Cape, (a) what necessitated the advanced payments to the specified companies when they were only appointed on 30 November 2021 and accepted such appointments on 15 December 2021, on the same day they submitted invoices; (2) Whether actions were taken against employees who approved the advance payments; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) According to the information provided to my office by the Housing Development Agency (HDA), the companies were appointed and contracted by the HDA in accordance with the prescribed supply chain regulations to provide professional technical consulting services for the Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme in the Eastern Cape.
Upon completion of the procurement processes, the Professional Technical Consultants (PRTs) were given instructions to carry out work in accordance with the approved terms of reference, and a virtual inception meeting was held on 30th November 2021.
It is important to note that the professional contracts between the HDA and the companies do not include provisions for any pre-payment. Therefore, any payments made by the HDA to these companies, as claimed by the Honourable Member, were made in accordance with Part C3 of the terms of reference, as per the contracted scope of works. This section clearly outlines the payment milestones, duration, and payment schedules associated with the deliverables being claimed.
The Agency vehemently denies any allegations of pre-payments and unequivocally asserts full compliance with the prescribed procedures and contractual obligations while disbursing payments to the aforementioned companies.
(2) No action was required against the employees.
08 December 2023 - NW3655
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether his department keeps record of the number of foreign nationals who are released from police custody due to the failure of his department to verify their immigration status within 48 hours; if not, why not; if so, what total number of undocumented foreign nationals were released for the specified reason in each quarter from 1 April 2022 to date?
Reply:
The department keeps records of all foreign nationals in police custody whose immigration status is verified and it does not fail to determine such status within 48 hours. After determining the status, those that are found to be illegal foreigners, are charged and taken to court within 48 hours. As a result, 22 560 illegal foreigners were deported since 1 April 2022.
Should the court fail to confirm the deportation, the department issues the illegal foreigners with an Order to depart from the Republic, as they are not released into the custody of the Department.
END
08 December 2023 - NW3871
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What punitive measures does his department have in place to ensure that all mines operating in (a) Secunda, (b) Witbank and (c) Middelburg comply with environmental regulations put in place to prevent degradation and/or pollution, in order to improve the life expectancy of communities who reside around the specified mining areas?
Reply:
Section 31(L) (1) of National Environmental Management Act, 108 of 1998 (NEMA as amended) states that: an Environmental Management Inspector or Environmental Mineral and Petroleum Inspector, may issue a compliance notice if there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person has not complied-
(a) with a provision of the law for which that inspector has been designated in terms of section 31D; or
(b) with a term or condition of a permit, authorisation or other instrument issued in terms of such law.
In terms of Section 31(N) (2) of National Environmental Management Act, 108 of 1998 (NEMA as amended), if a person fails to comply with a compliance notice, the environmental management inspector or an environmental mineral and petroleum inspector must report the non-compliance to the Minister.
The Minister may-
(a) revoke or vary the relevant permit, authorisation or other instrument which is the subject of the compliance notice; and
(b) take any necessary steps and recover the costs of doing so from the person who failed to comply.
08 December 2023 - NW3980
Mchunu, Ms S to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
How will the agreement of the Transition Committee of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on the operationalisation of the Climate Loss and Damage Fund assist the Republic moving forward, since it has entered the decade of extreme weather conditions, especially regarding the coastal areas which are affected the most?
Reply:
Find reply here
08 December 2023 - NW3383
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) total number of applications for mining licenses were received in each province for the 2023-24 financial year, (b) number of the applications were successful and (c) number of the successful applications for mining licenses were awarded to women and persons living with disabilities?
Reply:
- 2525 mining licenses applications were received since the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year.
- None of the applications mentioned in (a) above have been finalised.
