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02 March 2020 - CW31

Profile picture: Aucamp, Mr S

Aucamp, Mr S to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

(a) What is the current percentage of the unemployed and (b) how many temporary employees were employed in all the sectors in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17 (v) 2017/18 and (vi) 2018/19 financial years?

Reply:

The honourable member should be appraised that the Department of Employment and Labour uses the official statistics as produced by Statistics South Africa. Thus, the response below is based on StatsSA data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey. All reports are accessible through the StatsSA website

(a) What is the current percentage of the unemployed?

According to Statistics SA report (Quarterly Labour Force Survey Results) Quarter 4 of 2019, the current official unemployed rate was 29.1 percent.

(b) How many temporary employees were employed in all the sectors?

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey results show the number of employees who are employed on limited duration. The table below provides details on the number of employees who were employed on limited duration from 2013 to 2019 for all quarters.

Nature of Employment contract

Number of employees who are employed on limited duration (all sectors)

 

Jan-Mar

Apr-Jun

Jul-Sep

Oct-Dec

Year

Thousand

Thousand

Thousand

Thousand

2013

1 655

1 700

1 848

1 975

2014

1944

2 001

2 019

2 010

2015

2 052

1 983

1 963

1 959

2016

1 859

1 775

1 928

1 890

2017

1 857

1 786

1 856

1 898

2018

1 936

1 858

1 827

1 961

2019

1 812

1 826

1 814

1 846

Source: Statistics South Africa; Quarterly labour Market Bulletin Quarter 4: 2013-19

02 March 2020 - CW18

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Bara, Mr M R to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour:

(1) With reference to a reply to Question 289 on 14 December 2017, (a) what are the reasons for the increase in the case backlogs at the labour courts in the (i) Eastern Cape and (ii) North West and (b) what action is his department taking to rectify the situation; (2) whether the backlogs have decreased during the 2018/19 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department of Employment and Labour is not in a position to respond to the question as it falls under the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. The duty of the Department of Employment and Labour is to refer all non-compliant employers to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after the amendments to the Basic Conditions of Employment and to the Labour Courts for all matters that were not yet filed with Labour Court when the amendment took effect.

02 March 2020 - NW61

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Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What number of ambassadors were appointed in 2019, (b) what are their names and (c) where were they posted to in each case?

Reply:

The question should be directed to the Presidency given the responsibility of that Office.

02 March 2020 - NW60

Profile picture: Chetty, Mr M

Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What (a) is the average expenditure per annum within our foreign missions and (b)(i) are the top 10 most expensive foreign missions and (ii) are their annual costs to her department? (2) Since 2013, when last did the Government Technical Advisory Centre of National Treasury do a costing exercise for her department on foreign missions? NW64E

Reply:

1. (a) The average expenditure per annum for South African foreign missions is R28.231 million.

    (b) (i) The top 10 most expensive foreign missions and (ii) their annual costs to the department are as follows:

No.

  1. Top 10 most expensive foreign missions
  1. Annual costs to the department

 

 

R'000

1

GENEVA

102,815

2

LONDON

94,601

3

BRUSSELS

88,458

4

NEW YORK(CG)

79,902

5

NEW YORK(UN)

79,009

6

WASHINGTON DC

76,078

7

BEIJING

73,461

8

VIENNA

67,727

9

PARIS

66,098

10

LUANDA

65,337

2. Costing exercise for foreign missions by Government Technical Advisory Centre of National Treasury was last done in 2013.

02 March 2020 - NW65

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Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What (a) type of performance and/or incentive bonuses exist in the (i) Department of Correctional Services and (ii) Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, excluding 13th cheque and (b) amount was budgeted for these performance and/or incentive bonuses (i) in the (aa) 2017-18 and (bb) 2018-19 financial years and (ii) 2019-20 financial years?

Reply:

a) (i) The Department of Correctional Services applies the following performance incentive measures that are prescribed by the Public Service and Administration`s Incentive Policy Framework for Employees in the Public Service, namely: Pay progression am performance bonuses.

b) (i) Amounts budgeted are outlined in the table below:

 

Financial year

Pay progression

Performance bonus

(aa)

2017/18

R 89 537 849.29

R 55 320 043.08

(bb)

2018/19

R46 736 992.73

R 49 185 555. 88

(ii)

2019/20

R 128 943 606. 69

R 59 437 035.00

02 March 2020 - CW13

Profile picture: Smit, Mr CF

Smit, Mr CF to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

(1) When last did his department use a white hat hacker to identify possible security gaps in their information technology system and cyber security threats; (2) whether he will (a) employ such a hacker or (b) request the relevant Sector Education and Training Authorities to employ it; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The department has never appointed a white hat hacker, instead the department requested State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Information Asset/host Security (ISS) to perform a vulnerability assessment using an automated tools to identify weaknesses which can be exploited by hackers and unauthorised attackers on the network (servers, workstations, printers and switches operating asset/host and packaged applications).

2. The department has embarked on a process of appointing a service provider for Cyber Security Services instead of appointing a white hat hacker. The scope of the appointed service provider will include continuous assessment of the security status of our ICT environment with routine vulnerability scans.

The project is planned to commence from the 1st of April 2020 once the service provider has been appointed, meaning that the appointed service provider will provide the services of the white hat hacker and more.

02 March 2020 - CW32

Profile picture: Londt, Mr J

Londt, Mr J to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

Whether, with reference to “Economic Transformation, Inclusive Growth and Competitiveness: Towards an Economic Strategy for South Africa”, a paper that was recently released by the Minister of Finance, he will implement the suggestions that the Bargaining Council agreements should not be extended to small businesses (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Honourable Mr JJ Londt will recall that the Minister of Finance developed a policy discussion paper and promised to table it for discussions at NEDLAC. As soon as the Minister of Finance tables the paper at NEDLAC, NEDLAC, social partners, which includes Government, will engage with the issues raised in that paper as it relates to the labour market. The honourable member is also reminded of the fact that the development of labour market policy is predicated on social dialogue engagements amongst the social partners which include organized business and labour as well as Community at NEDLAC. Any amendment to labour law and policy will therefore have to be engaged with at NEDLAC.

02 March 2020 - CW29

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Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

(a) How many working days were lost as a result of strike actions in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17, (v) 2017/18 and (vi) 2018/19 financial years, (b) which sectors experienced the highest rate of strike actions, (c) how much was lost in wages in respect of strike actions for the said period, (d) what was the employment-to-population ratio, (e)(i) how many low-skilled workers were employed for the said period and (ii) which sector was the largest component that employed such workers?

Reply:

The honourable member should be appraised that the Department of Employment and Labour has continually published an annual analysis of the strike incidents (January to December) in the country. This is in line with the national and international requirements. The strikes information is based on the information supplied by the employers in the Labour Relations Act (LRA) Forms 9.2 after the strike incident ended in a particular work place. All industrial action reports are accessible through the DEL website (Noting that the 2019 Industrial Action results are still under development phase).

a) How many working days were lost as a result of strike actions in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17, (v) 2017/18 and (vi) 2018/19 financial years,

Calendar year (January to December)

Year (January to December)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

No. of Strikes and lockouts

114

88

110

122

132

165

Working days lost

1 847 006

10 264 775

903 921

960 489

946 323

1 158 945

b) which sectors experienced the highest rate of strike actions,

In all the years, the Community industry recorded the highest strike actions as per the DEL strike database.

Year (January to December)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Sector

Community

Community

Community

Community

Community

Community

Number of strike

34

30

34

47

58

77

c) how much was lost in wages in respect of strike actions for the said period,

Year (January to December)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Wages Lost (Rands)

6 732 108 487

6 176 768 282

116 546 293

161 049 109

251 409 542

266 898 061

 

(d) what was the employment-to-population ratio,

Year (January to December)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Employment to population ratio

43.3

43.0

44.2

43.5

43.1

43.3

(e) (i) how many low-skilled workers were employed for the said period and

According to Statistics SA report (Labour Market Dynamics), proportions of low skilled workers were published. However, the details could not be obtained at the time this reply was concluded.

Year

Low- skilled occupation

Semi- Skilled Occupation

Skilled occupation

2013

42,8

45,2

12,0

2014

28,2

47.2

24.6

2015

30.2

47.6

22.3

2016

29,7

46,9

23,4

2017

29,5

47,0

23,5

(ii) Which sector was the largest component that employed such workers?

The largest component of low-skilled workers were employed in the construction industry but the domestic sector is another sector where low-skilled workers are also employed.

01 March 2020 - CW66

Profile picture: Labuschagne, Ms C

Labuschagne, Ms C to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

(a) How many disabled jobseekers are currently registered compared to the number of job vacancies and (b) how many such persons were placed in employment in the (i) 2017/18 and (ii) 2018/19 financial years?