- Please see (b) above
08 December 2023 - NW3870
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether his department has any plans in place to create sustainable employment for the youth and women who will rehabilitate the 6 000 abandoned mines in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The department is currently rehabilitating Asbestos Derelict and Ownerless mines in the country. As part of the rehabilitation process, local employment comprising women, men, and youth forms part of the labour. Furthermore, sub-contractors for respective work also employ women and youth in their operations. The department reports these employment initiatives as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
08 December 2023 - NW4075
Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with reference to quality assurance measures introduced by his department to reduce irregular granting of temporary residence visas, an application for a temporary residence visa must still go through (a) adjudication, (b) first-level supervisor, (c) second-level director and (d) the Chief Director and/or the Director-General, where required, for quality assurance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, applications for a temporary residence visa must still go through adjudication, first-level supervisor, second-level director and the Chief Director or the Director-General, where required.
The above is done as per the workflow designed to support the Immigration Services Delegations of 2022.
END
07 December 2023 - NW3609
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
What steps has she taken to ensure that (a) her department plays an effective oversight role over the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) as it continues to pay people who are not eligible for a grant and (b) SASSA pays (i) eligible grant recipients on time and (ii) only persons who are eligible to receive a grant?
Reply:
a) In fulfilment of the responsibility to oversee SASSA’s management, administration and payment of social assistance, the Department has put systems and structures in place at different levels and there are regular engagements between the two entities to continuously monitor payment of social grants.
The following are some of the key oversight initiatives by the Department:
- The Department has initiated the establishment of a Social Assistance Service Delivery Assurance Committee (SASDAC) comprising of senior officials from both DSD and SASSA and formalised through the terms of reference duly signed by accounting officers of both institutions (the Director- General and the Chief Executive Officer). The committee meets bi-monthly amongst other things the committee monitors compliance with social assistance legislation, service delivery norms and standards and deliberates on service delivery related challenges, with the intent to improve service delivery. The key focus areas include access to social assistance, spending in accordance to voted funds, service delivery quality and business processes. Since its establishment in the 2nd quarter FY23/23 two meetings have already been held.
- The Department also conducts oversight visits at SASSA local offices, SAPO branches and cash pay points, to monitor compliance with legislation, as well as norms and standards. For this financial year, visits have been conducted to four Provinces namely North-West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Western Cape.
- The Inspectorate for Social Assistance also conducts financial and compliance audits on the integrity of the social assistance frameworks and systems at SASSA. Reports are subsequently shared with SASSA and the Department and presented to the Audit Committee.
- The Agency also submits quarterly performance reports to the Department. The reports and other management issues are subsequently analysed and discussed at the Entity Oversight forum which is led by the Department on a quarterly basis.
(i) On a month-to-month basis, DSD ensures that a payment schedule is uploaded and payments are authorised well in advance. SASSA pays the grants directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries, every month without fail. Where incorrect payments are made it is sometimes as a result of instances where beneficiaries’ circumstances have changed and SASSA is not notified in time or the databases that are relied upon are not updated in time.
(ii) The error rate of grant approvals remains very low, as can be seen by the low number of appeals that get upheld; as well as research that indicates that South Africa has one of best targeted systems in the world. SASSA also implements stringent background checks on applicants when they apply as well as regular reviews while they are accessing the grant. However, there will always be applicants who attempt to defraud the Agency, or client who do not update their records when their circumstances change. These remain a small group of clients. SASSA has a relatively strong Fraud unit aimed at deterring such behaviour.
The Inspectorate for Social Assistance also conducts audits aimed at identifying any weaknesses in the systems that may expose SASSA to fraud.
07 December 2023 - NW3967
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, since her reply to a supplementary question on question 129 for oral reply on 8 March 2023, wherein she acknowledged, after having been alerted by a certain political party (name furnished) to the fact that very few telephone lines of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) are working in most provinces, that SASSA had some challenges and that systems needed to be fixed to avoid long queues, any action has been taken to improve the accessibility of SASSA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps that have been taken in this regard?
Reply:
Yes, SASSA offices have undergone infrastructure upgrades to improve services. SASSA has a national toll-free number for the public to contact the Agency for any social grants related enquiries. SASSA has dedicated employees to receive and deal with public enquiries on the Toll Free: 0800 60 1011.