Reply:

(a) The total number of work seekers with disabilities registered on the Employment Services System South Africa (ESSA) during 2017/18 was 6 197 and the total opportunities registered were 131 994.

(b) The total number of registered people with disabilities during 2018/19 were 6 307 and the total opportunities registered were 172 814.

(i) The total number of registered people with disabilities placed during 2017/18 were 594 and;
(ii) the total placed during 2018/19 was 604.

28 February 2020 - NW28

Profile picture: Sindane, Mr P

Sindane, Mr P to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether there are any programmes to support commercial goat farmers in the Vhembe Region; if not, what is the position in this regard; what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Enclosed herein is the reply to question no: 28/NW31E for your approval should you agree with the contents thereof. The information was supplied by the Branch: Food Security and Agrarian Reform as guided by the provincial Department of Agriculture in Limpopo.

QUESTION NO: 28/NW31E

  • The Vhembe District’s goat industry has a total of 73 416 goats owned by 9291 farmers. There are 202 commercial farmers owning a total of 9775 herd of goats. The bulk population of 63641 goat herd is owned by 9089 communal farmers.
  • The Department provides the following services to the farmers, namely: -
  • Technical Advisory Support
  • Veterinary Support
  • Drought Relief Support and
  • Technical and Business Skills Development (Capacity Building).
  • There are two gene producers in the Vhembe District, whom from export goats, mainly to Zimbabwe. The department provides Health Certification for Export to the farmers in terms of export protocols.

                                                                                   

28 February 2020 - NW46

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Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What business has the SA Post Office (SAPO) conducted with a certain company (name furnished) from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019; (2) Whether (a) SAPO, (b) her department, (c) the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, (d) the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, (e) the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa and/or (f) the Universal Service and Access Fund have entered into any agreements with the specified company with regard to the manufacture and distribution of set-top boxes; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) scope, (ii) extent and (iii) costs of the agreements of each specified

Reply:

The Department and its entities have advised me as follows:

1. The South African Post Office (SAPO) did not conduct any business with Yekani Manufacturing Company from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.

2. The Departments and the listed entities did not enter into any agreements with Yekani Manufacturing Company to manufacture and distribute set-top boxes.

 

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

28 February 2020 - NW106

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

What (a) are the reasons that the repeat fee claims (details furnished) submitted to the SA Broadcasting Corporation have not been paid on time in compliance with the National Treasury circulars on the timeous payment of invoices and claims and (b) actions have been taken against the relevant accounting officers for the (i) late and/or (ii) no payments?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SA Broadcasting Corporation as follows:

a) The SABC has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place on Royalties which stipulates the processes, timelines and requirements for a claim to be successfully processed and paid. These requirements have been communicated to all claimants. The SABC has paid on time all repeat claims which met the prescribed requirements. The public broadcaster is processing claims that are due for payment at the end of February 2020.

There are several older claims which are in dispute, based on the fact that these do not fully comply with the requirements, i.e. licenses (SABC does not pay repeat fees on Licensed Content), not being lead actors (only lead actors can claim). Some of the older claims are disputed by the SABC due to fact that no contracts have been provided as proof and claimants are not willing to align the rate with the prescribed requirements and processes. However, the SABC is willing to pay these claims if the claimants align with prescribed requirements. The older claims have been raised in various forums and have been dealt with in several continuous communication and forums.

b) No actions have been taken against anyone as there is no dereliction of duty involved.(i) and (ii) as per Annx.A

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

27 February 2020 - NW81

Profile picture: Mileham, Mr K

Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) Noting the problems reported at the National Solar Water Heater Programme during the annual report presentation by his department in 2019, (a) what number of solar water heaters (i) have been installed in the current financial year. (ii) are still in storage; (b) what is the monthly cost of storage; (2) what steps has his department taken to rectify the major problem of the shortage of qualified installers?

Reply:

In 2019/20 financial year, the Department has not installed any Solar Water Heaters.
However,it can be reported that the installation companies were appointed in December 2019. The Department is currently finalising the internal audit on the bidding process to enable the finalisation of the contractual arrangements with the appointed Service Providers from which installation will commence; and

(ii) are still in storage;

Reply: The Department procured 87 206 SWH Baseline Systems from Bid Number DOE 008/2015/16 from which 150 systems were installed in Sol Plaatje Municipality on a repair and replace programme in 2018/19 FY whilst 200 systems where installed in 2018/19 FY at a pilot project in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The remaining systems are stored, some at SoEs, municipalities and Suppliers/ Manufacturers storage facilities.

The systems are currently being moved to the identified municipalities' storage facilities. As such, to date delivery of the systems is in progress to various municipalities since February 2020.


(b) what is the monthly cost of storage;

Reply: The monthly storage varies depending on the number days in a month. For a 30 days month, the storage costs amount to R 7, 923, 828.00 whilst in a 31 days month, the storage costs amount to R 8, 187, 956.53. The variance is due to the fact that the additional storage costs charged by each supplier is per unit per day instead of a fixed or standardised rate on a floor area coverage measured in square meters. These amounts reported on are after the Department had removed some systems to the SoEs' storage facilities.

In terms of the Supply Agreement for the Supply of Solar Water Heaters under Bid Number DOE 008/2015/16 entered in to between the Department and Suppliers, the Department had both financial and contractual obligations to settle additional storage costs in line with the extension of time on taking delivery of the manufactured goods. The prolonged period was attributable to the participating municipalities' delay in concluding the Framework Agreements with the Department in accordance with the Intergovernmental Framework Act (IGRA) owing to the project being implemented across the different spheres of government and the need to clearly outline the roles and responsibilities as well as obligations of each sphere during the implementation of the programme. Ensuring that governance structures are in place prior to the commencement of the programme will ultimately enable the level of accountability required from each sphere and or party.

As result, the delay in concluding the institutional arrangements impacted negatively on the planning and implementation of the programme which among others required municipalities to prepare the storage facilities (i.e. Central Storage) to take delivery of the goods and also enable the other critical path activities such Social Facilitation, Technical Feasibility Assessment and installation phase to be fast tracked.

(2) what steps has his department taken to rectify the major problem of the shortage of qualified installers?

Reply: The Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (the then DoE) partnered with the Department of Labour and Employment and the Central Energy Fund to facilitate the training of installer assistants. In all participating municipalities, it is estimated that 2644 installer assistants will be trained. However this number will reduce slightly due to Ndlambe Municipality's council resolution putting the programme on hold due to water challenges. As a result, the programme will not be rolled out in this municipality including training thereof. The Department of Labour and Employment has committed R36 million for this training of installation assistants. Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authorities has been contracted to oversee adherence to all the training requirements in line with its accreditation.

In addition, through the Supply Agreement entered between the Department and the Suppliers/Manufacturers, installers will be provided with product specific training by the manufacturers to make sure that all installations are done in line with their respective installation procedures.
NW86E

27 February 2020 - NW37

Profile picture: Whitfield, Mr AG

Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries

What was the total number of live (a) black rhino and (b) white rhino in the Republic on (i) 31 December 2015, (ii) 31 December 2016, (iii) 31 December 2017, (iv) 31 December 2018 and (v) 31 December 2019?37. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES REPLIES:Rhino numbers are informed by a variety of sources. Specific complementary reports are the following:• Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland for both white and black rhino;

Reply:


Rhino numbers are informed by a variety of sources. Specific complementary reports are the following:

• Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland for both white and black rhino;

• the Non Detriment findings for both white and black rhino;

• a report from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) African and Asian Rhino Specialist Groups; and

• TRAFFIC to the CITES Secretariat pursuant to Resolution Conf. 9.14 (Rev. CoP17)

 

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
Date: 27/02/2020

27 February 2020 - NW29

Profile picture: Yako, Ms Y

Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

(1)What (a) is the contribution of goat farming to the Republic’s agricultural export from 2014 to 2019 and (b) are the details of each destination and the form of export of goat as (i) livestock and/or (ii) processed meat exported to each destination?

Reply:

1. (a) Neither the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) nor Statistics South Africa publishes statistics on goat farming.

(b) The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the legislated entity for statistics on the importation and exportation of goods.

(b) (i) According to SARS data published on the dti’s Trade Statistics portal, downloaded on 13 February 2020, South Africa exported goat livestock to the destinations indicated in Table 1.

Table 1: Goat Livestock Exports by Destination (2014-2019), Rands

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

UAE

3,652,215

UAE

6,981,829

Lesotho

3,381,028

Mauritius

5,243,500

Mauritius

8,275,592

Thailand

4,039,794

Nigeria

2,162,332

Mauritius

3,045,546

Mauritius

2,741,599

Botswana

4,336,366

Singapore

4,490,277

Mauritius

3,199,713

Botswana

1,377,653

Botswana

1,649,694

UAE

2,140,450

UAE

3,250,979

Botswana

8, 931,000

Bangladesh

1,208,881

Mauritius

1,007,450

Lesotho

1,361,258

Botswana

2,015,479

Comoros

2,520,679

Zimbabwe

2,109,291

Zimbabwe

975,177

Kenya

941,285

Namibia

1,120,173

Zambia

1,638,166

Saudi Arabia

1,596,825

Zambia

1,032,570

Lesotho

360 516

Mozambique

851,617

Zambia

902,312

Zimbabwe

1,463,363

Lesotho

1,239,448

Namibia

1,021,529

Eswatini

322,812

Namibia

765,879

Mozambique

887,540

Nepal

1,351,575

Kenya

1,126,666

Thailand

841,705

Tanzania

284,400

Zambia

445,500

Zimbabwe

542,200

Namibia

1,294,689

Bangladesh

941,556

Bangladesh

833,663

Mozambique

192,000

Lesotho

430,896

Angola

415,,000

Kenya

714,037

Zimbabwe

753,059

Sudan

587,470

Zambia

177,845

Angola

350,221

Kenya

320,112

Mozambique

548.428

Namibia

638,238

Saudi Arabia

578,500

Senegal

161, 712

Thailand

170, 955

Cameroon

157,232

Uganda

458,078

Senegal

594,270

Senegal

512,085

Switzerland

137,485

Zimbabwe

156,915

Malawi

100, 000

Eswatini

332,590

Uganda

523,890

Kenya

438,000

Italy

70,947

Malawi

121,200

Eswatini

94, 178

Senegal

310,525

Mozambique

515,526

Uganda

418,698

France

67,340

Eswatini

115, 727

Bangladesh

84, 096

Malawi

77,193

Malawi

424,150

Lesotho

411,445

Kenya

52,477

Dem rep of Congo

56, 214

Tunisia

60,822

unallocated

50,500

unallocated

423,950

Mozambique

284,534

Ghana

49,000

Sri Lanka

34 ,256

unallocated

21,950

Australia

20,372

Nigeria

400,000

Eswatini

262,479

Namibia

24,296

USA

15, 050

UK

6,534

Ghana

882

reunion

47,782

unallocated

204,700

Australia

18,179

India

13 ,206

Netherlands

3, 004

 

 

Australia

38,315

Tanzania

8,056

Botswana

9.547

 

 

 

 

 

 

Netherlands

2,660

Italy

233,954

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eswatini

2,896

Australia

62,484

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK

150

USA

74,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

china

40

 

 

Total

12,668,571

 

17,753,480

 

18,538,954

 

24,620,905

 

25,076,293

 

11,352,121

(b) (ii) According to SARS data which is published on the dti’s Trade Statistics portal, downloaded on 13 February 2020, South Africa exported goat meat to the destinations indicated in Table 2.

Table 2: Goat Meat Exports by Destination (2014-2019), Rands

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Destination

Value

Namibia

743,764

Lesotho

1,394,909

Lesotho

2,021,099

Namibia

425,875

Mozambique

26,699

Hong Kong

169,827

Bahrain

400,617

Mozambique

47,946

Seychelles

392,160

Lesotho

133,296

Lesotho

230

Botswana

20,092

Lesotho

281,882

Maldives

6,828

Zambia

235,625

Hong Kong

105,147

 

 

Lesotho

9,447

Seychelles

256,402

Germany

2,660

Tanzania

34,216

Mozambique

5,854

 

 

Mozambique

8,978

DRC

153,718

DRC

1,752

Hong Kong

20,014

 

 

 

 

Ghana

3,784

UAE

126,435

 

 

Mozambique

9,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gabon

101,442

 

 

Namibia

6,713

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria

95,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oman

54,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kuwait

49,514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maldives

49,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tanzania

26,236

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eswatini

8,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mozambique

5,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zimbabwe

4,441

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethiopia

1,852

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

2,359,123

 

1,454,095

 

2,719,763

 

670,172

 

26,929

 

212,128

-END-

 

25 February 2020 - NW88

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What are the relevant details of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that her department is currently party to, (b) who are the signatories to the specified MOUs in each case, (c) since what date(s) have each MOU been in place, (d) what are the objectives of each MOU and (e) how is each MOU being monitored to ensure that the objectives are met in each case?

Reply:

(a) What are the relevant details of the Memoranda of Understanding(MOUs) that her department is currently party to

Honorable member is kindly referred to my reply on same question raised in 2019 (Questions 866 of 2019) which was tabled on 24 October 2019. The Question refers to “International MOU’s and agreements”. In terms of International Memoranda of understanding, all MOUs and Agreements signed in the field of tourism are technical and administrative in nature. They fall within Section 231 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. All Agreements outline areas of collaboration and cooperation between signatory organisations. Agreements are accompanied by an implementation plan or project plan against which monitoring and evaluation is measured.

(a) Details of other Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)

(b) signatories

(c) Effective Date

(d) objectives of each MOU

(e) How is each MOU monitored?

CATHSSETA

Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training authority.

DDG: Tourism Sector Support Services and CEO: CATHSETA

April 2019

To have mutual commitment and co-operation between the parties in order to work toward realisation of Goal 4.6 of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS II). Under this agreement, CATHSSETA shall create a representative forum to discuss tourism sector skills plan. Advise the department of any initiatives, research and special projects relevant to tourism sector.

The agreement will be monitored through Progress reports

  • Annual reports
  • Minutes and undertakings of Working committee
  • Resolutions of the forum

LGSETA

Local Government Sector Education and Training

DDG: Tourism Sector Support Services and CEO: LG SETA

November 2019

The objective is for LGSETA to:

oversee the implementation of the prioritized initiatives as agreed upon by the partnership. Ensure that these initiatives are covered in the Sector Skills Plan. Facilitate the development and registration of appropriate qualifications and skills programmes relevant to the identified needs. Participate, advise and share local government skills development information relating to tourism and local economic development within the municipal context.

The MoU is monitored through:

Progress reports

Annual reports

FEDHASA

Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa

DDG: Tourism Sector Support Services and FEDHASA CEO

Sept 2019

FEDHASA manages the project to coordinate and negotiate exposure opportunities for educators with its affiliated/registered members and other industry establishment in collaboration with Department of Basic Education at the provincial level, Provincial Tourism Departments or Authorities and FEDHASA National and Provincial Chapters.

The MoU is monitored through:

Meetings between the parties

Quarterly and Annual reports

(TGCSA) (Tourism Grading Council of South Africa - South African Tourism

DDG Tourism Sector Support Services and the CEO of SAT

July 2016

To align Tourism Grading Support Programme with Tourism Grading South Africa and increase uptake of the grading service by the industry.

The MoU is monitored through:

Meetings between the parties

Quarterly and Annual reports

SAPS

South African Police Services

DG of Tourism and National Police Commissioner

Signed on the 04 December 2019

Agreed areas of collaboration includes:

  • Identification of tourism hotspots by the Department supported by SAPS and analysis thereof;
  • Establishment of a database of crimes committed against tourists by SAPS through segregating reported cases which involves tourists;
  • Enhancement of the tourism environment through the Department’s participation and contribution in SAPS crime prevention initiatives;
  • Ensure the joint implementation of an optimised policing and safety strategy in the tourism environment.
  • Creating a platform for information sharing between SAPS and the National Tourism Safety Forum.
  • Facilitating joint awareness opportunities to create and enhance the tourism environment and improve the service level standards.

The MoU has a plan that is being implemented through a task team, which comprises of officials from the two departments and is co-chaired by the Chief Director for Tourism Visitor Services and the Major General in charge of Visible Policing and Partnerships.