This is complemented by the national e-mail address for the public to contact the Agency for queries: [email protected]. There are SASSA employees dedicated to receive and respond to the public via this platform. For the younger generation SASSA also features on social media where members of the public can engage SASSA:
- Twitter: @OfficialSASSA
- Facebook: SASSA News and #SASSACARES
07 December 2023 - NW3969
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to the recent reports that the local office of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Chatsworth in KwaZuluNatal has been declared unsafe for occupation and will be closed until further notice, (a) how did the situation (i) leading to the closure unfold and (ii) reach a point where closure was deemed necessary and (b) what (i) form of inspection and/or maintenance was conducted to ensure the safety of the specified premises and (ii) oversight mechanisms were in place; (2) what (a) immediate measures are being (i) implemented to reopen the specified facilities, (ii) taken to address the safety concerns and (iii) introduced to facilitate the speedy reopening of the facilities and (b) is the timeline for the reopening of the facilities; (3) in light of the unfortunate incident, what preventative measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of other SASSA local offices in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality region?
Reply:
1(a)
(i0 SASSA KZN Region has been the occupant of the Chatsworth building since April 2006 in a shared services arrangement with the Department of Social Development (DSD), with DSD being the primary contract holder with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. After the departure of DSD from the premises, SASSA started experiencing glitches with the building maintenance as KZN Provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (PDPWI) stopped maintaining the building on the basis that their tenant (DSD) had vacated the facility.
When it became apparent that PDWI would not provide maintenance services, SASSA attempted to address the issues they were experiencing by requesting for quotations to possibly manage the challenges but found the costs were prohibitive.
The next option was to approach National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI) to take over the responsibility of the building. When an assessment was done on the state of the building by both NDWI and the Depart of Labour they both declared the building unfit for occupation as it had deteriorated to a point that it did not meet occupational and health standards.
(ii) Both NDWI and the Department of Labour declared the building unfit and unsafe for occupation after Occupational Health Safety (OHS) inspections were conducted leading to the declaration and the office being vacated.
(b)
(i) To ensure the safety of the specified premises, quarterly committee meetings between SASSA OHS and Durban District are held since 2017
(ii) As part of the oversight, a cost was established to correct the maintenance issues raised, but these costs were more than what the Agency could afford. NDWI was approached to take over the premises, however, upon inspection of the building by their OHS inspectors it was found that the building was no longer fit for purpose.
2. (a)
(i) NDPWI has taken over the Chatsworth building, and according to NDPWI the building has been prioritised for rehabilitation in its 2023/2024 financial year with their professional teams working on this project.
(ii) It is expected the rehabilitation of the building in the care of NDPWI will comply with OHS occupational requirements, norms and standards, and other property legislation applicable.
(iii) According to NDPWI, they have prioritised funding for the rehabilitation of the building in its 2023/2024 financial year budget with their professional teams working on this project.
b. According to NDPWI, rehabilitating the property will commence in January 2024. We recommend the MP engages NPDWI directly on the rehabilitation project plan and timeframe to re-open the building.
3. To ensure the safety of other SASSA local offices in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality region, SASSA has taken the following preventative measures;
- The more recent lease agreements entered into by SASSA directly with the Metropolitan Municipality include maintenance.
- There are existing offices wherein SASSA has shared services costs with DSD KZN, with these SASSA is in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on shared office service costs that includes maintenance, payment of utilities and other running costs related to each facility where such an arrangement exists.
- All NDPWI contracts have been standardised to include a maintenance plan for the duration of a lease period. The NDPWI has since appointed an official from SASSA to form part of the Bids Specification and Evaluation Committees to represent SASSA’s interests to ensure that buildings selected meet the safety requirements.