Ezemvelo Wild Life

DG of the Department of Tourism and CEO of Ezemvelo

29/03/2017

The partnership agreement is premised on providing support on:

  • Tourism Infrastructure Development,
  • Product Enhancement
  • Refurbishment and Maintenance of existing tourism assets and products
  • Project Steering Committees and Joint Technical Committees are setup to oversee implementation process according to Implementation Plans.
  • Meetings between the parties
  • Quarterly and Annual reports

SANParks

DG of the Department of Tourism and CEO of SANPARKS

28/03/2017

The aim of the partnership agreement includes:

  • Tourism Infrastructure Development
  • Product Enhancement
  • Refurbishment and maintenance of existing tourism assets and products in National Parks
  • Project Steering Committees and Joint Technical Committees are setup to oversee implementation process according to Implementation Plans.
  • Meetings between the parties
  • Quarterly and Annual reports

COEGA

DG of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of COEGA

05/03/2018

The areas of collaboration include:

  • Tourism Planning (including Master Planning work)
  • Infrastructure Development (including tourism signage amongst others)
  • Project Steering Committees and Joint Technical Committees are setup to oversee implementation process according to Implementation Plans.
  • Meetings between the parties
  • Quarterly and Annual reports

Constitution Hill

DG of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of Constitutional Hill

26/02/2018

The objective of the agreement is to collaborate and provide support to:

  • Tourism Infrastructure Development (including events facilities, exhibition sites amongst others)
  • Product Enhancement of the Peoples Park at Constitution Hill.
  • Project Steering Committees and Joint Technical Committees are setup to oversee implementation process according to Implementation Plans.
  • Meetings between the parties
  • Quarterly and Annual reports

SANBI

South African National Biodiversity Institute 

DG of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of SANBI

26/02/2018

The areas of partnership and collaboration include:

  • Tourism Infrastructure Development (including access road, VIC, cafeteria, ablution facilities, signage amongst others)
  • Product Enhancement
  • Project Steering Committees and Joint Technical Committees are setup to oversee implementation process according to Implementation Plans.
  • Meetings between the parties
  • Quarterly and Annual reports

Maropeng Africa Leisure (Pty) Ltd

DDG: Destination Development of the Department of Tourism and the MD of Maropeng

06/09/2018

The areas of collaboration and support include:

  • Tourism Infrastructure Development
  • Product Enhancement (including exhibition design, production and installation at Maropeng)
  • Project Steering Committees and Joint Technical Committees are setup to oversee implementation process according to Implementation Plans.
  • Meetings between the parties
  • Quarterly and Annual reports

MTPA

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency

DDG: Destination Development of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of MTPA

27/02/2018

The objective of the agreement is to collaborate and provide support to:

  • Tourism Infrastructure Development (including Universal Accessibility, Tourism Signage)
  • Product Enhancement
  • Project Steering Committees and Joint Technical Committees are setup to oversee implementation process according to Implementation Plans.
  • Meetings between the parties
  • Quarterly and Annual reports

Five (5) MOUs with institutions of higher learning:

- University of Pretoria

- University of Johannesburg

- University of Venda

- Cape Peninsula University of Technology

- University of KwaZulu-Natal

DDG: Tourism Policy Research and International Relations

and :

  • University of Pretoria: Vice-rector: Research
  • University of Johannesburg: Deputy Vice-Chair: Academic
  • University of Venda: Vice-Chair and Principal
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology: Dean of Faculty Business
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal: University Dean of Research

March 2012 - 31 March 2016 and extended annually until 31 March 2020

  • To collaborate on tourism research and capacity building and to provide financial support to post-graduate students pursuing tourism and tourism-related studies; and
  • . to establish a formal basis of cooperation in support of tourism research and skills development activities.
  • The MoUs are monitored through project plans; quarterly meetings and a panel to peer review and quality assure research outputs.

MoU with Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) and South African Tourism

Director-General Department of Tourism and the Statistician-General and the CEO of South African Tourism

The MoU has been in place since 19 January 2016 and will remain in force until the parties agree to terminate.

The objectives of the MoU:

1. Establish a formal basis for institutional cooperation between the parties;

2. for the collection of domestic tourism statistics within the Republic of South Africa.

3. Create a partnership that seeks to improve the quality, consistency, comparability and optimum use of official statistics; and

4. Avoid unnecessary duplication in the collection of domestic tourism statistics within the Republic of South Africa.

  • The MoU is being monitored through the establishment of two statistics committees, namely; the Statistics Technical Committee that is chaired by the Deputy Director-General and the Statistics Steering Committee chaired by the Director-General of the Department of Tourism. There are scheduled quarterly meetings and ad hoc meetings are held as and when needed to deal with statistics issues, and decisions are taken at a Steering Committee level.

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)

DG for the Department of Tourism and the Statistician-General. Of StatsSA

27 August 2018 to
26 August 2020.

To form a collaboration between Stats SA and the Department of Tourism; to provide technical support and train unemployed youth as Data Collectors for the collection of data required for the development of the National Tourism Information and Monitoring System (NTIMS)

  • The MoUs are being monitored through engagements between the two parties.

PTAs

MOUs with three provincial tourism authorities (PTAs) namely, Free State, Western Cape and Limpopo.

CEO SAT and CEO of the respective PTA

1 April 2018 – 31 March 2021

The relationship between SA Tourism and provincial tourism authorities is governed through the MOU. The purpose of the MOU is for both parties to collaborate, commit and align their strategic and tactical plans and resources of whatever nature in relation to their tourism mandate and to achieve the 5 in 5 targets.

The objective of the MOU is to collaborate in activating the following but not limiting key deliverables to achieve the 5 in 5 targets. The activities, outlined and detailed, will be reviewed annually by both parties:

  • Collaborations on partnerships with travel trade.
  • Joint leisure marketing for domestic i.e. Sho’t Left campaign
  • Events Support
  • Business Events
  • Communication Tools
  • Market Access Platforms
  • Transformation (new entrants)
  • Research and Information Sharing
  • Access to Information
  • Innovation/Technology
  • Capacity Building and Support

It should be noted that the MOUs are in the process of review to reflect the new target of 21 million visitors by 2030. SA Tourism and PTAs met on 10 October 2019 to discuss the alignment of business plans in relation to the 5-year strategic plans in line with the 6th parliament and as part of the trajectory for the new target.

The finalisation of Annual Plans and the review of the MOU in line with the new 5-year Strategic Plan are underway for implementation in the 2020/21 financial plan

Performance at a provincial level is monitored on a quarterly-basis and is shared with the provinces through the CEO forum.

ACSA

Airports Company of South Africa

CEO SAT and CEO of ACSA

20 March 2019 – 31 March 2022

The nature of the MOU is to collaborate and partner on destination marketing initiatives to promote South Africa as a destination of choice for both domestic and international markets. Key areas of collaboration include but not limiting to the following:

  • Exchange of information which includes statistics on traffic, financial, airline and passenger data.
  • Collaboration on joint marketing promotional activities.
  • Leveraging provincial structures at ACSA owned airports on destination marketing initiatives, with focus on route development and increasing passenger traffic.

Collaborate on identified strategic platforms i.e. Meetings Africa, Africa’s Travel Indaba etc.

Performance based at ACSA and SA Tourism and is monitored through the performance contract and reviews at the Air Services structures i.e. KZN Route Development Committee, Cape Town Air Services Committee and Gauteng Air Services.

TBCSA

Tourism Business Council of South Africa

CEO SAT and CEO of TBCSA

1 April 2019 – 31 March 2021

The MOU is of collaboration nature whereby:

TBCSA will:

  • Collect the Tourism Levies from the TOMSA levy contributors;
  • Pay over to South African Tourism on a quarterly basis 93% of the total levy collected. A 15% (fifteen per centum) of the total levy will be allocated to the collaborative fund. The funds will be paid no later than 14 calendar days after the end of the quarter.
  • The collaborative fund will be administered by TOMSA

SA Tourism will:

  • Apply the Tourism Levies to fund its international and national (domestic) marketing activities in accordance with the APP approved by the South African Tourism Board, attention must be given to address seasonality and geographical spread, Tourist spent and increased bed nights/long stays with input from TBCSA and TOMSA before the APP is approved.

Performance is monitored on a quarterly basis through submission of performance reports and also being part of the board committee structures of TBCSA.

SANPARKS

South African National Parks

CEO of SAT and CEO of SANPARKS

1 April 2019 – 31 March 2022

The relationship between SA Tourism and SANPARKS is governed through the MOU. The purpose of the MOU is for both parties to collaborate, commit and align their strategic and tactical plans and resources of whatever nature in relation to their tourism.

The activities, outlined and detailed, will be reviewed annually by both parties:

  • Assist and negotiate with relevant embassies with the promotion of SANPARKS.
  • Joint leisure marketing for domestic i.e. Sho’t Left campaign
  • Collaborate on international participation at international trade platforms.
  • Participate at CEO Forum with provincial tourism authorities.
  • Collaborate on signature events where SANPARKS properties can participate.
  • Collaborate on access to digital assets library for the use in marketing campaigns.
  • Assist SA Tourism in the applications of film permits at relevant SANPARKS properties.
  • Create online platforms i.e. website for SANPARKS to showcase their offerings.
  • SANPARKS to provide packages deals relevant to domestic and international markets.
  • Collaborate on hosting programmes.
  • Provide platforms for SANPARKS to participate i.e. domestic and international trade shows.
  • Assist with the grading of SANPARKS properties

Performance is monitored through the implementation of identified collaborations in line with the agreed activity plan.

25 February 2020 - NW86

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether there are any plans put in place to undertake studies on brand positivity by tourists and/or potential tourists to the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) deadlines, (b) milestones and (c) timelines in this regard?

Reply:

Whether there are any plans put in place to undertake studies on brand positivity by tourist and / or potential tourist to the Republic.

SA Tourism does conduct brand positivity studies through an in-depth assessment of travellers' perceptions of South Africa as a leisure travel destination across key priority markets. The aim of the study is to inform the key marketing and strategic initiatives of SA Tourism; thereby, improving the return on marketing investment in each market.

(a)–(c) The study is currently carried out 3 times a year during the major booking and buying cycle of our target markets. SA Tourism currently runs the study in 17 of the core markets.

25 February 2020 - NW87

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What (i) strategies and (ii) programmes are in place and are being planned to boost tourism by (aa) her department (bb) her department in conjunction with other departments and (cc) state-owned entities, (b) what are the details of the specified departments and state-owned entities and (c) how are they involved in these strategies and programmes?

Reply:

The Department and SA Tourism’s programmes and strategies to boost tourism are contained in the tabled Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plan.

Furthermore, future plans will be tabled in Parliament on 11 March 2020.

24 February 2020 - NW58

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Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What suggestions were put forward by the Government at the 18th Summit of the Non – Aligned Movement in October to reform the International Criminal Court

Reply:

The 18th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 25-26 October 2019 under the theme: “NAM Baku Summit: Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world.”

The South African Government did not put forward suggestions at the 18th Summit of the NAM on the reform of the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the NAM Heads of State and Government adopted the Baku Final Outcome Document of the 18th Summit of the NAM (NAM 2019/CoB/Doc.1) which included the Movement’s principled positions concerning international law, and in particular the mandate of the ICC as contained in the Rome Statute, as follows:

28.13. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) shall continue to preserve the integrity of the Statute and ensure that the ICC remains impartial and fully independent of political organs of the UN, which should not instruct nor impede the functions of the ICC, bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute;

28.14. The Heads of State and Government expressed strong concern on the abuse of certain provisions of the Rome Statute by the Security Council, including its practice to purport to selectively limit the jurisdiction of the ICC when referring matters to the ICC and noted that the practice amounts to an abuse of the powers of the Security Council to refer matters to the ICC.

28.15. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC recalled the Review Conference of the Rome Statute, which was held in Kampala, Uganda, from 31 May to 11 June 2010, at which States parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Rome Statute and adopted amendments to the Statute to define the crime of aggression and to establish conditions under which the Court could exercise jurisdiction with respect to that crime;

28.16. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC continued to underscore the necessity of the independence of the ICC, in accordance with its judicial nature. They stated that the Security Council's responsibilities under the Charter of the UN should not limit the role of the Court as a judicial body. The Court should be empowered to pronounce on acts of aggression independently.

28.17. The Non-Aligned State Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC oppose all actions, in particular through the Security Council, aimed at establishing a process to grant immunity to the staff members of UN peacekeeping operations, which violate the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute of the ICC and damage the credibility and independence of the ICC.”

The Baku Final Outcome Document was adopted by all NAM member states including South Africa.

The South African Government’s participation at the 18th Summit of the NAM was guided by the theme, as well as its four strategic foreign policy pillars, namely:

  1. advancing national interest to attain domestic objectives;
  2. enhancing the African Agenda and promoting Africa’s sustainable development;
  3. influencing a reformed global multilateral architecture; and
  4. advancing the agenda of the South through strengthening South-South Cooperation and North-South Dialogue.

19 February 2020 - NW83

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Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Given that the appointment term of office of the Secretary of Defence has ended on 31 December 2019, (a) why was his term of office extended, (b) for how long has the term of office been extended and (c) what will the costs be of the extension; (2) what are the relevant details of the process to recruit and appoint a replacement for the Secretary of Defence; (3) why was a process to recruit and appoint a new Secretary of Defence not done earlier to coincide with the end of his term of office?

Reply:

1.(a) To allow for a process to finalise the appointment of a new Secretary for Defence.

(b) From 15 December 2019 to 31 March 2020.

(c) R 612,925.50.

(2) Section 7 of the Defence Act, 2002, provides that the President must, subject to the laws governing the public service, appoint a person to the post of Secretary for Defence as head of the Defence Secretariat.

(3) A process to finalise this matter is currently underway.

07 January 2020 - NW1199

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Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) With regard to the completion of the dust handling and conditioning plant using the dense phase pneumatic conveying technology for unit one at the Medupi power station, what are the details of (a) the funding that was required by a certain company (name furnished) in order for the specified company to (i) complete the dust handling and conditioning plant and (ii) employ a new contractor to complete the dust handling and conditioning plant and (b)(i) tenders that were received and rejected, (ii) reasons for the tenders being rejected in each case, (iii) the estimated costs for the completion of the work by a new contractor and (iv) the date by which the (aa) tender adjudication will be completed and (bb) ash extraction unit will be completed and fully operational; (2) whether the specified company will be considered for the new contract; if not, why not?

Reply:

The parliamentary question has been forward to the entities and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.

07 January 2020 - NW1371

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De Villiers, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether his department did business with certain (a) persons, (b) companies and (c) trusts (names and details furnished in each case) (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2019; if so, (aa) on what date(s) did his department do business with the specified persons, companies and trusts and (bb) what was the (aaa) nature and (bbb) monetary value of each business arrangement?

Reply:

The Department has not used any of the individuals nor the companies as mentioned on the parliamentary question.

07 January 2020 - NW1718

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Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

(1)Whether, with reference to the SA Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone in Limpopo, he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with a copy of the (a) agreement between the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, and the Chinese government for the investment of R145 billion in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and (b) environmental impact assessment for the SEZ Musina-Makhado in Limpopo; (2) apart from the Chinese government, who are all the investors into the SEZ; (3) whether there will be any hotel development; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who is involved and (b) where will the hotel be built?

Reply:

I have been advised that there is no agreement between the President and the Chinese government for investment in the SEZ Musina-Makhado. The honourable member may be referring to another agreement and is requested to clarify.

In respect of the environmental impact assessment, the Department reports that the assessment for the metallurgical cluster is currently underway and is targeted for completion in 2020.

The initial investor interest was from Chinese enterprises and it is expected that more enterprises, including locally-owned companies, will be encouraged to locate in the zone. I note that subsequent to the approval of this and other SEZs in past years, Cabinet reviewed the policy around SEZs during the latter part of 2019 and adopted a new approach, which formed the basis for the launch of the Tshwane Auto SEZ-hub and will be utilized in future. This includes a stronger role for national government in ensuring effective and higher-impact Special Economic Zones.

The Department notes that SEZs are aimed at attracting industrial investors and hotels would not be covered by the SEZ-designation in the area.

 

-END-

07 January 2020 - NW1738

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Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 567 on 16 September 2019, the Chief Director who had been suspended for 729 days was placed on suspension for dealings in information technology (IT) procurement with a certain company (name furnished); (2) what are the relevant details of the IT contract in terms of (a) costs, (b) procurement processes and (c) date on which the contract was awarded; (3) on what statutory grounds did his department rely when charging the Chief Director with fraud?

Reply:

The Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry has advised that the disciplinary matter is currently due to be heard through arbitration at a sitting scheduled for 16-17 January 2020, and some of the issues raised in the question may be the subject of dispute. Accordingly, to avoid prejudice in the matter, a fuller reply may be provided on conclusion of the current processes. Subject to the above, I am advised as follows:

The suspension relates to matters involving EOH Mthombo.

The original bid of EOH Mthombo amounted to R20 271 065.83 and was increased to R22 081 065.83 during September 2016. the dti only processed and made five (5) payments to the total amount of R11 154 846.47 as per deliverables. The remaining sum was the subject of a dispute and the Department has not paid this to EOH Mthombo.

Disciplinary action against employees are done in accordance with applicable laws and internal Departmental policies.

-END-

07 January 2020 - NW1091

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Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1) What is the current status of all court cases that her department brought against Cash Paymaster Services (CPS); (2) (a) how far is the process of paying back R316 million by CPS to the SA Social Security Agency and (b) what steps will she take against officials who paid CPS contrary to documentation confirming that all the money that was due to CPS had been paid?

Reply:

(1)   SASSA has instituted legal proceedings against CPS for the recovery of R 74 million payments made to CPS. In the months of February and March 2018 SASSA paid 2 160 678 and 2 388 403 beneficiaries respectively, directly into their bank accounts without using the services of CPS.

CPS has, upon receipt of the summons claiming payment of R 74 million, filed a notice of exception to SASSA`s particulars of claim, demanding that SASSA provides more facts (such as contractual basis and principles upon which the claim is based). SASSA amended its particulars of claim (by incorporating other terms of the contract [contract for the payment of social grant services concluded with CPS during 2012]) and filed the notice to amend on 27 September 2019. CPS has filed a notice of objection to SASSA`s amendment on 11 October 2019. This matter is still pending arguments in Court.

(2)(a)  SASSA has sent a letter to CPS on 10 October 2019 demanding that CPS implements paragraph 36.2 (ordering CPS to pay R 316 million with interests) of the High Court order since CPS`s appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has been dismissed. CPS indicated in its letter dated 14 October 2019 that it is preparing to appeal to the Constitutional Court (CC) against the SCA judgment. SASSA will await the outcome of the intended appeal and if the SCA judgment is not overturned, SASSA will enforce paragraph 36.2 of the High Court judgment.