07 December 2023 - NW4023
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether her department has undertaken to assist the Mbombela Local Municipality in delivering the service of building a community hall for Ward 25 in Hazyview, Mpumalanga; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date is it envisaged that the assistance will be provided and (b) by what date will the building of the hall commence, (c) what is the projected cost of the project and (d) what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) did not undertake to assist the Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM) in delivering the service of building a community hall for Ward 25 in Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
The identification, prioritisation and budgeting of projects, like a community hall among others, is the responsibility of a municipality in accordance with the integrated development planning process. DCOG’s role is to provide support, together with the rest of the provincial and national governments, as stipulated under section 154 of the Constitution.
DCOG also administers the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) that is annually allocated to municipalities through the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) for the provisioning of basic services to poor households. Furthermore, DCOG provides technical support by deploying built environment professionals to municipalities for infrastructure development through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) in accordance with section 154 of the Constitution, mentioned above.
It is brought to the attention of the Honourable Member of Parliament, that MLM prioritised the construction of building a community hall in Ward 25 in Hazyview through the MIG funding. The construction project of the community hall commenced on 26 March 2018 and was completed on 12 March 2021 as per completion certificate attached hereto as Annexure.
End
07 December 2023 - NW3772
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)With reference to her reply to question 3199 on 24 October 2023, what (a) are the details of the charges that were levelled against the specified employee that led to the employee’s subsequent suspension, (b) was the cost of the person’s suspension and (c) was the role of a certain person (name and details furnished) in advising her as Minister and the Director-General of her department on the specified matter; (2) who will take responsibility for the fruitless and wasteful expenditure that was incurred in relation to the suspension of the person; (3) what (a) was the quantum of the settlement agreement reached with the employee and (b) steps does she intend to take to exercise consequence management for a matter and/or case which brought her department into disrepute?
Reply:
1. (a) As responded to question 3199 the charges included several acts of misconduct relating to prejudicing the administration of the department, failing to carry out lawful instructions, abuse, insolence and gross insubordination. The details are in the charge sheet which can be made available if Parliament so permits.
(b) As responded to question 3199, the employee was suspended on full pay in terms of paragraph 2.7.2(b) of the SMS Disciplinary Code. The salary of the employee during the suspension was at salary level 15 notch 9 which amounted to a total cost, before taxes and deductions, of R4,772,395.87.
(c) The role of the certain person was to facilitate the appointment of legal practitioners through the Department of Justice to assist with the disciplinary processes and related matters and to support the Minister and the Director-General, where required.
2. There was no fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred in relation to the suspension of the person.
3. (a) The cost of the settlement recorded in a court order issued by the Labour Court was as follows-
- R193,727.67 in respect of the re-instatement with effect from 1 September 2023;
- R1,871,454.00 in respect of a gratuity equivalent to 12 months’ salary;
- The other pension benefits were payable in terms of prevailing retirement laws by the Government Employees Pension Fund.
(b) The Department is not aware of any reputational damage that has arisen from it having exercised its right to discipline the employee.
End
07 December 2023 - NW3299
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Considering that approximately 70% to 80% of small businesses fail within the first five years since inception, especially in disadvantaged communities that are the most in need of jobs and economic activity, how has her department capacitated the SA Small Enterprise Finance Agency in the past 12 months to continue the implementation of the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) capacitated the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) by transferring a total amount of R885 939 000.00 in the past 12 months (01 October 2022 to 30 September 2023) to continue the implementation of the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP).
Date transferred |
Amount |
25-Nov-2023 |
R 238 313 000 |
24-Jan-2023 |
R 238 386 000 |
26-May-2023 |
R 181 884 000 |
30-Aug-2023 |
R 227 356 000 |
Total transferred |
R885 939 000 |
The DSBD and its entity sefa are reviewing a number of moderations/improvements that if approved, will result in improved uptake of the TREP and a wider reach of targeted beneficiaries. These improvements include:
- Strategic Partnership / Joint Venture with the key industry players such as Masisizane Fund, African Bank, Lulalend, Standard Bank and other key intermediaries within the sefa Wholesale Lending portfolio. Forging partnerships with the key stakeholders to develop accessible and innovative solutions that addresses client challenges has a potential of ensuring that TREP makes a developmental impact in the economy.