(2)(b)  The official who authorised the R 316 million transaction (afforded CPS the right to claim R 316 million) is no longer in the employ of SASSA and it is only recently in  September 2019, that the Court made a ruling on the R316m payment which  was made in 2014.

 

Supported/Not supported

-----------------------------------

Mr M Toni

Acting Director-General: Dept. of Social Development

Date:

Supported/Not supported

-----------------------------------

Ms H Bogopane-Zulu

Deputy Minister: Dept. of Social Development

Date:

Approved/Not approved

-----------------------------------

Ms L Zulu, MP

Minister: Department of Social Development

Date:

07 January 2020 - NW1453

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development

Whether her department has considered a more systematic approach to training shelter personnel on issues related to gender-based violence such as the impact it has on, amongst others, women's mental health and substance abuse; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department has developed a draft training and development framework that seeks to address capacity building plans across the sector as a systematic approach to training. The framework will be looking into three year period. The framework will be ready following consultations with various stakeholders by 31 March 2020. The framework will cover the various thematic areas such as training within Gender Based Violence, Substance Abuse, Mental health, etc.

 

07 January 2020 - NW1494

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Mente, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) With reference to Ms Busisiwe Mavuso’s alleged statement that government interventions are hampering proper management and turnaround of Eskom, what were the interventions that he made that were against the plans of the Board and management teams at Eskom; (2) what was intended with his warning that Ms Mavuso must be careful?

Reply:

At the outset, it must be noted that it will take a long time for Eskom to recover fully from the damage caused by the State Capture.

The Memorandum of Incorporation of Company (including Eskom) sets out the responsibilities, duties and rights of the shareholder and directors. The shareholder, particularly 100% shareholder as in the case with government and many state owned companies, can have a range of rights in relation to the governance of SOEs. The Shareholder Compact, prescribes the various performance targets expected to be met by an entity.

In the case of Eskom, targets will include plant performance (the level of energy availability factor to be achieved), financial targets (reduction in overall costs including primary energy cost) or implementation of various “turnaround” plans. Within these parameters, the Board must hold management to account on delivery of these targets. Likewise, the shareholder department must hold the Board accountable. Where necessary, usually at critical stages of an entity, the shareholder may initiate processes to assist both the shareholder and Board to both diagnose a problem and suggest solutions: examples being the Presidential Sustainability Task Team (to make recommendations on the future direction of Eskom given the challenges and changes in the electricity market) and the Ministerial Technical Review Team (to make recommendations on improving plant performance).

07 January 2020 - NW1663

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Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

What amount of funding did his department contribute towards the March to Freedom exhibition in the City of Cape Town on 15 November 2019 and (b) how has he found did this fulfil the mandate of his department?

Reply:

I have been advised by officials that the department did not contribute funding to the event.

-END-

07 January 2020 - NW1709

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Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether the Eskom generation entity will be 100% state-owned; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Accordingly to the information received from Energy Team

The Eskom Generation entity will remain 100% state owned under Eskom Holdings consisting mainly of the current power plant base, which will be separated into a number of feasible smaller generation units.

Consideration for the creation of multiple generation companies (GENCOs) within Eskom Generation is currently under examination with the aim of introducing inter-company competition and drive efficiencies in generation. Each power station will have its own Power Purchase Agreement with predefined, fixed and guaranteed tariffs for energy with the Transmission Entity.

07 January 2020 - NW1669

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Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether, with regard to the recent strike action at SA Airways, the striking unions complied with the law in holding a strike ballot among their members; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which organisation and/or persons supervised the ballot and (b) was the ballot conducted by secret vote?

Reply:

According to the information received from SAA:

Yes, the striking unions complied with the law in holding a strike ballot.

(a) Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the South African Cabin, Crew Association (SACCA). SAA also deployed its own observers for the supervision.

(b) Yes.

07 January 2020 - NW1686

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

With reference to the reply of the Minister of Transport to question 498 on 18 November 2019, (a) What are the details of the flight strategy that is mooted to boost tourism, (b) how was the conclusion regarding the flight strategy reached, (c) on what date was the flight strategy concluded, (d) what is the name of each stakeholder who was involved in drawing up the strategy and (e) what are the (i) mechanisms, (ii) milestones and (iii) timelines linked to the strategy?

Reply:

This question, I presume is referring to the National Airlift Strategy. The question will be better responded to by the Minister of Transport.

The Department of Transport (DoT) is the custodian of the National Airlift Strategy which is supporting the National Tourism Sector Strategy.

 

07 January 2020 - NW1707

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development

Whether she can provide Ms L L van der Merwe with a detailed list of the locations of the 22 shelters in the North West, which were referred to in her department's presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday, 30 October 2019; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Department of Social Development (DSD) plays a leadership role to facilitate the establishment, coordination, and the implementation of the shelters/safe spaces for all victims of crime and violence.

Furthermore, the Department forms part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster that has been given an important mandate to implement strategies and programmes that contribute towards priority 5 (social cohesion and safe communities) of the sixth government administration.

Is it therefore critical to note that due to the nature and sensitivity of the services rendered to victims of crime and violence, the Department is not in a position to provide the location of the shelters/safe houses/crisis centres since their safety is paramount.

Attached is Annexure A: Database for shelters/safe houses/ crisis centres.

07 January 2020 - NW1294

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Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) With reference to the Eskom, Kusile and Medupi Power Station contracts with a certain company (name furnished), what are the details of (a) the contract bonds of any sort that were provided by the company to Eskom and (b) all expired contract bonds that were provided by the specified company that were (i) renewed and (ii) not renewed; (2) (a) why were the contract bonds that expired not renewed or called up and (b) what are the details of all contract bonds that (i) remain in place and (ii) will be utilised to complete the contracts that the specified company is unable to complete; (3) whether any Eskom officials were held responsible or accountable for not ensuring that the contract bonds were not renewed in time or, where necessary, called up; if not, why has no one been held responsible; if so, what are the relevant details of the Eskom officials who were held responsible in this regard? NW2505E

Reply:

The parliamentary question has been forwarded to the entities and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.

 

07 January 2020 - NW1668

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Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

What are the details of the contingency measures and/or plans of the SA Airways (SAA) that are in place to assist its passengers when flights are grounded due to strikes?

Reply:

According to the information received from the South African Airways:

  1. SAA initiated the airlines Re- Accommodation Policy which provide customers with alternatives (Date Changes, Rebooking on other airlines).
  2. SAA customers are able to book on partner airlines, including SA Express, Mango, SA Airlink and Codeshare Partner Airlines, as well as Star Alliance partner Airlines.
  3. SAA provides hotel accommodation for those passengers who cannot be booked on a flight.
  4. SAA book passengers on South African Airways flights for a later date at no extra charge.
  5. SAA extends the validity of the affected tickets to a date determined by the airline.
  6. SAA offers refunds to customers who decide to cancel their flights.
  7. SAA opens multiple channels of communication and extend the Call Centres operating hours.
  8. SAA deploys additional resources to assist with passenger interaction at all airports, the airline operates from, with the bulk of resources at SAA’s hub at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg.

07 January 2020 - NW1200

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Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) What are the details of the process currently used to remove ash from unit one at the Medupi power station in terms of the (a) daily operational hours of vacuum trucks, (b) number of operational days per week of each vacuum truck, (c) process followed to award the contract/s for the ash removal, (d) number of vacuum trucks being used, (e) number of round trips being undertaken by each vacuum truck every 24 hours and (f) daily cost of each vacuum truck; (2) what are the details of the additional costs resulting from the use of vacuum trucks to remove the ash including (a) dust suppression, (b) road cleaning, (c) road repairs and (d) staff expenses such as for traffic control? NW2410E

Reply:

The parliamentary question has been forward to the entity and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.

07 January 2020 - NW1354

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

With reference to the reply to question 1269 on 16 July 2018, (a) what is the amount of the proceeds held in declared dividends, (b) in which bank account and account number are the dividends held and (c) who controls each bank account?

Reply:

The parliamentary question has been forward to the entities and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.

07 January 2020 - NW1649

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Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

With reference to his reply to question 1293 on 18 November 2019, wherein he indicated that the second phase of the Ekandustria Revitalisation Programme has not been initiated yet, pending funding approval, (a) why was budget for the Ekandustria Revitalisation Programme not set aside for the 2019-20 financial year, (b) what further phases and deliverables are planned for the (i) 2019-20 and (ii) 2020-21 financial years for the specified programme and (c) what are the budgetary estimates for expenditure for the specified financial years for the specified programme?

Reply:

I have been advised by officials in the Department as follows:

(a) Funds for the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme projects derives from the Departments’ Critical Infrastructure Programme budget. The Department did not receive additional funding for the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme from the national fiscus, necessitating reallocation within existing budget. The outcome of an application for further expenditure related to the Ekandustria Revitalisation Programme will be relayed to relevant stakeholders once the application process has been completed.

(b)&(c) I refer to the response to the question of 18 November 2019. The second phase has been scoped and application for funding submitted. The work for subsequent phases will commence following implementation of each prior phase and subsequent strategic reviews completed. The outcome of the review will determine the extent of further phases and funding.

-END-

07 January 2020 - NW1700

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Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

What is the nature of the agreement between Transnet and Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape pertaining to the borehole that services Wolwefontein in respect of (a) maintenance, (b) fuel supply for the pump, (c) water provision to the community and (d) future transfer of the borehole to the auspices of the specified municipality?

Reply:

This response is according to information received from Transnet:

In response to the above questions, there is no agreement between Transnet and Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality pertaining to the borehole that supplies water to the community of Wolwefontein in the Eastern Cape.

(a)&(b) The borehole is the property of Transnet and is operated and maintained by service providers appointed by Transnet. Part of the maintenance includes the supply of fuel for the pump. The borehole has been out of service from August 2019 and a service provider was appointed to effect repairs, however, the service provider has been experiencing challenges to restore the water supply for the community of Wolwefontein.

(c) Currently, water is being supplied to the community with a tanker service to provide immediate relief.

(d) A new borehole will be drilled, preferably in front of the police station. The exact location will depend on the water table survey. Water can be restored within six (6) weeks after completion of the drilling of the borehole, considering that quality of water needs to be treated, together with other works that may be required. Until such time that the new borehole is functional, the tanker service will continue to supply water to the community of Wolwefontein.

Lastly, Transnet has no objection to the borehole being transferred to the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality. It must be noted that high level meetings were held in 2013 and 2014, between Transnet and the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality to transfer the ownership of the borehole to the municipality, but no agreement was reached.

 

07 January 2020 - NW1719

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Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

(1)On what date will the building of the Mulilo Power Station at the SA Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Limpopo start; (2) what is the relationship between the SEZ and MC Mining; (3) what is the name of each of the six working groups? NW3119E

Reply:

I have been advised by the Director General, following consultation with the SEZ concerned, of the following:

1. “The SA Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone has no knowledge nor association with building of Mulilo Power Station.

2. There is no standing or direct relationship between the Musina-Makhado SEZ and MC Mining, who is not an investor in the Zone.

(3) The titles of the 6 (six) working groups are:

  1. Governance
  2. Infrastructure
  3. Environmental Management
  4. Investments
  5. Town Planning
  6. Skills & Enterprise Development”

In addition to the above information, the honourable Member may wish to follow up further queries with the Province or SEZ concerned.

-END-

07 January 2020 - NW913

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Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development

Whether she retained any of her predecessor’s Ministerial staff; if so, (a) what are the names and/or relevant details of staff members who were retained, (b) where have they been redeployed to and (c) what is their current (i) job description and (ii) remuneration package in each case?

Reply:

1. Yes, the Minister retained some of the officials who served the previous / former Minister, but also released some of the officials in accordance with the Ministerial Handbook.

2. It is key to indicate that prior the introduction of Ministerial Handbook there were officials across Ministerial portfolios which were appointed permanently within Offices of different Ministers hence the below categories of staff compliments within Minister’s Office:

2.1 Permanent Contract:

The Accounting Officer is bound to accommodate officials with permanent contractual agreement. Furthermore they can be approached by considering the skills, competencies and qualifications they possess for correct placement in the vacant posts within the department by following due processes. The department has then placed the six (6) officials within the available vacancies in line with their expertise, competencies and skills.

The Minister retained an official whose contract was linked to the former Minister’s term of office. Minister needed the official’s skills and competencies to continue performing the work within her office;

The Minister did not have a vacancy for the Chief of Staff and the department found a placement in the department for the official. Transitionally the official is being managed by the Deputy Director-General: Corporate Support Services whilst finding a permanent placement. Furthermore the final placement will be addressed through the processes of organisational reconfiguration. Below is the list of officials redeployed within the department:-

a) Initials and surname

b) Redeployment

(c)(i)Current job description

(c)(ii) Current remuneration package

Ms SP Baninzi

Chief Directorate: Auxiliary Services

Administrative Assistant

R316,791.00 p.a.

Mr MM Koma

Office of the Director-General

Director: Stakeholder Management, Donor Funding and Coordination

R1,105,641.00 p.a.

Ms V Mangcu

Chief Directorate: Legal Services

Director: Legal Services

R1,245,495.00 p.a.

Ms M Nkone

Office of the Director-General (Cape Town Office)

Food Aid Service

R145,281.00 p.a.

Mr HLH Xaba

Office of the Director-General

Senior Administrative Officer.

R376,596.00 p.a.

Ms S Gola

Chief Directorate: Information Management Systems Technology

Administrative/secretarial Support

R470,040.00 p.a.

Ms TM Zabo

Branch Corporate Support Services

Providing support to the Deputy Director-General: Corporate Support services

R1,495,956.00 p.a.

Mr D Sambamba

Chief Directorate: Legal Services

Director: Legal Services

R1,245,495.00

_______________________

Approved by the Minister of Social Development

Date……………………….

07 January 2020 - NW1558

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Hinana, Mr N to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) With reference to his reply to question 241 on 19 August 2019, (a) what category of infrastructure are the pylons in (i) Kempton Park and (ii) Edenvale and (b) how often should these be inspected; (2) whether any pylons, during the last inspection in the above areas, were found to be (a) unstable and/or (b) decaying due to rust; if so, what number (i) was identified and (ii) has been repaired to date? NW2883E

Reply:

The parliamentary question has been forwarded to the entities and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.

07 January 2020 - NW1452

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development

What is her department’s plan to address the inconsistencies as well as delays in funding to shelters across provinces?

Reply:

The Department has embarked in process of developing a sector funding policy. The policy will provide guidelines to assist all Provinces to implement in a standardised way and address inconsistencies regarding funding. The draft sector funding policy was presented to MINMEC during the third quarter for consideration and approval. The MECs have not yet approved the policy and indicated the need for sufficient time to give the final inputs.

Furthermore, the Department developed the Victim Support Services (VSS) Policy and Bill which will be tabled to Cabinet during this financial year, 2019/20. The VSS Policy and Bill, amongst other elements, will be addressing the regulation of the provision of sheltering services.

The Department initiated a multi-year contracts approach to address the delays in funding of NGOs including shelters across provinces.

07 January 2020 - NW1394

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development

Since her speech during the Debate on Vote No 17 – Social Development on 11 July 2019, that more than 5 000 social workers who have been trained by the State remain unemployed, what progress has been made to secure employment of these social worker graduates?

Reply:

Respective provincial departments are engaging various provincial Treasuries to secure funding for appointment of social work scholarship graduates. In this regard by end September 2019 a total of 239 social work graduates were appointed by provinces as follows: Gauteng appointed 140 permanent, Western Cape appointed 14 on one year contract and 8 on 24 months internship, Northern Cape, North West and Eastern Cape also appointed 23, 21 and 31 graduates respectively on internships.

The Department secured special allocation of R93 million, which will be used by provincial departments of Social Development for employment of 200 social work graduates.

These graduates will be appointed to support the Gender Based Violence Programme.

The 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework baseline for the scholarship programme has been reduced, where funds will be shifted towards employment of scholarship graduates. The implication is that budget has been allocated for the next three years where R112.6 million will be allocated for 2020/21, R139.4 million for 2021/22 and R146.1 million for 2022/23. These funds will be shifted to provincial equitable share to sustain employment of 326 scholarship graduates.

________________________

Approved by the Minister of Social Development

Date……………………….

06 January 2020 - NW1605

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Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)Whether her department has conducted trial runs of the proposed comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to be taught in public schools from 2020; if so, (a) what number of schools participated in the trial run of the CSE, (b)(i) what is the name of each school and (ii) in which province is each school that participated in the trial run of the CSE, (c) for what period of time did each school participate in the trial run, (d) how did each of the participating schools receive the CSE and (e) what amount did her department spend on conducting the trial run;

Reply:

The Department reiterates that there is no new curriculum or topics introduced to the Life Skills (LS) or Life Orientation (LO) Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). In South Africa, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has been providing Sexuality Education through the LS and LO CAPS since 2000.

There has been no piloting of a new CSE curriculum.

06 January 2020 - NW1614

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Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)With reference to spending cuts announced by the Minister of Finance on 30 October 2019, (a) what is the total cut to the budget for her department and (b) which infrastructure projects are affected; (2) whether allocations to provinces will be affected; if so, (a) how and (b) what steps will be taken by her department to continue with the projects that are affected?