- 18 District Co-ordinators employed in those districts where uptake of DSBD products is low to work together with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) in the districts to assist with building a sizeable pipeline for all DSBD offerings.
- Increase TREP resources – Five (5) interns responsible for pre-screening new applications and establishing initial contact with applicants were employed. Increasing the number of TREP resources will enable the programme to improve its performance by increasing the number of approvals, disbursements, and impact numbers. Employing more people on a commission basis across various access points and co-locations particularly the rural space.
- Basic assessment to be conducted upfront by Compliance in relation to Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), PIP and ITC to ensure that we consider bankable deals.
- Reduction of TREP requirements for deals below R350 000 – the qualifying criteria is cumbersome for starts-up and informal businesses. It is therefore imperative to review the TREP requirements particularly for small and upcoming businesses. Basis of on lending is purely based on the financial viability and repayment ability but that is different for start-ups and businesses operating in townships hence we need to review some of the TREP requirements.
The current review process is looking at the administrative, logistical, financial and legal ramifications of each of the proposed improvements to avoid any comeback and delays once the revised programme hits the market. These proposals are looked at through a phased approach and timelines range from 01 June 2023 – 31 March 2024.
07 December 2023 - NW3350
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Are there any memorandums of understanding or service level agreements in place between her department and private rescue centres; if so, what (a) financial support does her department offer and (b) financial assistance was awarded to which private rescue group in 2022; (2) is there a memorandum of understanding between International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and her department; if so, what are the terms of reference?
Reply:
- There are no memorandums of understanding or service level agreements in place between the Department of Cooperative Governance – NDMC and private rescue centres.
- No, there is no memorandum of understanding between International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and the department.
End.
07 December 2023 - NW3460
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether a certain person (name furnished), who has been appointed to the board of Onderstepoort Biological Products, has been cleared of any past wrongdoing at the SA Weather Services; if not, how was the specified person appointed to the board; if so, (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with proof thereof; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Appointment of the Board of Directors of the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) follows a call for nominations, assessment of nominees by the appointed selection committee and shortlisting of nominees who best meet the criteria. The call for nominations advert also specified the requirement for nominees to be fit for appointment as board members. OBP will be requested to conduct personnel suitability checks on all appointees.
The notice inviting nominations specified that personnel suitability checks will be conducted on suitable candidates.
The appointment letters of the new members stated that their appointments were subject to a personnel suitability process.
2. No. There is no record of an investigation at the instance of SA Weather Services into the specified person.
07 December 2023 - NW3962
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether there is a project in the pipeline to revamp the Kempton Park Hospital; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the total budget allocated for the revamping project of the specified facility and (b) how was the funding secured and/or sourced;
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
The matter regarding the revamping of the Kempton Park Hospital is not within the purview of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. All matters in relation to hospitals, as public structures, can be best dealt with by our sister Department of Infrastructure Development, which is responsible for providing public infrastructure delivery and property management solutions for the people of Gauteng. Therefore, the question should be referred to the relevant MEC, accordingly.
07 December 2023 - NW4020
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Given that this department and the 4th Central Drug Authority hosted the 3rd National Summit on Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking from 14 to 16 November 2023 in Gauteng, what (a) was the outcome of the specified summit and (b) are the full, relevant details of the planned initiatives to fight the substance abuse crisis in the Republic?
Reply:
(a) Outcomes of the CDA 3rd National Summit on Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
a) The 3rd National Summit hosted by the CDA was preceded by provincial dialogues and culminated into the adoption of resolutions to address the problem of alcohol and drugs misuse, and illicit trafficking.
b) The main aim of the Summit was not to come up with new plans, but to expedite the implementation of the key priorities and the 7 Goals of the National Drug Master Plan (2019-2024). The full report and programme of action will be submitted to the Portfolio Committee in due course for oversight purposes.
07 December 2023 - NW3395
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether her department has put timeframes in place to resolve the problems of red tape around access to funding by small-scale and informal businesses and/or its lack thereof; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is planning to implement the SMMEs and Co-operatives Funding Policy in the 2024/25 financial year with a view to resolve the problems of red tape around access to funding by small-scale and informal businesses. The following are proposed interventions:
- To reduce the red tape on access to funding by small enterprises, the SMMEs and Co-operatives Funding Policy is proposing that the financiers must implement a simplified lending process by introducing common funding application form, standardised term sheet and business plan template. This will make the referral of misdirected funding applications seamless.
- That the funding institutions digitise their funding application processes to address the issue of prolonged lead times on funding applications, more especially in instances where capital is required on an urgent basis for working capital or purchase of raw material to service a contract.
- As part of financial literacy, the SMMEs and Co-operatives Funding Policy requires that the Business Development Service providers in South Africa institutionalise the practice of assisting SMMEs and Co-operatives with pre-funding support (compliance, directing small businesses to the relevant financiers, matching funding to business needs, etc.).
- The banks’ preferred collateral is not aligned to the asset composition of small enterprises which mainly consists of short-term (movable) assets in the form of inventories, receivables, insurance policy and cash deposits. To alleviate this challenge, the SMMEs and Co-operatives Funding Policy proposes that the DSBD develop an enabling legislation for the operation of the movable collateral registry in South Africa and to provide operational infrastructure for such a registry.
07 December 2023 - NW3851
Hadebe, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) lessons have been learned from past disasters to enhance her department’s disaster response for improved implementation of interventions and (b) projects will be implemented by utilising the recent budget adjustment allocation for the National Disaster Centre?
Reply:
a) Various lessons have been learnt from the coordination of disaster response measures and engagements of stakeholders. The key lessons are as follows:
- Review and strengthening of the disaster management function placement, capacity and capability across spheres and sectors; Mainstream Disaster Management in all organs of state; Improvement of intergovernmental collaboration and coordination through integrated disaster management plans and contingency arrangements; Identification of risks early through multi-hazard community-based risk assessments; Improvement of the Early Warning Systems to activate local early action initiatives;
- Implementation of a centralized information management system; Educate communities to increase resilience and decrease vulnerability; development & increase of the use of risk transfer mechanisms and development of the disaster risk financing strategy for the country.
b) The recent budget adjustment allocation for the National Disaster Management Centre will be utilised for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of municipal infrastructure damaged by the floods in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape provinces. The funded municipal infrastructure are mostly roads and water related infrastructure.
End.
07 December 2023 - NW4059
Spies, Ms ERJ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether she and/or her department guides the processes of Valuation Appeal Boards; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how many members does the Ekhurhuleni Valuation Appeal Board (a) comprise of and (b) are needed to constitute a quorum; (2) with regard to the Board attending to hearings on a one-month-on and-one-month-off basis, how many hearings (a) have been concluded so far and (b) still has to be conducted; (3) how many applications for appeal with regard to valuation rates (V.R.) during 2017/2021, (a) succeeded to have the ratable property values reduced and (b) how many ratable property values increased; (4) in respect of appeal applications for V.R. 2021/2025, (a) have the ratable property values reduced and (b) how many ratable property values were increased?
Reply:
1. The relevant sections of the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) contain sufficient provisions that guides how the MECs responsible for local government establish Valuation Appeal Boards (VABs) and what constitute a quorum for a VAB. In this regard, sections 56 and 58 outline how VABs are established and composed, section 64 provides for appointment of alternate members of a VAB and section 68 outlines what constitute a quorum of the members of a VAB.
a) According to information supplied by the provincial CoGTA and Ekurhuleni municipality, the Ekurhuleni VAB is currently composed of 4 members and 4 alternate members.
b) In terms of section 68 of the MPRA,
“(1)(a) A majority of the members of an appeal board serving at any time constitutes a quorum for a meeting of the board.
(b) In addition to a quorum being present, a meeting may not continue unless the valuer member of the appeal board is present.”
2. According to Ekurhuleni municipality:
(a) 3023 hearings have been concluded; and
(b) 2755 hearings are still to be conducted.
3) According to Ekurhuleni municipality, during the 2017/2021 valuation roll period:
(a) 687 appeals were concluded where the rateable value decreased; and
(b) 117 appeals were concluded where the rateable value increased.
4. According to Ekurhuleni municipality, during the current 2021/2025 valuation roll period and to date:
(a) 2293 appeals have been concluded where the rateable value decreased; and
(b) 462 appeals have been concluded where the rateable value increased.
End.
07 December 2023 - NW3384
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
What total (a) number of new (i) small and (ii) medium-scale businesses have been established and registered in each province since 1 January 2023, and (b)(i) amount has been spent to develop the specified businesses and (ii) in what manner was this done?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
a) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) does not have an instrument to quantify the number of established businesses in a given time. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) either has to do the analysis of differentiating the registered businesses according to the size class. However, the DSBD agency, Seda, through the Bureau of Economic Research in Stellenbosch undertakes periodic statistical research on the growth of the SMME sector. The latest results show that the total number of SMMEs rose by a significant 148 000 firms (+5.9% year-on-year). This brought the level of SMMEs back to its pre-COVID level. Meanwhile, the total level of employment in the economy remains below its pre-COVID level. Relative to 2021Q3, the number of SMME owners rose by 11.6% to 2.68 million. On an annual basis, the 17% increase in formal SMMEs is encouraging – albeit that the majority of SMMEs still operate in the informal space. The statistics are collected on a quarterly basis and the current figure is for 3rd quarter of 2022/23 financial year and therefore does not capture numbers from January 2023. This period has not been released yet.
(b)(i) Despite the fact that the DSBD does not have an instrument to quantify the number of established businesses in a given time, Seda is able to report their support for small, and medium enterprises as per the table below:
Province |
No. of clients Supported |
R Value of Support |
Eastern Cape |
21 |
R 2 571 935 |
Free State |
374 |
R 1 383 606 |
Gauteng |
103 |
R 1 224 186 |
KwaZulu Natal |
311 |
R 4 431 613 |
Limpopo |
77 |
R 971 346 |
Mpumalanga |
222 |
R 995 462 |
North-West |
35 |
R 375 560 |
Northern Cape |
176 |
R 1 093 195 |
Western Cape |
243 |
R 3 521 397 |
During the same period, 1 January 2023 to 30 September 2023, sefa was able to support SMMEs as per the tables below:
Number of SMMEs Financed 1 Jan 2023 to 30 Sept 2023 |
|
Eastern Cape |
10 006 |
Free State |
606 |
Gauteng |
1 282 |
KwaZulu Natal |
6 654 |
Limpopo |
11 808 |
Mpumalanga |
6 573 |
Northern Cape |
77 |
North West |
4 092 |
Western Cape |
380 |
Unclassified |
124 |
Total |
41 602 |
sefa disbursed R1.37 billion to 41 602 SMMEs as follows:
Province |
Number of SMMEs Financed |
Amount Disbursed |
Eastern Cape |
10 006 |
R126 366 218 |
Free State |
606 |
R20 504 421 |
Gauteng |
1 282 |
R447 510 567 |
KwaZulu Natal |
6 654 |
R261 820 491 |
Limpopo |
11 808 |
R144 003 460 |
Mpumalanga |
6 573 |
R138 369 180 |
Northern Cape |
77 |
R10 148 996 |
North West |
4 092 |
R51 907 193 |
Western Cape |
380 |
R166 101 683 |
Unclassified |
124 |
R2 309 605 |
Total |
41 602 |
R1 369 041 814 |
(ii) This support was provided through various programmes. These include but is not limited to, the Manufacturing Support Programme, Supplier Development Programme, Empretec Programme, Export Development Programme, and the Women’s Enterprise Coaching Programme.
Seda’s service also extends to its Technology Programme, Incubation Programme and the Quality and Standards Programme.