Reply:

(1) (a) MTEF BASELINE REDUCTIONS

2020/21

R’000

2021/22

R’000

2022/23

R’000

(659 416)

(856 412)

(1 050 774)

1 (b)SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE BACKLOGS: Indirect Grant (buildings and other fixed structures)

2020/21

R’000

2021/22

R’000

2022/23

R’000

(32 623)

(43 836)

(46 345)

(1) (b) With regard to the provincial infrastructure programme funded through the Education Infrastructure Grant, the reduction will have a negative impact in terms of meeting the Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure. There has always been a deficit in terms of total budget required to eradicate backlogs and the current reduction will exacerbate the challenge. Provinces will also be left with a small window to introduce new projects into the pipeline.

(2)(a) ADJUSTMENTS TO CONDITIONAL GRANTS

MTEF YEAR

2020/21

R’000

2021/22

R’000

2022/23

R’000

National School Nutrition Programme

(30 014)

(40 010)

(53 055)

HIV and AIDS (Life Skills Education)

(23 945)

(26 987)

(33 939)

Education Infrastructure Grant

(458 665)

(616 331)

(775 099)

Maths, Science and Technology Grant

(12 397)

(13 079)

(13 708)

TOTAL

(525 021)

(696 407)

(875 801)

(2)(b) The Provincial Departments of Education will have to revise their plans and delay planned projects that cannot be funded as a result of the cut. On the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) projects, no current projects will be affected as savings derived from the programme will be used to ensure that projects continue as scheduled.

06 January 2020 - NW1289

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Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)What is the total number of (a) disabled learners who attend full service schools in the Republic and (b) schools that have facilities for disabled students; (2) whether there is a disjuncture between the demand and supply for disabled learner facilities at the specified schools by her department?

Reply:

1. (a) 570 471

    (b) There are 848 full service schools across the country.

2. In order to determine the demand and supply for disabled learners at full service schools, in August 2019, the Department of Basic education (DBE) issued Circular S4 of 2019 requesting Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to assess the status quo and to develop plans to address such. This process is currently underway.

06 January 2020 - NW1426

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Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether there are plans in place to upgrade and/or refurbish the facilities at the Kgosi Shope Secondary School in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in Ratlou; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what amount is (i) budgeted and (ii) allocated and (b) by what date will the project be finalised?

Reply:

Information has been requested from the North West Department of Education and the response will be provided once the requested information has been received from the province.

06 January 2020 - NW1557

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Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(a) Which schools in Gauteng still contain and/or are constructed from materials containing asbestos and (b) what total number of asbestos classrooms does each school have?

Reply:

(a) (b) According to the National Education Infrastructure Management System (NEIMS), there are 26 remaining schools entirely built out of asbestos in Gauteng. The Department intends to replace this 26 asbestos schools within the next 5 years. The table below indicates the remaining 26 schools and the number of asbestos classrooms in each school.

No.

School Name

EMIS Number

Classrooms

1

Noordgesig Primary School

700140079

39

2

Rust -Ter- Vaal Secondary

700400673

22

3

Faresani Primary School

700121335

8

4

EW Hobbs Primary School

700120113

33

5

Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary School

700121541

20

6

Nancefield Primary School

700120261

37

7

Ditau Primary School

700132068

20

8

Randfontein Secondary School

700270025

44

9

Toekomsrus Primary School

700270033

36

10

Kliptown Primary School

700120196

22

11

Kwena Molapo Comprehensive Farm School

700152223

22

12

Laerskool Hennopsrivier

700232462

14

13

Leihlo Primary School

700121475

10

14

Newclare Primary School

700141200

40

15

Pretoria Primary School

700400278

25

16

Riverlea Primary School

700140103

25

17

Tshwane Secondary School

700400276

17

18

Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School

700141226

44

19

Wisani Primary school

700121889

10

20

Fred Magardie Primary School

700220038

30

21

Laerskool Broederstroom

700230805

11

22

Lukholweni Primary school

700132456

14

23

Paradise Bend Primary School

700232074

11

24

Parktown Public School

700133512

42

25

Reiger Park Primary School

700160077

30

26

T C Esterhuysen Primary School

700141192

23

It must be noted that 6 of the 26 schools above are already in the implementation phase. The table below indicates the 6 schools that are in the implementation phase.

No.

School Name

Project Status

1

Faresani Primary School

07. Works

2

Noordgesig Primary School

07. Works

3

Rust -Ter- Vaal Secondary

07. Works

4

EW Hobbs Primary School

06. Tender

5

Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary School

06. Tender

6

Nancefield Primary School

06. Tender

Further take note that 20 of the 26 schools above are in the planning phase.The table below indicates the 20 schools that are in the planning phase.

No.

School Name

Project Status

1

Kliptown Primary School

03. Project Initiation

2

Kwena Molapo Comprehensive Farm School

03. Project Initiation

3

Laerskool Hennopsrivier

03. Project Initiation

4

Leihlo Primary School

03. Project Initiation

5

Newclare Primary School

03. Project Initiation

6

Pretoria Primary School

03. Project Initiation

7

Riverlea Primary School

03. Project Initiation

8

Tshwane Secondary School

03. Project Initiation

9

Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School

03. Project Initiation

10

Wisani Primary school

03. Project Initiation

11

Fred Magardie Primary School

02. Feasibility

12

Laerskool Broederstroom

01. Identified

13

Lukholweni Primary school

01. Identified

14

Paradise Bend Primary School

01. Identified

15

Parktown Public School

01. Identified

16

Reiger Park Primary School

01. Identified

17

T C Esterhuysen Primary School

01. Identified

18

Ditau Primary School

05. Design

19

Randfontein Secondary School

05. Design

20

Toekomsrus Primary School

05. Design

The Department has included the asbestos schools in the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and anticipates that the eradication of all schools entirely built of asbestos materials will be completely addressed by the 2023/24 financial year.

The Department is prioritizing the asbestos schools so that it meets the target that relates to appropriate learning spaces and the reliability of the basic services in terms of the Regulations Relating to Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure, 2013.

06 January 2020 - NW1684

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether any assessments have been done to ascertain the need for additional schools to be built in Johannesburg in Wards 23, 54, 55, 56, 57, 124 and 125; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) was the outcome of each such assessment, (b) plans are in place to build additional schools in the specified areas and (c) are the timeframes and deadlines in this regard?

Reply:

Information received from the Gauteng Department of Education indicates that their Districts have completed infrastructure assessments with regard to the number and type of facilities during the 2018/19 financial year. This data informs the number of additional facilities, including classrooms, required per school and by implication the number of new schools required in any given residential area.

a)  The table below summarises the findings of the assessments for all the schools in the 7 wards:

http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW1684_Table.pdf

Based on a learner: classroom ratio of 40:1, none the schools in the 7 wards are overcrowded except one secondary school in Ward 55, i.e. Glenvista Secondary School. The school is overcrowded by 77 learners and this will be addressed by providing the school with 2 additional classrooms.

b) Given the current occupancy rate of the schools in the 7 wards there is no need for additional schools in the area. When a growth in learner enrolment in any of the schools occurs, the need will be addressed by providing additional classrooms to the affected schools.

It must be noted that where new schools are to be built that the availability of suitable sites are key. If suitable sites are available there are several processes that must be complied with before construction work can commence. These include inter alia the finalisation of ownership, approval of applications for rezoning if required, Environmental Impact Assessments, Traffic Impact Studies, Geotechnical Surveys and the approval of Site Development Plans by the relevant municipality. This is however not applicable to these 7 wards at this stage as there are currently no plans in place to build new schools. If new schools are to be built in any of these areas in the future, the above mentioned processes will have to be complied with.

c) See (b) above

24 December 2019 - NW1730

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McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether he intends to revise the tariffs pertaining to (a) identity documents and/or (b) passports; if not, what is the reason for a zero increase in the said tariffs; if so, what effect has he found that any increase will have on (i) the citizens and (ii) his department?

Reply:

(a-b) Yes. The intended tariff adjustments for identity documents (re-issues) and passports is envisaged for the 2020/2021 financial year.

(i) In revising the tariff structure, the Department considers, amongst others, socio-economic factors, the principle of inclusivity and service provision to the public since the Department is not geared to profit making. This is due to the fact that all base documents (first issues) for identity documents, birth, marriage and death certificates are free and charges are only for reissue.

(ii) All revenue collected by the Department is deposited into the National Revenue Fund. In addition to complying to Treasury Regulation 7.3.1 that requires the Department to review all fees, charges or rates, scales or tariffs of fees and charges that relate to the National Revenue Fund, improved revenue collection by the Department will ensure the recovery of costs for production of enabling documents in a manner that suitably compensates for the cost drives relating to the provision of the service and meet the regulatory and wider government objectives as well as to ensure that the transaction costs where possible are minimized for the users and stakeholders.

END

Thulani Mavuso Dr PA Motsoaledi, MP

A/Director-General Minister of Home Affairs

Date: Date: